How To Save Money On Your Groceries

With the cost of living continuously rising, especially in the wake of the Brexit result and the impending confusion relating to pretty much all aspects of British life, it can often feel like out wage packets are being eaten up as soon as they hit our bank accounts. One area that is a necessity for spending but seems to be rising in cost is the weekly or monthly grocery shop. There is pressure for everyone to spend the right amount on their groceries and with families in the UK estimated to be throwing away around £35 worth of food waste each month, how can you be better prepared to save money on your groceries?

Plan Carefully and Stick to a Budget – One of the main ways in which you can ensure that your overall budget for the month is stuck to is to pay for your grocery shop on a debit or credit card (use a credit card only if you know the full amount will be paid off before the end of the month and the repayment date). This way you won’t be taking cash out and spending the change wily-nilly. Plan your meals for the week ahead and know exactly what you need to buy and stick to that, never buying items you already have in the cupboards or freezer at home.

Shop Smart and Store Smart – It isn’t necessary to always purchase the big name brands. Sometimes it will make a real difference to the taste and quality but try cheaper brands as quite often you’ll find they are just as nice, without the price tag attached. Also take a look at the reduced item aisle that most supermarkets have, as you’re likely to find a bargain. For those items with used by dates and other perishables, always keep an eye on them, being sure to use or freeze before they become food waste and a waste of your money.

Learn to Love Cooking – Ready meals and takeaways might seem easy but over time it’ll seriously eat into your budget. Learn to love cooking your meals from scratch and you’ll soon find that it’s more cost effective, and that you’ll use leftovers to create brand new dishes. Be careful with portions or make enough that you can segment out into meal-sized dishes that can be frozen for future consumption.

By carefully planning your monthly budget for grocery spends and following the simple advice we’ve laid out here, you can help yourself stay away from the problems of debt in a society where costs are going to continue to rise for everyday items for the foreseeable future. If you are worried about your debt, seek advice from specialists.

These simple tips are easy to put in place and will make a huge difference to how you see your finances as a household. The last thing anyone needs in a country of rising costs is to waste food and household items that can easily be consumed without blowing a hole in your monthly budget.