Take a look at your last month’s food bills and you’ll be surprised at how much of your income goes towards feeding your family. If you’re routinely spending more than you’d like on the weekly grocery shop, it’s time to make changes. With these handy tips, you can reduce your expenditure and save a staggering amount on your family food shop…
Do a weekly plan
If you don’t plan your meals in advance, it’s time to give it a try. When you know what everyone’s having for dinner each night of the week, you’re less likely to buy things you don’t need or waste food that’s in the fridge. What’s more – meal prepping can be a great way to save yourself time in the kitchen.
Try new food combinations
If you tend to stick to a few, tried and tested meals, why not try something different? Weird food combinations might sound strange at first but they’re tastier than you think and a great way to use up the ingredients lurking at the back of your cupboards. Try chocolate and avocado or strawberries and balsamic vinegar for a new sensation that will tantalise your taste buds.
Bulk buy when you can
If your budget allows it, buy products in bulk when you can. To ensure things don’t go to waste, only buy non-perishable items that you know you’ll use, such as tin foil or tinned beans. However, don’t be tempted to buy sweets, crisps or biscuits in bulk. You’ll be tempted to eat them more often and your cupboards will be bare just as quickly!
Use vouchers and coupons
Most supermarkets offer loyalty schemes, vouchers, coupons and promo codes, so make use of them when you can. For the best results, don’t be tempted to buy something simply because you’ve got a coupon or voucher. Instead, simply use the money-off deals on the products you were intending to buy anyway.
Always shop with a list
When you go to the supermarket without a clear idea of what you’re going to buy, you’re likely to spend more than you need to. Before you hit the aisles or book an online delivery, sit down and plan your family’s meals for the week. Then, create a shopping list that covers everything you need. Now, you’ve got a clear idea of exactly what you need and can avoid being tempted to overfill your basket.
Go shopping alone
When you’re shopping for a family, it might be tempting to take everyone along to the supermarket. If you can find suitable childcare, however, a solo trip can be more budget-friendly. When kids aren’t asking for extra products and you’re not distracted by wondering where they’ve gone, you can streamline your shop and keep costs low.
Managing Your Food Budget
Creating a food budget is a sure-fire way to minimise your spending. With prices available online, it’s easy to compare stores and determine how much you really need to spend. By doing this, you’ll find the best bargains and be able to create a sustainable budget that works for your family.
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