I think the only way to prepare for each Xmas is to put some money away each week, fortnight or whatever and try NOT to use it during the year. It makes things so much easier and not so stressful. Buy presents during the year but it this doesn’t happen put a limit on each […]
Save as much money as you can using your supermarket Christmas Club. When Christmas time comes around you can use your club money to do the usual shopping, saving your usual shopping money to spend at other retailers. Also buy non perishable goods (soap, detergent, foil, loo paper, rubbish bags, stuff that you won’t be […]
I use powdered milk for everything. Skim is better value and less fat. I buy my fruit, vegetables, honey and second hand clothing, toiletries and anything else I can find at my local Sunday markets.
Instead of heading to the supermarket to buy your groceries and food, shop online and try to use coupons to save a bit of extra cash – I use www.flipit.com/nz for coupons.This way, you’re able to stick to your list, and there are no sweet temptations.
Search out old community cook books at garage sales etc. They usually contain contributions with tried and true recipes that have been family favourites and are great low cost everyday recipes.
Ask around and see if there are any vege buying clubs locally. I discovered one in my neighbourhood, and every week I pay $6 for enough fruit and veg for the three of us. I priced up this week’s selection at the supermarket and it would have been more than $20!
I used to buy my groceries every Thursday (pay day), I then moved it by one day each week; Friday then Saturday etc, till grocery day came around to Thursday again. When you reach the day you started you will have two weeks grocery money! This can then be used for unexpected bills or saved! […]
At the delicatessen section of most supermarkets, buy the luncheon off-cuts instead of the almost double priced standard sliced. At my local, for example, 1kg of luncheon “offcuts/ragends” costs $2.49 while nice looking standard slices cost $4.50/Kg.
Always, always check your till receipt after doing your grocery shopping. It is rare not to find mistakes which have cost you money. The shop computer and the shelf prices don’t always match and the staff are always happy to remedy this.
In the supermarket, park your trolley (which has a basket in it to protect the squashy goods and take up room!) at the end of the aisle & walk down the aisle choosing what you need then return to trolley. What you can’t carry, you either can’t have or you will have to go back […]