Economical Shopping: Special Offers

Taking advantage of special offers can make a big difference to your shopping bill at the end of each month. Plan carefully and you will have money left for a special treat or even your holiday.

Campaign

Treat shopping like a military campaign. Make a list of what you need and never detour from it. However if you see a special offer such as three for the price of two on store cupboard items then snap them up as items like this do not last for long.

Bulk Buying

If you live alone do not get into the habit of buying smaller portions of meat and vegetables as goods packed this way are quite often more expensive. Check the price per kilo on items and you will see the price difference. Purchase the larger packets of meat and divide it down into single portions, you will be amazed at the savings.

Share With a Friend

For items such as fresh salad that cannot be frozen why not share larger packs with a friend and share the saving.

Cook Day

Set aside one day once per month where you cook lots of meals such as casseroles, braised streak, curry and pies and then freeze them for the coming month. This will be a big saving on fuel as you will just need to defrost and heat in a microwave for a delicious home cooked meal. This is also ideal for those days when you have been too busy to cook or do not feel like cooking. Also if you have an unexpected guest you have something to offer them for lunch.

Coupons

Every supermarket has its own magazine and quite often they have coupon offers inside. Collect these to save money on your shopping. Also weekly magazines and newspaper have coupon offers so get into the habit of looking for these vouchers to save money with your shopping.

Club Discounts

Check to see if any club you belong to has a special deal with local shops. Sometime you find that those over 60 can purchase on certain days and receive discounts on do it yourself items and other such goods.

Out of Date

Look out for the section where your shop keeps damaged items and foodstuff reaching its sell by date. Do not be too proud to dive in and grab a bargain!

Canny Shopper

Get to know when your supermarket marks down items on its shelves. Mid afternoon on a Saturday is often the time to buy bread and other perishable goods that can go straight into your freezer. If you purchase a large loaf divide it into separate bags before freezing rather than remove a large loaf to defrost just for yourself. Remember that frozen bread can be toasted straight from the freezer.

Dining Rota

Why not have dinner rotas with your friends? You can take one of your precooked casseroles and by meeting for an afternoon or evening with friends you will not need to heat your home whilst you are out – another saving!