Guide To Save and Shop Smart When You Are Hunting Your Monthly Groceries
With the CMCO or the current pandemic which have just spike up lately, it will be crucial for everyone to spend smart and especially when our main focus on cooking at home or WFH is meant to save up your incomes for a better use. So here are some wise guide and tips to help you save better and spend in a smarter way.
Shop in bulk
Buying in bulk can reduce the cost per unit of an item. If there is a bulk promotion or out-of-stock sale at your place of shopping, buy large quantities and you can save your costs in the long run.
If you buy wet items such as meat and seafood in bulk, freeze them so they can be used in the coming months.
Also know when not to shop in bulk
Generally, fresh ingredients such as vegetables and fruits are not suitable for bulk purchase. Fresh goods do not last long and will eventually be a waste if not used before they wither or rot.
Start planting activities at home
Another way to save money is to plant your own trees at home. Usually we have to buy a bunch of pandan leaves, soup leaves and so on even though the quantity required is only a little. The rest will wither if not used quickly.
To reduce waste like this, you can start planting beginner-friendly trees that are easy to maintain. These include pandan leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and rice chili. This way, you just have to take the required quantity from your collection, and not have to buy it again.
Create a shopping list
This step is mandatory if you want to be frugal. To spend wisely, you need a plan, and it starts with a list of items to buy. With a list, it becomes easier for you to determine the budget.
Shopping without a grocery list is very dangerous because you will most likely buy unnecessary items. Shopping based on listings can also save you time because you already have a clear idea of what to buy.
Do not shop while hungry
When hungry, our body will find the fastest source of energy – and this is why you will feel like filling your cart with junk food such as chips, sweets and so on. Snacks like these will not only increase the cost of expenses, but also unhealthy to eat often.
If your stomach is churning, cover your stomach first before shopping.
Check all shelves – not just at eye level
Naturally, shoppers will be more easily attracted to items neatly arranged at eye level. Most supermarkets take this opportunity as a tactic to earn higher profits.
If you notice, items located on easily visible shelves are often more expensive than those located on the top or bottom shelves. Make it a habit to check the prices of all products to get the best price.
Join a membership program
If you regularly shop at supermarkets such as Tesco, AEON, Hero Market and so on, make sure you have a supermarket membership card. With this, you can collect redeemable reward points for discount coupons. In addition, you can enjoy various types of promotions such as special discounts for members, Member Day Sale and so on.