8 March 2017
Keep more of your cash in your pocket
When you’re on a tight budget because you’re on a low income, are unemployed, a student or a Centrelink benefits, you’re always looking for ways to save cash on your groceries. We all need to eat, but we don’t want to spend a fortune doing it!
So, where can you find the cheapest groceries?
- The most recent investigation by CHOICE has confirmed what many already know – Aldi deliver the lowest price for an average weekly shop.
- Aldi’s lower rent, staffing and other costs mean they generally offer lower prices on most items.
- So if you’re not fussed on buying the ‘leading brands’, you can save about 50% off your groceries by shopping at Aldi.
But it’s not that simple….
(It never is, right?!).
- You can still save a load of cash on your groceries at the big supermarkets like Coles and Woolies if you’re smart about it.
- Sticking with their own in-house and ‘no name’ brands can deliver some huge cash savings.
- You’ll save about 33% on your groceries by choosing in-house brands in place of leading brands.
No two supermarkets are the same
- Did you know that – putting their advertised specials aside – the big supermarkets price items differently between stores?
- So between different Coles or Woolies stores you’ll pay a different price on exactly the same item, depending on the area it’s in. Prices tend to be more expensive in higher socio-economic areas.
- And then there’s the so-called ‘Aldi-effect’. If there’s an Aldi store nearby, then Coles and Woolies reduce their prices to try and compete.
There’s an app for that!
- Supermarket specials change every week, and it’s too hard to look through pages of catalogues to see if what we need to buy is on special.
- Problem solved – get the free Trolley Saver app. It automatically links your shopping list to supermarket catalogue specials in your area, including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and a number of independent / local grocers.
- To put saving cash on your groceries at your fingertips, get the free app now for iPhone or Android.
Shop smart
- Once you hit the supermarket – stay smart about what you’re putting into your trolley.
- Watch out for sneaky supermarket tricks that make you spend more.
Other ways to save cash on groceries
- Plan ahead! Do a weekly meal planner, write a strict shopping list – and stick to it!
- For maximum savings, build your meals around what’s on special and in season.
- Consider buying in bulk and freezing meals in batches.
- Try to avoid having to duck into the shops several times a week for milk, bread or other essentials. These – and the extras you’re likely to grab while you’re there – all add up!
- Stock up on and freeze staples like bread so you have them handy at home.
- If you can, hit the shops without the kids – you’ll save a small fortune without them nagging you to buy things!
- And speaking of the kids – why not get them involved in saving cash on your fruit and veggies, and start growing your own at home?
- Go DIY – try making your own cleaning products –good for your budget and the environment!