hether you’re saving up for something big or are just a general fan of careful budgeting, or whether you’re not actively trying to save at all, we can all agree that it wouldn’t hurt to have a couple of extra bucks on hand or save a little more than you anticipated.
Grocery shopping is one of our most frequent expenditure outlets because of how essential it is to keep any household running.
However, how often is it that you find yourself in the grocery store, with a list in your hand and a budget to stick to that you, unfortunately, end up exceeding? If this has happened to you or is even a common occurrence for you, do not worry. You are not alone. This is a common problem many individuals suffer from, but all hope is not lost!
Fortunately, it can be countered, and we’ll show you how! Here is a quick list of tips and tricks you can follow to shop on a budget successfully!
-
Check Multiple Stores
One way to make sure you are saving as much as possible is to shop at the store that’s giving the best prices. Given this, we highly recommend that you do not stop and stop at only one store but go out and about, check and compare prices of items from multiple local grocery supermarts in Singapore so you know where you can make the economic decisions.
Even in one store, you can compare the prices of products and search for the most economical ones.
Protip: the lower-priced ones are usually in the back or on the bottom shelves. Be sure to not miss out on these goods and take a good look.
2. Buy Foods In Small Quantities
The thing with food and most perishable items is that they expire. It’s a big waste of both resources and money when food goes bad because you can’t consume it in time and you have to throw it away. An excellent way to avoid this scenario is only to buy these items in quantities you know you will immediately use or use before they expire. Avoid buying perishable foods in bulk.
However, this isn’t to say that you should buy them in such small quantities that warrant more frequent grocery store visits. The amount should match your consumption rate.
3. Make Your Own Meals
Understandably, when you pre-prepared meals in grocery supermarts in Singapore, you have to pay more for someone to make your meals. It is economically much better and more cost-effective to make the meals yourself at home and avoid getting ready-made meals. They may seem convenient at first, but you will quickly realize how much extra they cost you in the long run, especially if you’re on a budget.
4. Don’t Throw Away Leftovers.
Another vital point to keep in mind when you make food at home is the quantity.
If you know you aren’t a big fan of leftovers, make a smaller serving that can be finished in a day.
Suppose you make larger servings and have leftovers. Don’t forget to eat them before they go bad. You can use them creatively in more recipes or eat them as it is but make sure that the food isn’t wasted.
5. Take Advantage OF Sales And Discounts
Although bulk buying perishable items is not the best idea, stocking up on non-perishable items in bulk, especially when they’re on sale and discounted prices, can be an excellent idea. This might cost slightly more in the short term, but since it will last significantly longer in the long term, you will continue to benefit from this strategy for a while and save more.
Keep a keen eye out for any offers and whenever they come around the end, be sure to bulk buy.
6. Be Wary When Using Coupons
Research has shown that having coupons on hand can often persuade people to spend more just to maximize its benefits.
It is best to avoid this from happening. Spend your coupons on things you know you will use daily and not waste. Don’t buy something you don’t need just because there is a discount you will avail of it. In the end, you are still wasting money on it.
Alternatively, you can also find grocery supermarts in Singapore that let you reuse your coupons two or even three times when you shop there.
7. Have A Written List Of The Products You Will Need
This one is a no-brainer. You should always have a list of things you intend to buy when you’re out to buy grocery in Singapore and stick to it. Your chances of overspending or buying extra stuff you don’t need are lowered by a great deal when you have a list to keep you in check. It also helps to combat impulse buying on a whim because you know you need to follow the list and nothing more.
8. Avoid Shopping When You’re Hungry
As a general rule, don’t shop when you think you’re hungry. This is because when you do that, you will almost always buy more than what you need and end up wasting money.
Not only is it pricier, but you are also more likely to buy unhealthy foods to satisfy your cravings when you shop on an empty stomach
9. Bring Your Own Bags
Bringing your bags can not only be environmentally friendly, but it can also help you save the extra few bucks you’d be spending on grocery store packaging. A bonus is that when you buy grocery in Singapore with your bags, some stores offer discounts when you bring your own bags to encourage more sustainable choices, so not only are you saving the extra bucks, but you also score a sweet deal.
10. Don’t Forget To Sign Up For Any Discount Programs.
Most grocery supermarts in Singapore offer loyalty cards or discount programs that can help you avail special discounts that you couldn’t otherwise. Always remember to be on the lookout for these, and make sure to ask about them whenever you shop. If there is any such program, be sure to sign up for it!