Frugal Shopping: A Money Saving Way to Shop Cheaply and Effectively

We have to go to the supermarket and shop for our food there’s no way round it. Whether it’s weekly or monthly, a trip to the supermarket is a necessity although tedious, stressful and costs money.

When you do shop take a look at these ideas. They will help you shop and save you money in the process.

 Ways to Frugal Shop

Everyone knows this but it’s worth repeating as many of us don’t stick to it!

Never, ever go to the supermarket when you are hungry. You end up putting things in the basket you don’t need or can ill afford.

Know how much you have to spend on shopping. This is important as you will have to cover over things like bills, school fees etc.

Make a list. How many times have we all heard this? Well it’s true, making a list will save you money as you won’t be tempted to put things in the basket you don’t need.

When writing the list try to do it either for a week or month if you can. If you are paid weekly then do the list for a week. Monthly, well you get the idea. This means there won’t be any trips to the corner shop which will cost you more compared to supermarket prices.

Look in the cupboards and fridge/freezer. Take a look at what you have and see if you can make any meals from what you have. Frugal cooking goes hand in hand with frugal shopping and there are some wonderful frugal recipes online and in recipe books.

Check online for prices. Most supermarkets have their own websites so checking how much the food will cost before you go shopping is a big bonus.

If you go to the supermarkets early in the morning or late in the evening   they will be quiet allowing you to shop in relative peace. This also allows you to look at the products that are for sale for a fraction of the price due to the sell by date or damaged packaging. You can get some great bargains there so worth checking.

When you are going shopping it’s a good idea to go alone. Having kids or others with you means they could see things they want and put them in the basket. Not good if you are frugal shopping.

How about growing your own? Many people nowadays are turning to that source of food as they are surprisingly easy to grow. Even if you live in an apartment there will be someplace for you to grow something, whether its herbs, vegetables or even fruit.

 Make your own. Yes jams, sauces and spreads are really easy to do and you can make in bulk, saving any you have left for when you need it. Maybe you could sell some and earn a little extra money?

 When you shop, purchase the stores own brands. They are generally the same as bigger brands BUT a lot cheaper.

If you purchase newspapers or magazines you can usually find money off coupons. Another great way of frugal shopping.

 There are many ways in which you can be a frugal shopper. Even if you just follow these ideas you will save yourself money but at the same time still feed yourself and the family well. Yes frugal shopping is easy, fun and not as stressful as you think, try it.