Us Saffas are a resourceful, entrepreneurial bunch. When faced with challenges we tend to find creative ways to overcome them. The endless rise in the cost of living is a tough one for most of us and there’s no easy answer to it (other than winning the lotto, perhaps) but there are ways of lessening the sting! Here are a few ways I’ve found that help.
Shop at the markets and farm stalls
I’m lucky to have a nearby veggie shop that stocks fresh produce from local farmers. On the whole, my weekly fruit and veggie shop costs me up to 40% less than buying from a supermarket. The produce is also fresher and I’m supporting local farmers. Win, win and win.
Keep an eye on the specials
It’s common practice for the major food retailers to place adverts in the community newspapers. It’s worth reading these and being aware of what the specials are so you can take advantage of them, especially if your supermarkets are all located in the same mall or in close proximity to each other.
Watch the web for promotions
Pick n Pay and Woolworths are very good at advertising promotions online.
Pick n Pay
Pick n Pay has a page devoted to specials and specifies which products earn double or triple points on your Smart Shopper card. One way of easing the cost of Christmas is to save up your Smart Shopper points for December so you have extra “cash” for Quality Streets, mince pies, fruit cake and all the Christmas delicacies! Or, if you’re feeling generous, you can donate your saved points to a charity. Charities often need extra financial donations during the festive season.
Woolworths
Woolworths has a super-useful online link called “Shop by promotion”. You’ll find it under the “Food and Household”, “Women”, or “Men” tabs, along with any other departments that currently have promotions running. Here you’ll find discounts on your grocery and clothes shopping. Woolies MySchool/MyPlanet cardholders can get up to 10% off on a list of over 300 “WRewards” items, and specials on clothing purchases too. This can be especially beneficial if you like to buy clothes for Christmas presents.
How do you save money on your monthly grocery spend?
Thanks for the tips! :)
Awesome tips, Jo!