How to save money on groceries
Tricks to save money on groceries and spend more on what makes you happy
Grocery shopping: the wonderful opportunity you get each week to buy all the food and items you need, with money left over for the things that make you happy. Sounds unrealistic? It doesn’t have to be! With a few simple changes and some tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be on your way to cutting down your household costs. Read on for tips on how to save money on groceries – leaving you more freedom to spend on the things that really matter.
Make a list, check it twice – and stick to it
A shopping list is one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries: it gives you a clear picture of what you need, and nothing you don’t, which will help you spend your money wisely. If sticking to a list is proving difficult, shop online – it’s much easier to avoid impulse buys (like soft drinks and other treats). Bonus point: it’ll leave you more money for the things you care about, like donating to charitable causes.
Shop on a full tummy so you can focus on your list
Going grocery shopping when your stomach’s already rumbling is asking for trouble: no one can resist a special when they’re starving, and you’re more likely to spend more money on things you don’t need. Having a meal beforehand (and a snack on hand) as you shop will keep you on track with only buying what you need, not all the things you want. (Although your shopping list should have a couple of little luxuries on it – most food is best enjoyed in moderation). Avoiding grocery shopping when you’re hungry will make you less stressed and save you money for things that make you feel good - like a takeaway latte on a busy day at work.
Meal prep on the weekend to make your weekdays a breeze
One of the best tricks to save money on groceries is to write up a meal plan for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. A plan will also reduce your spending on convenience meals and fast food during the week, so you can redirect your funds to a luxurious meal out with friends or family on Saturday night.
There’s lots of different ways to approach this, but your starting point should always be what’s already in your pantry, fridge and freezer, as well as what’s on special at the supermarket. That way, you’re already using up what you have, reducing food waste and also freeing up space for more ingredients. Once you’ve purchased your groceries, you can really put your plan to work and cook in bulk – saving you both money and time throughout the week!
Double-check prices so you know you’re getting the best deal
We all know that supermarket specials are a great way to save money on food, cleaning products and other household items. But there’s a couple of other strategies you’ll need to employ if you want to up your savings game. Firstly, look at your list and see if there’s an opportunity to buy in bulk. This will always save you cash - but check your storage space first. There’s no point buying a massive amount of toilet paper unless you have somewhere to put it!
You can also check out your supermarket’s loyalty program. Depending on the company, you might be offered rewards points that you can redeem against your grocery bill, or that you can convert into points and/or discounts for liquor, petrol, airline travel or retail spending. Yes, that’s right – your weekly grocery run can put you a step closer to a holiday or buying meaningful Christmas gifts!
DEPENDING ON THE COMPANY, YOU MIGHT BE OFFERED REWARDS POINTS THAT YOU CAN REDEEM AGAINST YOUR GROCERY BILL.
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A few simple tricks to help you save and have a little left over to spend on things that really matter.
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Make a list. Stick to it. it helps cut out costly impulsive buys.
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Don't shop hungry. You'll focus on what you need not what your tummy wants.
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Meal prep for the week. It helps reduce spending on convenience meals or fast foods during the week.
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Check prices. Specials, deals and supermarket loyalty programs are just some of the ways to help you save.
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Buy seasonal, support local farmers. Markets are fresher, often cheaper and the fresh air is good for you.
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Pay with your credit card, like the American Express platinum Edge Credit Card, and you can earn points wherever you spend.
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Support local Aussie farmers, and buy seasonal fruit & veg
Buying from a farmers’ markets will always make you feel good: you’re directly supporting farmers in the region, and the produce is often fresher that what you’d find at a supermarket. It’s also a wonderful weekend activity: fresh air, sunshine (hopefully) and light cardio of strolling through a social hub, plus carrying hauls of nutritious produce, is pretty hard to beat!
As well buying fruit and veggies, markets are a great place to pick up fresh herbs – usually at a cheaper price than the shops. Some markets even sell potted ones, so you can grow your own at home. If that sounds daunting, you can actually find tutorials on how to grow your own products at home (in the most simple manner) if you search online. Imagine elevating the flavours of any meal you make, time and time again, and using the money you would have spent on plastic-wrapped herbs towards a decent bottle of red.
In order to get your hands on the produce that’s tastiest, freshest, cheapest and most sustainable, you should aim to purchase what’s in season. Buying seasonally will encourage you to try new ingredients and appreciate the flavours of fresh produce more: nothing’s as good as a summer mango, or roasted root vegetables in winter.
Pay with your credit card, and be rewarded for it
One of the best ideas to save money on groceries is to invest in a Card that offers rewards against your daily spending towards the things you actually want, like special gifts, travel adventures, or unforgettable experiences. The American Express® Platinum Edge Credit Card offers 3 Membership Rewards points for every dollar you spend at major supermarkets and petrol stations1, which you can then redeem against retail purchases, hotels, or airlineservices. This Credit Card also offers additional holiday benefits, like an complimentary travel insurance when you use the Card to pay for your return trip3, and you can even accrue points to use on flights, hotel and car hire. Grabbing that last minute bread and milk on the way home from work has benefits!
Save money on groceries, so you can spend more on the things that matter. Whether it’s a spontaneous trip to the movies, or a relaxing getaway - you never know where your weekly savings from a supermarket run can take you.
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- Membership Rewards Program. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. The following merchants have been classified as major supermarkets: Bi-Lo, Coles, Fishers, Food For Less, Fresh Provisions, Harris Farm Markets, IGA, Macro Wholefoods, Safeway, Supabarn, Thomas Dux, Woolworths.
The following merchants have been classified as major petrol stations: Ampol, BP, Caltex Woolworths, Gull, Metro, Peak, Safeway Petrol, Shell, United, Woolworths Petrol, 7 Eleven.
Exceptions may apply if an individual merchant trading as one of the above named retailers does not accept American Express as a form of payment. Purchases at major supermarket & major petrol station retailers are only eligible for additional points if the transactions are made in Australia. Certain transactions will earn 2 points per dollar spent, including the use of foreign currency overseas and overseas online payments. Additional points for major supermakets, petrol stations and foreign currency may not apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to a major supermarket processed through a payment aggregator may not earn the additional points. - Travel Credit. If your card has a Travel Credit benefit, the Primary Card Member is eligible for an annual Travel Credit, subject to the full Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at add amex.com.au/platinumedge-travelcreditterms. The Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking by selecting the Travel Credit when you checkout. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. Eligible travel includes flights, hotels and car hire when you prepay in advance. The Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date. To check the expiration date of your Travel Credit if you have not already redeemed it, please visit americanexpress.com.au/travel; log in and click ‘Travel Credit’. If your booking is cancelled, and your Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Travel Credit benefit and American Express may reverse the statement credits issued. You need to be able to spend on the Card to access the Travel Credit benefit and it should be credited to your Card Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. Your account must be in good standing and you must have paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date. If you cancel your Card, change your rewards program or Card type, you will no longer be eligible for the Travel Credit.
- Insurance. The American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card Insurance is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits) - see the full Terms and Conditions available here. You must use your American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card to pay for your return trip in order to be eligible for the travel insurance or pay for eligible items in order to be covered under the insurance. The insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Card members are not a party to the group policy, but may be able to claim under it as third party beneficiaries. This webpage does not take into account your objectives or financial situation. You should read the full terms and conditions to decide if this insurance meets your needs.