I recently found out that supermarkets use tactics like Artificial Intelligence and placing fluorescent and LED lighting strategically in the facility to prompt buyers to spend more. It can be difficult to avoid being influenced by these and other marketing strategies used by corporations but there are simple things you can do that can help you spend less at the supermarket.
1. Pay with Cash
Taking the exact amount of cash will prompt you to prioritise your shopping to buying necessary items only and not going beyond your budget because you will not have enough money to pay at the checkout. In the long run, it can also be good for your health because you will end up having to chose between healthy and unhealthy food, such as prioritising meat and leaving out cookies because you can not “afford” them.
2. Shopping List
Making a shopping list at home before you go to the supermarket will help you to know exactly what you need to buy. Bringing this list with you to the supermarket and sticking to buying only what is on the list by crossing off items from it as you shop, will reduce your expenses and also improve your planning and budgeting skills.
3. Master The Sales Cycle
Most supermarkets have set days for their sales. Keeping a track on these days and mastering supermarkets’ sales trends, can reduce your groceries expenses as you plan to shop only during those sales days.
4. Avoid Shopping While Hungry
Hunger can make you do crazy things such as filling your cart with expensive junk food. Make sure you are well fed before going to the grocery store. You will notice that you will be inclined to spend less and will find it easy to stick to your budget.
5. Shop Online
Online shopping will save you the energy and time to physically go to a supermarket. Online shopping will also reduce impulse buying and will help you stick to your budget. It is important to be aware of shipping costs and to factor it in and calculate to see whether you are actually reducing your shopping expenses.
6. Try Being a Vegetarian
Meats are expensive and trying alternative diets can help cut down your expenses. There are thousands of exciting vegetarian recipes you can get online and start trying. You will be surprised at how affordable, easy to prepare and delicious vegetarian meals are.
7. Grow Your Own Herbs And Spices
Store bought herbs and spices are normally expensive and most of them are dried and are chemically preserved. Herbs and spices such as chives, parsley, thyme, rosemary and mint do not require much space and can even be grown in your kitchen. These plants will not only reduce your expenses but will also make for good decor in your house and will make your house to smell aromatic.
8. Buy Local
Buying produce from the local market especially in the evenings will save you money. Most sellers will want to get rid of their fruits and veggies and will be willing to sell at lower prices.