Secrets of Savings While You Go to Grocery..!!

Today when the newspaper headlines scream for inflation, it became a topic of worry. The basic needs of man are food, clothing and shelter and let me add entertainment’. While the challenges are more than ever and I'm not suggesting eating just one meal a day like a Yogi just to cut down costs that is not what. Instead, do try these 14 ways to save big bucks..!!

Before Leaving Home

1. Why it is important to know what you are Going to buy.!!

• Plan your shopping. If you fill your cart with everything that catches your eye, chances are you will be spending a lot more. Instead, plan your meals for the week ahead and make careful note of what you need to buy. Purchase only the items on the list, avoid the rest.

2.  Why not to be Empty stomach before Going out for Groceries..!!

• Sounds crazy but very Psychologically true. When you're hungry and shopping, you may end up buying lot of things that look like food! You might also pick up what you don't really need. On the other hand, you can easily avoid unnecessary shopping when you're a full stomach.

3. Do you really need bottled water?

• You can simply take a bottle of water when leaving home rather than buying when you're out.

4. Why to use solar or gas appliances..!!

• Even in places where piped gas is available people do not shift to gas water heaters/ gas air-conditioners. It is amazing to see the number of people in states like Gujarat, India, who have shifted to gas — for economics not just instead of electricity. Do not dismiss a saving of few dollars per month as trivial — see the impact over a few decades.

5. Shop Without Kids..Sounds different but Here is Why..!!

• I know you don't see that coming.!! But True..!! Hungry, tired, cranky kids increase the amount of time it takes to get your shopping done. Kids can really bug you into buying things which are bad for your health and for your purse. Leave them at home when you go out shopping. Take them to Entertainment places instead, Shopping place no entertainment for Wallet.

On Your Way to the Shopping Place

6. Use public transport:

• The amount of money you can save while using public transport is amazingly high. Think of parking charges, petrol, car depreciation, etc. It is also good for your health — the walk to the nearest metro station, climbing the stairs, are all good cardio vascular movements and helps your heart.

Your Finale: The Shopping Place

7. How to prevent yourself from these Tricks..!!

• Stores are designed to make you go through a long walk to reach for your most basic items. Reason — you can tricked into buying what you don't really need. Most basic commodities are found towards the end of the store.

• Lower priced products are placed at the lower levels — not at eye-catching levels baby! So, the next time you go shopping, you could skip the other outlets and move towards your destination. 

8. Why is it important to buy in bulk.!!

• You can save a significant amount of money if buying in bulk. Pay attention to the prices and pick up the family size package if the per unit cost is lower."Think in terms of Per Unit Cost".

• However, you need to realize that bulk buying has a dark side too! If you are not a big user of any particular product, it could mean wastage. In a worst case scenario you might throw away the excess, or use more — just to get rid of it. So Rule No. 1 comes handy in this case.

9. Use store reward cards/coupons..Small additions get Big..!!

• If you visit a particular store often, you can sign up for their reward card. In some cases, stores raise their prices when they offer reward cards, and without the card your bill will certainly be higher. 

• If the card offers other benefits, such as a preferred (or free) parking, free schemes, etc., be sure to maximize your benefits before they expire. 

• Many newspapers carry coupons for grocery store which entitle you to some discount on the things you buy. 

10. Why to buy Local Products..!!

• Whenever you step into a big branded store, you fell for buying those 'Spanish Oranges' or 'Italian Grapes' and realise only on billing that it was Rs 400 a kg! 

• The Asian varieties, are normally available for far less and they even taste better. 

• I am not saying not to buy these exotic products just to give yourself a treat every now and then. I am saying locally grown and produced food are also available at a much cheaper price because you don't pay for long transportation costs.  Stick to foods grown locally as they are more fresh.

11. Men are bad shoppers.!!

• It is not so much of a gender issue. But the truth is men do not have much patience and that shows while shopping. 

• So, if you are a man, realize that shops know and understand this. So things are arranged in such a way that when you are in a hurry you will end up buying the most expensive items. Look around to find cheaper items.

12. Shop in sales offers

• In most countries, September to December months are considered as 'festive season'. This is the time when most of the shopping happens.So, stores generally keep a pre-festive sale in July-August and a post-festive offer in January. Use these sales to build your wardrobe. You can even get good deals!

13. Pay in cash..Here is Why..!!

• When you buy your day-to-day requirements with your credit card, you run the risk of paying your credit card dues late. So, for all the saving you have been doing, you may give it away in the form of interest. Cash is a good option. Besides, you tend to be more careful when making cash payments.

14. Beware: Check your bill

• You should check all the statements which have a financial implication be it your credit card statement, mutual fund statement or your groceries bill. Scanners are fine, but there are possibilities of mistakes. So, you must see the bill before you pay.

Happy Shopping..!!