Food Bills
It is a supermarket world, isn't it?
In the UK the supermarkets would appear to rule the retail world.
You can buy almost everything you need for the family from one visit to one of the supermarkets.
But are they good value?
The answer is yes but there is a lot one can do to save money each week.
Be aware of the supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, Netto and Iceland are the ones I know of. They do seem to be cheaper than the larger supermarkets. One reason for this is that these stores tend to sell only one, sometimes two, brands of each product. According to recent news reports these stores are becoming very popular!
Some top tips when you go shopping
1. Don't buy on impulse!
If you didn't need it before you arrived at the shop then you won't need it when you get back home.
2. Don't take the kids with you. It is very difficult to focus on what you are buying if you are under continual pressure to buy everything that they see and want!
3. If you do take children to the supermarket then remember that the lower shelves (the ones at the children's height) are full of items that they will want you to buy! The supermarkets expect the children to see these items and to give you grief until you buy them!
4. Make a list of the regular non-food items that you actually need; such as bleach, washing powder, etc. before you go. First of all you will not miss anything that you need but it will cut down on impulse buying.
5. Check the prices of the items you are buying.
The price tickets have a price per 100g or some such measure.
Compare this with the other similar items. Compare it with the different sizes of the same product!
I have seen on many occasions that the larger packs actually cost more per 100g than the smaller, supposedly more expensive, packs.
6. Brand Names Cost EXTRA
The brand name items cost more. Why? One reason is that they have to recover the cost of advertising!
The second reason is that they rely on people thinking that the brand name products are better quality!
These days I doubt the supermarket branded products are going to be any worse quality than the branded products!
7. Don't buy on impulse!
Those special offers are designed and priced for you to buy.
They are not necessarily a bargain! The same applies to the BOGOF (buy one get one free) items.
8. Check the use-by date
Don't buy items that will be out of date before you get round to using them!
9. Supermarkets are not necessarily the best place for everything!
For example fresh fruit and vegetables may well be better value in local markets.