The Wealth Whisperer
Smart Grocery Shopping: Get Back to Basics & Stop Wasting Money
Grocery shopping can either be a money-saving habit or a budget-breaking disaster. Supermarkets are designed to make you spend more—but with a few simple strategies, you can shop smarter, reduce food waste, and stay within budget.
Start With a Plan: The Shopping List Rule
The key to staying within budget is planning before you shop.
✅ Check the pantry and fridge first – Build your shopping list around what you already have to save money and reduce waste.
✅ Write a list – This stops impulse buying.
✅ Use the Coles or Woolworths app – Compare prices per 100g/ml and keep a running tally of costs.
Having a structured list ensures you maximize every dollar.
Compare Prices & Shop in the Right Order
Instead of doing all my shopping in one place, I follow a three-step strategy:
Step 1: Go to the Farmers Market or Aldi First – Fresh produce and pantry staples are often cheaper here. I check unit pricing and compare it with the supermarket app.
Step 2: Check Prices While Shopping – If an item seems like a deal, I double-check its price in the app.
Step 3: Click & Collect the Rest – I order anything cheaper at Coles or Woolworths online to avoid impulse purchases and guarantee the best price.
This system keeps my grocery bill predictable and eliminates unnecessary spending.
Don’t Get Blinded by the Yellow Sticker
A sale isn’t always a bargain—always check the price per 100g, per 100ml, or per 100 sheets. Supermarkets shrink package sizes while keeping prices similar, so do the math before grabbing a "deal."
Check Expiry Dates – Don’t Buy Week-Old Garbage
Markdowns only save money if you use the item before it expires. Always check dates and ensure at least 4–5 days of shelf life. For dairy and meat, grab items from the back—they’re usually fresher.
Bulk Buying Isn’t Always Cheaper
Buying in bulk only saves money if you use it before it spoils. Stick to long-lasting staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and frozen foods.
Home Brand vs. Name Brand: Know When to Switch
Many home-brand items are made in the same factories as big-name brands. Basics like flour, sugar, pasta, and canned goods are usually just as good for half the price.
With a list, a plan, and price comparisons, you can spend less, waste less, and still eat well. Try this strategy for a month—your bank account (and fridge) will thank you!
Smart Grocery Shopping: Get Back to Basics & Stop Wasting Money
Grocery shopping can either be a money-saving habit or a budget-breaking disaster. Supermarkets are designed to make you spend more—but with a few simple strategies, you can shop smarter, reduce food waste, and stay within budget.
Start With a Plan: The Shopping List Rule
The key to staying within budget is planning before you shop.
✅ Check the pantry and fridge first – Build your shopping list around what you already have to save money and reduce waste.
✅ Write a list – This stops impulse buying.
✅ Use the Coles or Woolworths app – Compare prices per 100g/ml and keep a running tally of costs.
Having a structured list ensures you maximize every dollar.
Compare Prices & Shop in the Right Order
Instead of doing all my shopping in one place, I follow a three-step strategy:
Step 1: Go to the Farmers Market or Aldi First – Fresh produce and pantry staples are often cheaper here. I check unit pricing and compare it with the supermarket app.
Step 2: Check Prices While Shopping – If an item seems like a deal, I double-check its price in the app.
Step 3: Click & Collect the Rest – I order anything cheaper at Coles or Woolworths online to avoid impulse purchases and guarantee the best price.
This system keeps my grocery bill predictable and eliminates unnecessary spending.
Don’t Get Blinded by the Yellow Sticker
A sale isn’t always a bargain—always check the price per 100g, per 100ml, or per 100 sheets. Supermarkets shrink package sizes while keeping prices similar, so do the math before grabbing a "deal."
Check Expiry Dates – Don’t Buy Week-Old Garbage
Markdowns only save money if you use the item before it expires. Always check dates and ensure at least 4–5 days of shelf life. For dairy and meat, grab items from the back—they’re usually fresher.
Bulk Buying Isn’t Always Cheaper
Buying in bulk only saves money if you use it before it spoils. Stick to long-lasting staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and frozen foods.
Home Brand vs. Name Brand: Know When to Switch
Many home-brand items are made in the same factories as big-name brands. Basics like flour, sugar, pasta, and canned goods are usually just as good for half the price.
With a list, a plan, and price comparisons, you can spend less, waste less, and still eat well. Try this strategy for a month—your bank account (and fridge) will thank you!
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