Get the most out of shopping
Members of Simple Savings, “the secrets to saving money in New Zealand”, sent in their money saving tips from all over the country to help like-minded people make the most out of their shopping.
These tips are from what’s known as their savings vault, which has more than 6100 money saving tips that work. For further information visit www.simplesavings.co.nz.
Buying in bulk
Where possible, buy in bulk. Do check that a large packet is actually cheaper than several smaller ones though. The economy size packs are sometimes more expensive per kilogramme. Check this with products such as cereal, milk, biscuits, ice cream and so on – you can make big savings this way. – Michael Greene
Comparison shopping
Compare prices of shelf items. Those at eye level are not usually the cheapest. Shops are paid a premium by the manufacturers to get their products placed there. Look above and below to check prices of other brands. When comparing, try to convert the prices to dollars per kilogramme. The actual price of many things is shocking when converted this way (for example, 100g for $1.99 works out to $20 per kg). Take a small calculator to help you work out the comparison. – Michael Greene
Raincheck items
If something is advertised in supermarkets as being on special, but has sold out at the time of your visit, you can actually get a raincheck on the product. You simply go to the service desk, and fill out a ticket for how many of the items you want, with a month to use the ticket. – Loretta Cross
Online shopping
I save money by doing my grocery shopping online. This way, I am not tempted to buy any little extras that catch my eye in the supermarket, plus I am not distracted by my baby son. I can keep track of my spending and can shop at whichever time is most convenient. If I go over my budget I just delete non-essential items to keep under it. I don’t mind the $4.95 delivery costs as the delivery guys even carry my purchases right up to my kitchen for me. – Leanne Lea
When to shop
If possible, try getting out to the shops between 9pm and midnight. You’ll find that most of the mark-downs occur during this time. I sometimes pick up cooked chickens for $2 at Woolworths, and bread for 99 cents. There are many more items reduced – juice, cakes, cheeses and fresh meats. Find out the trading hours for the supermarkets in your area. – Belinda Hunt
Reduced goods
Check the use-by dates and get a mark-down. When shopping, I always check the dates thoroughly. If there are only a few days left, I ask an assistant for a mark-down due to the time limit. More often than not I receive a few dollars off, depending on the item. I have saved more than 50 per cent on organic milk which I have bought for 99 cents and put in the freezer until required. – Carmen Johnson
Impulse shopping
The best way to save is to only buy what you need. Walking into a shop with only a vague idea is the quickest way of falling victim to impulse buying. Retailers know that most people buy from habit or on impulse and market their goods to help you decide. Do not feel weak or stupid falling victim to impulse buying; they are very good at getting you to decide to purchase this way. Make a shopping list so all your buying decisions are made at home, away from their influence. – Michael Greene
Sometimes the corner shop is cheaper
I do a major grocery shop each fortnight to save money. However, if I went to the supermarket for bread and milk in-between times, I would sometimes spend $30, because I would see bargains or specials and return home with more than I planned. Now when I need bread and milk, I go to the local dairy. It may cost a little more there for those items, but I end up saving a lot more, because I only buy what I came for, instead of browsing supermarket shelves for things I don’t need. – Jenny Larsen
