Since the price of food increased 16.9% in September, all suggestions to save money are helpful. We can save money by taking advantage of sales, discount coupons, or simply sticking with white-label goods.
1. Always visit the Supermarkets after eating
Although it can appear self explanatory, it is one of the recommendations that websites and blogs refer to the most. When you are hungry, you are far more likely to purchase unexpected treats.
Because of this, one of the first pieces of advice for saving money is to always shop after meals. Therefore, you are able to stay away from all the extras, which are typically significantly more expensive than regular food purchases.
2. Go shopping alone
Going shopping with children is another way to have unplanned purchases. Every parent is aware that most children will request to buy something at the supermarket. It is challenging to refuse the persistent demands. Bringing children along when you are making your weekly shop can result in an extra 10€ to 20€, just in extras that were purchased to please them.
3. Select seasonal food items
Figs in January, cherries in October. Ignore things that are out of season. They cost a lot more than current products and are typically imported. Avoid importing fruits and vegetables as well. You are not required to purchase only portuguese goods. However, anything that originates outside of the EU is more expensive.
4. Watch out for unexpectedly low costs
See how much packaged goods cost per unit and how much fresh goods cost per kg. The pricing of meat, fish, shellfish, cheese, cold cuts, and vegetables at supermarkets are frequently listed per 100g of weight rather than per kg. Although it appears inexpensive, you are actually spending much more because the sums are so small.
5. Avoid purchasing items from middle shelves
In the supermakets, it is one of the most prevalent selling strategies. The cheapest items are always on the lower shelves, close to the floor, where no one looks and where you have to bend down more to lift the items to the shopping trolly.
The most expensive items are typically those that are displayed at eye level on the shelves (but not too expensive as to make you suspect). You will look there first, and there will be more sold items displayed. So kneel down and stand on your toes. On the tallest shelves, look for the cheapest items.
6. Steer clear of prepared, cut, or packed goods
Everything that is placed up for sale prepared, has a price increase that can reach 40%. This also applies to fruit that has been packaged and, even so, to fruit that has been previously chopped into pieces and has an alluring aspect.
7. Shopping list is a must
The first step is to make a weekly meal plan. By doing so, you can repurpose leftovers and purchase some ingredients that are on sale in greater quantities to last you the entire week or even month.
After planning, make a shopping list that forbids last-minute deviations. Take your shopping list seriously and do not stray from it.
8. Once a week, eat vegetarian
Nobody is advising you to switch to vegetarianism, but one vegetarian meal each week has never been harmful and simply benefits your money. The most expensive items in every meal are typically meat and fish, so aim to prepare one vegetarian meal a week and you could save to 10€ a week.