Sense and cents ability

WITH rising grocery prices many families are left wondering how to strike a balance between eating well and managing a budget. Some weeks the food bill for a family can be astronomical, leaving us wondering how on earth we managed to spend so much money.

But with a little planning, strategy and a few clever tips, it is possible to keep your family well fed and balance the bank book. Small changes soon add up into a significant saving.

First of all, regardless of whether or not you are an impulsive shopper, bring a shopping list for your weekly or monthly shop and stick to it – only buy what you need. You can make this easier by avoiding shopping while you are hungry, as the temptation to throw tasty – and costly – snacks into the trolley can be overwhelming.

Another area where people tend to blow the budget is by paying for convenience. We pay far more for pre-prepared food and pre-washed salads, potatoes and ready sliced vegetables than we would by buying fresh vegetables and doing the work ourselves. It may sound obvious but buying fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season is not only healthy but it can save you money. And if you have a garden then you could even try growing your own vegetables.

And if your family consumes a lot of poultry and meat, you may be surprised by how much money you can save by buying bulk family packs or trying different cuts. For example, chicken thighs are much cheaper than chicken breasts, with even more flavour. You can also expect to pay more for chicken which has been pre-prepared, such as having the skin and bones removed than pieces which have not.

Compare prices at supermarkets and local shops. Visiting your local butcher could save you a lot of money, while also supporting a small business in your area. A good butcher will prepare your meat the way you like it free of charge, compared to paying extra for costly pre-packed beef, pork or lamb in a supermarket.

Sensible meal portions are always a good policy – it avoids consuming extra calories and wasting food. The alternative is to deliberately cook extra food and put it aside for another meal, saving time and money. If you have a stockpile of tasty and nutritious leftover meals in the fridge or freezer you could find that you are far less likely to reach for a takeaway menu or head to a restaurant on the days when you just don’t feel like cooking.

Collecting coupons, buying in bulk and being aware of special store promotions may also save you cash. And when you reach the supermarket there is always the chance you might find yourself tempted by food items which have been heavily marked down in price.  Don’t be tempted by food which has been discounted to an extremely low price if your family won’t eat it. If the ingredient won’t make it into a meal then it’s still a waste of money, regardless of how cheap it was to buy.

Another tip is to use cash to make your purchases – which should force you to stick to only spending what you can afford. With good planning and a shopping list you’ll be well on your way to making – and sticking to – your grocery budget.