When money is tight, the inevitable searches for easy savings arises. There are a couple of methods you can use to minimise your expenses. The regular trip to the supermarket can be a hellish ordeal if you are watching the pennies. Either way, though, it will likely constitute one of your major expenditures over the month. As a result, this should be one of the first areas to which you look to cut costs.
Pick A Time. It is, in fact, very easy to save money while shopping. One of the most important factors to consider is the time of day at which you are making your visit. You should always shop just before closing time in a supermarket, as fresh produce such as bread and meat is often marked down for a quick sale. As fresh food is often the most expensive to begin with, you can make substantial savings this way.
Use the market. If you have local access to a market, you should make the most of this. Everyday items such as fruit and vegetables are generally far cheaper here than in supermarkets. However, don't over-buy - as comparatively cheap as it is likely to be, 'stocking up' on items which will go bad before you use them is wasteful.
There are many other ways of making shopping easier to pay for. Some supermarkets still offer shopping stamps, through which you can spread the cost of your shop. There are also Store loyalty cards (not store cards) which can offer excellent returns simply by using them when you shop. Although the number of points you are accumulating may seem pitifully small at the time, they quickly mount up. If you can use your card when you buy items such as petrol, you will quickly find that your points will pay for entire shopping trips.
The key to economical shopping is to buy only what you need. As a result, one of the best things you can do is to make a list before you leave the house, and ensure that you stick to it. Shop sensibly, and shop out of supermarkets, and you can make excellent savings.