Feeding the family can be a big expense but there are ways to keep costs down. Here are our tips on how to save money on your food bill.
Plan meals in advance
Meal planning is a great way of saving money. You're less likely to buy ingredients you don't need or spend money on expensive takeaways.
Do a stock check before you shop
Check what you already have in your cupboards, fridge and freezer before you shop so you don't spend money on stuff you don't need.
Make a list
Having a list means you don't end up with items you already have or forget to buy items you really need.
Don't shop when you're hungry
Eat before you go shopping and you'll be less likely to stock up on extra snacks.
Shop around
Work out which supermarkets or shops have the best deals on your favorite items. There are mobile apps you can use to check which supermarkets offer the best prices.
Visit the local market
The market often has great deals on fruit, veg, meat, fish and other items, especially towards the end of the day.
Avoid prepared fruit and veg
It can be tempting to buy packaged fruit and veg that comes already sliced and diced but these usually work out more expensive.
Compare brands
Supermarket own brands are often cheaper than the well-known brands. Compare prices and make sure you get the best value.
Check that deals are really deals
Special offers are tempting but they aren't always as good value as they seem. Buy one get one free on popular brands may still work out more expensive than buying own label products.
Compare prices by weight
Many supermarkets show the price per Kg or litre on the price tickets, so you can see which size gives you the most for your money.
Check the reduced counter
You can pick up some great deals on the reduced counter but make sure you only buy things you will use before they go out of date.
Weigh out portions before you cook
Weigh out portions of foods such as pasta or rice to avoid cooking too much and having waste.
Use leftovers
Leftover meat can be used for sandwiches or turned into a curry. Leftover veg can be turned into soup. If you've got whole portions leftover, eat them for lunch the next day or freeze for a future meal.
Sign up for loyalty cards
Sign up for loyalty cards or points schemes. Use you points against your next food shop or save them up through the year to use on extra treats at Christmas.
At Morses Club, we want to help you get more control over your finances and we hope these top tips can help you reduce your spending. You can find more money saving tips on our blog.
For those times when emergency expenses crop up or your budget isn't quite stretching far enough, you may benefit from one of our quick cash loans. Our small loans aren't the right solution for everyone so it's important you understand how it works before you apply.
