As the festive season approaches and the school holidays stretch out before us, many Australians are feeling the pinch. With gifts to buy and mouths to feed, it’s no wonder that the budget can start to feel a little tight. But what if I told you there’s a way to stretch your dollar further, to afford more groceries without cutting back on quality or quantity?
Jo Abi, a seasoned household budgeting strategist and Supermarket Sleuths contributor, reveals her $10 Supermarket Savings Strategy—also known as ‘Jo’s Supermarket Savings Strategy’—a method that has been a game-changer in helping her make the most of her grocery budget. Her approach allows her to save money without sacrificing quality or quantity, especially during the busy holiday season.
Let’s dive into ‘Jo’s Supermarket Savings Strategy’, a clever approach to managing your grocery budget that’s perfect for those with irregular incomes or anyone looking to make their money work harder for them. This isn’t just about pinching pennies; it’s about smart financial habits that can see you through 2025 and beyond.
Over the years, Jo shared numerous tips for saving at the checkout – from switching to budget supermarkets like ALDI to buying toiletries at discount stores like The Reject Shop or Chemist Warehouse. But what do you do with the $10 to $20 you save each week? Here’s where the strategy comes into play.
Imagine your weekly grocery budget is $350. By employing various money-saving strategies, you manage to save $20. Instead of letting that extra cash disappear into the ether, you take that money and set it aside – in cash, on a gift card, or in a special savings account.
Now, keep a list of the pantry staples you find yourself reaching for time and time again. These are the items you’ll target when they’re on special. Every fortnight or month, use your accumulated savings to bulk buy these essentials at a discount. If you’ve saved $80 over a month, for instance, you might use it to stock up on discounted non-perishable Christmas items that stores are eager to clear out.
Create a dedicated space in your home for your stockpile. This isn’t hoarding; it’s strategic purchasing. You’re buying what you need, when it’s at its cheapest, and using it regularly. This method encourages you to:
- Set savings aside intentionally, rather than spending impulsively.
- Keep an eye out for deals on pantry staples each week.
- Take advantage of seasonal discounts, like post-Christmas sales.
- Rotate through your pantry stock to prevent waste.
Now is the ideal time to start, with Christmas items soon to be reduced. But it’s not just festive fare that’s up for grabs; cooking essentials and tinned fruits are also ripe for the picking.
Having a well-stocked pantry means you’re always ready to whip up a meal, even when funds are low or time is short. It’s about being prepared, saving money, and reducing stress.
So, why not give ‘Jo’s Supermarket Savings Strategy’ a try? It’s a simple, effective way to make your grocery budget go further. And remember, it’s not just about saving money; it’s about spending it wisely.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever used a strategy like this to save on groceries? What tips do you have for making the most of your grocery budget? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s support each other in stretching our budgets this holiday season and beyond.
Also read: Smart shopping strategies: How Australians can manage grocery costs at Coles and Woolworths
