by Ann Miller

Created on: September 01, 2010   Last Updated: November 24, 2010

"Cost of living set to soar", "Millions of homes affected by electricity and gas increases", "Spending cuts will throw thousands out of work".  These are only some of the headlines hitting the newspapers these days and, as we in the UK, brace ourselves for a whooping increase in VAT, most of us are looking how to make the most of what we have.   Food is of course a priority so that is where to start looking at how to budget _  with your food shopping. 

Shop consciously: Don't be a lazy shopper:

Until recently we had become lazy shoppers: shopping unconsciously: we picked one supermarket, went once or twice a week and filled the shopping trolley.  The competition in the food market is intense and it is important you make the right choice for you and your budget.  Put snobbery aside and go to the less prestigious stores that have done away with fancy shelving, packaging and displays meant to tempt.  I agree you cannot always get everything you want in these stores, but do buy all that you can there at reduced prices.  You may have to go to another store for some items not available in the cheaper stores, but it is worth the time and effort and for the most part you can get away with choosing only two supermarkets to make your purchases.  It does mean you have to be conscious of what each item costs but that is a good thing isn’t it?

Local Shops and farmers markets: 

Check out those in your area.  Some may be slightly more expensive but have the advantage of selling smaller and fresher amounts of items.  It is up to you to do the calculation of what you will save on petrol/gas and in buying things you don’t actually need.  Use them as an exercise in focusing the mind effectively: make yourself a conscious shopper by utilizing every source available to you.

 Bargain Offers: 

Take advantage of ‘this week’s bargains’.  They are meant to draw you in, in the expectation that you will stay and buy more, but if you are frugal you can make them work for you.  Adjust your menus to take advantage of half price or other loss-leaders.  If you buy ‘buy one get one free’ goods make sure they are ones you are going to use before their sell by date.  You can get round that by being organised in how you cook as well.

Plan ahead; Cook in batches: 

Do not be put off buying larger amounts of foods when they are on offer. 

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