I have an extremely successful system in place, and even though my suggestions may look weird at the first glance I assure you they work like magic.

1. Always shop on a full stomach. If you haven't noticed till now try this experiment. Shop once when hungry and once after a meal. Compare the bills.
You will notice that when you shop on an empty stomach there is a major spend on ready and junk foods. There will be several items in your weekly shop which are in packages with attractive food pictures on them.

These items will be missing when you shop on a full stomach. I have tried this experiment with several friends and I can assure you that your bill will be reduced by anywhere between 15-30% if you shop on a full stomach.

2. This idea may seem strange but it works like nothing else does. Reduce the number of visits to the SM. I shop for 15 days at a time which means I visit the supemarket only 2 times a month. This reduces the cost of treats by half and that is quite a saving.

3. Write a list. Everytime you notice something that is coming to an end write it down. Before going to the supermarket review the list and add what ever is necessary. Then try and stick to this list. Remind yourself anything extra is impulsive buying. While you have a right to splurge once in while, your splurging will be minimal as compared to unaccounted shopping.

4. Keep an eye out for special offers. If the offers are on something you regularly need, stock the item for the future. But beware of stocking junk or comfort foods.

5. Check the unit or per 100gms price. This will tell you what size pack of something is most economical. But remember to buy only as much as you are likely to use. In trying to save by bulk buying it is very easy to end up with things one doesn't need.

6. Try the shops own brands. Most respected supermarkets sell high quality products under their own brand name at a much lower price than standard brands.

7. Do not let anything in your pantry expire or perish. If you use everything you buy, your bill will be brought down substantially.

8. Do not visit clothes, chocolates, DVDs, CD, crisps and stationary sections unless there is something on your list. These are the traps that you enter unsuspectingly and almost always come out poorer.

9. Lastly, be alert and be smart. Work out your budget and reconcile it with your needs.

Here's to happy shopping.

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