Benefits of buying groceries weekly
- You can cash in on weekly specials Many shops offer weekly specials that you can take advantage of. Rather than benefiting from specials only once a month, you’re more likely to save money as many different items will be sold at a discounted price.
- No more forgetting items If you’re buying monthly, forgetting items is even more inconvenient, especially if you aren’t able to pop out to the shops to get that single item. If you plan weekly trips with a clear shopping list you can avoid forgetting items when you shop.
- So fresh and so green Shopping weekly means you can buy more fresh foods and healthy ingredients which, in turn, can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
- You’ll eat more fruit and veg By shopping on a weekly basis, you’re more likely to buy fresh produce than if you’re stocking up for a month. As perishables, they would obviously not last for a month. Weekly shopping may encourage you to buy fruit and veg and, as a result, you’ll be eating more of them.
Tips to save on your next shop
Even if you’re bound to save a few by buying supplies on a weekly basis, here are a few tips to make your groceries last:
- Members only If you’re not a loyalty member at your local supermarket, you’re missing out! Most supermarket loyalty cards cost you nothing to set up (such as Pick n Pay’s Smart Shopper and Checkers Xtra Savings cards) and give you the best deals on lots of items, including essentials that will help you reduce your grocery spend. Some supermarkets may also have coupons for regular shoppers as a reward for their loyalty.
- Shop around Staying loyal to your favourite supermarket has its benefits but shopping around for the best price really is a good idea if you’re looking to save. Not only should you be looking for the lowest prices on your grocery items, but seeing what weekly deals are out there will get you an added bang for your buck. Check for supermarket inserts in your local newspaper, as well as handouts that are usually available at the entrance of most supermarkets.
- It’s in the bag It’s great to see that the majority of South African supermarkets have either reduced or stopped the use of plastic carrier bags entirely. While this is great news for the environment, your wallet may disagree when you forget to take your reusable bags with you on your next grocery shop. Woolworths reusable bags may seem like small change at the cost of R 6.49 per bag, but will make a dent in your back pocket if you’re doing a big shop or simply forget them at home.
- Weigh less Some grocery items, such as fresh produce, meat, and cheese are sold by weight rather than at a set price. You may see that these items are sold by the kilogram or gram, so you can save if you pay attention to their weight and subsequent price.
- Plan ahead Making a list is generally seen as a good idea if you’re prone to forgetting items behind. But did you know that jotting your groceries down can save you money? Creating a list of the items you actually need and sticking to it makes it less likely that you’ll grab items on a whim. Not only will it save you money, it will also save you time by preventing you from wandering the aisles aimlessly.
While shopping once a month gives you the option to buy in bulk which, in no doubt, saves you money, shopping weekly has more pros than cons.
Shopping online or via an app can also help you save and will also make it easier on your petrol budget. The Nedbank Avo app is a great platform where you can get access to shopping essentials from different supermarkets and stores. Not only is it convenient, but it also comes with extra savings that will help you stretch your budget. The app offers you different shopping experiences from groceries and household to tech and gaming. Download the Avo app and see how you can save today.