Use “Loyalty Cards” especially ones that don’t have an end date. It might take a couple of years to fill your card, but it’s worth it at the end. Paper Plus have cards for books, for greeting cards; (buy 9 get the 10th one free); many cafes do (if you’re part of a staff who […]

I prefer the option of on-line grocery shopping. It’s easier for my lifestyle, and it’s actually easier to control what you spend. On the surface of things, Pak n Save looks cheaper, but if you know how to use your on-line shopping features, you can make it work quite well for the budget. One of […]

Go to the supermarket first thing in the morning and get some real bargains at the deli section. there are often things, being close to their ‘use by date’, at less than half the normal price. I often manage to get Champagne ham or other really expensive stuff for a fraction of the normal cost […]

Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach. Make a list of the meals you will eat during the week and the ingredients needed for these. Only go down the aisles you need to go down. Make sure you compare value for money- not simply on what is cheapest but look at volumes etc. A smaller […]

Shop for food fortnightly or monthly if you can. The more often you shop, the more you’ll spend because of impulse buying!

Shop for specials. Eg. Every week they rotate brands so one of the ice creams and 1L yoghurts will always be on special, usually for $3.99. Go one step further like I do and get it when the brand you like; like Tip Top is $3.99 instead of the usual $5.99 My Foodtown always marks […]

We shop at the supermarket once per month, meat shop once every 3 months and vege/milk/bread shop weekly. I spend no more than $250 for the month for 2 people on general groceries – which ends up meaning $29 per person per week for food. This also includes lunches for work. I buy meat in […]

For buying computer and electronic stuff try www.pricespy.co.nz. It compares retail prices for the same item.

Always, always check your till receipt after doing your grocery shopping. It is rare not to find mistakes which have cost you money. The shop computer and the shelf prices don’t always match and the staff are always happy to remedy this.