Category Archives: Shopping

Fresh & frugal

It’s been too long since we have reminded readers abut the pleasures of local markets. Spring seems like a great time of the year to do so – when fresh produce is abundant and cheap.   Local markets radiate community spirit. Stalls are full of fresh fruit and vegetables. Buskers and friendly banter fill the […]

The best place to shop

We all know what you buy at the supermarket has a major influence on your household budget, but according to the annual price survey released by Consumer, where you buy also makes a big difference.   Each year Consumer’s people storm the supermarket isles armed with a list of 40 top-selling products. They then compare […]

BuzzyBee, Waiheke Island

Having brought up 2 girls mostly on my own… I’ve had my share of having to pinch pennies… 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 […]

Reader, Mangonui.

We bought a TV/HiFi unit at Harvey Norman in Whangarei last year but nearly didn’t – the reason? When we asked the price it was nearly $700. We told the salesman this was way outside our budget and then he said “Were you planning to buy it on our pay-later scheme or did you want […]