Where is all the money going?
For the last two months my grocery budget has been running out quicker than normal. It has been frustrating because we aren’t buying anything different.
When I sat down and did a quick audit of what we spend on different things, I realised that things are just a lot more expensive now.
We eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables and were spending R500 – R800 every 10 days on our fresh produce box but now the same box is R800 – R1200. That is a pretty big difference especially when it is happening to all of our other groceries as well.
What to do, what to do!
The cost of living is increasing everywhere. We are all in the same boat – so what do we do?
Some may say the answer is earn more or buy less.
But that is definitely not the simple answer – so what to do, what to do.
Understand your priorities. This looks different for everyone. We spend a lot of money on our fruit and veg because it is a priority for us. I don’t want to buy less. I don’t want to buy from cheaper retailers. We make sacrifices in other areas to be able to make this work. It is easier said than done though because we are very quickly getting to a point where there isn’t anything else we can cut back on.
Be content with what you have. The easiest way to spend less money is to be happy with what you have. We are constantly being bombarded with the next best thing – there is always something we have to have. But we seldom need it. Be content with what you have, save your money to buy the things that are a priority.
Sign up for all the loyalty programs! I went shopping at Dischem the other day and when I was paying I realised the points on my card covered the items I was buying – bonus! I love shopping at Checkers – watching the total drop drastically when they apply the Xtra Savings is the best feeling. Bolt is one of Capitec’s partners and now that I don’t have a car, I Bolt everywhere so I earn money back on something I was using anywhere – score!
Shop Online – shopping online has actually saved us money! There are no distractions when you shop online, you have a list and you buy the list. You aren’t wandering mindlessly down the isles getting distracted by the “buy 2 for 1” specials or the big 20% signs on stuff you don’t even use. There is a delivery fee of course, but you don’t get to the shop for free, you have to drive them so it’s really not an additional expense AND Checkers recently ran a campaign saying it is actually cheaper to order from them than driving your car.
Treat yourself. This is not a money saving tip but rather a mental health tip. Times are tough, we are all struggling a little so be kind to yourself. Get that coffee, buy the chocolate, treat yourself when you can- guilt free.
What are you doing to save money?
3 Responses
It is awful how everything seems to be jumping up in price but like you said it’s happening everywhere! Great advice. I know that doing our grocery shop online saves me money. I get too easily tempted by offers when I am out shopping. x
Kim Carberry recently posted…How to make the perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte at home
I’ve definitely noticed our groceries costing more over the last several months especially. It’s gotten me back into rebate apps for sure.
It’s scary how the price of everything is going up. I dip my hand in growing veg for fun. This year we saved a bit of money thanks to my mum sharing her surplus harvested veg with us so I would love to grow vegetables a bit more seriously to save money. xxx