How to Save Money Without Cutting Back Your Shopping

Republic of Ireland - 14.8%

Northern Ireland - 8.2%

United Kingdom - 8.1%

United States of America - 7.8%

Ireland has seen dramatic change over the past four to five years. The roar of The Celtic Tiger has been and gone . . . for now.

Cost of living Increases have been implemented across the board for taxpayers, cutbacks in salaries and deductions in social welfare payments have happened. Ireland now has the fifth highest unemployment rate within the European Union.

Shocked? Well, we have all had a reality check here in recent years and from a personal point of view, saving money has never been more necessary.

I have adopted many lifestyle changes over the past year in particular.

We all need to eat and the way I shop has been one of the biggest areas of change so I wish to pass on my top money saving tips which will not cut back on your grocery shopping, but they will save you money!

This is one big change for me. I was not really fussed where I shopped before, generally it was whatever was closest which was Dunnes Stores. Another reason for choosing somewhere close was the fact I did not have a driver’s licence and was limited to what I could carry.That has now changed and cheaper supermarkets have been an eye opener and so worthwhile exploring.

Go in with a budget and stick to it. Calculate the cost approximately as you around the isles in the supermarket and then you know if you’re on track. Go shopping with a list and stick to it.

Having recently moved down the country, I now go to the nearest town once a week to shop at a world renowned “Cheap Supermarket” and the saving is amazing. Our euro really stretches there. €20 goes so much further and you are getting some spectacular products without cutting back. I have become a huge fan of many of their products now and it is my main place to shop for groceries.

I noticed last year in my local supermarket (Dunnes Stores) that they had four shelves in a 2 ft wide section of a cooler full of reduced products.

Meat, vegetables, fruit, yogurts, bread, and cakes are an indication of the types of foods available.

The catch is they are soon reaching their sell by date. I have picked up great offers such as free range chicken breasts, lean beef mince and vegetables at a third of the normal price.

I have now gotten in the habit of checking this area out (as it changes daily) every time I am near a branch. Check out your local supermarket, do they do similar? Have you ever noticed before?

Special Offers are a must when saving money and it’s about being a bit savvy and forward planning. Many places will have weekly offers such as Buy 1 get 1 Free or Buy 2 get a 3^rd Free.

For example, in my weekly visit to the supermarket, I always check the pasta as their pasta is cheap at 49 c a bag (4 different types) and they often do one of these special offers. Bread, Sauces, Dairy, Fruit and Veg plus household essentials such as toilet rolls, toothpaste and washing up liquid offer great savings opportunities with special offers that you know you will use.

Many own brand products available are now offering not only value but are delivering on taste, quality and nutritional content.

Reading contents of food labels and nutritional breakdowns is something I do frequently now and have been pleasantly surprised by some products and horrified at others so it is definitely worth doing.

Don’t dismiss the Own Brand labels as they can offer great alternatives at a fraction of the cost.

If you’re Supermarket has a loyalty scheme it is worth signing up.

At one of mine, you are given a swipe card and every time you are purchasing products, you just hand in the card and are awarded points.

Every 3 months you are sent a monetary amount in vouchers to use on what you like.

This can come in so handy at expensive times like Christmas or if you are entertaining guests. Having a few extra Euros can go along way when you are savvy on ways to save!

Changing our habits is not easy for some. I actually look at things quite differently and where shopping is concerned, I wonder what was I thinking not shopping around earlier?

In my family I have noticed big changes in shopping patterns too. Getting value for money is key as they all have their own different needs and family sizes to consider. We have changed our habits of a lifetime and have reaped the rewards.

Turning your hand to home baking is not only a great way to cut down cost but you will gain so much more in taste and quality.

Recently I made tomato bread and wholemeal bread which I have not made in approximately 20 years! What delight I got in tasting my own breads.

If stored in airtight containers, home baked goods such as cookies will last at least a week providing they are not displayed in a clear jar as they will disappear fast! Adopt the "out of sight; out of mind" rule and you will find they last a little longer!.

You may also bake and decide to freeze the items. It’s also a great opportunity to teach children and get them involved in baking so a win win situation all around!

I am a huge fan of this and have found it really beneficial. Availing of different offers weekly I enjoy putting together interesting freezer friendly meals that I have prepared using as much fresh produce as possible.

I usually cook dishes with meats done different ways in a sauce that will be served with pasta, rice or potatoes. When you make it with as many vegetables as you want or that are on special, a little goes a long way.

It will save you time in the long run that you will have to enjoy at your leisure!

You don’t need to have a garden in order to grow some vegetables, fruit or herbs.

They can be grown in containers and herbs are definitely the place to start.

Seeds are cheap or ask a friend for a cutting to plant up.

They make such a difference to flavour of food and have additional health benefits.

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