Broadband prices, council tax bills, the cost of a TV licence and water bills are set to increase from April 1.
With that in mind, households will be looking for any way they can cut back on costs.
Therefore, we have pulled together some top tips to save you money on your weekly shop at supermarkets such as Asda, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and more.
Don’t go shopping without a list or meal plan
According to the Money Advice Service, people who make a list are three times less likely to overspend than those who don’t.
Get your pen and paper out (or use your phone) and jot down everything you need for the week ahead. Plan it down to a tee, including ingredients for each meal you plan to cook. It’s important to stick to your list and avoid throwing in any extras, to avoid splurging.
Never shop on an empty stomach
It always helps to do your shopping after you’ve had a meal. If your stomach’s rumbling, there’s a high chance you’ll give in to the hunger pangs and chuck some tempting treats in the trolley.
Of course, it’s fine to treat yourself, but try to factor them in on your list, to curb impulse buying.
Head to the frozen aisle for vegetables
Fresh fruit and vegetables are great – but if you’re on a tight budget, you can still get your five-a-day in frozen form.
Also, if you’re getting a week’s worth of food in one go, buying frozen stuff means you’ll have fewer problems with food going off before you use it. Plus, research shows that fresh foods lose vitamins and minerals over time whilst freezing them preserves nutrients.
Use loyalty cards
It’s a good idea to shop around, but at the same time, loyalty can pay off. Loyalty cards can help you to rack up points at your favourite supermarket, which can lead to some juicy savings.
Just make sure no deals persuade you into buying something you wouldn’t normally purchase.
Save up to 38%
We all have our favourite brands. But with the likes of Aldi winning awards for their own alcohol, grocery, and baby ranges, it is worth ditching the pricey brands.
In 2021, Which? revealed Aldi as the cheapest supermarket of the year, with a basket of 22 branded and unbranded goods costing £24.03. This is 38% cheaper than Waitrose, at £33.06.
