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Whether you are an avid foodie or have a family that doesn’t play around when it comes to how much they eat, knowing when to use your credit card can help the situation. Groceries can be the second largest expense you will have to face with Australians throwing $950 away when dealing with household expenses. We have gathered 5 ways on how to let your credit card do the gymnastics, so you can lose the financial weight that is slowing you down.
For starters, you will need a pen and paper
You have probably heard the famous adage that “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail” right? This couldn’t be truer when it comes to grocery shopping and reducing the costs on your credit card. A survey by Robo Direct found that 43% of Australians throw away food because they bought too much of food. With 2.9 million Aussies reaching for their credit card to cover shopping expenses it helps to plan. Plan a budget either on pen and paper or on your phone. Go to your pantry and your fridge to see what’s in it to prevent you buying double of the same thing. Realistically ask yourself if it will last you until your next pay. This will help you save in a big way when you make your payment at the till. Leaving you with less interest to pay on your credit card.
Next position, is to learn how to steer your eyes away from specials
At first, you could be tempted to quit this position as those tags lure you into a two-for-one special that you think you desperately need. Keep the end goal in mind. Slowly turn your head away from the special aisle and keep your eyes focused on your list. That’s it. You can do it. This will prevent you from spending money on unnecessary things that you won’t end up using anyway. Always remember that specials are a marketing gimmick to get you to spend more than you intended too.
Now extend your arm to check the time to see if it’s the end of the day
Want to really bag a bargain that will cut down costs? Go to your shopping centre at the end of the day. This is the most opportune time when the bakery has perishables that they have to sell at discount in order to make space for the new stock. Don’t forget to go down the fruit and vegetable isle to cash in on available specials.
Reach for a bowl to stop the grumbling
Best way to avoid costs is to never go shopping hungry. Prepare a meal beforehand, or snack on something healthy that you know will keep your stomach in check. This will prevent you from buying unnecessary small items that add up when it is time to pay. Instead of spending on junk food you could use it to save towards something you really need.
Allow the zen of swiping your rewards card to take over you
Rewards cards can come in handy, especially when doing grocery shopping. Constantly check your reward points to see where they stand. Save them until you reach at least $20 -$30 then spend it where it is needed to reduce costs. Try to refrain from using your cards for small items or whenever you feel like. You can find best deals on shopping credit cards that benefit you in the long run.
Bonus tip
Stop buying food that nobody eats. Yeah, sure they used to love eating your turkey and mayo sandwiches. Which was two years back. Stocking up on items no one enjoys can leave you with waste. If you still want to save a little room for the turkey because you enjoy it, then buy something that you know you will be able to finish on your own before it reaches its expiry date.
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