How to cut costs at the supermarket

There are how to cut costs at the supermarket which few follow, but which are efficient. According to IBGE data, food costs account for around 20% of your budget. So, to save money, there's nothing better than knowing a few tips. Check them out below. 

How to cut costs at the supermarket 

According to data released by the IBGE, food costs account for around 20% of the monthly financial budget of Brazilian families. Fortunately, there are ways to spend less at the supermarket. 

If you want to save money on basic expenses, such as the supermarket, there are some tips that can help you. This is the first step towards establishing better financial health and saving money for other occasions. 

In short, even Brazilian families with greater purchasing power end up spending part of their profits on these expenses. So, if you want to find out how to cut costs at the supermarketHere are some tips that may help. 

1. Don't shop while hungry

Even though it sounds simple, the first tip for saving money at the supermarket is not to shop while hungry. This is because when you're hungry, you're more likely to buy something unnecessary. 

The reason for this is simple to understand: our brains don't work properly when we're on an empty stomach. What's more, supermarkets are organized to encourage consumers to buy unnecessary products immediately. 

In this sense, to avoid spending more than you intend to, don't go shopping on an empty stomach. This simple tip can save you more than you think, even if most people don't even imagine it. 

2. Create a target to reduce supermarket costs 

The second tip is to create a target for reducing supermarket costs. In this sense, create a spreadsheet with all the costs you normally incur in the store and then set a target to reduce them.

If you've never created a spreadsheet of this kind, i.e. to cut unnecessary spending, the process won't be easy. However, once it becomes a habit, consumers will be able to save a lot of money each month.

On the other hand, the more you save, the harder it is to achieve good results. However, through practice, no goal is impossible. This is because, in some situations, sources run out over time. 

In short, in order to achieve your goals and reduce supermarket-related costs, create coherent targets. This is the first step to getting the best results from savings, regardless of the financial objective. 

3. Have accounting support 

Another tip for reducing costs in the supermarket is to have good accounting support. This is because accounting support is important in all situations, but ends up being neglected in most. 

When consumers rely on a good accounting team, it is possible to understand the economic situation and take the best financial measures. This is the best way to save money in the long term. 

If you can't hire an accounting support team, there's no need to worry. There are efficient ways to save money without professional support. But you need to be focused and committed to the goals you set.

4. Create a maximum amount to spend

Before leaving home, it is necessary to set a maximum amount to spend on shopping. In this way, consumers avoid unnecessary spending. While you're shopping, add up the amounts on a calculator.

When consumers add up the cost of their purchases, they avoid surprises when it comes time to pay. This will help them not to go over their budget. To create an amount to spend at the supermarket, make a financial plan. 

Consumers can use a financial planning spreadsheet to make the process of saving easier. If you don't already have one, the first step is to create one. There are several platforms that make these spreadsheets available for free. 

5. Put together a menu 

Another essential tip for saving money when shopping at the supermarket is to put together a menu for the week or month. With all the items written down, consumers leave the house knowing what they need to buy.

In this sense, it's important to know all the products or items to put together your menus, whether monthly or weekly. Set aside time to prepare meals, whether for breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner. 

A great tip for saving money when shopping at the supermarket is to think about recipes that use seasonal produce. In most cases, these products tend to be cheap in the main supermarkets and markets. 

Another tip that can help is to create menus that have common ingredients. That way, you can reuse them in different recipes. Before putting together your weekly or monthly menu, look at the items in your fridge or pantry. 

6. Look for the best promotions

The main supermarkets in Brazil run promotions on specific days of the week. Once consumers have the menu in hand, they can go shopping on days with more attractive prices. But keep this in mind: taking advantage of promotions is no longer attractive when the consumer throws the food away. 

In other words, before you buy any product from the supermarket, make sure it's really interesting for your needs. Also, do the math to see if the offers of the day are really attractive. In some cases, consumers pay the same price for the products, but the quality is inferior.

Finally, taking advantage of supermarket promotions is essential for those who want to save money, but this strategy must be followed wisely. Check the condition of your cupboards, fridge and freezer. Then make a list of the essential items you need to buy. 

7. Buy wholesale 

Last but not least, consider buying products wholesale. Check the prices charged by different stores in your area, as they may be more affordable for the same products. 

Another point to consider is wholesalers. But don't get too carried away in these stores, as you may end up buying more than you need. Also, if you live alone and buy in bulk, many items may expire. In this case, supermarkets are the best alternative.