7 Ways to Save on Your Weekly Food Shopping

How much do you spend on your weekly food shopping? Surprisingly many people don't actually know, they just go out and buy what they need as and when they need it and don't think about how much it adds up to. That's the benefit of shops being full of what we need as and when we need it but it can make us lazy about budgeting. Chances are you are spending more than you think you are, those quick trips to the shops add up!

To reduce your weekly food budget try out some or all of the following:

1. Buy supermarket own brand products instead of famous name brands - they are just as good and cost a great deal less
2. Look out for special promotions - but only on the things you buy anyway, don't get suckered into buying because 'it's on offer'
3. Use local independent shops for some of your food - check out what they have to offer, it's a myth that they are always more expensive
4. Get to know the prices of things you usually buy so that you recognise a good deal when you see it
5. Shop around - each of the supermarket chains will have different things on offer at any one time  
6. Collect and use the points and vouchers that supermarkets provide - they aren't much but they are something
7. Supermarkets mark down goods at the end of the day when the use by dates are nearly up - great for food you can use quickly or freeze

There really are lots of ways to reduce what you spend on food if you are willing to put some effort into it.