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How to save money at the supermarket tills

Even if you hate doing the weekly supermarket shop, we're sure you would like it a little bit more if you could reduce your bill.

Here are a few tips which could help.

Make a list
Make a list before you go, even if you're only doing a little shop. This will help you focus on the things you need and not get tempted by other items.

Use your hands
If you're only popping in for a carton of milk or a loaf of bread, don't bother getting a basket. Having a basket will tempt you to fill it with things things you don't really need. Whereas your arms can carry only so much!

Beware of the multi-buy
Buy one get one free offers are great on things that won't go off or will be eaten by the use by date. But buying three packs of fresh pasta for the price of two is a waste of money if you end up throwing two of those packs away. If you don't need three packs of fish fingers don't buy them just because you'll save a few pence on the multi-buy. 3 for 2 is the same as "buy one, get one half price".

Use by/best before myths
Do you know what "use by" and "best before" dates actually mean? If the products has a "use by" date then it should be used or eaten before that date, otherwise it might be unsafe. "Best before" dates encourage you to throw stuff away that you've not eaten and buy more! A best before date has nothing to do with health & safety. It's purely a recommendation by the manufacturer as to when you should eat the food before. You can safely eat the food after the best before date - it just may not taste its best.

The reduction shelf
Every supermarket has one and they are well worth a visit. Usually the reduced items will have a coloured sticker to help you spot them. Always check your "use by" dates when buying reduced goods. The items usually start being reduced after 4 pm with more being added after 6pm. So the prime time to shop for reductions is between 6pm and 8 pm when you could make some great savings.

Don't shop hungry
If you've got the belly rumbles then you're more likely to buy unnecessary food when you're at the supermarket.

Try the brand challenge.
Down shifting your brands could help you make big savings. Try the supermarket own brands and value items as these can be a lot cheaper and still be good quality.

Go online
Shopping online could still cost you less than shopping in store even though most supermarkets operate a delivery charge. And you certainly won't be as tempted to buy stuff as you would if you were walking round.

Source: Time For Money