Three ways to stretch a budget as prices rise
Planning ahead can save you more money than you would expect.
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WITH rising prices for fuel and food, many South African households are feeling the pressure.
Here are three ways to stay within budget and beat inflation:
Keep a calendar
Find a nook in your home to hang a calendar, and mark down the due dates for your monthly and annual payments. This will ensure that there are no fines for late payments. The visual aid will also make it easier to plan ahead and get all your ducks in a row. Dates to earmark include your annual car licence renewal and vehicle service. You can also jot down monthly bill deadlines such as rent, levies, or utility payments.
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Plan the weekly grocery shop
Jot down a meal plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner and make a shopping list of the items you need for each meal. Before you hit the shops, take a moment to browse your local newspaper for specials. Consider making separate shopping lists for different stores, to maximise the bargains on offer. At the shop, try to focus on your list and avoid being led astray by specials for items you don’t need.
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Waste not, want not
The old adage couldn’t be more true. Taking the time to measure out the correct portions when cooking can prevent unnecessary food waste. Opting for frozen vegetables or tinned items is also a great way to ensure food is not spoiled throughout the month. Consider taking a monthly shopping trip for non-perishables and doing bi-weekly trips for fresh produce. Another great way to prevent waste is to precut the fruit or vegetable portions you will need for the meals you plan to cook during the month. Not only will this keep produce from spoiling, but it will also minimise the cooking time for those rushed weeknight meals or on-the-go breakfast smoothies.
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