More Bang For Your Buck At The Supermarket.

 A few weeks ago my friend Maureen posted a few 1/2 price sale items at Woolworths over on the Cheapskates Chatter Facebook page.  One of those items was Lipton teabags 100 pack on a half price sale for $2.90.  My first thought was - bargain.  We love drinking tea and teabags haven't been 1/2 price for quite a long time.

I did need to buy apples and carrots too so I combined it all into one shop.  For 6 boxes of tea bags,  2 x 1 kilo bags of apples and 1 x 1 kilo bag of carrots,  I ended up paying $13.40. That's a really good deal isn't it ?  The receipt did originally say I needed to pay $26.00 but I had a few tricks up my sleeve. 

So how did I get these items so cheap ?

Firstly,  I used my monthly 10% off discount on a total shop through Woolworth Rewards saving $2.60

Secondly,   I had $10 in rewards money on my card.  With these 2 discounts the bill came down to $13.40. 

But the savings didn't end there.

The full price for all those groceries would usually cost

$34.80 for the tea  

$7.00 for the apples

$1.60 for the carrots     for a grand total value of $43.40  which is a saving of $30.00

  I didn't pay full price for the teabags  so that was a saving of $17.40 The bags of apples are for Darren's lunches.  I picked the bags that had the smallest apples for a total of 8 apples per bag.  Some bags only had 6 apples ( same weight ).  Darren doesn't like big apples with his lunch so this was perfect for him.  It's also another way of portion controlling and making the food last longer.

I also weighed the 3 bags ( carrots too ) and they were all about 70grams each over weight which is about 200 grams of food for free.  I'm not going to try and calculate how much that saving was,  but a saving is a saving. 

I also wisely used these savings to buy real food. 

Do you have any tricks for saving at the supermarket ?

Shopping The Supermarket Specials

One way to reduce your food budget without compromising on quality is to buy brand name items on special. Most branded items come on sale at some time. Some of them come on sale every 4 or 6 weeks while others like soups will be more of a seasonal sale item. 

Checking catalogues on a regular basis is a great starting point. If you see something on sale that you would normally use, ask yourself these questions before you buy-

* Do I normally use this item ?
* How many can I use within a good time frame ?
* Is this a good price or is there a better sale price ?
* How many can I store ?
* How many can my budget afford ?

A good sale price ( for me ) is 30 - 50 % off. When it's a 50% sale and a much used item I've been known to clear out the supermarket shelf. I can do this because I always have spare money in my food slush fund especially for this purpose.

If you don't have a food slush fund yet, see if you can buy an extra one or two items. Then when you go shopping next time you can cross that item off your list. This will free up some money to buy a different item on sale. Then the cycle begins. Your food spending will gradually decrease as you shop the sales. Before you know it you'll be buying everything on sale and your grocery budget will be slashed.  

Do you shop the sales ?

What grocery item will you bulk buy ?

You can never have too much tea.

A Winter sale item

Grocery Specials Starting Wednesday 7th June 2017

Here are this week's best grocery specials -

COLES -

*  Nescafé Café Menu 10 Pack 132g-185g1/2 PRICE Limited Edition.Was $6.59, Save $3.30  Now $3.29 each

*  Cadbury Sharepack 160g-180g1/2 PRICE Was $4.60, Save $2.30  Now $2.30 each

*  Campbell’s Condensed Soup 400g-430g1/2 PRICE Was $2.00, Save $1.00  Now $1.00 each.  Now is the time and price to stock up for a year.  These soups are great for casseroles.

*  Green’s Maple Flavoured Syrup 375g1/2 PRICE Was $3.20, Save $1.60  Now $1.60 each

*  SunRice Medium Grain Brown or White Rice 5kg1/2 PRICE Was $13.60, Save $6.80  Now $6.80 each

*  Sanitarium So Good Almond Unsweetened Long Life Milk 1 Litre1/2 PRICE Was $3.00, Save $1.50  Now $1.50 each

*  Coles Australian Beef Mince 3 Star 1kg Pack Save $1.00 Now 2 for $13.00

*  Four’N Twenty Traditional Meat Pies 4 Pack 700g1/2 PRICE.Was $8.00, Save $4.00
Now $4.00 each  Stock up for the footy finals.

*  .30% OFF Head & Shoulders Haircare.

*    30% OFF John Frieda Hair Care

*  1/2 PRICE Covergirl Makeup

*  30% OFF Rosehip by Essano Skincare

*  30% OFF Toni & Guy Haircare

*  Dynamo Laundry Liquid 2 Litre or Professional 1.8 Litre1/2 PRICE Was $17.50, Save $8.75  Now $8.75 each .  This product dilutes really well.

*  Duck Fresh Bleach Discs Primary1/2 PRICE Was $6.60, Save $3.30  Now $3.30 each.

*   1/2 PRICE Sistema Klip It & To Go

*  30% OFF Mix Hosiery & Socks

*  Campbell's Real Stock 1 Litre1/2 PRICE Was $3.99, Save $2.00  Now $1.99 each

WOOLWORTHS -

*  Cadbury Dairy Milk or Old Gold Block 180-200g Now $2.50 each1/2 Price, Save $2.50

*  Arnott’s Shapes 160-190g Now $1.50 each1/2 Price, Save $1.50.  I'm still hoping they'll bring back the original Nacho Cheese flavour.

*  30% off All Moccona

*  20% off All Vileda

*  1/2 Price All decor Tellfresh & Match-ups

*  30% off Nivea Women’s Moisturisers & Garnier Skincare

*  30% off All Poise

*  40% off All L'Oreal Men

*  30% off All Lucky Dog.

*  30% off Bonds Baby

*  SunRice Medium Grain Rice 10 kg Now $12.00 each1/2 Price, Save $12.00

Feel free to add any great specials you find.

             

Grocery Specials Starting Wednesday 24th May 2017

Here are this week's best grocery specials -

COLES -

*  Nescafé Gold 190g-200g1/2 PRICE Was $17.99, Save $9.00  Now $8.99 each

*  Golden Circle Tetra Fruit Drink 1 Litre1/2 PRICE Excludes Pineapple, Tomato & Nectar.Was $2.15, Save $1.08  Now $1.07 each

*  Arnott’s Salada Crispbread 250gWas $3.00, Save $1.00  Now $2.00 each

*  MasterFoods Squeezy Sauce 500mL1/2 PRICE Was $2.85, Save $1.43  Now $1.42 each

*  Maharajah’s Choice Basmati Rice 5kg1/2 PRICE Was $17.50, Save $8.75  Now $8.75 each

*  Cadbury Real Chocolate Melting Buttons 225g1/2 PRICE Was $4.19, Save $2.14  Now $2.05 each.  A stockpile worthy price.

*  Tip Top English Muffins 6 Pack1/2 PRICE Was $4.90, Save $2.45  Now $2.45 each

*  40% OFF Ogx Haircare.

*  30% OFF Olay Regenerist & Total Effects

*  Oral B Pro Health Advanced Deep Clean Toothpaste 110g1/2 PRICE Was $5.00, Save $2.50
Now $2.50 each

*  Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner 900mL1/2 PRICE Was $15.70, Save $7.85  Now $7.85 each

*  1/2 PRICE Papermate & Sharpie

*  30% OFF Wiltshire Bakeware

*  Mars M&M's or Maltesers 140g-180g1/2 PRICEWas $4.25, Save $2.13  Now $2.12 each

WOOLWORTHS -

*  SunRice Jasmine or Brown Rice 5 kg Now $6.75 each1/2 Price, Save $6.75

*   Imported Freshwater Basa Fillets Now $5.50 kg1/2 Price, Save $5.50 kg

*    40% off All Bonds

*    Ansell Silverlined Gloves Pk 1 Now $1.55 each1/2 Price, Save $1.55

*  30% Off All Total Effects & Regenerist Skincare.

*  30% Off All Aveeno Skincare

*  30% Off All Neutrogena Skincare

*  30% Off All Platinum Cosmetics

*  30% Off All L’Oreal Men’s

*  1/2 Price All Covergirl & Skin Therapy Skincare.

*  40% off All Men’s & Women’s Bic Razors

*  30% off All VO5

*  Oral B Essential Floss 2 x 50m Now $3.00 each1/2 Price, Save $3.00

*  Dynamo Laundry Liquid 1.8/2 Litre Now $8.75 each1/2 Price, Save $8.75.  Dilutes really well too.

                   

Grocery Specials Starting Wednesday 10th May 2017

Here are this week's best grocery specials

COLES -

*  Continental Cup a Soup 2 Serve 40g-75g or Pasta & Sauce 85g-115g1/2 PRICE Was $2.00, Save $1.00  Now $1.00 each

*  Maharajah’s Choice Basmati Rice 5kg1/2 PRICE Was $17.50, Save $8.75  Now $8.75 each

*  Lindt Lindor Fruit Collection Gift Box 147g1/2 PRICE.Was $12.60, Save $6.30 Now $6.30 each

*  Tip Top English Muffins 6 Pack1/2 PRICE Was $4.90, Save $2.45  Now $2.45 each

*  MasterFoods Squeezy Tomato Sauce 500mLWas $2.85, Save $0.85  Now $2.00 each

*  Fountain Tomato or Barbecue Sauce 2 Litre1/2 PRICE Was $6.00, Save $3.00  Now $3.00 each

*  Don Footy Franks 375g-500g1/2 PRICE From the Dairy department.Was $5.60, Save $2.80
Now $2.80 each

*  Norsca Anti-Perspirant 245mL1/2 PRICE Was $5.99, Save $3.00  Now $2.99 each

*  Brut Anti-Perspirant or Body Spray 245mL1/2 PRICE New at Coles.Was $6.50, Save $3.25
Now $3.25 each

*  Palmolive Naturals Shower Gel 500mL1/2 PRICE Was $5.39, Save $2.70  Now $2.69 each

*  Palmolive Dishwashing Liquid 700mL-750mL1/2 PRICE Was $5.49, Save $2.75  Now $2.74 each

*  1/2 PRICE Bonds.

*  40% OFF Pyrex.

*  Handee Ultra Paper Towel 4 Pack1/2 PRICE Was $5.20, Save $2.60  Now $2.60 each

WOOLWORTHS -

*  Golden Crumpets Rounds Pk 6 Now $1.65 each1/2 Price, Save $1.65

*  Nescafe Cafe Menu Coffee Sachets Pk 10 Now $3.29 each1/2 Price, Save $3.30

*  Lavazza Coffee Beans or Ground 500g now $9.50 each1/2 Price, Save $9.50

*  My Dog 680g – Excludes Home Recipe Now $1.60 each1/2 Price, Save $1.60

*  Vegeta Stock Powder 180-250g Now $2.50 each Save from $1.10

*  Heinz Condensed Soup Cans 420g Now $1.10 each1/2 Price, Save $1.10

*  Old El Paso Premium Kits 275-370g Now $3.49 each1/2 Price, Save $3.50

*  Flora Proactiv 250g Now $2.25 each1/2 Price, Save $2.25

*  30% off All Wiltshire EasyBake

*  40% off All Inspire Bathroom Manchester

*  25% off All Onix.

*  Pine O Cleen Disinfectant 1.25 Litre Now $2.49 each1/2 Price, Save $2.50.  A stockpile worthy price.

*  30% off All Ecotools

*  40% off All Clearasil Skin Care

*  1/2 Price All Olay Skin Care

*  30% off All Dove Hair Care

*  Morning Fresh Dishwashing Liquid 900ml Now $3.47 each1/2 Price, Save $3.48   

                   

Grocery Specials Starting Wednesday 18th April 2017

Here are this week's grocery specials -

COLES -

*  Arnott’s Salada Crispbread 250gWas $3.00, Save $1.00  Now $2.00 each

*  Vege Chips Original 100g1/2 PRICE Was $3.40, Save $1.70  Now $1.70 each

*   Bonne Maman Jam 370g1/2 PRICE Was $5.00, Save $2.50  Now $2.50 each

*  Maharajah’s Choice Basmati Rice 5kg1/2 PRICE On sale for 2 weeks.Was $17.50, Save $8.75 

Now $8.75 each

*  Golden Crumpet Rounds 6 Pack1/2 PRICE Was $3.30, Save $1.65  Now $1.65 each

*  30% OFF Poise

*  30% OFF Carefree & Stayfree Pads, Liners & Tampons

*  Palmolive Naturals Shower Gel 500mLWas $5.39, Save $2.39  Now $3.00 each

*  !/2 price on selected Dove products.

*  Macleans Extreme Clean Toothpaste 170g1/2 PRICE Was $5.00, Save $2.50  Now $2.50 each

*  Morning Fresh Dishwashing Liquid 900mL1/2 PRICE Was $6.95, Save $3.48  Now $3.47 each

*  Ansell Handy Disposable Gloves 100 Pack1/2 PRICE Was $11.00, Save $5.50  Now $5.50 each

*  Chux Heavy Duty Scourer Scrubs 3 Pack1/2 PRICE Was $3.20, Save $1.60  Now $1.60 each

*  Sard Oxy Plus Stain Remover 1kg1/2 PRICE Was $7.29, Save $3.65  Now $3.64 each

*  1/2 PRICE Décor Microsafe

*  30% OFF Mix Socks & Underwear

*  Adrenaline or Spa & Wellness Gift Cards 40% OFF

*   1/2 PRICE All Maybelline MakeUp

*  30% OFF Neutrogena Facial Skincare

WOOLWORTHS -

*  Moccona Classic Freeze Dried Coffee 200g – Excludes Indulgence Range Now $9.00 each1/2 Price, Save $9.39

*  Arnott’s Shapes 160-190g Now $1.50 each1/2 Price, Save $1.50

*  Campbell’s Real Stock Varieties 1 Litre Now $1.99 each 1/2 Price, Save $2.00

*  Vanish Napisan Gold Oxi Action or Crystal White 2 kg Now $9.99 each1/2 Price, Save $10.00

*  Edgell Corn 420g Now $0.88 each 1/2 Price, Save $0.89

*  20% off All Be Natural

*  Freedom Foods Active Balance 350g Now $2.99 each1/2 Price, Save $3.00

*  Golden Crumpet Breaks Pk 6 Now $1.99 each1/2 Price, Save $2.00

*  Tip Top English Muffin Varieties Pk 6 Now $2.45 each1/2 Price, Save $2.45

*    30% off All Maybelline

*  20% off All Glad Cling & Bake

*  Palmolive Dishwashing Liquid 700-750ml Now $2.74 each1/2 Price, Save $2.75

*  30% off All Jamie Oliver Kitchenware

*  30% off All Arcosteel Cookware

*  1/2 Price All Sistema Coloured Home Storage

*  30% off All CLiO, Razza Matazz & Sheer Relief

*  1/2 Price All Sistema Klip It

*  15% off $30, $50, $100 iTunes Gift Cards.

Grocery Specials Starting Wednesday 12th April 2017

Here are this week's best grocery specials -

COLES -

*  Cadbury Melts Cooking Chocolate 225g1/2 PRICE  Was $4.19, Save $2.10  Now $2.09 each

*  Tip Top English Muffins 6 Pack1/2 PRICE Was $4.90, Save $2.45  Now $2.45 each

*  Cheezels Snacks 110g1/2 PRICE Was $2.00, Save $1.00  Now $1.00 each

*  Mars Maltesers 360g or M&M’s Peanut 440g1/2 PRICE Was $10.00, Save $5.00  Now $5.00 each

*  Cottee’s Jam 500g Was $3.35, Save $1.35  Now $2.00 each

*  Buy Any 2 Get the 3rd FREE Colgate Total

*  1/2 PRICE Mum Deodorant

*  1/2 PRICE Decor Microsafe

*  30% OFF Wiltshire Gadgets & Bakeware

*  30% Off Black Swan Classic or Crafted Dips

* Bic Soleil Twilight Lavender Razors 4 Pack Save $4.98  Now 2 for $6.00

WOOLWORTHS -

*  Mars Gift Boxes 300-440g Now $5.00 each1/2 Price, Save $5.00

*  20% off All Dr. Oetker Baking.

*  Imported Smoked Cod (Hake) Fillets Now $10.00 kg Save $5.00 kg Seafood may not be available in all stores. Thawed for your convenience. ( I ask for frozen )

*  Golden Crumpets Rounds Pk 6 Now $1.65 each1/2 Price, Save $1.65

*  Castello Cheese 150g Now $3.70 each1/2 Price, Save $3.70.  Wonderful for a treat.

*  Praise Traditional or Fat Free Mayonnaise 365-410g Now $1.70 each1/2 Price, Save $1.70

*  Praise Dressings 330ml Now $1.74 each1/2 Price, Save $1.75.  Check the best before dates.  You might be able to stock up for next Summer.

*  Always Fresh Wedges, Sliced or Pitted Olives 220g Now $2.50 each1/2 Price, Save $2.50

*  Always Fresh Baby Cucumbers 350g Now $1.75 each1/2 Price, Save $1.95

*  Golden Circle Drink 1 Litre Now $1.07 each1/2 Price, Save $1.08

*   30% off All Inspire Bakeware

*  20% off All Deeko Disposable Picnic

*  30% off All Maybelline Cosmetics.

*  30% off All Lynx

*  Morning Fresh Dishwashing Liquid 900ml Now $3.45 each1/2 Price, Save $3.50

*  Energizer Max AA Pk 16 Now $9.75 each1/2 Price, Save $9.75

*  Energizer Max AAA Pk 14 Now $9.75 each1/2 Price, Save $9.75


          

Grocery Specials Starting Wednesday 29th March 2017

Here are this week's grocery specials

COLES -

*  Old El Paso Soft Taco Kit 405g1/2 PRICE Was $6.50, Save $3.25  Now $3.25 each

*  Cadbury Favourites or Mini Block Boxed Chocolates 320g1/2 PRICE Was $12.00, Save $6.00 Now $6.00 each

*  Mars Maltesers 360g or M&M’s Peanut 440g1/2 PRICE Was $10.00, Save $5.00  Now $5.00 each

*  Heinz Big Red Condensed Soup 420g1/2 PRICE Was $2.20, Save $1.10  Now $1.10 each

*  Espressotoria Vittoria Espresso Coffee Capsules 12 Pack 78g1/2 PRICE Was $8.39, Save $4.20
Now $4.19 each

*  Birds Eye Ocean Selections Atlantic Salmon 280g1/2 PRICE From the Freezer department.

Was $12.00, Save $6.00  Now $6.00 each $21.43 per kg

*  Sunsilk Shampoo or Conditioner 700mL1/2 PRICE Was $9.99, Save $5.00  Now $4.99 each

*  Palmolive Naturals Shower Gel 500mL1/2 PRICE Was $5.39, Save $2.70  Now $2.69 each.  Great for making a pamper present

*  Redwin Sorbolene Moisturiser with Vitamin E 1 Litre1/2 PRICE Was $6.25, Save $3.13  Now $3.12 each

*  30% OFF Nivea Womens Skincare

*  30% OFF Neutrogena Skincare

*  Fairy Dishwashing Liquid 433mL1/2 PRICE Was $3.99, Save $2.00  Now $1.99 each

*  Sard Stain Remover Trigger 450mL-500mL1/2 PRICE Was $4.85, Save $2.43  Now $2.42 each

*  Adidas Climacool Antiperspirant 200mL1/2 PRICE Was $5.00, Save $2.50  Now $2.50 each

*  1/2 PRICE Sistema Klip It

*  30% OFF Bonds Underwear & Socks

*  Brunnings Fast Action Weed Kill Ready To Use 1 Litre1/2 PRICE Was $10.00, Save $5.00  Now $5.00 each

WOOLWORTHS -

*  Kraft The Good Nut Peanut Butter 500g Now $2.85 each 1/2 Price, Save $2.85

*  20% off All Chocolate Easter Bunnies

*  Fountain Sauce Varieties 2 Litre Now $3.00 each1/2 Price, Save $3.00

*  Spam 340g Now $2.45 each1/2 Price, Save $2.45

*  Sunrice Jasmine or Brown Rice 5 kg Now $6.75 each1/2 Price, Save $6.75

*  Australia’s Own Organic Stock 1 Litre Now $1.87 each1/2 Price, Save $1.88

*  Moccona Capsules 125-128g Pk 16 Now $2.75 each1/2 Price, Save $2.75

*  40% off All Inspire Bedroom Manchester.

*  Energizer Max AA Pk 16 Now $9.75 each1/2 Price, Save $9.75

*  Chux Superwipes Original Pk 10, Giant Pk 5, or Robuste Pk 3  Now $1.99 each1/2 Price, Save $2.00

*  Chux Non-Scratch or Heavy Duty Sponge Scourers Pk 4  Now $1.75 each1/2 Price, Save $1.75

*  Morning Fresh Dishwashing Liquid 400ml Now $1.97 each1/2 Price, Save $1.98

*  Vileda SuperMocio Mop or Vileda Bucket with Wringer Now $9.49 each1/2 Price, Save $9.50

*  30% off All Maybelline

*  30% off All Gillette Womens Hair Removal

*  30% Off All Essano Skincare

*  Colgate Zig Zag Toothbrush Pk 3 Now $3.97 each1/2 Price, Save $3.98

*  Redwin Sorbolene Lotion 1 Litre Now $3.12 each1/2 Price, Save $3.13 

*   Mars Sharepacks 144-216g Now $2.30 each1/2 Price, Save $2.30

     

Grocery Specials Starting Wednesday 22nd March 2017

Here are this week's best grocery specials -

COLES -

*  Tresemmé Shampoo or Conditioner 750mL-900mLBETTER THAN 1/2 PRICE Was $10.50, Save $5.50  Now $5.00 each.  A great stockpile price

*   Cadbury Marvellous Creations Block 270g-300g1/2 PRICE Was $6.30, Save $3.15  Now $3.15 each.  Great for adding to a present

*  Edgell Corn Kernels 420g1/2 PRICE Was $1.77, Save $0.89  Now $0.88 each.  Stock up to make Winter soups

*  Continental Cup a Soup 40g-75g1/2 PRICE Was $2.00, Save $1.00  Now $1.00 each

*  Colgate Total Dental Floss Mint 100 Metres1/2 PRICE Was $8.00, Save $4.00  Now $4.00 each

*  NEW Lynx You Body Wash 400mL1/2 PRICE Was $6.25, Save $3.13  Now $3.12 each

*  30% OFF John Frieda Haircare

*  30% OFF Schwarzkopf Haircare

*  Morning Fresh Dishwashing Liquid 900mL1/2 PRICE Was $6.95, Save $3.48  Now $3.47 each

*  Duck Fresh Discs Toilet Cleaner 36mL1/2 PRICE Was $5.69, Save $2.85  Now $2.84 each.  If you use toilet fresheners then this is a great price.  Well worth stocking up.

*  1/2 PRICE Sistema Klip It & To Go

*  30% OFF Deeko

*  Lynx Antiperspirant 96g or Body Spray 100g1/2 PRICE Was $5.99, Save $3.00  Now $2.99 each

*  Pedigree Dog Food 1.2kg1/2 PRICE Was $3.70, Save $1.85  Now $1.85 each

*  Ferrero Rocher Chocolates 16 Pack 200g or Collection Gift Box 15 Pack 172g1/2 PRICE

Was $12.60, Save $6.30  Now $6.30 each.  Easter and Mother's Day is coming up.

WOOLWORTHS -

*  Dynamo Laundry Liquid 1.8/2 Litre Now $8.00 each Better than 1/2 Price, Save $9.50

*  Cadbury Roses 450 g Now $7.75 each1/2 Price, Save $7.75

*  Arnott’s Salada 250g Now $2.00 each Save $1.00

*  Cheezels Box 110g Now $1.00 each1/2 Price, Save $1.00

*  Golden Circle Beetroot 450g or Corn 410g Now $0.82 each1/2 Price, Save $0.83

*  Sunrice Medium Grain Rice 10 kg Now $12.00 each1/2 Price, Save $12.00

*  20% off All Inspire Kitchen Tools

*  Filled Profiteroles Pk 8*  *Only available in stores with an in-store bakery. Now $2.50 each1/2 Price, Save $2.50.  Lovely for a treat.

*    Tip Top English Muffin Varieties Pk 6 Now $2.45 each1/2 Price, Save $2.45

*    Australian Carrots 1 kg Pack .$1.00 each REAL FOOD

*  Pine O Cleen Disinfectant 1.25 Litre Now $2.49 each1/2 Price, Save $2.50.  A stockpile worthy price.

*   20% off All Head & Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner

*  Energizer Max AA Pk 16 .Now $9.75 each1/2 Price, Save $9.75

*  Rexona Deodorant Varieties 250mlNow $3.50 each1/2 Price, Save $3.50

Feel free to add any great specials you find.