In a bustling city like Singapore, groceries and essentials can take up a significant portion of the household budget. Nevertheless, with strategic shopping habits, you can reduce your expenses and free up more money for savings. Here are some practical tips to help you save money on everyday purchases in Singapore.
1. Plan Your Meals and Make a List
Planning your meals for the week and creating a detailed shopping list can help you to avoid impulsive buys. Knowing exactly what you need ensures you don’t forget any essentials and reduces the likelihood of making costly last-minute trips to the store.
The more often you go shopping, the more likely you are to make impulse purchases. Try to limit your grocery shopping to once a week or even less frequently. This encourages you to plan better and reduces the chances of buying unnecessary items.
2. Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts
Many supermarkets in Singapore, such as NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong, and Giant, offer different promotions sometimes for the same products. Visit their stores or websites to stay updated on the latest deals. Check out the reduced to clear section in store too if you are cool with products that are close to expiry.
Consider using online platforms which can provide free delivery, additional discounts or cashback offers. Try to stack up cash back with ShopBack or rewards with link points, Yuu or Grab etc.
3. Buy in Bulk at Wholesale Stores
For non-perishable items and essentials that you use regularly, consider buying in bulk at wholesale stores like Mustafa Centre or Warehouse Club. These stores often offer lower prices per unit for bulk purchases. Just ensure you have enough storage space and that the items will be used before they expire.
Unit prices (price per 100g, litre, etc.) can help you determine which product offers the best value, especially when comparing different sizes and brands. Most supermarkets in Singapore list unit prices on the shelf labels, making it easier to compare. Do factor in extra cost to see if it is worth your effort to travel further for example to JB, just to get a more economical deal.
4. Compare Prices
Different stores may have different prices for the same products. Use price comparison websites or apps like Price Kaki to compare prices across various supermarkets. This can help you find the best deals and save money.
House brands, such as FairPrice’s house brand or Giant’s house brand, often offer the same quality as international brands but at a lower cost. Compare ingredients and nutritional information or weight to ensure you are getting a similar product for less money unless a specific taste or flavour is vital for you.
5. Shop at Wet Markets and Dine at Hawkers
Wet markets in your neighbourhood offer fresh produce at lower prices compared to supermarkets. Shopping at these markets can help you save money while supporting local vendors. The produce is often fresher too.
Needless to say, eating and drinking at hawkers will be much cheaper than restaurants and specialty coffee. Reducing on food delivery will help to increase your savings as well.
6. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
If you have the space, consider growing your own herbs and vegetables. Urban farming is becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, and even a small balcony or windowsill garden can provide you with fresh produces, saving you money and adding a new touch to your meals.
Alternatively, try something creative like cutting cucumbers to share if you tabao chicken rice home instead of ordering extra vegetables as a side dish to balance out your nutrients in that meal.
7. Use Cashback and Rewards Cards
Consider cashback and rewards cards to get rebates on your grocery purchases. Cards like the POSB Everyday Card, OCBC 365 Credit Card, and the UOB One Card offer cashback on groceries, which can add up to significant savings over time.
Smart shopping in Singapore requires a bit of planning and discipline, but the savings can be substantial. By planning your meals, taking advantage of sales, buying in bulk, and making other strategic changes to shopping habits, you can reduce your grocery bills and free up more money for savings. Start implementing these tips today and watch your savings grow!
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