All this means that, if you entered debt review a while ago, or if you have been relying on credit to buy food, you need to continue to make adjustments to how you are shopping.
This may involve meticulously tracking what you are spending on groceries. Many of us shop on several occasions across a month, and so the total figure may not be too obvious unless you start to keep a good record.
Once you know what you are spending, then you can start to think about what changes you can make.
Some stores are more expensive than others. Normally, convenience stores are priced higher than bulk sellers (like Makro etc).
Having things delivered many times may incur high delivery costs which you could avoid by making fewer bulk shopping visits.
Which items you choose at the store also impacts on cost. Looking for items above and below the eyeline can help identify cheaper alternatives.
Doing a “pre”shop online before heading to the store (or even while in store on a competitor’s site) can help identify items where you can save significant amounts.
If things are really tight you could look at amazing dehydrated food products like AFOODABLES where you can feed a family member for R10 a meal. Or you could try simplify meals and shift to… 2 minute noodles once a week.
It does not need to be said, but eating out is pricey.
Could you rather buy the Steers Burger Patties (or whichever brand) at Checkers and try recreate them at home instead? While your chips may not be as good, you will not end up paying an extra R15 for a thin slice of cheese if you want one.
Whatever you come up with, the idea is to not only make one adjustment when you first decide to tackle your debt, but to keep your finger on the pulse over time as prices shift.