Lay-Bys

When you lay-by, you select the item you want to buy, pay an initial deposit and then ongoing instalments until the item is paid for. The store will hold the item until you have completely paid for it. However, there are completion dates.

HINT

  • A lay-by is a great way of purchasing expensive items. It is also a good way to ensure that the tiem is not sold to another person whilst you are saving up.

Impulse buying

Impulse buying happens when you get caught up in the hype of a situation and you buy something without thinking much about it. Impulse buying makes you spend money on stuff that you may not really want or need. To avoid buying on impulse, ask yourself if you really need the item, or just want it.

Shopping on the Internet

Check for the following before you purchase anything on the internet:

  • The company name, a street address, telephone or email address
  • A description of the goods
  • An explanation on how financial information will be handled
  • A price list
  • A clear delivery date
  • A clear explanation of how they handle privacy issues
  • Information on refunds and returns
  • Ensure that the price is in Australian Dollars, allow for this if not. Convert your currency at XE - Universal Currency Converter

Food on a budget

  • Have a weekly food budget and don’t spend over this amount. Using a calculator in supermarkets can help you monitor how much you are spending.
  • Follow the Healthy Eating Pyramid. Buy most of the “Eat Most” group which include breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, nuts and legumes.
  • Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables as they are usually better quality, more tasty and less expensive.
  • Find a local fruit and vegetable market, as the product is a lot more varied and usually cheaper.
  • Plan your meals for the week and from this write a shopping list, and stick to it.
  • Don’t shop on an empty stomach – it can make you buy more.
  • Make a considered choice by comparing the price and convenience of fresh and canned foods.
  • Choose cuts of meat with little or no bone or fat – it is pointless paying for something you wont be eating.
  • Add legumes or starch foods such as rice, pasta, sweet potato etc to extend a small amount of lean meat.
  • Use herbs and spices to enhance flavours.
  • When shopping check the price per kilo and not cost per packet to determine the cheapest price.
  • Check catalogues for specials on items that you need and look for the cheapest supermarket.
  • Examine the goods carefully, sometimes packaging can mislead you about the contained quantity.
  • Keep all receipts and check for any over charging.
  • Buy things when they are on special at the supermarket and freeze them, as this will save you money in the long term.
  • Spend a day cooking and freezing meals, these can be eaten when you don’t feel like cooking...saving you heaps of money on fast food.
  • Take your lunch to uni or work, as buying your lunch at cafeterias each day can add up quickly.
  • Buy the cheaper generic brands such as Black and Gold, Homebrand, Farmland, Savings etc. Often they are just as good quality as the more expensive brands.
  • Look for the clearance items in your supermarket.
  • Buying food products that can be stored for a long time can reduce shopping trips. Shuch foods include: UHT milk, skim milk powder, pasta, rice, breakfast cereal, canned meat, canned fish, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soup, tomato paste, dried fruits, frozen vegetables and dried vegetables and legumes.
  • Appropriate food storage methods can also help you to reduce food wastage, which in turn saves you money.
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Questions and Feedback

Lower Eyre Health Services
Tel 08 8688 2629 or email ask@gettingout.info