Very useful dos and don’ts for shoppingGrocery items
Recent data shows that most people typically shop at supermarkets. Imagine if you could save almost half of that expense—what could you buy with that money? In this part ofSelMagzwe aim to introduce you to some smart shopping habits.
Buying fresh and whole foods
It doesn’t matter if you’re buying fruits, vegetables, or even red meat; you should always choose fresh food and cut it into pieces. Packaged food items may not be suitable or healthy; even when buying chicken or meat, buy them whole and unprocessed for peace of mind about their quality.
Checking the receipt
When you’re about to pay for your items at the store, be sure to pay attention to the receipt, as mistakes can happen. Many cash registers aren’t accurate, or you may unknowingly be charged extra, so stay vigilant with your receipt.
Avoiding the shopping cart
If you grab a shopping cart as soon as you enter the store, you’re more likely to buy unnecessary items. It’s better to avoid this and only purchase essential items that you need.
Writing a shopping list
When you go to the store, you might suddenly think of what you need. Instead, prepare a shopping list beforehand and stick to it. This way, you’re less likely to make unnecessary purchases.
Carrying cash
While it may be easier to shop with a card, having some cash on hand is better. When you use a card, you might spend more than planned, but cash helps you control your spending.
Shopping alone
Shopping can also be a way to calm your mind, but only if you do it alone and purchase only what you truly need. It’s best to leave your friends and even kids at home, and don’t feel guilty about shopping alone.
Not paying attention to brands
Some brands are more expensive just because they are well-known or have fancy packaging, even when their quality isn’t much different from others. Look for brands that have good quality but aren’t very popular to save money.
Grocery shoppingMore significant
Appearance is very important when grocery shopping, and you should pay attention to specific details. Always choose firmer items with brighter colors. If a fruit or food item has bruises or wrinkles, it’s more likely to have bacteria and mold. Additionally, the larger the fruit or food item is, the higher the quality.
Taking food from the back of the store
Most vendors place their products in the back, which are less accessible, so less desirable items sell faster. Therefore, when buying fruits and vegetables, try to pick them from the back of the store.
Shopping in the middle of the week
To avoid crowds and always have the freshest products, shop in the middle of the week.
Controlling temptation while shopping
Sometimes when you enter a store, some vendors offer discounts that tempt you into buying unnecessary items. It’s best to ignore these distractions and stick to the list you’ve prepared.
Pay attention to banana color
Bananas are a very popular fruit, and many vendors place them in front of their shops to attract customers. Bananas with a color between yellow and gray are usually better thanyellow onesthat are very bright yellow.
The trick of wet vegetables
Many stores mist vegetables and fruits to show that they are fresh; however, sometimes this is a trick. In reality, this misting can harm the vegetables, making them spoil quicker because of excess moisture—so don’t be fooled.