We signed up a mortgage for the first time and things are going to be tight for the next 30 years or so.
I was at my parents' place for mother's day and saw a stash of 8 bottles of Cobram Estate olive oil
What groceries or essentials do you make sure to stock up on when it's half price?
Last year I collected all the receipts (which was pretty easy, most of it was woolworths online) and did a full audit of my grocery purchases in order to save money. Goal was to look at what I buy, what I could substitute for different brands, etc. I'm an accountant who became a data analyst, I have problems, I know.
Result was I learned that already buy pretty much every non-perishable item when it's on sale. It's extremely rare that I do otherwise. The only other thing to come out of it is I now buy shredded cheese from Aldi instead of Woolworths.
Certain things are cheaper in Aldi if compared with Coles and Woolworths. Buy goods in Woolworths/Coles when they are half price or if we prefer something or certain brands that are not available in Aldi. I compare the price of same/similar goods in Coles app and Woolworths app. If last week Coles is cheaper with half price for certain goods, maybe this week Woolworths could be cheaper with half price for the same goods in my watch list. They change the weekly promotion every Wednesday that valid until next Tuesday anyway.
Goal was to look at what I buy, what I could substitute for different brands, etc.
Not gonna lie. I am envious of people that have the discipline to keep accurate records so they can do this.
I'm an accountant who became a data analyst, I have problems, I know.
It’s only a problem when you start to make spreadsheets about your other spreadsheets haha.
Result was I learned that already buy pretty much every non-perishable item when it's on sale.
I believe that is the majority of people surely?
Anything non perishable/long shelf life on sale for 50% or so that a person uses is a no brainer bulk purchase.
Edit: off topic but interested because of your spreadsheet ways…
I would be interested to know what you found concerning sales between woolies and coles.
In my personal observations i find woolworths specials to be more lack lustre than coles and they tend to try make you bulk buy.
Eg today i had time for a wander at the shops and saw woolies had cadbury chocolate blocks 180g 3 for $15 then wandered over to coles and found them 1 for $4. (For me, confirmation of my biased dislike for woolies)
Any standout differences in your numbers?
I don't really shop at Coles except for 20% off liquor deals. Personally I found their delivery service significantly worse than Woolworths. But what I did buy from Coles there wasn't a lot of difference if I again wait for a "good" price rather than just a discount. I.e. to the post I was responding to, wait for 50%.
I believe that is the majority of people surely?
Anything non perishable/long shelf life on sale for 50% or so that a person uses is a no brainer bulk purchase.
I was surprised how much it made up though of what I buy in total. I was subconsciously doing it too, recognise the "good" price so buy it. It even extends into a lot of fresh produce too, I never realised how much I don't regularly buy anything. My parents are the opposite, they don't really care for sale prices so I'm surprised I'm so different.
It's gotten better since I moved near a good butcher and greengrocer too though. The greengrocer in particular stocks in season for cheap rather than a wide range and I just dream up what to cook based on what is cheap these days.
You've fallen for thier scam. Those items that are regularly 50% off (e.g. potato chips and tim tams) are just occassionally bumped up to ridiculous prices to maybe get suckers that will pay anything, but moreso (I reckon) so they can return to a reasonable price with a 50% off sticker.
I work on $1/100g as a good price for most things. It turns out fruit is actually cheap compared with processed food. Cheap dim sims and icecream are also bargains according to my method.
I'm being pressured to succumb to inflation and consider $1.50/100g but I'm holding off so far.
You've fallen for thier scam
Not really.
Every man and their dog knows what they are doing regarding their pricing strategies.
The whole point of this post is that we wait until items are reasonably priced as they should be before buying.
Toilet paper. Paper towels. Kids snacks for school. I stocked up on a lot of Powerade from the amazon warehouse deals, but realised anyone barely drinks Powerade in my household, and anything else I know I use often that goes on sale (usually 50% off) and doesn't go out of date anytime soon
Any staples like sauces, rice, pasta etc
Anything that is not perishable, and is consumed often.
Toilet paper, paper towels, dishwasher tablets, tinned tomatoes (Mutti), pasta……..
Salmon tempters, have gone up to about $3.30 so I grab a few trays when they go on 1/2 price sales. Must be due soon?
things are going to be tight for the next 30 years or so
You may be better off using those 30 years to find a way to make more money, rather than saving a small amount of money on your weekly shop.
I'd buy an extra freezer (chest freezers don't use much energy) and a vacuum sealer though. Things will last in your freezer much longer than just a loose sandwich bag.
Honestly at 10k a month for the mortgage any small saving is going to help.
We're in a really small space, would love to have a freezer but hard to find a place to put it if it's a top opening chest freezer with no way to use the top as counter space as well. Maybe a chest freezer on casters would work?
Could put a giant board on top of the chest freezer, so you can put stuff on it and when you want to open it, move the board. Or put the freezer outside.
$10k a month for a really small place? Ouch! I know you are not asking for mortgage advice but good luck!
Honestly at 10k a month for the mortgage any small saving is going to help.
You borrowed that amount of money (for a really small space) and you think a few dollars saved on groceries will help?
I think you just defined 'overcommitted'.
I just looked up the size of loan that would result in that monthly repayment - is your $10,000 per month a real number or just what it feels like?
It's a real number and Sydney seems to be what it is. We didn't get the best deal on our property but what is done is done.
Short of having a time machine, we need to do anything we can to make the numbers work.
things are going to be tight for the next 30 years or so.
And we have cats
I'm having trouble reconciling this - I know pets can be important but…
we need to do anything we can to make the numbers work
At least consider not replacing them once they are no longer with you.
@Grunntt: It is about priorities. Pets are shown to be good for people’s mental health. If I’m feeling down having my little nutjobs running around the house gives me a lot of joy.
It is about priorities. Pets are shown to be good for people’s mental health.
I am aware that they may be good for some people's mental health but many people without pets manage their mental health just as well.
Pets aren't always the answer - especially if you can't afford to look after them.
As you say - 'it's about priorities'.
That's also why I included - "At least consider not replacing them once they are no longer with you." ie don't form another emotional attachment when you are handling ongoing debt-related stress.
If the OPs phrase "we need to do anything we can to make the numbers work" is true then the ongoing cost of caring for multiple pets is one of those things.
@Grunntt: I can see your point but pets don’t tend to be a rational decision. If you really want one you are willing to make sacrifices to have one in your life. However, I do agree if you can’t look after one properly then don’t get one.
We decided before we put our last cat down that we wouldn’t get anymore so we could go travelling without needing a cat sitter. I lasted a day before I was looking up breeders for a replacement. I’ve found nothing beats dissipating the “I’ve had a shit day” blues like a purring cat cuddling up to me.
I can see your point but pets don’t tend to be a rational decision. If you really want one you are willing to make sacrifices to have one in your life.
The thing is - I agree with you mostly. It's just that the OP is asking how to save cents on groceries but willingly spends $$ on multiple cats.
They knowingly took on a large, ongoing debt and apparently 'need to do anything we can to make the numbers work'.
They are potentially spending on the cats more than they can save by buying groceries on special.
I have pets and luckily can currently afford the associated expenses.
But, if it came down to it, I know where some significant expenses can be cut (very reluctantly, but done if essential).
To be clear, I'm not calling for a trip to the farm for them, but rehoming with people I know that will look after them.
@Grunntt: The trouble is we can both see each others point of view but we don’t set the priorities for the OP. However, I can see his/her POV with wanting to have pets.
The trouble is we can both see each others point of view but we don’t set the priorities for the OP. However, I can see his/her POV with wanting to have pets.
I agree with you, and I should probably end this part of the discussion here as I think I've gone way off the original question asked by the OP.
Do you have a garage? Our 2nd freezer is out there, it's a stand up one rather than a chest freezer. The newer ones don't use much power.
We are the same. A standup freezer in the garage.
Do you vacuum seal and freeze only proteins, or vegetables too?
I need to find myself some costco gift cards if I'm going to do this.
I vacuum seal everything.
your soul even?
Maybe stock up on HVN shares.
Because stupid people never die out.
You'll save a heap buying condoms even if they're not on special.
Tegel chicken
Kalamata Olives
Canned Crushed Tomatoes
Pasta
Indo Me Noodles
Oats
Coffee Pods
Indomie noodles are cheaper in asian supermarkets. Cheaper to buy 10 pcs in 1 pack of mie goreng if compared with 5 pcs in 1 pack. Buy 1 box if cheaper than 10 pcs.
I’m surprised no one has said soap, deodorant and toothpaste yet, kinda makes me worry a little about OzBargain’s demographic…
I think Ozbargainers demographic are mostly young asian based on several times ozb meetup.
Ah ok, how'd the meetups go, smelly? That's a serious question by the way, not taking the mickey at all.
What do you think hand wash and body wash is lol?
Do you shave your armpits so you don’t need to use deodorant?
You better use toothpaste, last thing anyone want to smell is your stinky breath in the morning lol.
Wouldn't shaving your armpits cause more sweat/b.o?
@A-mak: According to someone I used to know years ago, he said he wouldn't smell as much if he shaved his armpits.
I don't know for sure as i've never done it myself?
@scooba: Apparently some middle eastern religions do it for men as well. I suspect it is easier to keep clean without hairy armpits and moisture doesn’t get so trapped.
@try2bhelpful: Yes I'd agree with that as my friend in question was Maltese, easier to wash or wipe down with linen.
I think based on the OPs question; people’s first thought of stocking up on groceries would be pantry items.
If it makes you feel better. When the brand of deodorant I use goes on sale. I buy lots of it.
The toothpaste I buy never goes on sale cos it’s the only one that is actually “good” for your teeth compared to all the other stuff that goes on sale for half price.
Sure buy an extra packet of pasta if it's on special, same with bathroom items and sure, I buy a couple extra as well if they're half price. The OP did say "Essentials" and I consider soap, deodorant and toothpaste to be essential hygiene requirements.
I just don't get why some other people bother using the three items I mentioned, or at least it smells like they don't use them?
Maybe because soap, deodorant and toothpaste are always available? Never in short supply like toilet paper during covid, lol.
dishwashing soap/shampoo/tooth brushes these don't go off or expire ( if stored correctly).
light bulbs
home emergery assist ( if this is a new home expect issues)
batteries
also check your local area for bulk billed doctors.
Would you recommend home emergency assist if it's a used but recently renovated home?
We haven't added it to our home insurance policy but can still change.
Have you had to claim? What for?
it depends if your handy around the home.
* lock outside (without your keys)
* block toilets/sinks
we had a leak that ruined our bedroom and needed insurance help repair (major) to the floors/walls repair the leak. insurance covered the remidation.
International Roast coffee, spc baked beans, also go for 10% off with everyday extra on top of half price
and a 4% off giftcard from Woolies Mobile or 3.5% off with Macquarie Bank :-)
saw a stash of 8 bottles of Cobram Estate olive oil
Tell your parents re EVOO, need to balance stockpiling with oxidation.
Everything!
I'm cheap, so looking to save as much as possible on items with a long expiry date.
e.g.
Small kids yoghurts pouches on special for $1.10 (50% off) that we put in the kids lunch boxes daily. Bought 4 weeks worth to save $22.
Tinned Tomatoes, Pasta, Paper Towel, Hand Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes etc.
Oh man I love baby yoghurt. They don't last long in the fridge though, and don't come out as good after freezing.
Non perishables. I have a shelf in the garage where I stash stuff until I need it. This meant I wasn’t completely screwed when toilet paper was in short supply during Covid.
I have a shelf in the garage where I stash stuff until I need it.
OP - do you even have space to store any items that you stock up on?
Maybe share bulk buys with your parents in exchange for using their storage space?
Hm this is true. I don't. And we have cats who will rip into most food packages unless it's in a big clip-lock Sistema container or similar. Cupboards are no deterrance.
Apart from milk, bread and a couple other items 95% of my shop are special i dont buy if its not on special. Most items come around regularly on a special somewhere.
Are olive oils good to keep for more than a year?
Maybe I'll tell my parents they're not and ask them for a bottle.
Brush heads - whenever it hits or is close to $4/brushhead. I prefer Floss Action but I will take Cross Action. I will stock up 1-2 years worth for 3 people.
Sanitary products @ 50% off - 5-6 months worth.
Toothpaste @ 40% off (doesn’t seem to go lower) - 1 year worth.
I’ve found Bunnings 30-50% off bulk size cleaning products to be lower cost per kg so I buy this. 3-6 months worth at a time.
Occasionally frozen products if I have space in the fridge. 2-3 months worth.
Between Coles and Woolworths, I usually find most things I regularly buy at half price every 3-5 weeks. I just need to check the prices on their website each week.
Thank you people for giving away your valuable data.
When they are half price I stock up on stuff I will use.
At the moment I have roughly
200 dish washing tablets
120 washing machine capsules
6 bottles of body wash
3 bottles of hair wash
6 tubes of toothpaste
4 bottles of mouth wash
12 electric tooth brush heads
6 dental floss
30 shaving heads
6 deodorant
12 roller of paper towel
60 roll of toilet paper
Anything that's not perishable I have a good supply and top up when they are half price
With points bonuses we were buying boxes of OMO Ultimate washing powder. We are still yet to open the last box we purchased pre Covid. We didn’t have a huge amount but there is only two of us and the big boxes give you a lot of wash loads,
Anything and everything that wont got off before i use.
My kids go to cereal is Chex. I bought 20 boxes recently Woollies has it on 50%. Best before date in Jan 2025 hopefully it lasts until then.
Don't depend on supermarket only but Amazon.
Don't follow people trusting on 50% off, I've lifted those prices thing and they are often $7 with a lower price at $7 on top of it for example. Always, always check the price below its price and you will have a reality check pretty bad.
Buy bulk over single unit, more is better than less.
Things I need to improve:
Anything you need, its hard to keep track of what is good value bulk and whats not, so its a matter of knowing rough pricing for certain items although most of the time its a gamble - places like costco arent great value for most items, usually stick to meat, eggs, milk for costco and a few bulk household items like laundry liquid
I usually just choose whatever those bargain discount stores have! beyond best before is one, based in Newtown Syd but also have an online store now
Before I didn't have to worry about money anymore, I would always buy those 10kg bags of Sun Rice (Medium grain) when they were like, $12. I still like to buy end of day stuff, but you're playing rooty poo roulette if it's meats.
Cat food adds up so I invest in good quality dry food as well. They like royal canin dry and I shop around to get the best deal. It’s very nutritious. 4kg better value, but I get the 2 kg to try a new flavour
I'd check on Pet Food Reviews (Aussie website) to see if any food you're giving your cats is actually good. That's what I do with my dog.
https://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/royal-canin-cat-food-revie…
I know its good because the cats are extremely healthy, glossy soft fur, incredible eyes, they look spectacular
Anything i like/eat thats 50% or more off is getting purchased for me to “stock up on.”
Because…Treat yo self!