Smart shopping does not mean buying the cheapest thing. It means getting the most value for what you spend, and not buying what you did not need.
This article is the reading companion to the free Mondosol lesson Money Matters: Smart Shopping, part of the Money course. Read it, watch the videos, or press play and listen first, then practise in the lesson.
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In this article
Plan before you shop
Most overspending happens before you even reach the till. A few minutes of planning can save more than any coupon.
- Make a list and stick to it.
- Check what you already have at home.
- Set a limit for the trip and keep an eye on the total.
- Avoid shopping when you are hungry or in a hurry.
Compare the unit price
The big price on the shelf does not always show the best deal. The unit price is the price per kilo, litre or item, and it lets you compare different sizes fairly. Most shops print it on the shelf label.
Invented numbers, only to show the idea.
| Product | Price in euros | Unit price |
|---|---|---|
| Small box, 300 g | 2.10 | 7.00 per kg |
| Large box, 750 g | 4.50 | 6.00 per kg |
The large box costs more, but it is cheaper per kilo. It is only a better deal if you will really use it before it goes off.
Beat impulse buys
Shops are designed to make us buy more. Try the 24-hour rule for anything that is not a need: wait a day. If you still want it and can afford it, buy it. If not, you just saved money.
The article on ads and your wallet explains how advertising pushes us to buy.
Real deals and fake deals
- “Sale” does not always mean cheap. Compare with the usual price.
- A discount on something you do not need is still money spent.
- “Buy more, save more” only helps if you would have bought it anyway.
- Check the total cost, including delivery, before you decide.
Shopping online
The same rules apply online, plus a few more. Use shops you know, check the final price before you pay, and read the return policy. Our guide to digital money and online payments shows how to pay safely.
Watch and learn
Two short videos give you simple shopping habits.
Video: “5 rules to be a smart shopper” by Cents and Sensibility, on YouTube.
Video: “Unit pricing helps you save money at the grocery store” by Consumer Reports, on YouTube.
Take it further
Reading is a good start. These options help you go from knowing to doing.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a unit price?
It is the price for one standard unit, such as one kilo or one litre. It helps you compare products of different sizes.
Is the biggest pack always the best deal?
No. A bigger pack is only good value if you will use all of it before it spoils or expires.
What is the 24-hour rule?
It means waiting a day before buying something you did not plan to buy. Many impulse wishes fade by then.
How can I tell if a discount is real?
Compare the price with other shops and with the usual price over time, and ask if you would buy it at full price.
Is it worth using shop loyalty cards?
Sometimes. Use them if you would shop there anyway, and do not buy extra just to collect points.
Keep learning
- Course: Money
- Lesson (practise it): Money Matters: Smart Shopping
- Read next: Needs vs. Wants and Ads and Your Wallet
- Related: Budgeting Methods
Educational, not financial advice. The example numbers are invented, and this post contains no affiliate links. Mondosol is not a licensed financial adviser.
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