Imagine this scenario: someone approaches you and asks you to take out $1,500 in cash from your pocket and hand it over right away. You'd most likely hesitate and think twice before complying with such a request—or even say no.

Well, believe it or not, many Aussies are inadvertently doing something quite similar, but in a much subtler way.

According to a recently published survey conducted by Compare the Market, it turns out that Aussies are shelling out a staggering $1565 extra each year in their local supermarkets.

Yes, you read that right; grocery shopping has taken centre stage as the primary financial concern for a significant chunk of the population, surpassing even the burdens of mortgages, rent, and energy costs.

Australians are spending $1565 more on groceries annually. Credit: Shutterstock.

To put things into perspective, let's look at some numbers. In September 2021, the average Australian was spending a substantial $169.35 on groceries every week.

Fast-forward to June 2022, and that amount had skyrocketed to $184.21. And as of today, the figure has surged even further, reaching a mind-boggling $199.46. It's clear that grocery shopping has become a budgetary battleground for many shoppers as they navigate the rising tide of expenses.

'Just think about it,' said Compare the Market spokeswoman Noemi Hadnagy. 'The average Aussie spends around $10,372 a year,' she pointed out.

When you think about the fact that people are also dealing with higher rents, increasing insurance costs, and repeated mortgage rate hikes, it becomes crucial to examine our shopping habits from a financial standpoint.

But what exactly is causing the surge in our grocery bills?

According to Ms Hadnagy, there are several factors contributing to this inflation. Recent weather events have disrupted the availability of produce, resulting in higher prices for fruits and vegetables. Moreover, businesses are struggling with the soaring costs of energy, which directly affects the manufacturing process and, as a result, the prices we see on the shelves of our local stores.

As if that wasn't enough, the cost of transportation is also on the rise thanks to skyrocketing fuel prices. And guess who ends up bearing the brunt of this expense most of the time? You got it right—the consumer.

Out of the 1000 respondents who took part in the study, it turns out that the young professionals were the ones feeling the pinch at the checkout the most. On the flip side, those over 60 seemed to be the least concerned.

Intriguingly, the study also revealed that the biggest spenders at the supermarket are the adults aged between 41 to 56 years old—splashing out an average of $255.32 per week.

‘This age group is highly likely to have children and families, and it does make sense that they’re paying more,’ Ms Hadnagy explained.

The cost of groceries is on the rise, thanks to a combination of factors. Fresh produce has become more expensive, energy costs have gone up, and transportation expenses have increased due to higher fuel prices. Credit: Shutterstock.

Looking for ways to make your weekly shopping more enjoyable without emptying your wallet? Well, fear not because Ms Hadnagy has some fantastic tips to share.

First things first, Ms Hadnagy suggested breaking free from brand loyalty and venturing into the world of cheaper alternatives. You might be pleasantly surprised by the quality and cost-effectiveness of these options. Plus, it adds a little spice to your shopping experience and lets you discover new products along the way.

Planning ahead and researching specials is another nifty trick she recommended. By keeping an eye out for sales and promotions, you can snag great deals on your favourite items.

When it comes to price comparisons, Ms Hadnagy advised looking beyond the displayed price and focusing on the unit price instead. This way, you can determine which product offers the best value for your money.

And she also reminded everyone not to forget about the power of reward cards. By using them to accumulate points, you can score additional discounts or even freebies in the long run.

But perhaps the most profound piece of wisdom Ms Hadnagy shared was the importance of being mindful of waste. She emphasised that now is the perfect time to wake up to the impact of our choices. By being conscious of what we buy and how we consume it, we save money and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Key Takeaways

• A recent survey by Compare the Market found that Australians are spending an additional $1565 on groceries each year.
• The survey found that grocery bills are the primary financial concern for a third of the Australian population, outpacing concerns about mortgage, rent, and energy costs.
• The rising cost of fresh produce, higher energy costs and increased transportation expenses due to higher fuel prices have combined to drive up grocery prices.
• Compare the Market suggests consumers can save money by being less brand loyal, shopping specials, comparing unit prices, and using reward cards to accumulate points.

So, there you have it, folks! Armed with these fantastic tips, you'll be able to breeze through your weekly grocery trips without putting a dent in your wallet. It's all about embracing a fun and frugal approach that will leave your finances and shopping experience absolutely fabulous.

In these times of rising costs, a little extra planning, comparing prices, and perhaps skipping a few supermarket aisles can go a long way in trimming those hefty grocery bills. Cheers to happy and savvy grocery shopping, everyone!

Do you have any more clever tips up your sleeve? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Well, DUH!

 

[Lizzylou]

Don't you just love these experts telling you something particularly the older readers about something they have been doing for year. Is it sad that the younger generation haven't had the advantage of grandparents or parents that have had to as the saying goes. Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves? I suppose I was lucky, my mother always taught me about looking for bargains, checking out the specials buying extra when things are on special so when you have a short week you won't have to buy as much. Buying in bulk is great too and shop around to see what is on offer. All good advice that I am sure has been handed down many, many times.

 

[Col@45]

Imagine this scenario: someone approaches you and asks you to take out $1,500 in cash from your pocket and hand it over right away. You'd most likely hesitate and think twice before complying with such a request—or even say no.

Well, believe it or not, many Aussies are inadvertently doing something quite similar, but in a much subtler way.

According to a recently published survey conducted by Compare the Market, it turns out that Aussies are shelling out a staggering $1565 extra each year in their local supermarkets.

Yes, you read that right; grocery shopping has taken centre stage as the primary financial concern for a significant chunk of the population, surpassing even the burdens of mortgages, rent, and energy costs.

View attachment 24009

Australians are spending $1565 more on groceries annually. Credit: Shutterstock.

To put things into perspective, let's look at some numbers. In September 2021, the average Australian was spending a substantial $169.35 on groceries every week.

Fast-forward to June 2022, and that amount had skyrocketed to $184.21. And as of today, the figure has surged even further, reaching a mind-boggling $199.46. It's clear that grocery shopping has become a budgetary battleground for many shoppers as they navigate the rising tide of expenses.

'Just think about it,' said Compare the Market spokeswoman Noemi Hadnagy. 'The average Aussie spends around $10,372 a year,' she pointed out.

When you think about the fact that people are also dealing with higher rents, increasing insurance costs, and repeated mortgage rate hikes, it becomes crucial to examine our shopping habits from a financial standpoint.

But what exactly is causing the surge in our grocery bills?

According to Ms Hadnagy, there are several factors contributing to this inflation. Recent weather events have disrupted the availability of produce, resulting in higher prices for fruits and vegetables. Moreover, businesses are struggling with the soaring costs of energy, which directly affects the manufacturing process and, as a result, the prices we see on the shelves of our local stores.

As if that wasn't enough, the cost of transportation is also on the rise thanks to skyrocketing fuel prices. And guess who ends up bearing the brunt of this expense most of the time? You got it right—the consumer.

Out of the 1000 respondents who took part in the study, it turns out that the young professionals were the ones feeling the pinch at the checkout the most. On the flip side, those over 60 seemed to be the least concerned.

Intriguingly, the study also revealed that the biggest spenders at the supermarket are the adults aged between 41 to 56 years old—splashing out an average of $255.32 per week.

‘This age group is highly likely to have children and families, and it does make sense that they’re paying more,’ Ms Hadnagy explained.

View attachment 24010

The cost of groceries is on the rise, thanks to a combination of factors. Fresh produce has become more expensive, energy costs have gone up, and transportation expenses have increased due to higher fuel prices. Credit: Shutterstock.

Looking for ways to make your weekly shopping more enjoyable without emptying your wallet? Well, fear not because Ms Hadnagy has some fantastic tips to share.

First things first, Ms Hadnagy suggested breaking free from brand loyalty and venturing into the world of cheaper alternatives. You might be pleasantly surprised by the quality and cost-effectiveness of these options. Plus, it adds a little spice to your shopping experience and lets you discover new products along the way.

Planning ahead and researching specials is another nifty trick she recommended. By keeping an eye out for sales and promotions, you can snag great deals on your favourite items.

When it comes to price comparisons, Ms Hadnagy advised looking beyond the displayed price and focusing on the unit price instead. This way, you can determine which product offers the best value for your money.

And she also reminded everyone not to forget about the power of reward cards. By using them to accumulate points, you can score additional discounts or even freebies in the long run.

But perhaps the most profound piece of wisdom Ms Hadnagy shared was the importance of being mindful of waste. She emphasised that now is the perfect time to wake up to the impact of our choices. By being conscious of what we buy and how we consume it, we save money and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Key Takeaways

• A recent survey by Compare the Market found that Australians are spending an additional $1565 on groceries each year.
• The survey found that grocery bills are the primary financial concern for a third of the Australian population, outpacing concerns about mortgage, rent, and energy costs.
• The rising cost of fresh produce, higher energy costs and increased transportation expenses due to higher fuel prices have combined to drive up grocery prices.
• Compare the Market suggests consumers can save money by being less brand loyal, shopping specials, comparing unit prices, and using reward cards to accumulate points.

So, there you have it, folks! Armed with these fantastic tips, you'll be able to breeze through your weekly grocery trips without putting a dent in your wallet. It's all about embracing a fun and frugal approach that will leave your finances and shopping experience absolutely fabulous.

In these times of rising costs, a little extra planning, comparing prices, and perhaps skipping a few supermarket aisles can go a long way in trimming those hefty grocery bills. Cheers to happy and savvy grocery shopping, everyone!

Do you have any more clever tips up your sleeve? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

Go to the supermarket with a list of what groceries are needed.....and stick to it !!! Also avoid the aisle with sweets, coke etc and chips.

 

[Cheezil]

Online grocery shopping helps me budget, tho i remember a time in my life where i had to put the urgent things on conveyor belt checkout first, then the wanted items behind, removing them when the target $ budget was reached, embarrasing, but money was so tight when my family was young & on single income!