In these times of tightening budgets and rising living costs, savvy Australian shoppers are always on the lookout for ways to make their dollar stretch further. With groceries being one of the most significant expenses for many households, finding a workaround can make a world of difference.
In a social media post, money-saving expert Joel Gibson of The Today Show gave tips on how to soften the blow at the checkout.
Gibson highlighted that Coles and Woolworths, two of the country’s largest supermarket chains, offer subscription services—Everyday Extra and Coles Plus Saver, respectively. For a monthly fee of $7, these programs promise a 10 per cent discount on a monthly grocery shop, capped at $50, along with additional perks like increased rewards points.
Taking note of these schemes, he shared a trick: by subscribing to both services, shoppers can potentially save up to $100 off their grocery bills each month.
He highlighted that while these schemes are designed to encourage loyalty to one store, there’s no rule against playing the field. The fear of the ‘cross shopper’—a customer who doesn’t confine their purchases to just one of the big supermarkets—is real for these retail giants. Yet, this is precisely the strategy Gibson suggests to maximise savings and ‘squeeze the value out’ of these schemes.
@joelkillsbills How to save $100/mth at #coles and #woolies #supermarkets #groceries #moneysaving
However, there’s a catch. To reap the full $50 discount, one would need to spend $500 in a single transaction. This might seem steep, but for large families or those willing to stock up on non-perishables and discounted items, it could be a strategic move. The key, according to Gibson, is to be ‘cunning’ and make the most of the specials without falling into the trap of shopping exclusively at one supermarket just to benefit from the monthly discount.
For smaller households, the savings might not be as dramatic, but even then, spending $7 to save $20 or $30 could be significant when every dollar counts. Gibson also advises not to overlook other retailers like ALDI, Chemist Warehouse, Bunnings, and Amazon, which can also offer competitive prices and additional savings.
Meanwhile, waiting for subscription sales can also be beneficial, with the possibility of securing an annual subscription at half price. And for those looking to maximise their discount in one go, Gibson suggests shopping with a friend or family member to fill the cart on discount day.
‘Note that you can also get access to the [Woolworths] 10 per cent discount via their mobile plans and insurance policies so if one of those works out for you, you might not need to pay the $7 per month,’ he adds.
Recent research from Finder indicates that a third of Australian shoppers are already visiting multiple stores to snag the best deals as grocery prices soar. With grocery spending hitting record highs—averaging $209 per week, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year—these savings strategies could be more relevant than ever.
In response to Gibson’s post, some shoppers also shared their tips for maximising grocery discounts. One suggested that a couple can each sign up for a subscription, doubling their monthly discounts. The same commenter echoed Gibson’s sentiment about finding additional benefits, such as reduced car insurance rates.
Another wrote, ‘Woolworths one includes BIG W as well (in addition to the grocery shop). BIG W runs a “marketplace” that includes third-party sellers. Discount works on them—10% off at Appliances Online is [very] good.’
‘We’ve been doing this for ages. If you have your phone through [Woolworths] mobile, you get an additional 10%. The main things we buy on special, we have a system of monitoring both of them and target our specials wherever they are. If you pay annually for the subscription, it [is] $70 a year. We also utilise the discounted vouchers; 400 voucher costs 386. It all adds up,’ shared someone else.
‘The points are absolutely useful. I bank mine until Christmas and have hundreds [of] $$ at the end of each year without even trying,’ wrote a different person.
The responses to Gibson’s tips were not all positive, though. One remarked that they are just overcharging a bit to ‘make it look like you’ve saved so much.’
‘Perceived savings over actual savings. These guys will increase the standard price [and] then put it on “special” at the previous high price—tricking the shopper into thinking they’re saving. I haven’t shopped at either for over six months now,’ wrote another commenter.
In conclusion, with a bit of strategic planning and a willingness to shop around, it’s possible to significantly reduce your monthly grocery bill. Whether you’re a large family or living solo, these tips could help you navigate the current economic climate without sacrificing the quality or quantity of your groceries.
Have you tried any of these strategies, or do you have other cost-saving tips to share? Share them with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments below.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Every financial situation is unique, and readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the content of this article.
Also read: Coles and Woolworths respond to sneaky pricing accusations
