7 Ways To Become A Smart Grocery Shopper

These days, rising inflation which causes a higher cost of living means more households are looking for cheaper grocery prices to ensure that they can still buy the same quantity of goods with a similar-sized budget. Therefore, it has become even more important to learn how to shop smart when we are on our grocery runs. Let me share with you 7 ways to become a smart grocery shopper.

1. Fill your grocery basket with discounted items displayed at the front

To ensure shoppers never miss out on more savings, do you know that items on promotion are almost always displayed prominently at the store entrance instead of being tucked away at the back? Alternatively, head straight for items marked with the Price Drop Buy Now icon where great bargains are released on a weekly basis every Thursday. Grocery shoppers are thus able to commence their shopping journeys by filling out their grocery baskets with heavily discounted items first.

I adhere to this rule strictly to ensure that I am off to a good start as I gradually navigate my way through the store while I keep an eagle eye on more hidden gems.

2. Buy only essentials that are competitively priced

Here is a quick and easy way to ensure that we are buying essentials that are the lowest priced in the market without having to do the comparison ourselves. At FairPrice, simply look out for the Everyday Low Price icon where 500 daily essential items are competitively priced in the market at any time.

To provide greater savings, FairPrice will freeze the prices of 50 items, out of a pool of over 500 popular daily essential items, every month. The list of 50 items will be announced every last Thursday of the month through its print, online and social media advertisements so remember to keep a lookout!

3. Take advantage of limited-time promotions

Supermarkets tend to run limited-time promotions, especially if the fresh produce are in season during that period. At FairPrice, simply look out for the Price Drop Buy Now icon to snag weekly specials or items that are on limited-time offers.

For myself, I take advantage of these periodic discounts to buy in bulk and stock up on items such as non-perishables which have longer shelf life. Such opportunistic purchases are a smart way to save massively on my grocery bill!

4. Shop strategically on the “right” weekday

When visiting the supermarket, who you shop with may make a difference to your grocery bill! Let me explain how FairPrice provides discounts to various shoppers on all weekdays with Save Even More.

On Mondays, Pioneer Generation cardholders enjoy a further 3% discount on their groceries in recognition of their contribution to nation-building. On Tuesdays, Senior Citizen (≥ 60 years old) enjoys 2% discount. If members of the Pioneer Generation are not free on Mondays, they get a second chance in the week to enjoy 3% discount on Wednesdays at FairPrice, which is also extended to Merdeka Generation cardholders. On Thursdays, it will be CHAS Blue cardholders who get to knock 3% off their grocery bills.

Therefore, I sometimes get my parents to come along during my weekly shopping trips to FairPrice! Not only do I get to enjoy additional discount, I also get to bond with them and learn nifty tips on how to pick the best quality produce! Perfect for killing 2 birds with 1 stone.

5. Join the supermarket’s loyalty programme

It pays to be loyal to a supermarket chain. Simply find one supermarket near your neighbourhood and stick religiously to it to accumulate loyalty points. For example, at FairPrice, NTUC Union and Link members earn Linkpoints and enjoy 50% deals daily! After amassing a substantial amount of Linkpoints, shoppers can use it to offset the bill of their next grocery bill.

Wine lovers should not miss out on substantial savings as a Just Wine Club member. Simply pay a membership fee of $20 for 1 year or $35 for 2 years to enjoy an additional 8% off on regular and promotional wines!

6. Pay with Mobile app to get free discount voucher

Do you know that first-time users of the FairPrice App get up to $5 off when they pay with the app in-stores? Don’t sniff at this little incentive to get you started on this payment mode! Eventually, you will come to appreciate the convenience of skipping long queues and having all your Linkpoints tracked seamlessly on the FairPrice mobile app. If you are still not a Link member, simply download the FairPrice app to be one. Be notified of promotions instantly pushed to your mobile phone so you don’t miss out on great deals.

7. Pay with a cashback credit card

Finally, always pay with a cashback credit card if you have one! That is an additional saving that you might not benefit from if you are paying with cash instead. For myself, I pay with the NTUC Link Credit Card by Trust when shopping at FairPrice that allows NTUC Union members to save up to 21% savings. For non-NTUC union members, you can get up to 15% savings if you sign up for the Trust Link Credit Card.

Here are my 7 tips on how to become a smart grocery shopper! At times like this, every cent saved is indeed every cent earned. Do share this article along so that more households can benefit from shopping smarter and their wallets will definitely be thankful for it.

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Who Says You Need To Compromise On Your Grocery Shopping Experience To Get Cheaper Prices?

Majority of grocery shoppers want cheap grocery prices, quality produce and a pleasant shopping experience. Is this an impossible trinity that cannot be achieved during a grocery trip? I attempt to solve this mystery by making a visit to the supermarket at my neighbourhood.

Moreover, it is hard not to notice that amongst daily essentials, prices of eggs have already gone up from $5 to $6.50 for a tray of 30 eggs. Given the backdrop of rising costs of living, would prices of daily essentials also spiral out of reach? It turns out that it is actually possible to score cheap grocery prices with absolutely no compromise on the product quality and shopping experience!

I made my way to FairPrice supermarket located in my hood. For a start, I realise that it always pays to be observant by looking out for these icons in-store. Here are some examples on how I stack up for more savings and rewards while shopping at FairPrice.

Most households would have a list of essential items that go into their grocery baskets during every trip. Likewise, I am no different. I make sure to only grab essentials that come with the Everyday Low Price icon since these are competitively priced to be amongst the lowest in the market. Since there are more than 500 most popular essential items, I am not short of varieties to keep my grocery bill affordable. These items comprise popular grocery items such as fresh fruits, vegetables and meat, staples, dairy, household cleaners etc. For example, I purchased FairPrice Thai Fragrant White Rice (5KG) at only $6.50. A similar branded product would have cost upwards of $10 at other places!

If you are FOMO-ing now, don’t worry as you can also score this bargain since this is one of the 50 items on the Everyday Low Price list that would have its price frozen for the month!

For shoppers who can’t decide on what to cook tonight, I recommend that they check out items under the Price Drop Buy Now icon for some inspiration. These are weekly specials or items on limited-time promotions guaranteed to ensure shoppers go home bagging a bargain of up to 50%. Even a meticulous homemaker who plans the dinner menu in advance can look forward to nutritious meals and incredible savings at the same time.

While I am out and about fishing for the best deals in FairPrice, I get to shop in comfort all the time. I appreciate the wide entrances, improved interiors and comfortable aisles that can accommodate multiple shopping trolleys. No more banging into each other’s elbows! After ticking off everything on my shopping list, I flash out my mobile phone and pay via the FairPrice App at the checkout counter. If you are a new user just as I was not too long ago, you get to enjoy up to $5 ($3 FairPrice e-voucher, and NTUC Union members, can earn additional 200 Linkpoints ($2 worth) off your first in-store transaction.

Important information such as Link membership and credit card details can be securely stored on the FairPrice app with my authorisation. This is an amazing digital improvement as I no longer need to carry multiple cards which bulk up my wallet unnecessarily!

Moreover, this makes it extremely convenient to stack my savings since Linkpoints are now earned through the FairPrice app. Coupled with daily discount schemes under store promotions as well as Save Even More and exclusive deals where NTUC Union/Link Members enjoy 50% off, these savings can add up to a substantial amount. For instance, under Save Even More, Pioneer Generation enjoy a further 3% discount on their groceries on Mondays and Wednesdays while Senior Citizen aged 60 and above enjoy 2% discount on Tuesdays. These all savings that can be stacked on top of all the aforementioned promotions. Therefore, if you are still not a FairPrice member, do sign up online simply by downloading the FairPrice app.

Alternatively, shoppers can breeze through the queues by paying conveniently via Scan & Go on the FairPrice App. All in all, it is a seamless shopping experience from entry to checkout for myself and FairPrice customers alike.

With quality products, affordable prices and a pleasant shopping experience, every trip to FairPrice results in all-round better value for my household. As FairPrice has shown, it is a myth that one has to trade down on the shopping experience or product quality to score better grocery prices. Therefore, next time someone tells you that you need to compromise on the quality of your groceries due to inflation, you know that it need not be true!

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Should a professional be judged based on what they do during their leisure time?

DJ and clubbers

Imagine you are a professional.

You work hard during the week, putting your all into your job. But what you do during your leisure time is none of your boss’s business, right?

Well, not exactly.

While it’s true that your personal life is just that—personal—the line between professional and personal can sometimes get blurred. And if you’re not careful, the things you do during your free time can end up reflecting poorly on you and your job.

What is leisure time?

Leisure time is time that is not spent at work. It is the time when you are not occupied with any responsibilities.

Now, some people may choose to spend their leisure time doing things that are considered to be “productive.”

For example, they may choose to read books, work on their hobby, or spend time with their family and friends. Other people may choose to spend their leisure time watching television, playing video games, or going out for drinks.

Should a professional be judged?
man adjusting his suit

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Now, you might be wondering if you should let your hair down and just be yourself when you’re not at work.

After all, you’ve been working hard and you deserve it, right? Well, maybe. But maybe not. Because what you do in your leisure time can reveal a lot about you.

Are you the type of person who likes to go out and party hard on the weekends? Or are you more likely to stay in and watch Netflix? Do you golf or play poker with your buddies? Hang out at the park with your kids?

All of these activities can say something about you as a person. And if someone is looking to judge you, they’re going to look at what you do in your free time to get a sense of who you are.

How to balance your professional life and leisure time

There’s a big difference between completely relaxing and taking a break and letting your professional persona bleed over into your leisure time.

If people start to associate your leisure activities with your professional persona, then it could create some confusion about who you are as a person.

So how do you find the right balance? It’s all about being intentional about it.

If you’re going to let your hair down, make sure you’re not revealing everything on social media sites without thought. Also, ensure that you’re not letting your guard down so much that people start to question your work ethic.

While we all need a break sometimes, we also need to be aware of how we’re perceived by others.

So, what do you think? Is it wrong to judge a professional by what they do during their leisure time? Or should people maintain their professionalism no matter where they are or what they’re doing? It’s up to you to decide what you think is the right thing to do. Weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s appropriate for you and your career.

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Why social media fixation is a problem for teens

social media icons

The allure of a “constant connection” to friends can be dangerously addicting, and it’s no secret that teens are especially vulnerable to social media’s lure.

The constant need for validation and attention can result in several problems for your teen, including anxiety, cyberbullying, and decreased academic performance.

If you’re concerned about your teen’s social media fixation, there are steps you can take to help them break their addiction. In this post, we will outline some of the dangers of social media addiction and suggest ways you can help your teen overcome it.

The dangers of social media fixation

You may have noticed that your teen is glued to their phone or laptop, scrolling through social media feeds for hours on end. It’s not just a phase—it’s a real problem.

Here’s why social media fixation is a problem for your teen:

  • It’s addictive. Teens are hardwired to seek out social validation, and social media provides the perfect platform for that. 
  • It’s distracting. Your teen is missing out on essential aspects of their development because they’re so focused on their online persona.
  • It’s harmful to relationships. Your teen may be forming digital relationships instead of actual ones, and that can be damaging in the long run.
  • It’s a waste of time. Your teen could be using that time to learn new things, explore their interests, or develop healthy habits, but instead, they’re wasting it online.
Why teens are susceptible to social media fixation
woman having her picture taken

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Teens are susceptible to social media fixation because their brains are still developing.

The parts of the brain that deal with judgment and impulse control are not fully formed, which means they’re more likely to act on instinct and not think things through.

Add to that the fact that social media is all about instant gratification, and it’s easy to see why teens can get hooked. They’re constantly being bombarded with images and messages that make them feel good, and it’s hard to resist the temptation to keep scrolling.

Warning signs that your teen may be addicted to social media

If your teen is constantly checking their phone or laptop, even when they’re in class or doing homework, then there’s a good chance they’re addicted.

And if they’re withdrawing from friends and family in favor of their online life, then that’s another sign that there’s a problem. It’s crucial to address this issue head-on.

But what can you do to help your teen break free from social media?

Here are a few tips as we come to a close: talk to your teen about the dangers of social media, set reasonable rules, and monitor your teen’s use of social media. You can also help your teen find other activities to replace their social media addiction. This could include things like playing sports or learning how to master a musical instrument.

You’re likely familiar with the dangers of social media fixation—it can lead to teen depression and a skewed view of the world. But try not to be too judgmental in your parenting journey. Your teenager is going through a lot of growing-up changes right now, and they need your support more than ever. Be there for them, and remind them that you love them no matter what.

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Getting the best taste: How reducing the usage of seasonings can help

colorful herbs and spices for cooking

Seasoning your food is a great way to add flavor and make it more enjoyable to eat.

However, if you’re using too much salt, sugar, or spices, you might be masking the natural flavors of the ingredients you’re using.

If you’re looking to reduce the reliance on seasonings, there are a few things you can do. Let’s discuss some tips for reducing the seasonings you use in your cooking so that you can get the best taste from your food.

The over-reliance on seasonings

It’s no secret that a lot of us rely on seasonings to make our food taste good.

But what if there was a way to get the best taste from our food without using as many seasonings?

Believe it or not, there is. And it starts with cooking your food in the right way. It also all comes down to experimentation. You won’t know what works until you try it, so don’t be afraid to mix things up in the kitchen.

How this affects the taste of your food
woman cutting fresh herbs for cooking

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When you use a lot of seasonings, it’s easy to overpower the natural flavors of your food.

And what this means is that you’re not getting the best taste from what you’ve cooked. But there are ways to get around this.

By reducing your usage of seasonings, you will start to taste more intensely. And once you start to develop a taste for the natural flavors, you will be able to cook without any seasoning at all and still relish it.

It might take some time to get used to it, but we promise that it’s worth it. Seasoning your food is a wonderful way to add flavor, but it also hides the true flavors of what you’re cooking. So take a step back and see how you can reduce your reliance on seasonings.

How to make your food more flavorful without using as much seasonings

How to make your food more flavorful without using as much seasonings? It’s simpler than you think.

First, start by choosing better-quality ingredients. If you’re using subpar produce or meats, no amount of seasoning is going to make them taste great. So splurge a little and go for the good stuff.

Then, experiment with different cooking techniques. Roasting, grilling, and baking can add flavor that you just can’t get from plain old frying or boiling.

Seasonings add flavor to your food, but sometimes we can rely on them too much. By learning how to reduce the seasonings we use, we can get the best taste from our ingredients. There are various techniques you can use: start by reducing the amount you put on each dish. If you’re using dried herbs and spices, make sure to crush them or grind them before adding them to the food. And lastly, taste your food as you cook it to see if it really needs more seasoning. With a little practice, you should be able to create delicious, delectable dishes without relying on seasonings as much. Enjoy healthier creations starting today!

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