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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When hoarding becomes a problem: How to convince your elderly parents to stop

hoarder

You’ve been noticing it for a while now.

Your elderly parents have been hoarding more and more stuff in their home, to the point where there’s barely any room to move.

You’ve tried to talk to them about it, but they just don’t seem to understand how serious the problem has become. They’re convinced that they need all of that stuff, and they’re not willing to let go of any of it.

What can you do? Let’s explore how to convince your elderly parents to stop hoarding. With patience and perseverance, you can hopefully expect a change.

What is hoarding?

Hoarding happens when a person accumulates a lot of stuff and can’t get rid of it.

For your parents, it might be newspapers, magazines, clothes, or knick-knacks. Basically, anything and everything.

The problem with hoarding is that it can severely impact a person’s quality of life. It’s unhealthy to live in a cluttered environment, and it’s harder to keep things clean and organized. Plus, it’s a serious fire hazard.

Why do the elderly hoard?

You may be wondering why your elderly parents are hoarding. What could possess them to hold onto so many things?

Well, there are a few reasons.

Often, elderly people have a hard time letting go of things because they’re afraid of forgetting the past. They may also feel like they’re the only ones who see the value in all those items. Other old folks may hoard as a way to relieve boredom or loneliness.

How does hoarding affect the elderly?
a granny hoarder

Image Credits: styledegree.sg

Hoarding can have a serious impact on the elderly, both physically and emotionally.

Physically, it can lead to health problems like joint pains and respiratory issues. And emotionally, it can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and even depression.

Ultimately, hoarders need help sorting through their belongings and deciding what to keep and what to throw away. It’s not a straightforward process, but it can be life-saving for your elderly parents.

How to approach your elderly parent about their hoarding

It can be tough to broach the subject of hoarding with your elderly parents.

After all, this is a behavior that they’ve probably been practicing for years, and it’s likely something that’s been ingrained in their lives for a long time.

But the longer you wait to address the issue, the worse it’s going to get. So how do you go about it? The first step is to set up a time when you can have a calm and private conversation with your parents. Try to avoid accusations or judgments.

Express your concerns openly and honestly, and be prepared to listen to your parents’ side of the story. Remember, this is a difficult topic for them to deal with, so be patient and respectful. If they’re receptive, you can work together to come up with a plan that will help them overcome their hoarding behavior.

It can be hard to deal with a loved one who hoards, but there are ways to help them. Approach the situation delicately, and if serious, get them to see a therapist or counselor who can help them address the underlying issues behind the hoarding. There may also be support groups available for people who deal with loved ones who hoard. Join one of those groups, or start your own, so you can share your experiences and build a community around people in a similar situation. All hope is not lost!

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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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See the positives: Why stopping avoidance of conflict is crucial

person in a hoodie

Conflict is an inevitable part of life.

It can arise in personal relationships, at work, or in any other situation where people are interacting.

It’s human nature to try to avoid conflict, but in many cases, this simply leads to more problems down the road.

If you’re someone who tends to run away when problems arise, it’s time to stop and take a closer look at the reasons why avoidance is not the answer.

Conflict can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and learning. By seeking to avoid conflict, you’re only limiting yourself and your ability to resolve problems effectively.

What is avoidance conflict?

When you avoid conflict, you’re essentially running away from the problem.

You’re not confronting it head-on and trying to find a solution. You’re just hoping that it will go away on its own.

But that’s not how conflicts work. They don’t disappear just because you ignore them. In fact, they often get worse when they’re not dealt with properly. So what happens then? You bottle up your emotions and end up resenting the other person—or worse, you lash out in anger.

Why do people avoid conflict?

People might avoid conflict because they’re afraid of what the other person will say or do.

They might avoid conflict because they don’t want to deal with the emotional stress that comes with it.

But here’s the thing: avoidance of conflict doesn’t solve anything, and it just leads to more frustration down the road.

So how can you start facing conflicts head-on?

First, understand why you’re avoiding them in the first place. Then, develop some strategies for dealing with conflict in a healthy way. And finally, practice these procedures until they become second nature.

The benefits of stopping avoidance of conflict

friends talking near the ocean

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When you stop avoiding conflict, you open yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities:

  • Become better at dealing with problems. You will learn how to handle difficult conversations and how to stay calm in the face of adversity.
  • Start building trust with the people around you. They will know that they can come to you with their problems and that you will be willing to work through them together.
  • Become more productive. When no unresolved conflicts are taking up your time and energy, you will be able to focus on what’s important: getting the job done.

Overcoming the challenges of stopping avoidance of conflict

It’s not easy to face our problems.

We might be tempted to run away or bury our heads in the sand. But if we want to grow as individuals and as teams, we need to learn to deal with our conflicts healthily.

Yes, it can be uncomfortable for some.

We might not want to deal with the emotions that come up when we’re in conflict. But if we want to resolve the conflict and move on, we need to be able to face those sentiments.

And finally, we understand that it can be risky.

We might not know what the outcome will be, and we might be worried about what might happen if things go wrong. But if we want to achieve our goals, we need to take chances and learn from our blunders.

Conflict is an unavoidable part of life. The sooner you face it, the sooner you can start to resolve it. By avoiding conflict, you only make things worse. It’s time to stop running from your problems. When you face them head-on, you will find that most conflicts are manageable. With a little bit of effort and communication, you can resolve any conflict in a way that benefits everyone involved. So stop avoiding conflicts in your life. Come face-to-face with your problems, and you will be surprised at how straightforward they can be resolved.

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