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No one wants to overspend on their supermarket shop but to see savings every week, prep starts before you even enter the store.

Lots of people I speak to want to start saving on their grocery shop and therefore instantly hit the ‘sales’ to try and see the results they want. However, this is not always the best method for consistent savings.

I always have my cheapest shop when I plan beforehand. Being organised is how I make sure I’m always getting the best deals; whether that’s using coupons, shopping the sales, checking for cheaper alternative products or ensuring I’m buying my groceries at the cheapest supermarket.

This additional time and effort may seem a lot more complex than just writing a simple shopping list but it really pays when you see how much you can save each week.

As an extreme couponer, my approach may differ from other savers, however, no matter how you approach saving, organisation is key. You should work out a system that works best for you and your family.

To help making a start on ensuring you are always getting your shopping for the best price, here are my top 10 tips for planning your supermarket shop.

1. Create Your List

I plan weekly with my mum. We write a full list which includes our daily plan, for all meals, which we then organise into two sections, essentials and luxuries. With a strict list, you won’t be tempted to buy more that you need.

2. Check the Cupboards

One of the easiest ways to overspend is buying products you don’t need.

Sauces, condiments and basic products such as rice and pasta are the typical culprits for this. If you take the time to inspect what products you have in the house before leaving, you’ll only buy what you need and will instantly save before you’ve even stepped into the supermarket.

3. Know Your Budget

The average household spends ￡56.80 per week on food, however if you strive to buy your shopping for less, the best advice is to know your budget. It is possible to get your shopping for less but you need to be flexible on the products and brands you buy to support savings.

4. Comparison is Key

Thanks to the current supermarket ‘price war’, supermarket offers and product prices can change on a weekly, or even daily basis. Therefore, it is essential to check your shopping list on a comparison site, such as mysupermarket.co.uk. This ensures that you are always visiting the cheapest supermarket for your shop. This can change week on week, so be prepared to shop around if you want to save.

5. Collecting Coupons

Once you have a shopping list, check for comparison coupons. The best places to look are brand websites and social media channels, in-store supermarket magazines and www.facebook.com/couponshopuk for a list of current supermarket coupons.

6. Swap Shop

It’s not just comparing supermarkets that can save money. Always keep an eye out for alternative, cheaper products that you can swap. New products are launched daily and often are available with an introductory price or coupon, offering the perfect opportunity to try something new and save on your shopping.

7. Time Your Shop

If you know your supermarket well, there will certainly be a preferred time to shop. This could be at the quietest time to ensure you get peace while you add up your shop or, as a must, a few hours before closing allowing you to shop in the reduced section. You may even find a comparison or alternative product that will bring down the cost of your shopping.

8. Eat Before You Shop

A member from Extreme Coupons UK advises eating before you shop. I too follow this rule and regardless whether it is proven or not, it certainly feels easier not to over fill your trolley when you have a full belly.

9. Calculate as You Go

Add up your products as you put them into your trolley. This will ensure you are sticking to your set budget and that there are no nasty surprises at the till, you’ll know as soon as the final tally is in whether you’ve been overcharged anywhere too. This also acts as a perfect deterrent, if you add something that you don’t need and the cost starts to add up, it will be easier to place these products back onto the shelves.

10. Claiming Cashback

Cashback sites are not for everyone as they only offer you savings after you have bought the products. However, if you are willing to make this extra effort they are great for getting money back and adding to the in store savings.