How to Beat the Rising Cost of Living

“The rising cost of living” is a phrase we all know too well. A simple trip to your local supermarket leaves you reeling with frustration and confusion. How did three items come to $80?! Keep reading to learn how you can beat the rising cost of living.

Unfortunately, with inflation, every expense has a knock-on effect, like dominoes crashing down on your budget – groceries, fuel, rent, bills, mortgage, loans, kids’ school items, and the list goes on until you’re left with an insurmountable list of essentials that you cannot afford.

But here’s the good news – we’ve got seven tips on how you can beat the rising cost of living, save on your groceries and stretch your budget at Lighthouse.

Tip 1: Shop at Lighthouse

At Lighthouse, you can get discounts of up to 70% off the recommended retail price. Our famous $25 trolley is a budget-friendly solution for many families. The $25 trolley changes each day and includes a variety of items, depending on stock availability. It’s a perfect way to keep your pantry and fridge stocked up with essentials like fruit, vegetables, fridge & frozen foods, and dry pantry items. We also offer a multi-buy option on some products, giving you more bang for your buck.

Tip 2: Meal Plan

Meal planning can be as simple as knowing what you’re going to eat each day at the start of your week. This enables you to go grocery shopping ahead of time, only purchasing the essential items you need for those meals and for your kids’ school lunches. Life hack: cut up any fruits and vegetables like watermelon, rockmelon, carrots, etc., and store them in a container to eat throughout the week; the easier you make it, the more likely it will be eaten.

Tip 3: Grocery Shop Once a Week

Limiting your grocery shopping to once a week is a great way to save money. If you head into your local supermarket to pick out a few items as you need them throughout the week, you’ll likely exit the store with more than you planned and some extra snacks you probably didn’t need. Limit your shopping to once a week with your meal plan on hand, and you’ll be able to stick to a plan and budget wisely. Bonus tip for getting more shelf life out of your loaf of bread: store it in the fridge!

Tip 4: Keep an Eye on Lighthouse Social Media Accounts

Make sure you follow Lighthouse Care on social media to stay updated on any weekly specials, new items, free food announcements, and to see what the $25 trolley looks like. This way, you won’t miss out on any great discounts. Find us on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok @lighthousecare.

Tip 5: Buy Foods Close to or Past Their Best Before Dates

One of the best ways you can save on your groceries is by purchasing food past or close to its best-before dates. Best before dates are about quality, not safety. Any food close to or past its best before date will be at a discounted rate and is still perfectly safe to consume. As part of Lighthouse Care’s commitment to providing affordable groceries for families in need and promoting a sustainable future, you’ll find some items may be past their “best before” dates. This practice minimizes waste and empowers our community to make conscientious choices. For more information, read our blog on Supporting a Sustainable and Affordable Future here.

Tip 6: Look Out for Specials

Another cost saving tip is to keep an eye out for products on special, like discounted meat, which can significantly cut down your grocery costs. Many supermarkets offer weekly specials and promotions on various items, from fresh produce to pantry staples. By planning your purchases around these deals, you can take advantage of significant savings without compromising on the quality of your meals. Whether it’s stocking up on essentials during a sale or grabbing discounted items nearing their best before dates, being savvy about specials can stretch your budget further. 

Tip 7: Buy It and Freeze It

“Freezing is like putting a delicious pause button on your ingredients, an Aussie kitchen technique for freshness preservation.”

George Calombaris

Did you know almost any food could be frozen to extend its life? You could also cook, freeze, and defrost when you want to consume it. According to the Australian Institute of Accreditation, cooked meat can be stored in the freezer for 1-4 months, and raw meats can be frozen between 1-6 months, depending on the meat. Chicken & turkey can be frozen for up to 1 year.

These simple yet effective tips can help you save on your groceries and stretch your budget for other essentials: fuel, bills, etc. Share your tips on how to beat the rising cost of living in the comments below. By shopping strategically, planning meals, and keeping an eye on opportunities like those offered at Lighthouse, we can navigate these challenging times with resilience. Let’s not forget the valuable lessons found in the simplicity of freezing foods, embracing discounts on items near their best-before dates, and sharing your own tips in the comments below. Together, as a community committed to financial well-being, we can create a ripple effect of support, helping each other overcome the hurdles of rising expenses.