Family-Friendly Tips from Your Credit Union
The weekly shop is one of the biggest regular expenses for families. With food prices rising and household budgets under pressure, finding ways to cut down on your grocery bill without cutting back on quality or nutrition is more important than ever.
At your local Credit Union, we understand how hard families are working to make every penny count. That’s why we’ve put together practical, family-focused tips (including some shared by our own team) to help you save money on your weekly shop, without sacrificing the meals and products your family relies on.
1. Make a Plan – Not Just a List
Before you shop, take 15 minutes with the family calendar and work out what meals you need for the week.
Ask yourself:
- Who will be home each evening?
- Are there any nights where you need a quick meal before clubs, gym or work?
- Is anyone visiting for dinner?
Once you know what the week looks like, you can build a realistic meal plan that suits your schedule and budget. Check your cupboards before you write your list if you’ve already got tinned tomatoes, no need to buy pasta sauce again!
🔍 Top tip from our Head Office team: Use one or two flexible ingredients across the week – like broccoli or grated cheese – to reduce waste and stretch your shop further.
2. Shop Smarter – It’s About Timing
Everyone knows not to shop when you’re hungry. But did you know that when you shop during the week can also affect your spend? Try these ideas:
- Choose one dedicated shopping day per week to avoid expensive top-up trips.
- Shop in the evening when possible – reduced sections are often freshly stocked.
- If you see a yellow-sticker item you were going to buy anyway (like chicken or minced beef), grab it and freeze it!
📌 Avoid buying a discounted item just because it’s reduced. If it’s not part of your plan, it may still cost more than what you were already going to make.
3. Use Your Freezer Wisely
Your freezer can be one of your biggest money-saving tools. Cook double portions of family meals—like pasta sauces, curries or casseroles—and freeze the extras in either single or family-sized portions. They make great backup dinners for busy nights or when you’re too tired to cook.
Also:
- Freeze bread and defrost midweek to avoid popping to the shop for a top-up.
- Milk can be frozen too, just leave space in the bottle.
- Leftover mashed potatoes, cooked meat, and even rice can be frozen safely if cooled quickly and reheated thoroughly.
🧊 Frozen veg is often cheaper and creates less waste – you only use what you need, when you need it.
4. Less Waste, More Savings
A big drain on your food budget is food waste. Here’s how to reduce it:
- Weigh portions of pasta and rice to avoid overcooking and throwing it away.
- Track what you throw out each week – do you always bin bananas or salad? Buy less of them next time.
- Use up ingredients the night before your shop – can you turn leftover bacon and veg into a pasta bake?
5. Try Cheaper Alternatives
Families often get attached to favourite brands but it’s worth experimenting.
Try this:
- Pick three new cheaper alternatives to try each week (e.g. own-brand cereal, ketchup, or loo roll).
- Start with smaller sizes to see if your family notices the difference.
You may find that some own-brand products are just as good (or better!)—and cost 30–50% less.
6. Shop Offers With a Plan
It’s tempting to grab items when they’re on offer but be careful. Only stock up if:
- It’s half price or better
- You would buy it anyway
- You don’t already have too much in the cupboard
Stocking up on mayo or washing powder when it’s truly cheaper can be smart—but only if you’re not overspending to do it.
💡 Check the “price per 100g” or “per item” to compare multi-buy deals versus single packs.
7. Non-Food Items Count Too
To really stretch your weekly budget, look at everything else in your trolley:
- Can the whole family use the same shampoo or body wash?
- Can you swap to a multi-use cleaner instead of buying lots of separate products?
- Try own-brand versions of hand wash, washing-up liquid or toilet cleaner—often just as good for a fraction of the price.
8. Track Your Wins and Review
Saving money isn’t about being perfect it’s about being consistent.
There will be weeks where the plan doesn’t go exactly right and that’s OK. What matters is that you’re making small changes that add up. Keep track of your savings and remind yourself of the progress you’re making.
✅ Did you avoid a top-up shop this week?
✅ Used up your leftovers instead of binning them?
✅ Tried two cheaper products and liked them?
Celebrate the small wins and adjust your household budget to reflect the positive changes. This helps you stay motivated and in control.
Your Local Credit Union Can Help
At your local Credit Union, we’re more than just a place to save and borrow. We’re part of your community—and we’re here to help families build strong financial habits that last.
- Set up a weekly savings plan with as little as £5 saved from your food shop.
- Open a Prize Saver Account – where your savings give you the chance to win monthly cash prizes.
- Access low-cost loans if you need help managing larger expenses—without high interest or hidden fees.
- Get free support and guidance to help you manage your money better.
Final Thought
Saving money on your weekly shop isn’t about cutting out all your favourite things—it’s about shopping smarter, reducing waste, and making a plan that works for your family.
And with support from your local Credit Union, you don’t have to do it alone.
Ready to take control of your budget? Speak to your Credit Union today about opening a savings account or planning your family’s financial future.