I went shopping with my mother-in-law at the market on weekends. I bought a lot of ingredients with 100 yuan in my pocket. My friend exclaimed that he was really good at making a living. This is not bragging. I am a "little money-saving expert" in my own life. I usually save a lot of money through frugality. Now I will share my exclusive tips with you to ensure that you save money and buy good ingredients.
Wander around the stalls selling goods from the north and south, and be first to pick out the dazzling ones.
When I first entered the market, I was dazzled by the various stalls selling goods from the north and the south. Don't rush to buy, shop around first. Which stall has more people, it means the stuff is fresh and popular. After walking around for a while, you will probably have an idea in mind. If you choose accordingly, you can not only buy good ingredients, but also save a lot of money.
2. Substituting goods as good ones can be seen through at a glance.
It is inevitable that there will be shoddy products in the market, such as using cheap mushrooms as toon, and using fake longan as longan meat. In the face of these "eyesores", we must not be careless. Look more at what authentic ingredients look like, ask your mother-in-law about her experience, and you will be able to spot these "fake products" at a glance.
3. Go early and come back early, the goods are complete and cheaper.
The market is not an "office worker" who works from 8 to 5. Only by going early and returning early can you find good things. In the early morning, the vegetable farmers have just arrived with fresh vegetables. They are big, juicy and reasonably priced. On the contrary, when the stall is about to close, most of the remaining dishes are not in good condition, and the prices may not be much discounted.
4. Use the "bargaining method" skillfully to bargain without fear of stage fright.
Bargaining is a "compulsory course" when buying groceries. Be sincere and chat with the stall owner to build a closer relationship. Shop around and understand the market conditions before you can bargain. When bargaining, you need to pay attention to strategy. Starting from the psychology of the other party, working hard and adding a little humor can often allow you to buy "high-quality and low-price" ingredients.
5. Carry a scale with you so that you can rest assured that the portions are sufficient.
Businesses in the market are all based on weight, so it is inevitable that there will be a shortage of weight. To avoid being at a loss, carry a small scale with you and weigh yourself on the spot, so you can rest assured that the portion is sufficient. My mother-in-law has experience and can always tell whether the scale is accurate at a glance. When she encounters a stall that is short of weight, she decisively turns around and leaves.
6. When it comes to identifying ingredients, freshness is the key.
The most important thing when buying food is that the ingredients are fresh. Choose vegetables with green, fresh leaves and no insect holes or rotten leaves. Choose meat that is red in color and elastic. Choose aquatic products that are lively and have clear eyes. My mother-in-law is a veteran of grocery shopping, and I can tell the freshness of the ingredients at a glance, which has benefited me a lot.
7. Mobilize the whole family and make grocery shopping fun.
Shopping for groceries is not a one-person affair. Mobilizing the whole family to participate can not only save money, but also enhance relationships. Let your children help pick vegetables and your husband help lift heavy objects. The whole family can work together, and grocery shopping is no longer a boring task.
8. Store properly and avoid wasting ingredients.
Saving money when buying food is one thing, but storing it properly and not wasting it is also the key. Vegetables can be sorted and wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in the fresh-keeping layer of the refrigerator. Meat can be divided into small pieces and stored frozen. Aquatic products should be eaten as soon as possible to avoid spoilage. My mother-in-law is very knowledgeable in this regard. The refrigerator is always well organized and the ingredients are fresh and durable.
9. Neighbors help each other and resources are shared and not wasted.
When shopping for groceries, it is inevitable that you will buy more than you can finish. At this time, you might as well help each other with your neighbors and share the uneaten ingredients with them. If your neighbors have a lot of ingredients, you can share them with everyone. It not only reduces waste but also enhances neighborly relations. My mother-in-law often exchanges what she needs with her neighbors, so the ingredients in the refrigerator are always kept fresh and not wasted.
10. Reject impulse, consume wisely and avoid waste.
When shopping for groceries, there will inevitably be impulse purchases. When I see fresh fruits and vegetables, I can’t help but buy more. But it is important to consume wisely and buy according to actual needs to avoid waste. My mother-in-law always reminds me that when buying groceries, I should make a list in advance and buy what I need. This can not only save money, but also develop a good habit of not wasting.