The average family's disposable income has dropped by a third over the past two years - and soaring food and fuel prices are behind the decline. Yet there is action you can take - we show you 10 ways to bring down your weekly food spend by half
Nowhere is the soaring cost of food more evident than in the price of bread. This time last year a standard white loaf would have cost around 80 pence, now it's more like £1. But it's not just the cost of bread that's gone up - the cost of a block of one supermarket's basic brand butter has gone up from 55p to 80p.
Even before food prices started to soar last year - due to a combination of poor weather conditions and growing global demand - the average family of four would have spent around £100 a week on food. Now it's more like £120.
Shrinking incomes
The rise in the cost of food means the average family's disposable income has dropped by
29% in the past two years. Most households have just 25% of their salary - or £382 - left after
essentials including mortgages, bills, food and transport - according to Abbey Credit Card.
But it doesn't have to be this way. Here are 10 sneaky, and not-so sneaky ways to live more cheaply, and in some cases more healthily too.
Find a cheaper credit card - fast
1: Set a budget - and stick to it
This is of course easier said than done - supermarkets are out to tempt you with apparently
penny-pleasing offers such as buy one get one free. Writing a menu plan before grocery shopping can
make shopping less stressful and stop you being lured to buy something because it looks nice or
seems like a great deal, such as premium-branded washing detergent simply because it comes with a
free cute film-themed puppet.
Having a menu plan means buying just what you need and nothing more. If you’re stuck for ideas pick up the free recipe cards offered by supermarkets or check out their websites.
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