Food is one of the biggest weekly household expenses. How can you cut your supermarket spending?

Um, bit embarrassing. I think my accreditation to speak authoritatively here has lapsed.

The division of labour in our house means I only go to the supermarket five minutes before people arrive to get forgotten items. However, with beer shopping, I do have A+ qualifications.

So, the following is largely from Mrs DebtMan.

“Sign up for the newsletters from the major supermarkets. Got to the one with more of your favourite items on special.

“Stock up on non-perishables when they’re on sale. Such as, buy six tinned tomatoes and washing detergent when it’s marked $10 instead of $20.

“Online shopping reduces impulse purchases.” (Right, so THAT is why she sometimes shops from the couch!) “Don’t shop when you’re hungry.

“Occasionally, don’t shop, except for essentials. Make the plan that week to get creative with what’s in the pantry or freezer.

“Buy meat in bulk and freeze portions. And making vegetarian meals twice a week can save on more expensive meat.”

So, she’s not trying to slowly turn me into a hippy. She is trying to save money. Bless her.

And my money and time saving tips for buying booze?

Buy beer in bulk. Buying six packs means you pay roughly $60-80 a slab, versus about $40. Are you saying you’re not going to drink the rest anyway? Fibber! Vary the brand, based on what’s good value.

With wine, the major bottle-shops will generally give a 5-10 per cent discount for cases – even mixed cases. But I also use wine auction houses, who call me with specials. They get to know your tastes. And the time saving? Priceless.

Bruce Brammall is the principal adviser with Castellan Financial Consulting (www.castellanfinancial.com.au) and author of Debt Man Walking.