Yesterday I went to the Supermarket here in Tasmania, Australia.
An ordinary everyday encounter flower smellers, except for one thing that is
1) Irritating me and many others
2) Something I am helpless to change
Any guesses?
I went to purchase a packet of generic Brand Cheese and a bag of generic pasta……
The cheese costs $2.29 per packet, the pasta $1.05, and for what I making no need to go to any expense. Look in my purse yep enough change great, I approached the fridge section and as I browsed the shelves to my horror the cheese had gone up. Now a 5 cents or even 10 cents I could understand and a slight increase on Thursday when the truck delivers new stock ok I don’t like it, but it is tolerable, however the cheese had increased 80 cents a packet to $3.09, irritated I performed a silent protest and didn’t buy it. My next challenge Pasta, I’ll just make spaghetti easy, I arrive at the aisle and shelves containing the various selection of shapes, sizes and brands, looking along the shelf I spy my intended. Then I caught sight of the price and was dumbfounded, totally taken aback, it too had increased by 40 cents a pack.I picked it and checked the packet, had they increased the size? No, Was there new packaging? No Was there anything remotely different which would account for this price hike? NO and NO.
Taking the pasta to the register, as I had no other option, I asked the operator who happens to be one of the owner’s;
“whats with the increase?”
To which I was answered; “oh they have increased due to the fuel cost!”
To which I replied; “that’s not right!”,
She then said (obviously annoyed) “oh yes rising petrol cost to transport all the way down here it has to be past on some where”
My response was not gratefully excepted as the checkout was busy, as you could well imagine in a small country town, the women waiting in the queue where watching with ears pricked, there is gossip coming, something to fill their otherwise boring day, however me being me I just had too; I responded ;“why are your trucks paying more for your Petrol when the cost of fuel has dropped by nearly 20 cents per litre in Hobart and even 10 cents per her in town? I truly think your trucks need to get a new fuel supply your being ripped off.”
The reply included: “it has to shipped from the mainland and the freight cost have also increased”.
“Oh!” I said, “then why is cheaper to purchase Tasmania Produce on the Mainland than it is here in Tassie and why is it more expensive to purchase Fruit and veges here in town when it is grown about 50 km up the road, the same produce from the same farmer on the coast is actually cheaper through the grocer than here in town”.
Well if looks could kill, I would have fallen dead on the spot, as she shot daggers at me and with no response forthcoming I proceeded to pay and leave. Might wait a few days before going back in there….
Don’t get me wrong things are increasing in cost, I get that and for those in America with the sub prime collapse, the financial industry in turmoil, people loosing their jobs and homes and all the rest which is impacting down here to a much lesser degree, but it is coming, it is extremely difficult.
This is an ongoing battle. So far in the past few months I have been astounded at the rises and not just in small jumps, these rises are leaps. With those who are elderly, disabled and unable to work the situation is dire, for those working it is tough, but its not in OZ we are told it is a global problem. Often with no reason and as profits increase for the corporations I dont really know if this is justified amidst the hard times inflicted on so many.
The cost of living is increasing at a speed to rival a F1 Grand Prix and for those on a fix income attempting to budget is almost impossible. It isn’t just food and fuel, it is in interest rates for those of us with a mortgage, rents, clothes, fees, car cost, travel cost… every aspect of life is costing us more.
Maybe it is not as bad as I feel it is, my annoyance may be due to being able to remember only a few years ago the cost of items, when I could comfortably feed a family of 6 kids and 2 adults on less then I can presently feed 2 adults and one child. Even comparing to when I was a child and incomes were lower and interests rates went crazy, food was still kept at a reasonable price.
Oh those were the days!
Apart from earning more to cover these costs, for some on fixed incomes, it is not possible, what money/budget tips do you have to share?
Is there anything that you have found works better than others?
I haggle and as much as possible make my own everything (lifestyle choice I am grateful for).
So what works for you? Do you look at the prices like I do?
We’ve been eating out less frequently and having less snacks from local bakeries and store bought. This is good for the losing weight part. I’ve been shopping a lot less.
Driving, oh the gas prices!!! We have cut back on the driving which in turn also cuts back on spending more because usually where we drive to we spend more money.
One benefit is that we spend more time together at home. So, I would assume if that happens in other households that it might be really beneficial for families.
I am wondering though as things continue… is there any way further to tighten our belts…..
My waist line or finances? I know there are a lot of ways to tighten our belts. I think, it is good in some ways because it lowers that materialism, but bad for the economy. Families have to be more creative with what to do like maybe spend time together more. It also has me focusing more on wants/desires versus needs. This is especially true since we are a one income household now.
There are a ton of things people can do.
Any example to illustrate your point CC?
What with all the slick advertising, brands making have-nots become haves but in debt?
Credit crunch anyone?
Carpools, public transportation, coupon clipping, price comparison shop for groceries and other items, eat out less frequently, make own meals using less preprepared items, use energy saving light bulbs, reuseable shopping bags, don’t waste food and eat left overs (my favorite), turn off entertainment electronics for the day or a period of time each day, walk to your destination, save you change because it adds up, only purchase what you can pay off each month, make coffee and specialty drinks at home, make a grocery list and stick to it, read the sales ads before you go shopping and take advantage of discounts, etc…
Before I was married and about 30 years old, I was more than 10,000 in debt and living paycheck to paycheck, transferring balances, paying late, etc. I have a shopping addiction and it was way out of control when I was in college and just after. When we were married, we also incurred wedding debt. We focused on paying as much as possible each month after consolidating to one lower interest credit card and it took us three years. We have not been in debt since except for the car that is paid for now and the house mortgage. Now, we make sure that we pay the credit card off in full every month…it feels so good.
Hey CC
I cant understand the Credit card thing…. never have…
I dont have one…
the only actually loan we have is the mortgage… no car loan, no Hire purchase, and no credit card…
We decided many years ago we would save for what we needed… its much harder in the short term and can mean going without for a period of time… but I tell you its comforting when you dont get a bill each month…..
Everything I have including the power and my mobile phone (yes I had to get one) is all prepaid so no bill it makes life so much easier….
Try not using the credit for one month and putting the money you would normally pay off it, away for the next month then when you go shopping the next month you can use cash, and possibly hagle a bit for a better price…
Its easier said than done but worth a try….
The credit card isn’t a problem and I’m more comfortable with it then carrying a lot of cash. There is no annual fee, no interest since we pay it off, and we put everything on one card like groceries, gas and whatever else because we get reward points back to spend at my favorite department store, Nordstrom. There are no extra fees for using it they way we do. So, I think that it is all good for us, now that I’m under control!!
It sounds like a fairly reasonable one….
Downhere they can huge interests, annual fees, charges for this that and the other… there is interest free periods with many, but the fees on top can make it dificult even if you do pay it in the shortest time possible…..
I am glad your works the why you want…. so many dont and its hard to know which is best….
Yes, and the fine print is important to read!!!! It is also good to have a credit card to help with your credit rating.
We do the same with our credit card. We get vouchers for an upmarket department store that has a high-end grocery where I like to buy my produce and certain goods not available elsewhere. We also get vouchers for our local CostCo clone.
The good thing about the current fuel prices in the UK is that the volume of petrol (gas) has apparently gone donw around 20%. People was finding alternate ways of getting to their destination.
Here in London people are making more use of the much maligned public transport system and others are actually making fewer journeys. And heaven behold, some people are discovering walking!
At the same time, more and more Londoners are taking up cycling, though personally I wouldn’t risk it in the heavy London traffic - I stick to riding in hte parks where allowed.
perhaps more folks will take to their bikes and negate the traffic risk… but I am with you Arvind the park for me too…
Hi Aussie - Chin up!
I was only thinking this on the way into work this morning (about the price rises) - An advert had come on the radio - our local Ford car dealer in Derby was advertising their new 58 plate (the registration plate that came out Sept 1st this year) - a range of models with 25% off the price.
Yep 25% - not 5, not even 10% but a quarter wiped off the screen price just like that. (while stocks last apparently which could be a while).
Other car forecourts seemed to have dropped 1000’s off to.
I feel sorry for anyone who bought one at normal price - how ripped off must they be feeling?
Sorry personal winge - back to the topic - driving lessons - they seem to be really expensive compared to when i learnt to drive. Mandy does most of the food shop and she has now adopted a policy of buying the really special offers and stocking up as and when. We’ve also noticed that our local Co-op shop has some really very good bulk buy and other less than half price offers on most things, most weeks.
Heard a rumour that fuel is actually going to be going up again and Apple may be reducing the cost of their i-phone whilst cutting back production.
Early signs at Fabulous Photo Gifts Office are that it’s going to be a busy Christmas run up for us, as shoppers are looking for something a little more special and personalised for their presents this year.
I still can understand why petrol continues to rise even though it drop by huge amounts per barrel… I smell a load of profitering going on…..
Sound like a good chrissy heading your way mate…
cheers
Hi Aussie - Chin up!
I was only thinking this on the way into work this morning (about the price rises) - An advert had come on the radio - our local Ford car dealer in Derby was advertising their new 58 plate (the registration plate that came out Sept 1st this year) - a range of models with 25% off the price.
Yep 25% - not 5, not even 10% but a quarter wiped off the screen price just like that. (while stocks last apparently which could be a while).
Other car forecourts seemed to have dropped 1000’s off to.
I feel sorry for anyone who bought one at normal price - how ripped off must they be feeling?
Sorry personal winge - back to the topic - driving lessons - they seem to be really expensive compared to when i learnt to drive. Mandy does most of the food shop and she has now adopted a policy of buying the really special offers and stocking up as and when. We’ve also noticed that our local Co-op shop has some really very good bulk buy and other less than half price offers on most things, most weeks.
Heard a rumour that fuel is actually going to be going up again and Apple may be reducing the cost of their i-phone whilst cutting back production.
This on the day that Tesco announce a 10% rise in profits.
I think you got a standard answer that they agreed to use that week.
Go back next week and ask again and they’re say something else, like
Oh they have increased due to leaves on the track
Oh they have increased as I need to pay for my holiday next week
Oh they have increased because it’s raining
And so on …
so very true Mike…
very true….
In fairness Mike Tesco are the single biggest private employer in the UK- so there profits increasing in tough times are a testimony to the stewardship of terry leahy and co.
As for price watching I never do it.
I steal. The credit crunch benefits shoplifters like me as wages for and number of security guards goes down. Every cloud and that…
And Tesco is also a provider of low cost goods, which has proven to be a key aspect of their success.
These people are very tough buyers and do pass on savings made from their buying power to their customers. Their customers are not idiots, they are average people like you, me and Mike, they know a bargain when they see one.
Hats off to Tesco.
I’m off to do my shopping there to make my wage go that extra mile.
Your assuming I’m saying it is a bad thing Urban! Just pointing it out
While you’re at it can you nick me a PS2 and a sandwich - cheers mate
I’ve got a PS2 you can buy! Or did you mean a PS3?
You can’t have my sarni though.
I’ll swap you a triple choc cookie
I’ll swap the biscuit for a bacon and egg sanga…
nothing like a ton of cholesterol to kick start your day….
lol
Done - unless you want to up the bid Lib? Goodness knows what your bacon and eggs will smell like AC once it ships from Aussie to the UK
Now, I’m hungry!!!
ok dumb question..
I do know the name tesco.. but what is it?????
A HUGE supermarket chain…..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesco
BIG on loyalty cards, petrol deals - a free set of glasses yo never used when you spend $200, that type of place.
thanks heaps… I was thinking it was like a Kmart we have in Oz or Aldi or something along those line.. but it is more like a bargain type warehouse… much like a mixture of a few stores we have down here….
Tesco is a couple up the tree from ALDI etc….I remember buying tins of beans as a student from Aldi at 8 pence each!!
dont mind Aldi at all but there isnt any in Tas… they are coming in the next year or so….
I’ve got a love hate relationship with Tescos, hate because of the ghetto tastic one I have to go in everyday and love, well, admiration, for their market saviness.
They’ve just launched a compare thing on their website which suggests cheaper products to you if they are available in store, so if you chose a Lloyd Grossman chilli & tom sauce, they’ll suggest a cheaper alternative. Genius.
Not that I ever would by a jarred sauce, I make everything from scratch me, every day.
Lib I do too make most things from scratch…
admittably I do get lazy from time to and cheat but not that often…. home made is always better….
One thing I have yet to make though is HP Sauce… any recipes most welcome… I love that…
AC - I used to work for HP sauce many moons ago. They had a factory in Birmingham (120 miles from London) which closed down a coulpe of years ago after many decades.
Heinz bought HP sauce and promptly moved production to Holland! Now HP sauces, an iconic British brand is not even made in the UK anymore.
The HP factory used to have a tall tower which could be seen from the motorway but that has now been demolished. More houses are being built there.
As for the recipe, I don’t have it. And even if I did I couldn’t share it with you, as the Dutch gestapo will come and shoot me
OH NO Arvind we cant have that…
Shhhh I wont tell … lol…
But made in Holland.. that is just wrong…
Its like Vegemite is own by Americans because they bought kraft foods…
I dont buy it anymore…. sob
Arvid, I though Heinz 57 was an American brand that began out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and expanded?
Arvind, sorry too fast typing. I mispelled you name.
Not sure about tips AC! The petrol costs are just an excuse.
In Dubai, where petrol is amongst the cheapest in the world, the prices have gone up by more than 30% over the summer.
Yes I know that much of the stuff is air freighted so you could argue that factor. But what about the locally grown produce? Surely if you support the local growers, we should be rewarded with lower food costs!
Arrrgggggh!
Gas prices…ugh!!!! I think that it might be more cost effective that I am not working given the amount of driving that I would have had to do.
As the weather improves Moppet and I will restart our morning and afternoon walks…
thats 10 kms a day to and from school… we just take a nice easy pace, its together time for us as well….
Over the past month we have had 3 weeks of solid and constant rain, hail and snow… but today we have blue skies and sunshine.. yippeeeee.. but more rain starts tomorrow…. oh joy… but the cost of the fuel has been tough going… usually I walk to the shops etc… but getting soaked and suffering hypothermia is not simply not worth the savings…
I feel your words Aussie. I have noticed everything has gone up and yet, payment/wages has not so being creative, going to mum and dads and even the in-laws for dinner helps… LOL. I’m pretty lucky in the fuel dept as I don’t travel too far so I only need fill the tank once a month and I work from home… hubby has a company van so in that regard, it hasn’t affected us so much. Next year will be even better for us as we won’t have the day care expenses and only one drop off and pick at the same school.