text: Most people keep shopping lists. I have a permanent list that I add to each time I shop. My list contains all the products that I buy on a reoccurring cycle. My list details Australian made items as preferred items. Australian made items are generally more expensive as they cost more to produce than imported items. I buy almost all items when they are on special only, this way I am supporting Australian companies and saving money as well. The thing to have in mind is you must buy in bulk so that you won't need to buy the products when they are at full price. If you do need to purchase an item when it is not on special make sure on your list you have an alternative product. I plan my menus before shopping so that I can purchase only what I need (some items already purchased when on special). By not purchasing items unless they are on special you start to learn what you can actually go without.
  Contributed by Petrina