1. Count Your Travel Cost.

It often happens that the hypermarket, that has those ever so enticing offers, is located more than 50km away from where you live. So you land up travelling all the way.

You probably get a 'Buy 1 Get 1 Free' offer on tomato ketchup where you save about Rs.75. And you buy a whole lot of other groceries and get about one or two bucks off on each item. In all, you save about Rs.200, which isn't bad at all. But is it really worth it when you are spending Rs.300 on petrol for your car journey?

Also Read: How to Handle Monthly Budgeting

2. Make a List and Stick to It.

Hypermarkets make shopping a whole lot easier because you have more variety to choose from and there is practically everything under one roof. But the price you pay for that is you invariably land up spending more money. Not because the products are expensive but you feel you need everything.

Attractive packaging makes you want to try out new products. For example, new shampoos, cosmetics, detergents etc. can be very enticing even if you already have your stock for the month.

There are plenty of offers in hypermarkets that you might not find in your local grocery store. You will find products on a 'Buy 2 Get 1 Free' or Rs.10 off on a 5 ltr. can of cooking oil. You feel like you are getting a good deal. So you land up buying things you don't need in large quantities.

The only way to keep your shopping bill in control is to make a list of the items you really need and not waver from it.

Also Read: Why We Overspend

3. Know Your Favourites.

In hypermarkets, you can find every brand under the sun. Some brands might have exciting offers on them and even though you don't know how good they are, you might want to try them. You might even buy too much. But think about this. What if you don't like the product? You will be saddled with a lot of something you don't even like because of a good deal.

Also Read: 25 Tips to Crack That Sale!

The only way to avoid buying what you don't really like is to know your regular brands. For instance, if you like a certain brand of tea leaves, don't try out a new one because it's on offer or has attractive packaging.