Gregg Wallace programme on TV

VfM4meplse

Gigervamp wrote: »

But, from my days of working on the tills, there do seem to be loads of people who just go around the store, merrily chucking stuff in the trolley, then being shocked at how much it's come to.

How many (or few) of the shocked shoppers actually paid for their items in cash?

I'm an avid cc user and avoid using cash, but I would be mortified if I couldn't afford the shopping in my basket.

Gigervamp

VfM4meplse wrote: »

How many (or few) of the shocked shoppers actually paid for their items in cash?

I'm an avid cc user and avoid using cash, but I would be mortified if I couldn't afford the shopping in my basket.

Pretty much all paid with a card.

I was always surprised at how many had multiple cards. If one card was declined, they'd just pull out another one.

kerri_gt

Gigervamp wrote: »

Pretty much all paid with a card.

I was always surprised at how many had multiple cards. If one card was declined, they'd just pull out another one.

In the age of plastic is that really so unusual though? I have a debit card, plus my credit card provider issues both a Visa and an Amex, so there's three immediately to choose from.

I don't religiously tot up the shopping in my head (I do pay by card though) although have been caught out before when I only had a couple of £ on me - had to leave something behind. But I do know my food budget - so I might be less cautious about what I buy at the start of the month and more careful nearer the end when the budget is tighter.

I did notice though that the programme featured all families doing one big shop in one single supermarket, but the swapped products were from a range. Firstly, did anyone check all those retailers were within reasonable reach of the families, and secondly, are the families (particularly as much of the theme was they were pushed for time) prepared to spend more time going to different supermarkets to buy the various swapped out items?

VfM4meplse

Gigervamp wrote: »

Pretty much all paid with a card.

I was always surprised at how many had multiple cards. If one card was declined, they'd just pull out another one.

That's the point. For some, credit encourages a buy now, think later mentality - no good if you're not a disciplined shopper.

I like to think I am

[Deleted User]

I do have both a CC and a debit card but use a separate purse only holding cash in it for my food shopping,that way I know virtually to the penny how much I have spent, or have to spend. I food shop the way I used to when I first got married in 1962.Once the purse is empty that's it until the next pay day (in my case the 1st of each month.Some months I have cash left over and sometimes its only a few shillings but I do try to keep within the budget I have set for myself and usually have some left over to pop into my holiday spends account at the end of the month.Makes you focus on what you really need to buy and not spend on impulse buys

Muser1

I laughed when I saw the bowls. We eat all our meals out of pasta bowls (except hm pizza) much easier for the children and great for portion control. I also use FB.. Dumb and common eh?

VfM4meplse

Muser1 wrote: »

I laughed when I saw the bowls. We eat all our meals out of pasta bowls (except hm pizza) much easier for the children and great for portion control. I also use FB.. Dumb and common eh?

When Nigella was on Woman's Hour recently she announced that bowl food is the order of the day in her household.

Dumb and common keeps good gastronomic company

Muser1

VfM4meplse wrote: »

When Nigella was on Woman's Hour recently she announced that bowl food is the order of the day in her household.

Dumb and common keeps good gastronomic company

I laughed out loud!

lessonlearned

I have started using a bowl more often because I'm trying to lose weight so watching the portion sizes. I notice Jamie Oliver uses them sometimes too.

Credit cards - I have started using my credit card more often than my debit card because I get N&ct&r points, I just clear the card at the end of the month so I don't incur any charges. I don't spend any more because im using a card. I can still be quite disciplined but then I can spend more if I want to take advantage of any special offers or bargains.

It really is surprising how the points have added up using the card this way. I use it for petrol, some food shopping, Anything I buy online, and any large purchases. I just treat it as I would a debit card.

I do keep a spending diary and in there I record which payment method I use so I never get an unexpectedly large cc bill.

The cash stays in a high interest current account and earns a little bit extra until it's time to pay the bill. It sounds like a faff but I use Internet banking so it only takes a few minutes to do all the transfers and payments.

I really don't think I spend more and I'm even earning a bit of interest.

missyrichards

We are using a 0% credit card as we wanted to buy a couple of new armchairs and a couple of other bits for the home. It's about £400 balance at the moment but it will be paid off by the time the interest rate increases. IMO they are fine to use if you plan your purchases and make sure you pay them back in time.:)