This week:Supermarkets

1 Make a list:Plan what you're going to eat for the week ahead and what you need to make that happen. Then stick to it. Supermarkets love to see us walk through their doors hassled and disorganised because they know we'll end up buying stuff we've no intention of ever eating.

2 Avoid value-added stuff:Bagged salad, grated cheese and pre-chopped onions are enemies of the budget conscious and cost as much as 300 per cent more than the constituent parts beside them on the shelves.

3 Never shop hungry:a good shopper shops on their stomach. If you're full you'll be better able to ignore the smell of freshly baking bread that the store has pumped through its air-conditioning system and you'll not be tempted by over-priced treats.

4 Look up and down:stores place their priciest items at eye level while cheaper alternatives are on the lower and higher shelves. And while you're looking all around you, experiment with own brand products – if you can find an own-brand product you like it'll cost you at least 30 per cent less than more recognisable brand names.

5 Shop around:Don't just go to your local Aldi or Lidl. Some things are cheaper there, certainly, but shopping exclusively in discount stores is monotonous and depressing. Keep an eye out for deals in your local butchers and fruit and vegetable shop too.