Aussie Shoppers Now More Frugal
If there’s anything people can do to save on costs today, it’s changing their spending habits. Believe it or not, a change in attitude alone can go a long way. It can even help develop a positive outlook going forward.
In Australia, a new research has found that frugalism is the trend in the country today. A survey done by Galaxy as commissioned by Woolworths showed that amid the global economic downturn, Australian shoppers have become frugal in an effort to save on their expenses. Being frugal here means people today look for more value in what they buy, they’re more aware of what’s happening around them and they’re wise enough to look for bargains where they can. However, this is not to say that they would compromise quality over cheap prices.
The research further found that this change in spending attitude is seen to be for keeps as Australia gradually recovers from the financial crisis. Of the total respondents in the survey, majority or 93 percent claimed to have changed their shopping behavior and do not plan to go back to their old habits. For now, many are making a shopping list before they head off to the supermarkets to do buy their food and other needs in an effort to keep a lid on their grocery expenses. The survey also found that some four million shoppers today are purchasing more supermarket brands compared to a year ago.
Officials of major grocery chains also agree that shoppers have indeed become wiser and discerning demanding quality products at the most affordable prices if possible. Manufacturers have also responded to this change in attitude by improving on their quality to provide more value to people’s money. In addition to that, they’re also giving more information about their products so shoppers can have more choices.
Another sign of this changing habit is the reduction in the use of credit cards for purchasing the family’s basic needs. It’s a positive signal that people have realized the high cost of using the plastic cards what with the high interest rate and other finance charges being applied to every purchase. Other than using the cards, owners have also stayed away from utilizing the cash advance feature whenever they needed cash.
While avoiding the credit cards, many have opted for the short term and affordable loans. With these loans easily available online, those in dire need of money in between payday can apply any time using the lending company’s website. Through word of mouth and aggressive marketing campaigns, these short term loans such as the cash advance and payday loans have attracted a considerable number of people not only in Australia but in other parts of the world as well. Many find this option convenient and affordable as the term is short and approval of loan application can take as little as a few minutes to an hour at the most.
Changing one’s attitude towards finances is one sure way of staying away from debt. This is the best security measure any individual can take to save him or her from financial trouble. Being frugal and wise is indeed the call of the day and into the future.
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