I Spent 3 Months Tracking Store Deals Every Single Day - Here's What Actually Works

By HOAR Team 5 July, 2025 6 mins read 82 Views

Look, I'm gonna be honest with you.

This whole "shopping on specific days" thing started as a joke between me and my neighbor Sarah. She swore by her Tuesday Iceland runs, and I thought she was being ridiculous. Fast forward to now, and I've got a color-coded calendar that would make a project manager weep with joy. My husband thinks I've lost it, but our grocery budget dropped by £180 last month, so who's laughing now?

Here's what I actually learned after obsessively tracking deals for way too long. Some of this stuff is gold, some of it... well, you'll see.

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Monday Blues? More Like Monday Bargains

Morrisons figured out something clever here. Their More card holders get 10% off at all the Market Street counters every Monday through summer. I'm talking butcher, fishmonger, bakery - the works. Plus their cafes too, which is perfect because Monday mornings require industrial-strength coffee.

I tested this religiously for six weeks. The savings are real, but here's the catch - you need to actually use those counters. If you're a grab-and-go shopper who avoids human interaction at all costs, this won't help you much.

Tuesday: The Day Boots Wants Your Money (And You Should Let Them)

Two things happen on Tuesdays that'll save you cash.

First, if you're over 60, Iceland and The Food Warehouse give Bonus card holders 10% off. My mum discovered this and now treats Tuesday like her personal holiday. Good for her.

But here's the real gem - Boots' £10 Tuesday offers online for Advantage card holders. I've snagged everything from expensive moisturizers to vitamins. Last month I got a £45 serum for £10. My skin looks fantastic, and my bank account didn't cry.

Wednesday Weirdness

Wednesdays are... inconsistent. Over-60s get 10% off in Asda cafes, which is nice if that's your demographic. There's also a first-Wednesday-of-the-month deal at The Original Factory Shop with their TOFS Club card.

Honestly? Wednesday feels like the forgotten middle child of deal days. I wouldn't plan my week around it.

Thursday is Where the Magic Happens

This is it. This is the day.

Aldi drops their fortnightly Super Six deals on fruit and veg, plus Super Weekly offers on meat and fish. Their Special Buys hit the shelves too - you know, those random items that make you question your life choices but somehow end up in your basket anyway. (I'm looking at you, inflatable kayak that's been in my garage for eight months.)

Lidl joins the party with new food promotions and their Middle of Lidl bargains. I've learned to check both stores every Thursday morning. It's become embarrassingly routine.

Friday Feels Different

If you're fancy enough to shop at Waitrose, Fridays mean 20% off selected items at the fish counter. My sister does this religiously and serves salmon like she's running a restaurant.

Superdrug's £5 Friday deals online are worth checking too. Beauty products for a fiver? Yes please. Though I may have gone overboard last month and now own seventeen different face masks.

Saturday: The Unexpected Money-Maker

myWaitrose customers get 20% off selected meat counter items on Saturdays. But here's something interesting I discovered - Saturday is also prime time for listing stuff on online marketplaces. People browse more on weekends, so your old furniture or clothes get more eyeballs.

I made £340 last month selling random stuff on Saturday afternoons. Not bad for decluttering.

Sunday: The Yellow Sticker Goldmine

Sunday is when supermarkets panic about perishable stock. Yellow sticker bargains are everywhere if you time it right. I've found the sweet spot is usually between 6-8pm, when staff are marking down everything that expires Monday.

Aldi and Lidl also stock more non-food items on Sundays. It's like Christmas morning, but with random household gadgets and seasonal decorations.

The Stuff That Actually Worked for Me

After three months of this madness, here's what moved the needle:

That Jaipur rug from Dunelm I mentioned? Down from £65 to £32.50. I bought two because I have no self-control when faced with a good deal. They're gorgeous though.

Palmolive handwash refill at Sainsbury's dropped from £3 to £2.50 with a Nectar card. Fifty pence doesn't sound like much, but when you're refilling dispensers constantly (thanks, kids), it adds up.

The real winner was swapping those £29.50 M&S leather sandals for £12.80 gold ones from Sainsbury's. Saved £16.70 and honestly? The cheaper ones are more comfortable.

Olay Super Serum Night Repair went from £39.99 to £19.99 at Boots. Twenty quid off skincare that actually works? Sold.

One Last Thing

Recent graduates can get a free main course at Las Iguanas this month. Just show your results. If you've got a graduate in the family, this is a no-brainer celebration meal.

Listen, I know this all sounds a bit obsessive. And maybe it is. But when you're watching grocery prices climb every week, these little wins start to matter. My advice? Pick two or three deals that actually fit your lifestyle and ignore the rest. You don't need to become a deal-hunting maniac like me.

Though if you do, we should probably start a support group.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I budget my money effectively?

To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.

How can I improve my credit score?

To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.

What is the difference between saving and investing?

Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.

What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?

An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.

What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?

Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.

What is a budget deficit?

A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.

What is the importance of financial literacy?

Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.

Statistics

A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.

External Links

How To

How To Educate Yourself About Personal Finance

Educating yourself about personal finance is a vital step toward financial independence. Start by reading books and reputable blogs that cover fundamental concepts like budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. Consider enrolling in free online courses or attending local workshops on financial literacy. Follow financial experts on social media for tips and current trends. Additionally, podcasts and webinars offer valuable insights and diverse perspectives. Join forums or community groups to discuss financial topics with others. Lastly, practice what you learn by applying concepts to your own financial situation for hands-on experience.

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