Price watch for How Low Can You Go?
I made a promise that shopping lists will be updated while the book is in print, keeping your copy of How Low Can You Go? always up to date.
Notice that from August 2024 some shopping lists were marginally above the recommended budget, at least on paper. I say this because those same weeks there were discounted items that kept prices below thresholds. As I calculate full retail price I did not reflect this. In addition, the prices on the 'baseline' goods such as milk powder, dehydrated chickpeas and lentils, have not increased in price. Increases were seen on chia seeds, olive oil and fresh produce. All of these have 'get arounds' spelled out in the book.
Nevertheless in September 2024 the 2nd edition increases the budget to $50 per person per week. The predictions are that for the rest of 2024 and 2025 prices should stabilise, making this an overly generous budget. From the perspective of arse-covering, it makes sense for me to do this, especially at a time when I am launching the book internationally. From your perspective, seriously, use the techniques and only up your budget when you see the need. There is more on dealing with inflation on page 113/114.
Prices can (and will) change. The strategies in How Low Can You Go? will continue to provide you the best path forward.
If you're just starting out as a international reader, begin your budget with 50% of what you were spendng before. Follow the shopping lists and stick to your budget with a religious fervour. Review at the end of 5-6 weeks. You might be able to go even lower.
*Bachelor meal plans = $35 per week + 2 meals out
| Shopping plan | Jun-23 | Feb-24 | Aug-24 | % Increase | Budget* | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coles | Woolworths | Coles | Woolworths | Coles | Woolworths | Coles | Woolworths | ||
| Bachelor plan 1st fornight | $57.75 | $57.35 | $59.90 | $54.40 | $60.80 | $51.60 | 5.3% ↑ | 10%↓ | $70.00 |
| Bachelor plan 2nd fornight | $58.95 | $55.90 | $60.35 | $61.65 | $64.65 | $60.90 | 9.7%↑ | 9%↑ | $70.00 |
| Hard-Core week 1 | $83.65 | $86.40 | $82.50 | $86.50 | $92.04 | $83.80 | 10%↑ | 3%↓ | $90.00 |
| Hard-Core week 2 | $76.10 | $74.45 | $77.90 | $76.55 | $76.40 | $75.40 | 0.5%↑ | 1.3%↑ | $90.00 |
| Hard-Core week 3 | $80.00 | $82.14 | $87.60 | $83.60 | $90.50 | $92.45 | 13.1%↑ | 12.6%↑ | $90.00 |
| Hard-Core week 4 | $81.70 | $71.70 | $75.70 | $72.60 | $71.09 | $65.55 | 13%↓ | 8.6%↓ | $90.00 |
| Hard-Core week 5 | $62.80 | $56.95 | $64.50 | $63.99 | $71.09 | $65.55 | 13.2%↑ | 15.1%↑ | $90.00 |
| 5.5% ↑ average | 2.3%↑ average |