Shopper shares 'clever' $10 grocery hack to save money

The grouping idea also comes in handy for when you go over the limit and need to put things back, making the process a lot easier. Photo / Supplied

When it comes to doing the weekly grocery shop, some people find it difficult to stick within their budget and almost always go over their limit.

It's usually because they spotted something they forgot to add or by becoming enticed by something they wanted, but didn't need.

Either way, it happens more often than we care to admit.

But one Brisbane woman's clever trolley hack could put an end to overspending for good.

Amanda West, 41, came up with an idea to "section" items in groups of $10, with her handy tip attracting hundreds of 'likes' and comments in a popular budget-saving Facebook group.

"It helps me keep track easily and quickly without a calculator," West told news.com.au.

"Usually I'd spend about $100 a week for me and my partner."

West uploaded a photo to Facebook, showing exactly how she groups her items in the trolley. It included fruit, vegetables, hummus and leg ham.

"To keep to my budget, at the shops I group the food into $10 (approx.) piles. This was about $80," she captioned the snap.

She said the items included more of her luxury goods, which she gets done at the start of her shop.

Some people were left baffled by her "expensive" items saying most of the products she can get for a lot cheaper.

"Yes, for $80 I didn't get much value but my staples hadn't yet been added," West said, adding that she went on a "bit of a splurge because of Flybuys points".

West said her grouping idea also comes in handy for when she goes over her limit and needs to put things back, making the process a lot easier.

Other agreed it was a "clever" hack while also sharing their own handy tips.

"Excellent idea for visual learners; not everyone is comfortable with calculators or written formats," one woman wrote.

'I get my 5-year-old to add up as we go using the calculator on my phone. We keep track of the cost and he gets bonus maths practice," a second person added.

"I have my shopping list and use a calculator to add things up. Helps me to stay within budget," a third commented.

Another woman said: "Very rarely do I buy anything full price as I've over time worked out how often things go on half price between Coles and Woolies and buy how much I need to last 'til the next half price."

West said she didn't expect the post to attract such a massive reaction.

"I originally sent it to a friend and then realised it might help other people do a mini budget easily," she said.