Pre-the end of 2008 and the subsequent credit crunch (or crisis as they call it here in Spain), supermarket offers were invariably not the norm. Unlik Food Shopping in Spain e the UK there were no 3 for 2 offers, or buy one get one free in any of the supermarkets.

Now, as 2009 begins, these offers are everywhere. A popular offer is buy one and get the second at half the price. OK, 72 toilet rolls may seem a lot at the time but in the long run it will save you money. Many staples such as meat and fish are often on offer and it is definitely worthwhile buying 3 or 4 packs of whatever is on offer and sticking them in the freezer. As in the UK, offers change regularly so you can have variety and save money at the same time.

Loyalty Cards

Most of the supermarkets also seem to have cottoned on to the idea of loyalty cards, as is found in many of the supermarkets back in the UK. They all work in a similar way - hand over your card at the check out and collect and redeem your points. In the UK practically all of us had point cards but it is astounding how many expatriates here do not use the system. The forms are very easy to fill out, just your name, address, e-mail address etc and you get your card there and then, exactly as you would do in the UK. Simple, free and it saves you money so why not use it?

Some supermarkets go even further and attached to your receipt you will find a discount voucher that can be used for a limited period, this can be used as many times as you want during this time. For example, 30% off minced beef, until 28 February. Once all your items have been rung through the till you just hand over the vouchers and the checkout assistant will scan them and the discount will automatically be applied. Your voucher is handed back to you and you keep it and use it again.

Shop Wise

Many of the well known discount supermarkets have great in store discounts at the moment which, when you consider their prices are generally lower than most mainstream supermarkets, the savings can be very noticeable. It is worthwhile during these leaner times to shop around and perhaps shop in more than one shop to reap the benefits of all the offers and discounts around at the moment.

Shopping at your local market is also a great way to save the pennies (or should I say the centimos?). I would advise you frequenting the local Spanish markets where fruit and veg are often cheaper than supermarkets, and the meat and fish are fantastically fresh and, again, cheaper. Most Spanish butchers will also accommodate you and try to give you the cuts that we are used to at home, many of the supermarkets can't do this unless they have a butcher instore. I always buy my Sunday roast from my local Spanish butcher.

Shopping around is the answer. Making use of the offers in-store and get that store card - if you do all this you WILL save money.