TIMES SHOPPER | Shankar’s secret to family savings

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David Shankar believes, planning ahead to makes every dollar count Picture: JOHN CHETTY

FOR 41-year-old David Shankar, a successful shopping trip begins long before he walks through the supermarket doors.

Armed with a carefully prepared shopping list and a clear budget, the Visama resident believes planning is the key to keeping his family happy, healthy, and financially secure.

As a regular customer of Pac N Save Nausori, Shankar has developed a shopping routine that helps him manage the needs of his growing household while navigating the challenges of rising living costs.

Living with his wife, two children, and his mother, Shankar carries the responsibility of being the family’s primary breadwinner.

While balancing work and family life can be demanding, he says providing the best for his loved ones remains his top priority.

In today’s economic climate, he believes every dollar counts.

“With the increase in fuel prices and the rising cost of living, families need to be more careful about how they spend their money,” Shankar says.

“We need to be prepared whenever we go shopping and make sure we budget properly.”

For him, one simple habit makes all the difference creating a shopping list before leaving home.

“Preparing before doing your shopping is the major key for all shoppers,” he explains.

“We should always have a list, so we know exactly what we need to buy. Many people forget important items and end up making extra trips back to the shop. A shopping list helps you stay organised and avoid unnecessary spending.

Over the years, Pac N Save Nausori has become Shankar’s preferred supermarket for household groceries and essentials.

He says the combination of quality products, affordable prices, and dependable service keeps him coming back.

“When it comes to shopping for my family, Pac N Save never lets me down,” he says.

“I have been shopping here for quite some time, and what I appreciate most is that the prices are always reasonable and consistent.

For a father responsible for providing for a large household, consistency matters. Knowing that he can rely on fair pricing allows him to plan his family’s budget with confidence.

“In some supermarkets, prices can fluctuate a lot, but here I know what to expect,” he says.

“The weekly specials also make a real difference because they help families save money on everyday items.”

Every fortnight, Shankar sets aside approximately $390 for groceries. However, like many families, unexpected needs sometimes arise between major shopping trips.

“My shopping budget is usually around $390 every fortnight, but if we run short of groceries, we stop by town and pick up the things we need to replace at home.”

Despite the challenges of managing household expenses, Shankar believes smart shopping is about much more than saving money. For him, it is about ensuring his family enjoys a comfortable and healthy lifestyle.

“Shopping for a family requires planning, you need to take your time, compare prices, and make the best choices because life is becoming more expensive every day.”

Whether he is shopping for fresh produce, household necessities, or items for his children, Shankar carefully considers every purchase. His goal is always to maximise value without compromising on quality.

As a loyal customer, he also appreciates the variety available at Pac N Save Nausori, which allows him to complete most of his shopping in one convenient location.

“The supermarket has a wide range of products, and that makes shopping easier for families like mine.

“You can find what you need without having to visit multiple stores.”

For Shankar, successful shopping is not about spending more it is about spending wisely. Through careful planning, disciplined budgeting, and smart purchasing decisions, he continues to provide for the people who matter most.

His advice to other shoppers is simple but powerful.

“My message to the people of Nausori is to come and do your shopping at Pac N Save Supermarket,” he says.

“You will save money, find a great variety of products, and get quality goods for your family. With proper planning and smart shopping, every family can make their budget go further.”