A shopping list may look like a simple piece of paper, but for Jane Wong and Inoke Niubalavu, it is part of a bigger family plan.
With busy careers and a shared passion for sport, youth development and community service, the couple has learnt that staying organised helps them make time for what matters most which is their family.
The Niubalavu family do their bulk shopping once a month, setting aside about $300 for supermarket purchases and $80 for vegetables and other fresh produce from the Suva Market.
Shop & Save and RB Patel are their usual stops, where they stock up on basic tea supplies, toiletries, laundry products, frozen and dairy items, while fresh vegetables come from the market.
Their monthly routine starts well before they reach the supermarket.
“We have a shopping list where we always follow and what helps is whatever we use we note it down in order to top up supply of these items,” Jane said.
The list also helps the family keep track of spending and avoid buying items they do not need.
With rising prices affecting household budgets, the couple has become even more deliberate about where and when they shop.
“We always take time to look at specials and compare with other supermarkets before buying. This is all part of our family planning phase.”
Their price-checking begins on Thursdays, giving them time to compare before doing their main shopping on Saturdays.
Healthy eating is another important part of their family planning.
“We make a conscious effort to purchase ingredients for balanced meals and enjoy mixing and matching foods to create a variety of healthy options.
Fresh vegetables are combined with chicken, fish, canned foods and other protein sources.
The couple also encourage their children to explore different foods and understand the importance of balanced nutrition.
“As parents, we actively encourage our children to develop healthy eating habits by teaching them the importance of balanced nutrition and trying different food combinations.
We also promote making their meals as colorful as possible, helping them appreciate a wide range of nutritious foods while making mealtimes enjoyable and visually appealing.”
As parents, they believe shopping can also become a learning opportunity.
“Plan your shopping ahead of time and make it a family activity, when possible.”
“Having a list helps save time and money, and it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time together while teaching children about budgeting and making healthy choices.”
Balancing work, shopping and family life is not always easy, but organisation keeps them grounded.
“Honestly, it’s all about being organised and making the most of my time.”
“I try to stay on top of my work, fit shopping into my routine, and most importantly, make sure I have quality time with my family because they’re my priority.”
For the Niubalavu family, smart shopping is not simply about spending less. It is about planning wisely, eating well, learning together and making every family moment count.
Jane and Inoke Niubalavu shopping for fruits at SHOP N SAVE supermarket Nabua. Picture: LITIA RITOVA
Jane and Inoke Niubalavu shopping for fruits at SHOP N SAVE supermarket Nabua. Picture: LITIA RITOVA
