Managing your money: Easier than you think

BY STEVEN KASZAB

The Chamber of Food Marketing, Industry and distribution (MIDA) of Puerto Rico carried out a mass survey of Puerto Rican consumers recently and found some astonishing but commonsensical facts to educate us in our modus operandi of shopping.

Most consumers balance their budgets by using their credit cards. six out of every $10.00 goes towards the family budget paying for: car rental, gasoline, maintenance, mortgages and food.

Presently consumers spend the same as previous, but for less products. The prices have escalated that much.

Due to the pandemic more consumers buy their food electronically. Since the pandemic more men shop for food than women. Seafood and then meat are the products most stolen within the North American marketplace.

Seven or ten interviewees said they avoid supermarkets if they are full, 78% will not go in if the store smells bad and 73% will not go to an establishment that has a bad appearance. Common visits to these establishments; most interviewees will go only three times a month.

What surprised researchers is that more than 60% of Puerto Ricans will not go shopping with their children. Interesting. Find yourself going to the market for milk, and when you leave there are also several other items laying before you? The research found consumers saved an additional $350-425 per month by leaving their kids at home. Children drive up the cost of purchases due to their: wants, needs and desires for: snacks, candy and toys. Don’t create the opportunity for temptation by leaving them at home.

Note: Want to save money, meet your budgets monthly? Don’t eat out but make your meals at home and above all else leave your kids at home. Or just say no!