According to the Czech Statistical Office, Czech citizens allocate up to 20% of their expenses to food purchases. However, financial expert Jarka Popelka, creator of the “Devilishly Good Advice” project, suggests that much of this spending could be unnecessary, primarily due to poor planning habits.
“Impulsive buying and waste are our biggest challenges. We often buy discounted items without proper consideration, leading to food waste and unnecessary expenses,” explains Popelka in a podcast interview.
One of the primary pitfalls is the absence of meal planning, which typically results in overspending and purchasing surplus food items. Another significant drain on finances comes from choosing restaurant meals over home-cooked options, which can add up to thousands in extra expenses.
The solution? Popelka recommends several practical approaches: creating meal plans, maintaining shopping lists, and focusing on unit prices rather than package prices. Additional savings can be achieved through cashback programs and reducing restaurant visits. “The savings are immediate when people start bringing lunch to work,” Popelka concludes.
Jarka Popelka, who runs the “Devilishly Good Advice” project, helps people better manage their finances through social media, sharing valuable tips on savings and effective family budget management.