Struggling with soaring costs? Here are practical tips to shop smart and pay less on groceries

Januworry, the longest three months of the year – call it what you want, the first month of a new year is always a toughie.

No sooner has the festive season ended than the ages-to-payday woes set in. School fees, grocery bills, utility bills, debit orders . . . there’s just loads more month than money in January. And the ever-increasing cost of living only makes matters worse.

Inflation is hitting South Africans particularly hard at the grocery store, with the cost of items such as potatoes, rice and eggs jumping by 50%, 21% and 55% respectively last year.