Pouvoir d'achat

This is no doubt a popular topic in France lately. We have been promised by our leader that policies will be implemented in order to give us back in terms of improved purchasing power. The French people have been, for a long time, silent about the issue…. high taxes, expensive retirement packages and a stagnant economy. It's strange for me to witness this as I have known them as people who are outspoken. I understood later that money is a taboo subject. People are not "hard up" about concepts such as value-for-money, savings, economy, etc. Money matters are handled discreetly and nonchalantly. It is grave to be seen or being presumed to be a miser even though you may not be one. It becomes a pitfall for many who, unconsciously, are losing out what could have been saved or economised.

My point is, don't count on the government to improve your purchasing power. There are many little actions that you can take everyday in order to make the best out of your hard-earned money. Here are some things we can do without looking like an avare.

• Buy products under house label/brand. They are cheaper and give you loyalty points which are convertible into cash vouchers.
• Do your major shopping twice a year – at the summer and winter sales
• Buy imperishable products in bulk – it's cheaper in terms of cost per unit
• Buy perishable products in amounts according to immediate consumption – to avoid wastage
• Buy whole chicken and whole rabbit – it's cheaper to buy an entire animal. Chop it up and freeze the rest
• If perishable products can be frozen, buy them in bulk and freeze the rest
• Don't buy CD and DVD just after release. If you wait for a little while, Virgin and FNAC stores slash the price from 12,99€ to 6,99€
• Get loyalty cards – registration is free of charge. Most cards give permanent discounts on non-sale purchases.
• Choose a credit card that gives you additional perks – discounts, invitation to private sales, mileage, telephone bill reduction, etc.
• Buy your own principal residence. Since you are paying a significant amount as rent, why not pay the money to own it. It's yours at the end of the day and the best part is there is an END of payment!