Thrifty mum-of-two reveals she’s ALWAYS stockpiled to give family ‘security’ – and it could save you thousands

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AS coronavirus spreads throughout the world, families are stocking up on essentials just in case they need to self-isolate.

But Australian mum-of-two Wendy Gower has been bulk shopping in this way for years – and claims it’s saved her thousands.

Mum-of-two Wendy Gower has been stockpiling for years as it gives her a sense of securityCredit: My Abundant Life

Writing on her blog My Abundant Life, the thrifty parent explained: “I’ve always been a stockpiler and always will be.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I love stockpiling. It gives me a sense of security knowing that if anything happened and I couldn’t get to the shops then my family would be fed well for many, many weeks, maybe even four to six months.”

Wendy revealed that she first started bulk buying basic ingredients and toiletries to save money – but quickly realised how reassuring it can be to have a buck up supply of food in case of an emergency.

What’s more, Wendy’s method means she also doesn’t have to go to supermarket if she’s unwell.

The mum advised moving the items from your latest food shop to the back of your cupboards so you get through your older ingredients firstCredit: My Abundant Life/Facebook

Tinned fruit and veg are high on Wendy's shopping list — Tinned fruit and veg are high on Wendy’s shopping listCredit: My Abundant Life/Facebook

The mum says it's comforting knowing she's got enough supplies to last her family-of-four up to six month — The mum says it’s comforting knowing she’s got enough supplies to last her family-of-four up to six monthCredit: My Abundant Life/Facebook

The mum also raved about stock-piling as having ingredients on hand means she can cook or bake more or less anything she wants without having to go to the supermarket.

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Wendy claims that stockpiling cuts her food shop bill in half and means she doesn’t have to nip to the supermarket every other day.

She continued: “I stockpile half price items to save lots of money. I stockpile in case I get sick and can’t shop of for when money is tight and we live off what we have.

“I stockpile so we never run out of anything… avoid price hikes… provide for my family. I stockpile because I’m an organised person and to have peace of mind.”

Wendy says stockpiling also means she avoids price increases and trips to the shops when she's feeling unwell — Wendy says stockpiling also means she avoids price increases and trips to the shops when she’s feeling unwellCredit: My Abundant Life/Facebook

The mum claims stockpiling has halved the bill of her food shopsCredit: My Abundant Life/Facebook

Advising other parents how they start their own stockpile at home, Wendy recommended beginning with the basics which can be stored for years.

So for toiletries, Wendy advises bulk-buying toilet paper, shampoo, soap, shower gel and deodorant.

Based on her own experience, the mum also recommended filling your kitchen cupboards with tinned fruit and veg, flour, pasta, rice, herbs and spices spreads and sauces as well as other baking ingredients.

As for the contents of the fridge and freezer, Wendy stockpiles on frozen fruit and vegetables as well as freezing any leftover homemade meals.

Food stockpile checklist:

<strong>Money blogger Skint Dad has put together a checklist of things you might want to include in your coronavirus stockpile.</strong>

Pasta – high in carbs and stores well. Can be used in loads of different meals
Rice – high in carbs and stores well. Can be used in loads of different meals
Lentils – nutritious, easy to cook and a good source of protein
Pulses – nutritious, easy to cook and a good source of protein
Cereal/oats – avoid ones with processed sugars
Beans – a good source of protein
Canned meat
Canned fish
Canned veg – fulls of vitamins. Keep the liquid for stocks
Canned fruits – get your vitamins.
Dried fruits – last for ages and keep your fruit intake up
Powdered milk – it may not taste great on it’s own but is good for oats.
Soups – can be used as the base for other dishes
Baking goods to make bread
Nuts – for protein and fats
Coffee and tea
Herbs and spices – to help flavour foods
Sweets – not just for a treat, good for a quick bit of energy.
Bottled water – it’ll be clean
Anything specific for kids under two years old, if you have kids
Pet supplies, if you have pets

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She said: “Work out the quantities of the items you use per month. Then multiply it by the amount of months you want to have as a stockpile.”

Then when you go shopping, Wendy says you just need to replace the items you used up – which makes it easier to keep on top of what you have.

Wendy added: “Do not forget to rotate your stock by pushing new items to the back of the pantry, fridge and freezer and the older items get pushed to the front.”

You can find more stockpiling tips on Wendy’s blog here.