Marhaban ya Ramadan! The fasting month is just around the corner, and this is a moment eagerly awaited by Muslims worldwide. During this holy month, it is undeniable that living expenses tend to increase due to the need for suhoor, iftar, and various other preparations.

Therefore, Smartcitizens need to be more careful in managing their expenses. Here are some smart shopping tips from Jakarta Smart City. Some of them even take advantage of JAKI’s features!

1. Create a Shopping Plan Before Ramadan

One common mistake during the fasting month is shopping without a plan. As a result, your expenses may swell due to purchasing items that are not really necessary. To keep your spending under control, you can use the 50-30-20 method, which allocates 50% of your budget for essential needs, 30% for additional items such as snacks and iftar dishes, and 20% for emergency funds.

Creating a weekly shopping list can also help by separating daily and weekly needs to be more organized and avoid wasteful spending. Prioritize long-lasting staple food items, such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, and dates, so you don’t have to shop frequently at markets or supermarkets. For more convenience, use a financial planning app or budgeting app to better control your Ramadan expenses.

2. Take Advantage of Promotions and Discounts

Leading up to and during Ramadan, many supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, and minimarkets offer special Ramadan promotions that should not be missed. Take advantage of these deals to save money and fulfill your needs more efficiently.

News Feature to Check Promotions During the Fasting Month.

Don't forget, you can also check the News feature on JAKI to get the latest updates on exciting promotions during Ramadan.

3. Shop in Moderation, Avoid Waste

Ramadan is often associated with delicious dishes for suhoor and iftar. However, we often get tempted to buy too much food, which eventually goes to waste. To be more economical and avoid waste, focus on essential needs like staple food items rather than items bought impulsively due to promotions or momentary cravings. Differentiate between needs and wants to ensure your spending remains under control.

4. Shop at Traditional Markets

Generally, the prices of staple goods in traditional markets are more affordable compared to supermarkets. Besides being cheaper, shopping at traditional markets also means supporting small traders. Make sure to go early in the morning to get the freshest ingredients at the best prices.

Food Prices Feature to Check Food Prices During the Fasting Month.

You can also use the Food Prices feature in the JAKI app to check and compare staple food prices across various traditional markets in Jakarta in real time. This way, you can get the best possible savings.

5. Maximize Savings with Collective Shopping

One often-overlooked smart shopping strategy is collective shopping with family, friends, or neighbors. By purchasing Ramadan necessities in bulk as a group, you can get cheaper wholesale prices compared to buying items individually.

Additionally, some stores and suppliers offer special discounts for bulk purchases, making spending more efficient without compromising quality.

Bonus Tip: Share with Others

Besides saving money, don’t forget to share with those in need, Smartcitizens. Ramadan is the perfect time for charity. You can set aside a portion of your shopping budget to help those who are less fortunate, making this Ramadan even more meaningful and blessed.

With good planning and technology like JAKI, Smartcitizens can experience a more economical and comfortable Ramadan. From creating a shopping plan to using JAKI’s features to access accurate information—everything can help you manage your expenses smarter. Don’t have JAKI yet? Download it now on Google Play Storeor Apple App Store.

🌙 Happy fasting, and may this Ramadan be filled with blessings!