INTEREST rate rises and cost of living pressures can be combatted by smart shopping.

The Reserve Bank Of Australia is forecasting inflation rates will continue to rise which will see further increases in interest rates.

Of course this is bad news for those with mortgages, and credit card debt.

Self funded retirees will however see an increase of interest rates paid on savings but whether this will balance out the hit which the stock market has taken in the past week is doubtful.

When it comes to making the most of the household budget, buying what is in season or on special is one way to reduce the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Another is to shop around and buy the lowest price from three three major supermarkets and independent fruit and vegetable vendors or even buying at a weekly produce market if there is one located near to your home.

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to get the best buys that some may not yet have considered is buying what is in season is to join a co-operative buying scheme.

Bay local Kassi Dinham is a co-operative member of Box Divvy, where the community comes together and buys a weekly ‘box’ of in-season fruit and vegetables.

Members of the co-operative get to choose what they want in their box which can be as much or as little as they need to feed their family.

Through the buying power of the many savings on produce can be made.

Kassi Dinham told News Of The Area, “You can save up to 40 percent on the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables by buying through the co-operative.”

Participating in a modern co-operative is a bit like ordering your groceries online and you can either click and collect or have the box of fresh goods delivered directly to your door.

By Marian SAMPSON