Embracing the Spirit of Ramadan: Practical Tips for a Budget-Friendly Celebration

Dubai: As the crescent moon graces our skies, signaling the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan, it brings with it not just a month of fasting and reflection but imbibes the idea of understanding value and the importance of gratefulness. However, typically we witness at least a 17-20% increase on average of family net spend during the month of Ramadan. This financial strain can often cast a shadow on the joyous moments we aim to create.

The desire to share meals, host iftars, and engage in acts of kindness is beautifully embedded in the spirit of this holy month. However, there’s a delicate balance to strike between the warmth of generosity and the practicality of budgeting.

The Spirit of Sharing: Encouraging a collaborative iftar, where each guest contributes a dish, is a wonderful way to share the responsibility, ensuring that no one person bears the financial burden alone. Beyond the financial aspect, it adds a delightful touch as guests get to share recipes and stories behind the dishes, creating a sense of community and togetherness.

Don’t Shop While Fasting: An essential piece of advice is to avoid grocery shopping while fasting. The act of fasting can influence impulsive buying, leading to the purchase of tempting, high-calorie foods and often resulting in buying more than what is truly necessary.

Deals Everywhere: Ramadan is synonymous with deals, offering discounts on iftars, groceries, clothing, and leisure activities. While it’s tempting to take advantage of these offers, it’s crucial to be cautious not to be swayed into buying items simply because they are on sale. Prudent spending remains the key.

Grocery Savings: Hypermarkets and supermarkets offer a plethora of deals during Ramadan. Keeping an eye out for discounts and special offers, especially ‘buy 2 get 1 free’ promotions on essential items, can significantly contribute to savings on your grocery bill.

Lower Shelves, Lower Prices: A lesser-known tip is to check the lower shelves for lower-priced items. Grocery stores often strategically place the most affordable products there. Taking a moment to explore these shelves might uncover hidden gems at more budget-friendly prices.

Buy in Bulk: Opting for larger package sizes, especially for items with a longer shelf life, is a smart move. Purchasing in bulk, such as frozen goods, pasta, rice, and spices, often results in better value for money and ensures you’re well-stocked for the entire month.

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What’s in Season?: Aligning your grocery shopping with seasonal produce is a practical strategy. Fruits and vegetables in season are not only fresher but also generally more affordable. Planning your meals around what’s in season can significantly contribute to cost-effective and fresh ingredients.

Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and generosity. By adopting mindful spending practices, we not only navigate the month with financial ease but also amplify the spiritual essence that defines Ramadan. Let’s make this a month of meaningful connections, heartfelt gestures, and a celebration that enriches both the soul and the pocket.

This Opinion is contributed by Akshay Nagdev, Business Head at Hedge & Sachs.

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in The Brew Opinion – our opinion section – are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TheBrew.ae, the company, or any of its members.