AZLI family (household income RM2,000, Kampung Mesira, Tumpat):

Hanim Junoh uses her intimate knowledge of the food market to get the best deals. She also seeks healthy food for the family.

She does not take her children along during her marketing as she feels that she might end up buying toys for them and make other unnecessary purchases. Hanim is a good example for other buyers to emulate.

Lee family (household income RM1,000, Penang):

There has been an increase in spending of over 200 per cent compared to last week. The family must do some serious planning to better manage their expenses.

Ayappan family (household income RM2,700, Sungai Buloh):

Very moderate spending. While rice is a staple, they might want to try other cheaper and more healthy grains. Ayappan shops alone, thus being in control and ensures there is no wasteful spending.

Loh family (household income RM2,000, Taiping):

Expenses are 50 per cent less compared to last week. Guat Sim is creative with food, trying out new treats guided by what is cheaply available in the market. She also shops at various places, presumably to get the best deal possible.

Kasab family (household income RM500, Gumbang, 75km from Kuching):

In relation to family size and income, Kasab's family needs to better plan and minimise its spending. One way is to buy closer to home, so that there may be less wasteful spending.

One good effort by Emty is that she grows vegetables, which results in substantial savings for the family as well as healthier and fresher foods.

Jamaludin family (household income RM400, Kg Chempaka, Kuantan):

As they made major purchases last week, this week's spending is only about 20 per cent of last week's. As income is variable, Anisah takes a very cautious approach in marketing. Planning the purchases would be very helpful.

Safini family (household income RM4,000, Kangar):

Packing food more frequently could reduce expenses. It appears that too much is being spent on branded goods. Better planning would result in more prudent spending.

Francisco family (household income RM1,000, Malacca):

Francisco appears to be making very serious efforts to get fresh and quality food by going to the market very early in the morning. His previous week's purchase of foods at the hypermarket could be reduced by replacing branded goods with generic brands. This could reduce his spending by about 20-30 per cent.

The Khamsan, Lim, Ganesa and Masirhan families have spent only moderately this week.

Paul Selva Raj is the chief executive officer of Consumer Research and Resource Center