8 Tips to Save Money on Groceries

The average family’s grocery bill is usually one of the higher numbers on the family budget. There can be an enormous difference in what each family spends on their groceries, depending on many factors, such as whether they buy name brand, more meat, etc.

The good news is that this allows for a large amount of savings if we decide to be frugal with our shopping. Following a few simple tips will have you well on your way to saving a few bucks.

1.) Make a meal plan. You’ll know exactly what you need from the store before you go.

2.) Watch for specials and coupons in store newsletters, and plan your meals around them.

3.) Make a list and stick to it. If it’s not on the list, don’t buy it.

4.) Don’t shop when you’re hungry. That way you won’t be tempted to buy things that you don’t need.

5.) Shop alone. Count on your bill being higher when you bring your spouse or children.

6.) Only buy things you know you’ll use. For example, if your family doesn’t like broccoli, don’t buy broccoli in the hopes that they’ll eat healthier this week.

7.) Keep your eyes on the items on the bottom shelf where the prices are lower.

8.) Buy store brands when the quality is the same. Most of the time, it actually is the same product in a different package.

It’s pretty easy to be frugal once you realize how much money you’re actually saving with these simple steps. Keep a log of your grocery bills, so you can see how much of a difference you are making.

Property abroad & technology are set to change they way you work!

Copyright 2006 Nicholas Marr The 1970s saws predictions that would have us believe that by the 21st century we would be relaxing whilst technology took the strain. Well the 21st century is here and the leisure era has still to appear. However there is one prediction that I am pretty convinced will come true and that is that overseas property will become our homes. The evidence is here, those looking to retire are buying homes in preparation for retirement and some are commuting huge distances whilst they see their time out at work. The young are traveling greater distances to buy affordable property and are beginning to travel further to work than any of our grandparents would ever have considered. More and more companies are seeing the benefits of home working and soon economics will take precedence .Doubts over worker inefficiency will fade away and companies will soon positively encourage office workers to work at home. Computer telephones, secure access to company intranets,email,faxing are all available now. What will the technology enable us to achieve in years to come? Overseas property owners are set to live in their homes Its a fact technology allow us to do almost anything we did at the office now at home. So why not make it an overseas home a place of work. According to the findings of a national tour operator the next 10 years will see the UK commuter belt extend beyond the British Isles and far into Europe. Thomson Holidays predicted that more people will work remotely from their overseas home or from the town nearest to their overseas property by 2016, commuting in and out of the UK on a regular basis. Cheap flights will make commuting a real option Cheap flights and overall better communications will assist the overseas home buyer to fly into work at relatively cheap prices. An overseas commuter belt will become established and commuters will consider their overseas home their primary residence. Prof Nick Middleton, presenter of UK TV Channel 4 travel shows Surviving Extremes and chairman of the Thomson Future Forum, said that in 10 years' time "the way we travel and the reasons for travel will be vastly changed". "The rapid advance of technology and global communications networks will make international commuting highly desirable and viable," he added. Combining an overseas property in your favorite part of Europe may mean that your leisure time will be enhanced. The affordability of overseas property will be another great attraction for this new work culture. It would certainly balance the work life balance in favour of leisure time. So the Leisure era may after all be on its way after all.