“Trimming The Fat With Money Saving Grocery Tips” Lessons In Debt, Credit And Home Ownership

With food prices still soaring, supermarkets are offering many deals and specials to lure in food shoppers. But sometimes, these good deals can actually cause people to spend more than they would have otherwise. NOW is the time to use coupons, compare grocery store ad papers BEFORE going out, and ALWAYS make a list and stick to the list! To save money savory the following tasty treats !
• Limit Four Per Person: Scarcity can have a powerful impact on shoppers. A buying restriction can tempt people to buy more than they need, which could cause items to either spoil or sit in your pantry for a long time. Tip: In the long run, when you factor in the amount of products that spoil or are eventually thrown away, you will usually be better off financially if you only buy the amount you reasonably need and can use.
• End of Aisle or Freestanding Displays: Often the "specials" displayed on the end caps of each aisle or on an island display aren't really the best deals that the store currently offers. These displays may also lead to impulse buys that you weren't intending to make. For instance, a display with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows could make you think, "I'll make s'mores for dessert." Tip: While the location of these items is convenient, especially during busy shopping hours, you should only buy these items if they really are good deals.
• Buy One, Get One Free: While these deals can make you feel like you are getting something for half price, if the cost is more than that of a similar item...or if you don't need a large quantity...than this may be one special worth passing on. Tip: Ask the manager if you can buy one item for half the price instead of buy one get one free. While stores don't always advertise this alternative, they often allow it.
• Pre-Sliced Produce: While pre-sliced produce can feel like an easy choice, it can cost twice as much as whole produce, and can spoil faster than whole produce. Tip: Pay extra for prepared meals and produce only if the time and effort they save you is significant and really worth it.
• Don’t Eat What You Like – Eat What Is In Season and On Sale: Be different, and try new foods which are in season or on sale. Ask your grocery manager for his calendar of dates he normally runs his specials, and ask to meat the butcher to ask his advice for seasonal savings. For more great grocery shopping tips, visit www.supermarketguru.com. Stretch your imagination and your pantry by buying new foods, experience new taste, and new saving techniques.

Call Spectrum Resources (863) 967-0660 for counseling in debt, credit and home ownership issues or Email: SpectrumResources@tampabay.rr.com Visit our other blogs: http://SpectrumResources.wordpress.com and http://WomanToWomanMagazine.ning.com and http://MoneySavingTips.wordpress.com and http://FinancialEducationAndOPtions.blogspot.com

"Are You A Good Spender ?"

You are probably chuckling about that question: “Are You A Good Spender?”. The entire globe knows Americans are good spenders, however, the lesson today is more self evaluation. Enclosed are 20 questions with a score to help you determine just how good you are.
Spectrum Resource’s mission is to provide you with education, resources and options to achieve your financial goals. Use this audit of your spending life-style to see where your strengths are and where your weaknesses are. Use a sheet of paper and answer with the following 5 responses:

1) totally like me
2) A lot like me
3) Equally like and unlike me
4) A little like me
5) Not like me at all

____ 1) I put a small amount of cash aside as savings each time I receive any money.
____ 2) I usually deposit into a savings or special checking account each time I receive any money .
____ 3) I keep track of the money I receive from all sources.
____ 4) I set aside a predetermined amount of my cash for regular weekly expenses.
____ 5) I set aside at least five percent of the money I receive for my emergency fund.
____ 6) My money is managed according to a written spending-plan.
____ 7) My food, grocery and household spending is planned in advance and done with a list.
____ 8) I rarely make less than two trips-a-week to a grocery or convenience store.
____ 9) Grocery, household coupons and manufacturer rebates are used whenever possible.
____10) For practically every purchase I make I do comparison shopping for price, value, and quality.
____11) I do not have credit cards with a balance due.
____12) I do not have any loans with a balance owed.
____13) I normally compare prices and value for both food and clothing.
____14) I do not dine/eat out more than once a-week.
____15) I have received my earnings statement from the Social Security Administration.
____16) I account for all my cash spending by collecting receipts and noting what is bought.
____17) I balance my checking/share draft accounts with each statement received.
____18) I have looked into joining or I am a member of a credit union.
____19) I am saving money toward a education or a special big goal.
____20) I have given money or food to a less fortunate individual within the last month.

Total up your points for all 20 questions
17-27 points - Terrific! - Teach others.
28-42 points - Pretty good - Stay Up-to-date
43-58 points - Average - A class will be helpful
59-74 points - Lousy – Make needed changes
75+ points - It Stinks! –

Call today ! Spectrum Resources offers education, resources and options that can help you. ( 863) 967-0660 Learn how you can deal efficiently and effectively with creditors. How you can structure a plan to get out of debt. Come back to our blogs to learn how you can take control of your financial life ! Our email: SpectrumResources@tampabay.rr.com

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Spectrum Resources is not funded and accepts all tax exempt donations. If you are learning from our Personal Money Management Lessons posted for your benefit, with every $10.00 donation we will mail you a “Hey! Where’s My Money” book authored by Janet Shore a certified credit counselor . A little book with a big message ! Excellent as a gift for a young couple starting out, a college student, or anyone who is starting over and wants to learn how to take control of their financial lives. It’s insightful and motivating. Use our online check processor: www.Checkman.com/pay4it/12985 or mail a money order to: SRDC 2014 Brentwood Drive Auburndale, FL. 33823