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Having a little extra each month can make a huge difference in many people’s lives. It can mean the difference between staying in debt or taking control of the family finances. It can help you get rid of debt, being able to start investing, going on a dream trip, or paying for a major purchase. There are several ways you can increase your income, and some options will be better for some people than others. Examining all your options will help you decide which is the best course of action for you and your family.

Education

Going back to school will take some time and will be an investment, but it can pay off in the end. If you earn a bachelor’s degree, you can switch careers or start a new career that may not be available without the right education.

In some careers, getting a master’s or doctorate can help with advancement opportunities or an increase in salary. Not every career field will work like that, so it is important to know the specifics of your career or desired career before starting.

Start a Business

More and more people are starting their own part-time business to make a little extra money. Sometimes this business starts earning enough to allow them to transition to doing it full-time. Even if it never brings in that much money, having a little extra each month is a great way to expand your budget and get your finances under control.

Starting a business is not easy, but it is very rewarding for many people. With so many options when it comes to starting a business, you are sure to be able to find one that matches your interests and that you will be passionate about.

Online side hustles like internet marketing, social media influencing, and freelance writing can be done from anywhere and are flexible enough to fit in with your current job. You can also do something more tangible like selling handmade items or doing photography.

Take Advantage of Your Current Job

Your current job may also be able to help you increase your income. Taking advantage of benefits through your current jobs like a 401(k) or FSA account will help you lower the amount of income that is taxed on each paycheck and help you save for retirement.

You can also reduce the amount of taxes that are withheld from your paycheck which will increase the amount you receive each month. While this can be good for short-term finances, you will need to plan to pay more in taxes at the end of the year. Bad Credit Logbook Loans can also be a short-term solution for cash flow issues. 

You should also look for advancement opportunities at your current job. If there is an open position, you should apply if you are interested. Employers like to see reliable employees that are interested in advancement opportunities and will likely give you a chance. If you have been in your current position for more than a year and are a good employee, you should also ask for a raise.

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The last few months have changed everything. They’ve shown us that nothing can be taken for granted. That the status quo is a fragile construct. And that no job and no career is as secure as we’d like it to be. All over the world, people have been shocked to see their employers go out of business or have to make drastic cuts that render them redundant. They’ve seen entire industries grind to a halt virtually overnight. And, sadly to say, that’ve seen how readily their employers will throw them under the bus if they think it might save them a little money. 

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But while we may feel mournful, perhaps we should rejoice. We should celebrate the fact that we are no longer chained to jobs that we secretly despised anyway. Instead, we should focus our efforts on doing what we love, what we’re good at and what brings us fulfilment. Whether you try to make it your new career or you just want to dip your toe in as a side hustle, there are plenty of opportunities in the digital economy to make money from your passions…

Car lovers? Where to begin?

Who says that the boys should be the only ones making money from their love of cars or their driving prowess. Whether you want to show visitors the joys of your home town as an Uber driver, make local deliveries or even pass your knowledge of the road to others as a driving instructor. As long as you have the right insurance, the knowhow and the willingness to learn it may be time to consider getting into the motor trade. There are many (both male and female) who prefer to deal with a woman when it comes to vehicles and driving. So busting some gender stereotypes could be extremely lucrative. 

Artists, illustrators and designers… the internet is your oyster

Or perhaps you only ever come alive when you have a paint brush (or a digital stylus) in your hand? If you’re an artist, illustrator or graphic designer, there are all kinds of ways in which you can make money from your craft. From setting up your own little shop online (using for example Azure marketplace) to using freelancing sites, or even signing up with creative agencies there are no shortage of places for talented artists to make money from their craft. 

Writers, type your way to prosperity

If you’re more of a wordsmith, the great news is that there are lots of online outlets where you can make money writing for all kinds of business clients. In an era where businesses are desperate to get noticed online at the expense of their competitors, content marketing (i.e. blog posts, tutorials, white papers, ebooks etc.) is bigger than ever. Meaning that there are ample opportunities for gifted writers to earn a crust on freelancing platforms. 

If you can bake… the world loves a cake!

Finally, if the culinary arts are more your forte, the world is always desperate for gifted bakers who can bring more tasty sweet treats into the world. And if you can cater to vegans and the gluten intolerant, the world is your oyster! Money Magpie has an excellent article on making money from cake baking. 

It’s time to take your career and your livelihood into your own hands!

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When my partner and I were planning to take a vacation, one critical question that lingered over our heads was how to travel luxuriously. I must admit that we are people who love the finer things in life. While on a normal day we would use any means of transport available, our vacation would not be the same.

So, we embarked on a journey of learning to come up with options that we could explore when it finally came time to vacation, from private jet services like Jettly to luxurious cruises and the like. I must say that period of learning was a real eye-opener I never thought I would have. We came up with a couple of options and when the day of the vacation arrived, we were all set to enjoy the time of our lives.

Here are some of the luxurious traveling options you too can explore on your next vacation with family or friends.

1. Cruise Ship

The magnificence of a cruise ship says it all. Looking at it promises you nothing short of comfort and luxury. When my wife brought up the idea of a vacation for our fifth anniversary, her wish was that we go on a luxury cruise that would last us a month. I was so excited about the idea that I even convinced her to do an additional month. We toured several port cities in different countries. We experienced so many different cultures and met amazing people everywhere that we went.

More than just the destinations we went to, the customer service on the cruise ship is like nothing I will ever experience in my life. Each one of our cabins resembled a 3-star hotel room and we had stewards and stewardesses at our service for all that we needed.

2. Private Jet

Flying private always looks fancy and I can tell you this, it feels just the same. While it doesn’t compare to the ultimate experience, we had on the cruise

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ship, the comfort and style in a private plane are mind-blowing.

We flew on a private jet when we were coming back from our luxury cruise. My wife needed to get back to work earlier than planned. When we called our travel agent to book us a commercial flight, he informed us that no flights were available till the next day. Hearing this instantly sent us into panic mode. The agent, however, told us that he could get us on a private jet going to London. The best thing about it, unlike the commercial plane, we could decide what time we want to travel.

We chose to travel later that evening. From the time we left our hotel room to the time we got to the airport, into the private terminal, and finally boarded the jet, it all felt different. One thing a private jet afforded us was peace of mind. We did not experience any chaos as was the norm when flying commercial.

Once inside the plane, the true meaning of a private jet became evident. There was enough of everything to make you feel you are at home. No noise or disturbance, and for once I even got a chance to nap while flying.

3. Steam Train

All my life, I grew up reading about steam locomotives and how they revolutionized the world. While vacationing with my wife, we got a chance to board one of these trains. I would like to think that the engineers at that time were true lovers of nature. In all the locations that the train passed, the scenery was breath-taking. The service on the train as well made that vacation the most memorable ever.

Traveling luxuriously is one of the best ways to ensure that you enjoy a vacation. Explore any options for luxurious travel available to you in the destination you would like to visit. Talking to your travel agent will help you discover many luxury travel methods you did not know about.

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Whether you work from the office or from home, it’s important to create a space that enhances productivity and creativity. Failing to consider the key elements of office design could leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated. 

There are plenty of ways to implement an office fit out that encourages productivity, so let’s consider a few of the best options.

1 . Improve the aesthetics 

The appearance of our working environment has a dramatic effect on our productivity levels. To enhance productivity try improving the aesthetics and appearance of your office space. There are plenty of simple ways to do this, including:

• A lick of paint: Give your office a new paint job, focusing on colors that boost productivity. Colors that are associated with focus and include shades of bright yellow and bright green.
• Artwork: One of the easiest ways to create an attractive office space is to fill the walls with colorful artwork.
  

  Pic Credit: Pexels

• Workstations: Look for Office Cubicles For Sale that will provide a modern and stylish look in your office.

2.  A healthy environment

Creating a healthy environment is the key to boosting productivity. Studies have shown that improved air quality and the presence of plants can help to improve focus and create a healthier environment.

Designing a healthy work environment should also take into consideration eco-friendly adjustments. Prioritize earth-friendly materials and practices when approaching a redesign. Create green policies and goals, and provide adequate training to get everyone on board.

3. Think about ergonomics

Providing ergonomic workstations helps to boost productivity, but more importantly, keeps employees healthy and safe. Ergonomic furniture is especially designed to support the body, and prevent injuries from sitting. Ergonomic chairs usually have adjustable parts, so that the individual can easily find the correct position. Desks should offer enough legroom, and allow the monitor to be positioned at roughly arm’s length away.

4. Offer productivity tools

The right equipment and tools can help to improve productivity in the workplace, including:

• Standing desks: With the help of standing desks employees can boost their energy levels, and improve their focus.
• Productivity apps: There are plenty of productivity apps designed for the workplace including Forest, Rescue Time, Toggl, and Asana.

It’s important that your staff have regular breaks, short breaks throughout the day is another way to improve focus levels.

5. Use elements of nature

The presence of plants has been proven to improve focus in the workplace. The best plants for the office are usually low-maintenance plants, for example:

• Chinese Money Plant: These are the perfect plants for the office, they are easy to grow and retain water well. Chinese money plants grow to around 20-30cm, they have a bold appearance, with bright leaves shaped like saucers.
• Phalaenopsis Orchid: These are beautiful plants to jazz up the office, and orchids only need watering about once every week.

Whether you’re running a virtual business or working out of an office it’s vital to consider how your environment affects your productivity.

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Buying property is one of the greatest investments a person can make in their life. After saving money, what follows is making a purchase decision. This entails checking out various properties from PropertyGuru, reviewing prices, and touring the unit to verify if it meets your family’s needs. However, due to Covid, the whole process is conducted virtually.

People are checking out properties on various real estate platforms online, till the final process of e-signing. But before starting the process, many people tend to miss out on sending an OTP. This is an offer to purchase the property. Some buyers may forget to send one, while others do it deliberately.

An OTP is essential as it can help avoid future conflicts between buyer and seller. It contains vital information such as the property’s condition, special conditions, any defects and more. It makes a potential buyer aware of what kind of property they will buy and its current condition which can help renegotiate a price. A real estate agent, someone who has outstanding knowledge in property investment is in charge of drafting an OTP document.

Today, sellers are deliberately skimping on paying booking fees when buyers delay in providing an OTP. With this, they tend to issue a new one to the same buyer. This process of issuance has made the government step in by reviewing and updating certain real estate policies.

If you’re interested in this phenomenon, please take a look at the following infographic. It shows the latest insights into how the government ensures that sellers do not issue a new OTP to buyers.  The infographic makes it easy to understand this tricky concept and explains how the new government policies have affected transaction processes. Check it out below.

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Exercising can be really fun, whether you are doing it alone or with company. However, more and more people are signing up themselves to join fitness programs as part of their daily workout routine. Some do it for bodybuilding reasons, some do it to lose weight, and some just generally enjoy working out a lot. Signing yourself up to a gym program can solidify your fitness plan, but not everyone has the time or money for it. And whilst many people have great luck with a running machine at home, you may not have the space for it.

Still and all, there are many testimonies of people who have successfully designed and adapted to their very own personal fitness plan, even without joining a gym membership. Not that I am saying the gym isn’t worth our time and money, but not everyone has a schedule that can fit in a workout session at the gym. If you are someone that has a busy work schedule but still wants to exercise, take note of this article as I am going to share some tips on how to start a healthy fitness journey.

Make A Commitment To Yourself

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Remember, you are in charge of finding your own balance. What that means is to find a suitable time that you can fully commit to a workout session. It doesn’t have to be an hour long. It can even be 15 minutes of jumping ropes. All that matters is to be committed to a goal, so that you can reach your goal!

Some days, I find it extra difficult to put on my work out clothes and start exercising. If you are not into cardio training or weightlifting, yoga is a great option where it focuses on stretching and relaxing the body. It’s a great way to relieve stress from the mind and the body. There’s also a multitude of approaches and levels of yoga training content available online. Take a look for some inspiration online too, like Kevin Morgan of Pittsford NY, as a great one for motivating you to work out.

Document Your Progress

There are many ways to document your personal progress. I like to keep a journal and take progress photos after my workout sessions. You can even do a weekly voice recording to talk about your goals and achievements, or how you feel about your progress and etcetera.

Documenting your progress can help you to reflect and to figure out how to improve your performance. It can also serve as a form of motivation, which you get to look back at all your hard work and progress through your documentation.

Start at Your Level

When designing your own fitness plan, make sure that it suits your lifestyle. This includes your meals, your choice of exercise and your recovery process. Working out isn’t just about eating healthy and exercising well, it’s also very important to let yourself rest. You don’t want to go over the limit that your body can take because you are trying to take care of your body and mind wellness.

Acknowledge Small Achievements

Every little achievement is worth a celebration. Celebrate the progress you’ve made and work towards your next goal with better motivation! Even if it’s celebrating that you’ve completed a gym session, or if you ate a healthy meal. Every little choice you’ve made brought you to where you are, so celebrate it!

Don’t Focus on Weight

Focusing on weight can create more stress. It’s very important to exercise for the benefit of physical and psychological wellness. If you are working on losing weight, focus on sweating as much as you can instead of looking at the numbers on the weighing scale.

I’ve only truly begun to focus on exercising when I stop looking at the numbers. Checking in once in a month on the weighing scale is fine if your intention is to look at progress. But obsessing over numbers may lead you to an unhealthy way of exercising.

It is very important to practice mindfulness and incorporate it to your fitness routine. A healthy mind can guide you throughout a healthy fitness journey!

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Cashflow is the lifeblood of your small business. It’s what sustains you in hard times and provides the financing for your future growth. But too many companies don’t pay enough attention to managing their cash, and it catches up with them: Suddenly they find themselves strapped for cash at the worst possible time.

Establish a positive attitude

The more positive you are, the better you will work. When your mind is on the tasks at hand, your decisions are more likely to be sound. You will avoid any potential pitfalls that might throw off your plan by having a positive outlook on life.

Create a realistic budget

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One of the most important features of any budget is being realistic. When you create yours, estimate your income accurately and include all the necessary expenditures. Include your salary, loans, mortgage payments, car expenses, tuition payments, etc. You can’t expect to have a decent cashflow if you don’t plan accordingly.

Get control of your spending

The easiest way to save money every month is to stop wasting it. It sounds simple, but many people don’t do this enough. Reviewing your spending can help you find ways to save. Write down what you spend every day, where you spend money, and how much you spend in each category. You might find that your coffee addiction costs more than you think.

Cut back on your insurance premiums

If you have a lot of insurance policies, it might be time to consider cancelling or consolidating your coverage. In order to save money on your premiums, do some research and ask your insurance company about what kind of discounts they offer. You might find that you can shave tens of dollars off of your payments just by asking for a better deal. 

Diversify your income stream

Cashflow is the measure of how much cash you have in your bank account, relative to the expenses that are due in any given time period. A healthy cashflow means you’re making more money than necessary to cover bills and other costs.

Invest in quality assets and keep them for the long haul

A strong cashflow is necessary for any business that wants to grow and take on extra risks. That’s why a good investment portfolio is right at the top of the list of things to do. In order to make your finances more predictable, you should invest in assets that can generate cash flow over time, such as real estate and interest-bearing securities.

You can also get better returns by investing in stocks or other types of investments. A lot of people think that stocks can only generate profits in the long term, but that isn’t entirely true. Even if you invest in stocks with the intention of holding them for a few days, months, or years, you can still get a more predictable cash flow while you wait to make your money back.

Shop smarter and save more

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Shopping can be a form of entertainment for some people. It’s really easy to find yourself spending money on frivolous things like coffee and snacks that you could easily make at home. Make a list of all the things you need to buy, and then try to stick with it as much as possible. Don’t spend more than you need to, because the only reason to go shopping is when you’re running out of something.

There are plenty of ways that saving money on your purchases can help your business out in the long run. For example, if your budget allows it, buy everything that you need in bulk. Not only will you save on the price per item, but you can also use any excess to make extra sales in the future.

Diversify your investment portfolio

The best thing you can do to stabilize your cash flow is to diversify your assets. Aside from real estate and interest-bearing securities, you should invest in different kinds of stocks, too.

Buy stocks that pay dividends

A lot of people don’t like to buy stocks because they just want to sell them as soon as they get a profit. It’s a good idea to pay attention only to companies that can offer consistent returns over time. Look for a stock that pays dividends. The dividends will help you offset your costs and give you a small profit at the end of the month.

Stay away from complicated stocks

If you’re just starting out, try to avoid investing in complicated stocks like derivatives and options. It’s true that more complex assets might have higher potential profits, but they also have higher risks. Even if you succeed in your investment, it could take a long time for you to get your money back.

Practice delayed gratification

You don’t need to increase your revenue or decrease your costs as soon as possible. You should be patient and wait until you have enough cashflow to make the right decisions. There aren’t many things that can change the course of your business like a cash problem, but it’s impossible to solve those problems when you don’t have enough money.

Take the long-term view

If you’re running a business, chances are that you want to take it as far as possible. It’s easy to let yourself get distracted by short-term goals like reducing your expenses or increasing sales, but those tactics won’t do much for your company in the long run. If you focus on the long-term goals, your business will be better off in the end.

This mindset also applies when you’re getting corporate credit. You need to be able to calculate the long-term benefits of such loan without putting too much focus on the immediate interest payments. For example, if you take out a loan to finance your new tractor that can improve productivity, which allows you to take on bigger contracts are worthwhile.

Save money on licensing

When you’re starting a new business, one of the things to do is to research and take out all the necessary licenses that your business needs, such as licenses for use of trademarks, patents, and so forth. It’s easy to find yourself spending a lot of money on licensing because there are many small fees involved.

If you can cut back on these fees, it’ll give you more cashflow for other aspects of your business. You should also consider using other ways to reduce costs like crowdsourcing or working with an independent contractor if possible.

Reduce your operating costs in all areas

Whatever you’re spending money on, you should be aware of where your business is spending its money. Every dollar spent counts, so don’t worry about every little detail, just make sure that you’re making the best use of each dollar.

Kitchen and dining facilities are common places where businesses spend a lot. You should always be sure to look for ways to reduce the cost of these expenses. Try looking for cheaper food options, or working with local suppliers if you can.

Improve your productivity and efficiency

A lot of business owners think they’re already doing their best to improve the productive capacity of their business. However, you can always do more to increase your productivity levels and efficiency. You should consider hiring a financial advisor to help you make better use of your office space, hire more employees if you need them, and so forth.

The key to improving your cashflow is to always be aware of when you are spending money and what you are spending it on. You should also try to find ways to reduce the cost of your expenses in general. The only problem is that there aren’t many ways that you can change the course of your business like a cash flow issue and some unexpected event can put a fast-pursuing company in a bind.

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My younger brother recently got engaged and chatting to his finance made my think about all the considerations you need to think of when choosing an engagement ring. Its about 9 years since we got engaged however I still haven’t forgotten all the things that I researched thoroughly when choosing mine.

Size

The average price of diamonds depends on its size, among others, so you have to be certain on the size you want.  Whether you choose to stay small or you raise the size, it all depends on your own personal preferences and budget. 

Clarity

The clarity of the diamond is also important in choosing the engagement ring. You can opt to have a diamond that is very clear.  You might even settle with a diamond that has a lower clarity without you being able to notice the difference. 

Colour

If colour is more of your thing, you can choose to buy a coloured diamond instead. There are many people who would prefer to get a coloured diamond due to its uniqueness. Because the intensity of colours can differ, they will have something that is truly unique from others.

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When you think of men’s haircare, the first thing that may come to mind is a 3-in-1 body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Although this is ideal for some, it’s not for everyone. Some men like to take pride in their hair and treat it with various products to give them the hair they desire. Whether they want that natural shine or to keep those ends healthy, there are plenty of products out there for men to use. 

Here’s a simple guide of what to use and when to use it:

Washing your hair 

Washing your hair is pretty simple. All you really need is shampoo, conditioner, and the occasional hair mask. Shampoo washes your hair, removing any dirt build up, dead skin and even any product you have used in your hair the day or two previously. Conditioning your hair locks in healthy, natural oils and helps your hair maintain its strength. Hair masks can be used once a week, or even every fortnight, to give your hair an injection of richness. If you like to dye your hair, whether that be with highlights or an all-over look, you can get specific shampoos and conditioners to enhance the colour.

Styling your hair

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Here’s where you get to have a lot of fun with your hair. With so many haircare products for men to choose from, you can really style your hair any which way you want. Hairspray and gel are the most common products used when it comes to styling hair because they help the hair hold a particular shape. From a side parting to a mohawk, you can really achieve any look with some gel and decent hairspray. To go a step further, you could even include a body builder, making your hair appear more volumized, or even a pomade which improves the shine of your hair. It’s all down to personal preference and the styles you like. If unsure on what styles will suit you, ask your local barber or hairdresser for their advice. They’ll be able to help choose some new styles based on your hair length, colour and even your face shape.

Hair treatments

Depending on what kind of hair you have, you may want to treat it in different ways. As said previously, you can use hair masks to help your hair feel nourished and healthy, but that’s not all you can use. Revitalising serums are very popular nowadays and can be used for various reasons. If you find you hair is thinning or perhaps, you’re suffering from hair loss, the Goldwell Kerasilk Revitalize Redensifying Serum might be the serum for you. This can slow down the process of thinning hair and rejuvenate the hair and scalp. This is a treatment you would apply to wet hair after you’ve just washed it with your shampoo and conditioner. Pattern hair loss is common in men and quite often, men lose confidence when they start to lose their hair. So, if there’s something that can help that issue and help bring back someone’s confidence, it’s worth it. There are also plenty of other products to choose from too, it just depends on what needs you have. 

Sometimes, it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right haircare products but by understanding your needs and a doing a little research, there’s a product out there for everyone. Of course, everyone has different needs and if the decision process is too tough, visit the barber or hairdresser and ask for their opinions. They may be able to point you in the right direction of what you’re looking for. Good luck! 

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Are your bills and debts starting to have an adverse effect on your health? Do you constantly find yourself worrying and stressing about financial issues? That’s no way to live… which is why you should take a stand against this plight. You don’t have to be weighed down by money problems — no matter what state your finances are currently in, you have the opportunity to enjoy true fiscal freedom!

If you’re to regain a sense of freedom when it comes to your money, you’re going to need to reduce your day-to-day cost of living. To find two things you must do to achieve this crucial feat, be sure to read on.

Reduce your tax payments

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Regardless of what size house you live in, what car you drive, or how big your monthly wage packet is, you need to keep on top of your tax payments. This is deemed a quintessential component of your cost of living, which means that there really is no way for you to get around it. 

However, this does not necessarily mean that you have to be crippled by tax demands on an annual basis. There are a whole host of things that you can do to keep your payments down to the bare minimum in this instance, one of the most straightforward and effective being to donate your unwanted car to a charitable foundation such as Rawhide Youth Services. In return for taking advantage of their not-for-profit vehicle donations services, you will be granted a sizeable deduction on your tax bill. What’s more, taking this course of action will help you play an active role in supporting today’s youth. It really is a win-win situation!

Cut your food costs

Food is another necessity that you cannot avoid paying for. Fear not, though, as there ways to slash your day-to-day expenses in this instance.

Here are seven things you can do to cut your food costs:

1. Base your meal choices around what you already have available to you in your cupboards
2. Become a better cook and learn to whip up staple dinners from scratch (once you master the culinary arts in this sense, you will find it easier to serve bigger portions and save money at the same time)
3. Reduce the amount of meat that you and your family consumes on a weekly basis (there are plenty of cost-effective vegetarian dishes out there that pack a protein punch)
4. Draw up a seven-day meal plan every Sunday
5. Whenever you choose to treat yourself to a takeaway dish (rest assured, you can indulge now and again!), be sure to scour the web for amazing deals and discounts
6. NEVER step foot in the grocery store when you’re hungry (this will result in your buying anything and everything just to suffice your short-term eating urges)
7. Don’t be fooled into thinking the bargain section is your hold grail (a product is only a bargain if you actually make use of it going forward)

Note: This is a collaborative post