9 Ways to Save on Groceries

Want more money in your pocket? Then these nine thrifty tips are for you! Here’s how to save big bucks at the grocery store every time you shop:

1. Make a grocery list, and stick to it. No impulse buying.
2. Shop alone whenever possible. It will cut down on distractions.
3. Never shop hungry. A quick snack before you enter the store will keep you focused on the stuff you need, not on what you crave.
4. Carry your coupons.
5. Choose larger-size items (a.k.a. value sizes) only if the unit price indicates that it’s a better deal than smaller-size packages.
6. Buy generics. “Premium” store brands are the best quality for the lowest price. They are comparable to gourmet brands but cost 25% less.
7. Cash is king. Leave your credit and debit cards at home, and only bring the amount of cash that you are planning to spend.
8. Take a look at circulars and newspaper inserts every week for specials and sales.
9. Check with your supermarket to see if you qualify for a senior discount, depending on your age. If you do, you may be able to save up to 10% on your groceries if you shop on a certain day of the week.

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Work Up to Working Out

If warm spring temperatures are inspiring you to get active and shape up, that’s great! Just make sure to do things the right way to avoid pain or injury. Here are six rules to stick to when jumping into a fitness routine: 

Warm up. Muscle tissue becomes less flexible as we age. So warm up by walking for a few minutes, then slowly begin stretching your back and legs before moving on to more intense movement. 

Work up to it. When starting a new fitness routine, increase your activity in gradual increments of no more than 10 percent a week.

Treat your feet. Your shoes can help protect you from trips, falls, and injuries, so choose the right type for the sport or activity you plan to participate in. Ask other players, coaches, and the staff at your local sporting goods store for recommendations.

Perfect your technique. Some injuries (like tennis elbow) happen when you're unfamiliar with a sport and are making improper movements. So if you're trying out an activity you’ve never done before, get some coaching or do some research before diving in.

Wear a helmet. Did you know that adults are twice as likely as kids to die from a head injury? So if you ride a bike, play baseball, or rollerblade, always wear the proper headgear. 

Hydrate. Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration and replenish the fluids and nutrients you lose during workouts. Have a glass of water before you begin, and take a break every 20 to 30 minutes for more.

You’ll find even more tips to help you get and stay fit in our bestselling book, Grow Younger, Live Longer! And you can even try it out RISK-FREE at home for a full 21 days with our Free Preview. Visit www.JerryBaker.com for more details.

Easter Egg Ornaments

Happy almost Easter! Here’s hoping you and yours have a wonderful celebration. And if you’re in the mood for some DIY decorating (that costs nothing!), here’s how you can use raw eggs to make extravagant, beautiful ornaments:

• Using a needle, very carefully poke a hole at each end of a raw egg, making one hole a little larger than the other.
• Hold the egg over a bowl, with the larger hole pointed down, and gently blow into the smaller hole, so the yolk and whites flow out.
• Rinse the egg thoroughly with clear water, and lay it on paper towels to dry overnight.
• The next day, decorate the eggs with paint, stickers, glitter, or whatever other decorative trimmings your heart desires.
• For each ornament, thread the needle with a 12-inch length of embroidery floss or fishing line, and pull it through both holes in the egg. Tie a knot at the end that’s outside the smaller of the two holes. At the other end, tie a loop for hanging.
• Spray the finished product with acrylic fixative, let dry, and hang wherever you need some Easter cheer!

For more terrific money-saving ideas using eggs and other ordinary, everyday items, check out our bestselling book, It Pays to Be Cheap. You can even try it out FREE for a full 21 days with our Free Preview!

Spring Shed Cleaning

It’s official—spring has sprung! That means it’s also time for the annual rite of spring cleaning. So make a plan to get organized this weekend. And since gardening season is upon us, why not start outside with your shed?

Begin by sorting through all of the stuff you’ve accumulated. Then decide what items should stay, keeping in mind that your shed should be home to tools and equipment you use for the lawn and garden. Relocate any items that don’t fit into that category.

The last step in your de-cluttering mission is to store everything so it’s easy to find and is protected from dirt, dampness, and pests. But before you rush out to buy storage supplies, check out the list below. There are plenty of items you probably already own that you can repurpose to keep your shed organized. Consider these possibilities:

• Plastic sweater and shoe boxes—keep seed packets and gardening gloves clean and dry.
• A magnetic knife rack—perfect for holding trowels, hand rakes, dibbles, and other small metallic tools on a shed wall.
• Standing file holders—great for storing seed catalogs and garden magazines close at hand.
• A hanging shoe organizer—fill the pouches with twist ties, balls of twine, spray bottles, and other small stuff that can quickly turn into a cluttered mess.
• Ziplock plastic bags—stash seed packets, plant labels, and planting instructions in ‘em, then hang them with a binder clip on nails.

For more super secrets to clean up and declutter your whole house, check out our bestselling book, Can the Clutter! You can even try it FREE for a full 21 days with our Free Preview.