How to save money in Spain

The PPI scandal rumbles on. You have up until the end of August 29 2019 to make a claim. If you have not made a claim yet, or found a PPI resolution provider, it is a good idea to so now. Many people are still not sure how to reclaim money owed to them under the PPI scheme. One of the reasons is simply that they are not sure if they had PPI or not. 

PPI was sold under many different names. It is easy to presume it is going to say Payment Protection on your paperwork. However, it is more likely PPI was sold to you under a different name.

These are the most common names, or terms, you will find on your paperwork:

Account Cover
Credit Insurance
Payment Protection
Loan insurance
Loan Protection
Accident, sickness and unemployment insurance ( Abbreviated ASU)
Payment cover
Protection plan

Who Is Affected by PPI Mis-Selling?

Anybody who had a mortgage, a loan or held a credit card in the UK can be affected by the PPI mis-selling scandal. That includes personal loans and car loans. Go through your old paperwork and try to find out as much information as you can. It could be you have a substantial PPI claim hiding in a drawer somewhere. Many expats are affected by PPI but not aware that they can reclaim PPI. Launching a claim as soon as possible would be a good idea as a Brexit could have a negative effect on exchange rates. A lower exchange rate would make your claim worth considerably less and is best avoided.

Companies and banks started to sell PPI back in the late 1980s. If you took out some kind of financial agreement around that time, it is likely that you will have been mis-sold PPI on one financial product or more. Don’t forget this applies to store cards as well.

Leading stores such as Debenhams and Marks and Spencer added PPI to their credit card more or less automatically unless you ticked a box refusing the insurance. Most staff in stores were not well trained and did not explain Payment Protection Insurance would be added to their financial product.

Martin Knipe from the company RYM Claims says many people have still not checked their current or former financial products. You may not have PPI on your mortgage currently, but it does not mean that it was not added on in the past. Martin points out that some customers are concerned to claim PPI from a current loan or credit provider. A claim for PPI is not going to affect your current relationship with your lender. 

This is a list of loan providers which may have sold you PPI:

Credit cards
Loans
Store cards
Catalogues
Mortgages
Car finance

I Am An Ex-Pat - Can I Claim PPI?

You certainly can claim PPI even though you are now living abroad. Make sure you have your former UK address details when you contact a former lender or a company specialising in PPI reclaims.

It helps if you have as much information available as possible. An account number or former mortgage agreement will help.

How Much Am I Likely to Get In a PPI Refund?

PPI refunds vary a great deal. According to Martin, it is important to check. Refunds range from a couple of thousand pounds to over £50,000. 

To reclaim your PPI you can try it to go it alone or use a company. Most companies are very successful when it comes to making PPI’s claim on your behalf and know their way around the system. 

 Before you ask a specialist PPI reclaim company to help you, it is important to make sure the company is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Quality PPI reclaim companies will always make sure they inform you of their FCA number. Once again, it is a good idea for UK expats resident in Spain or any other country to start a PPI reclaim as soon as possible.

Take some time out of your busy day to check if you were possibly mis-sold PPI. You may even have a substantial claim on your hands.

I think that we are all beginning to adopt a slightly different attitude towards money and the environment, and there are occasions when the two go hand in hand. There are times when you can conserve nature as well as your money. I have been going through our household accounts, and I have found that during the last year we have made savings which can all be linked to the environment as well.
 

Light bulbs - we have changed all our light bulbs to low energy or LED. The initial bulbs cost more but the savings we have made on our electricity bills are really beginning to show through. Also remembering to turn out the lights has helped. We just to be quite sloppy about this in the past, but now it has become a house rule.
 

Windows - making sure all the windows fit properly has been an important factor in coming the apartment warm. if you are buying a property in Spain or elsewhere, make sure that any appliances included in the sale, are enegry efficient. If any certificates are required, you should ensure that they seller provide them to you before the sale.

Appliances - all our main appliances now have the top rating for energy efficiency. This is really important especially when it comes to washing machines, and refrigerators which do a lot of the work in our modern homes. We have also stopped using the dish washer as this was just too expensive.

I am sure there are many more tips, and ideas. Switching to cheaper ways of cooking food such as steaming food is another top tip, and if you are really serious about saving the environment and money, you can always install solar power to your home. It is the ideal energy solution for many homes in warmer and sunnier countries.

Life is very expensive, and many resort to store and credit cards to pay for treats like holidays, and clothes. The only problem is that interest rates on credit and store cards can be excessive, and to clear the debt as soon as possible is vital. If you have a good credit score, you can transfer your debt to a credit card which does not charge you interest. This mean you will be able to clear the debt quicker. However, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of when you take out a balance transfer card deal.

The Cost Of Transferring the Debt

Nearly all balance transfer cards will charge you a small fee for transferring the debt, so before you sign up for any deals, make sure that you check out any associated fees. Some of the cards which will let you pay the debt off for a longer time, will charge you a bigger fee. Make sure the card you pick is right for you. If you don't think that you can pay off the deb quickly, go for one of the cards with the longer repayment period.

Pay The Debt Off Quickly

When you have successfully transferred the debt, you want to pay the debt off as quickly as possible. Of course, you can always shift the debt again, but it may effect your credit score, and having a healthy credit store is essential for all of us these days.

Try to pay off the debt before the 0% rate ends as normally by the end of that period, the interest rate of the cad sky rockets, and you really don't want to have to pay any unnecessary interest.

Pay At Least the Minimum Amount

Your 0% balance credit card is likely to have a few terms and conditions. Most of them require you to pay the minimum amount every month, and the payment must be in on time. If you cannot meet those requirements, you are likely to lose your 0% balance making the balance transfer pointless in the first place. Check out how much you are spending on other things, and perhaps cut back on some expenses. Going out for coffee a couple of times everyday, can quickly add up, and if you can save an extra 5 per day, you will end up another 150 towards your monthly repayment.

How to Find the Right Card for You

Most of the sites which offer cards with 0% balance transfer rates, have their own debt calculators. They are very useful when it comes to checking out which card is right for you. It also gives you a goal. By putting in how much you can afford to pay every month, will motivate you to pay the balance off quickly. There are also a couple of comparison sites which you want to check out, and you never know, even you local bank may want to help you. Too few of us treat our banks like the businesses they are, and we should all be making the most of what banks have to offer us. After all, they are quick enough to make money out of you.

Your Credit History and 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards

If you credit history is not as great as you want it to be, you may find the card company offers you a shorter repayment period. You need to make sure that you actually get what you think you are going to get. The card company, or bank, may be offering a 20 month repayment period on their website, but when you actually get an offer or read the small print, you may find you will get a shorter repayment period. The repayment period is almost always affected by your credit history, so it is vital to make sure you know what you are getting.

Do You Always Need to Get a New Card ?

Yo don't always need to get a new card, or cards. Having more than one credit card is not that unusual, and you may find that you can spread the balance over several card. This means the interest on the debt could be less, but this is a bit of a gamble to be honest. It can save you 100's, but you really need to check out the terms and conditions of your cards.

Not only that, do call your credit card company. The world of finance is very competitive and your current company would probably hate to lose you. You may even find that they have another card deal to offer you, or could perhaps give you an interest free period to pay your card. This is not so uncommon if you have your credit card facility through your bank. Your bank will know your credit history better than any other company, so don't forget to speak to your bank. Set up a monthly repayment so you know you have to have the debt paid within the agreed time frame.

Over 21 million people go on a cruise, or cruise vacation, every year, and many still pay top dollar for a cruise. Cruises are an excellent way to travel and see many exotic ports. A good way to describe a cruise vacation is to say you basically take your hotel with you. However, bringing your hotel with you is not always cheap even though it is a convenient way to travel. You can save money on a cruise, and with a little bit of savvy, you can save a lot of money on your next cruise. But you do need to know, what the top tips are for saving money on your next cruise?

How to Save Money on Your Next Cruise: Become a Flexible Cruise Passenger

If you have some time on your hands, you can easily save money on cruises. It is important to be flexible on both the itinerary of your cruise, and the timing of your cruise. Most cruise passengers have a certain itinerary in mind. You may want to see the Greek islands before you cruise on to exotic locations such as Israel and Egypt. But, you often find the cruise company will run a return cruise. Guess what? The return cruise to the port you wanted to start your cruise from may be cheaper. Does it really matter? You will still see and experience the same things, but you could save yourself a couple of hundred dollars. Isn't it better to save money???

Timing is important when it comes to taking a cruise vacation. If you don't mind cruising out of season, you can save a lot of money. You may think that August is the perfect time to visit European capitals, but in fact it is often too hot to walk around at this time of the year. Aim for a cruise vacation slightly out of season. Your travel agent may tell you that you get a lot of storms in the Mediterranean then, but that is not true. You get can get storms or high winds any time of the year in the Mediterranean, but surprisingly September could be the worse month.

Should I Book My Cruise Vacation in Advance or Wait for Late Availability?

Late bookings on cruises can be great value for money, the only problem is that the best cabins might be sold off. Start checking out the cruise companies that you would consider going with in advance. Take a look and see if there advance booking discounts that are as good as their late booking deals. Often advance bookings deals are better, and they may even include little extra benefits such as drinks or excursions packages.

Do a Deal with Your Cruise Company

Do you book through a travel agent or directly with the cruise company? Some argue it is better to book with a travel agent for peace of mind, but I am not sure that is true. Travel agencies do have special offers, but you can probably get a good deal by booking direct. As a matter of fact, don't be frighten of asking for a deal. Ask the representative on the phone, if he or she can give you a special deal if you book TODAY. Remember they want to fill those ships, both for their own sake and the staff that work for tips only, so getting passengers on board is vital. TODAY is the operative word if you want to get good discounts, and does not only work when you book your cruise. Try it when you are out shopping, and you will see that little five letter word, can get you mazing discounts.

Sign Up For the Weekly Newsletter

Cruise companies love sending out newsletters. The more newsletter you sign up for with cruise companies direct, or their agents, the likelier you are to get a good deal on your cruise vacation. Shop around still and make sure you are comparing apples with apples. If that the same cruise, or similar cruise, is available with an other cruise company, go for that one instead. Loyalty does not always work, but make sure you are not missing out on things like drinks packages. Get to know the value of drinks packages, and make sure the complete cruise saves you money.

Cruise Lines Loyalty Programs

Most cruise lines have loyalty programs, but they all work slightly differently. The best cruise lines loyalty programs are the ones which give you discount off your next cruise vacation and some special benefits as well. Check out the following cruise lines, and compare their loyalty programs.

MSC Cruises

Carnival Cruises

Princess Cruises

The three cruise lines cover slightly different cruise destinations, but they all have good loyalty programs. If I am completely honest, I have saved a lot of money with the MSC cruise loyalty program.

Smaller Ships – an Insiders Tip

Getting money off your next cruise can be done in all sorts of ways. I will let you in on a little secret that I have discovered in the cruise industry. Get to know the fleet of the cruise lines you would like to travel with, and you will soon find it is cheaper to travel on the smaller ships within the fleet. Princess cruise cruise line is the perfect example. They do a lot of cruises in and around Japan, and their smaller ships are always cheaper. You may have to get from Tokyo under your own steam, but you even save money after having bought a ticket on the bullet train.

Would You Like to Go to Europe for the Summer, and back Home for the Winter?

In that case, check out repositioning cruises. I spent four months traveling around the Southern US States after finding a repositioning cruise into Miami. It was great and guess what I did on my way back to Europe – I caught another repositioning cruise. Not only did I get two days in New York on my way back, but I got to see the Azores on the way out. It is expensive to travel to the Azores, and I would not have gone otherwise, but the repositioning cruise made it possible. Most repositioning cruises are great value for money as they often include drinks packages and even free excursions.

Organise Your Own Excursions

When you are on a cruise, it is easy to organise you own excursions. Read about about your destinations before you get there, and then visit locals attractions on your own. Your first stop when you get off the ship should be the local tourist office to pick up a map. But, I have also found the app Pokemon Go is a great way to find exciting places that are perhaps a little bit tucked away.

Cities such as Split in Croatia, Malaga in Spain, Venice in Italy and Lisbon in Portugal, are great places to walk around. If you don't want to walk, check out local hop on and hop off bus services. I used one in Rome, and it was fantastically cheap. If I had gone on the ship's tour around Rome, I would have paid a lot more. Now I saved $80 and could afford to splash out on ice cream by the Trevi fountain.

Finally, don't forget to download some fun apps to play with while you are on the cruise ship. Spas on cruise ships are normally expensive, and you can only make so many paper flowers. Also, your feet may be tired after a long day exploring, so you don't fancy the gym. But on a day at sea, make the most out of all the free activities.

Can you make money from cruising? You certainly can make money from cruising, and you going on a cruise vacation, and even make some investments which will pay out, but that is a different story... By the way, don't forget to check out prepaid debit cards before you go.

With the great British summer escape on the way, many families will worry about the cost of their holiday. Getting hold of holiday money seems to be getting more expensive every year, and the honest truth is that families do struggle to afford a holiday. Living costs in the UK keep on rising, and today, most families are concerned about keeping up with general living expenses let alone Sterling exchange rates.

In fact, the Pound Sterling exchange rate to the Euro, has never been this low. Today, you have to look around a bit harder to find the best deal for your holiday spending money. Some still arrive at the airport expecting to get a good deal, but the truth is that you never do. If you wait and change your money at the airport, you are likely to get a bad deal on currency exchange rates. When you want to get the best deal on your holiday money, it pays to do some forward planning. Shopping around to save money on your foreign vacation spending, is just as important and should be part of planning for your holiday.

Save Money with Online Currency Brokers

If you want to get a better deal on holiday money currency exchange rates, you will save money by ordering foreign currency with your local bank, or use many of the online facilities where you can in fact have holiday spending money directly to your door. Buying your holiday spending money online currency brokers such as Hifx and Asda money, is perhaps he best way of getting hold of holiday cash. Fairfx is another online currency broker that can help you. However, don't ignore the Post Office, this is still a good way to get better value for money.

Prepaid Debit Currency Cards

Prepaid debit cards, can be an excellent way to get an even better currency deal on your holiday money. New prepaid debit cards are popping up allover the place, but make sure you get the right deal for you. Most of the cards do not charge you a fee for using them abroad, but some of them may charge you for withdrawing money when you are in the UK. The most common currencies available are euros and dollars, but you can also get them in other currencies. They are an ideal way of getting a good currency exchange rate, and on top of that, prepaid debit cards, is a good way to budget. You can even upload cash through the year on your card. Learn how to take advantage of favorable exchange rate, and load your card up when they are in your favor.

Companies which offer prepaid debit cards are Caxton FX, Travelex, and Fairfx. Also check out the ICE card. Their exchange rate is sometimes a bit lower, but they don't charge you anything for withdrawing cash.

Prepaid debit cards are also safe to use. If they get stolen, all you need to do is to cancel the card, and the company will issue a new one. Travellers cheques used to be very popular, however, prepaid debit cards have now taken over.

Should You Pay in Sterling or Local Currency on Your Holiday or Vacation?

It is always best to pay in the local currency even though a lot of stores, and even restaurants abroad, now offer payment in your own currency. There are a few problems associated when it comes to paying in your own currency. Your bank may charge you fees for doing, and they can quickly add up. Secondly, most of the time you are not in control of the exchange rate. If a retailer suggest you pay in your own currency, it is better to say not, and pay in the local currency instead. Especially if you have a prepaid debit card handy, or enough cash.

Finally, watch out for cash machines abroad. The charges associated with drawing cash from your UK bank are not always clearly explained, and ti can get expensive fast. You are better off making sure you have enough cash with you, getting a prepaid debit card or ensuring you know what your bank is going to charge you. The problem is that it may not be your own bank applying hidden charges, it could be the foreign bank which cash machine you are using.

Saving costs money when it comes to your holiday cash, can be a bit of a mine field. Make sure you understand how much your holiday cash is going to cost you before you travel, and it could be a good idea to make the arrangements as soon as you book your holiday.

When you live abroad, and have to manage on a limited budget, or a retirement income, you really need to know how to make the most out of your money. Some folk living here in Spain have the most genius ways of doing so. I have just been enjoying a Chinese meal with a couple of ladies from our golf club, and they have come up with some cleaver money saving ideas which we should all take away of. They are easy to use, and you will be able to use almost wherever you live in Spain.

Saving Money with Chinese Food

Most of us long term Spanish residents know that you can save a lot of money by choosing to eat out a Chinese restaurant. They offer some fantastic menu del dia options, and the meals are relatively healthy. Honestly, you have to ask yourself what you have got to lose. The ladies who I have been speaking to never leave a Chinese restaurant without a take away. I have never thought about doing that myself, but today I did order a Chinese take away of the menu before we left. I paid 5.50 euros for a rather big serving of Chicken with Gong Bao sauce. There is certainly enough food there for two people.

Vouchers and even More Vouchers

Don't be shy about using vouchers. I used some vouchers recently in a supermarket and ended up getting enough washing powder to last me until the end of the year. I had a money off voucher for Euros 3.29, and then a further voucher off for washing powder for one euro. I could not believe it when I walked out of the supermarket with a brand name detergent, and ended up paying just 4 euros. It may not sound like a lot, but it all matters. In fact, my vouchers paid me back again. When I got to the till, I was issued with another voucher for discount on fabric softener on my next shop.

Stop Worrying About Picking Up Supermarket Special Offers Magazine

Don't assume that Lidl and Aldi have got the best special offers. My Spanish friends always go through the supermarket magazine or leaflet, and check out what offers are available. You can save a lot of money this way, and the secret is often to shop on a special day of the week, or during the month. Stock up on special offers, and make the most out of the offers. Freezer bags are not that expensive, and you can certainly save a lot of money by stocking up your freezer when things are on offer.

Saving Money at the Spa

Some of the top hotels have spas attached to them. The owners of the spa know that summer is going to be the busiest time for them, so they often put together special offers. You may not be staying at the hotel, but that does not mean that you cannot visit the spa. If you are lucky, the spas will post their special offers online. However, if they don't post their special offers online, pop into the local tourist office, you may find that they have lots of special offers around. I have just picked up a special spa offer, and it is two for one at a local 5 star spa. Nothing like a little treat.

Is Foraging Okay in Spain?

If you have ever taken a walk in the Spanish countryside during July and August, you will have noticed that nature can help you to save money as well. I am not sure what you are paying for goodies like blackberries in the supermarket, but the likelihood is that you are paying a lot. Blackberries are during July and August, and each evening when I take my dogs for a walk, I pick about 250 grams. The same would cost me at least about 3 euros in the supermarket. If you enjoy a fruity breakfast, you can save yourself at least 15 euros a week, by picking blackberries this time of the year.

More than anything, share your saving tips with others. So many of us know how to save money, and we do save money, but may not talk about it. We worry that we may sound poor, or a bit tight. That is something that you should not even consider. It is only by talking to others, you really learn how to save money.

Can you save money shopping online in Spain? You certainly can save money by shopping online in Spain. There are several online shops in Spain which are really good. Before I sign up with a web shop, I always check out a couple of things. For instance, do they accept Paypal? It does not matter what anybody says to me, Paypal is still the best way to pay for goods and services online. It is not the best way if you want to transfer money to yourself if you are concerned about foreign currency exchange rates, but it the best way to pay.

Save Money with Groupon

Looking around the internet, you will find that companies such as Groupon are available in Spain. In fact, the Spanish Groupon service is very easy to use, and the products are very good as well. Can you save money by shopping on Groupon? You certainly can, and you will find Groupon has a lot of special offers on brand names. It is certainly worthwhile signing up for Groupon in Spain. The site sends out a regular newsletter with some great saving deals.

Save Money on Medication, Vitamins and Beauty Supplies in Spain

Another good online shop in Spain is Mifarmacia. I have used the service a couple of times now, and I find it excellent. You will find that many of the top products are available at discounted prices on Mifarmacia. What I really like is that you can find products from companies such as Boots and Weleda. All of the products are delivered to your front door by MRW, and normally within 48 hours. I have saved rather a lot of money on this site, and I love the fast delivery service.

Spanish Catalogue Shops – Save Money Quickly and Easy

What about Spanish catalogue shops? The most popular ones are La Redoute and Venca. I have shopped with both and I have saved money. When you sign up with La Redoute you get a sign up bonus off your first shop. It is normally around 20 euros and you will find that they have some great deals. If you are looking to buy bedding, this is one of the best sites and you can save a lot of money. Ideal site to shop on if you have a holiday villa in Spain.

Venca is also very good. Sign up for their newsletter, and you will get a special codes which gives you a first time discount of 10 euros. The clothes are good on Venca, and you will find that you can get some good deals. Both sites offer payment by Paypal, and the delivery is quick as well. I have never had cause to return anything, and quality seems good on both sites.

I have become rather keen on shopping online in Spain. You will find that some other well known brands such as Benetton and Springfield also offer online shopping. If you look around, you may even find that some items are cheaper than in the shops. I bought a dress online with Springfield. Instead of paying 30 euros for my dress, I paid only 20 euros. Shopping online is all about saving money at the end of the day, and we all like saving money.

Can you save money shopping online in Spain? You certainly can save money by shopping online in Spain. There are several online shops in Spain which are really good. Before I sign up with a web shop, I always check out a couple of things. For instance, do they accept Paypal? It does not matter what anybody says to me, Paypal is still the best way to pay for goods and services online. It is not the best way if you want to transfer money to yourself if you are concerned about foreign currency exchange rates, but it the best way to pay.

Save Money with Groupon

Looking around the internet, you will find that companies such as Groupon are available in Spain. In fact, the Spanish Groupon service is very easy to use, and the products are very good as well. Can you save money by shopping on Groupon? You certainly can, and you will find Groupon has a lot of special offers on brand names. It is certainly worthwhile signing up for Groupon in Spain. The site sends out a regular newsletter with some great saving deals.

Save Money on Medication, Vitamins and Beauty Supplies in Spain

Another good online shop in Spain is Mifarmacia. I have used the service a couple of times now, and I find it excellent. You will find that many of the top products are available at discounted prices on Mifarmacia. What I really like is that you can find products from companies such as Boots and Weleda. All of the products are delivered to your front door by MRW, and normally within 48 hours. I have saved rather a lot of money on this site, and I love the fast delivery service.

Spanish Catalogue Shops – Save Money Quickly and Easy

What about Spanish catalogue shops? The most popular ones are La Redoute and Venca. I have shopped with both and I have saved money. When you sign up with La Redoute you get a sign up bonus off your first shop. It is normally around 20 euros and you will find that they have some great deals. If you are looking to buy bedding, this is one of the best sites and you can save a lot of money. Ideal site to shop on if you have a holiday villa in Spain.

Venca is also very good. Sign up for their newsletter, and you will get a special codes which gives you a first time discount of 10 euros. The clothes are good on Venca, and you will find that you can get some good deals. Both sites offer payment by Paypal, and the delivery is quick as well. I have never had cause to return anything, and quality seems good on both sites.

I have become rather keen on shopping online in Spain. You will find that some other well known brands such as Benetton and Springfield also offer online shopping. If you look around, you may even find that some items are cheaper than in the shops. I bought a dress online with Springfield. Instead of paying 30 euros for my dress, I paid only 20 euros. Shopping online is all about saving money at the end of the day, and we all like saving money.

Self-catering holidays in Spain are still very popular. Sure, lots of people are beginning to snap up all inclusive deals in places like Thailand, but many families still travel to Spain and rent a holiday villa. When you start taking a look at self-catering villas in Spain, you may find they do not come cheap. For a lot of families, a self-catering villa in Spain can represent a major investment, but there are ways in which you can save money.

Car Rental in Spain

There is no way of getting around it, you will need a car for your holiday villa in Spain. You should never go for the first deal you come across online, and you should not go back to the same company you used last year without checking their prices first. Lots of visitors to Spain, presume the company they used last year may give them a better deal. This may not be true, so it is worth shopping around.

Should you use comparison some car rental web sites? It is actually better to stay away from them if you can. You will find the vast majority of car rental web sites, have an affiliation with a particular car rental company. It may even cost you more to book your car hire on a car rental comparison web site. Checking out individual companies is a much better idea. Keep all of the results in a spread sheet so you can quickly find the best deal. Also, make sure the terms and conditions are right for you. Some companies really do try it on when it comes to charging for a second named driver or try to charge you for insurance upgrades.

Eating Out in Spain

When we are on holiday in Spain, we may just enjoy eating out. Most of the time eating out in Spain is cheaper than in the UK, but you still need to watch your pennies. It can work out expensive for a family of four to eat out in Spain. After you have arrived at your destination, you may want to check out the local restaurants to see if they have any special offers. It will also be cheaper to eat mid day and enjoy a menu del dia, but many of us cannot tear ourselves away from the pool.

One way to save money on eating out is to check out the local press. Weekly papers such as the Round Town News and the Euroweekly may have money off coupons, and advertise special deals. Both options can save you a lot of money.

Downloading local apps such as McDonalds and Burger King is another good idea. If you just want to have a quick meal, food apps in Spain can save you money as well. Some of the freebie tourist guides may also have special offers available.

Saving Money on Supermarket Shopping in Spain

Lots of visitors to Spain tend to use the top supermarkets in Spain such as Mercadona and Carrefour. Lidl and Aldi are actually more expensive than their UK equivalents, and it could be better to take a look at other supermarkets. Mas Y Mas and Dia are two Spanish orientated super markets which can save both save you money. You may even want to sign up for their loyalty cards when you are in Spain. Both supermarkets issue discount coupons and they can be used against purchases. Take a look at their special offer publications and you will soon spot the best offers.

Things You Should Bring From the UK On Your Villa Holiday to Spain

Some drugs are more expensive in Spain, and if you think that you may need paracetamol or ibuprofen, it is a good idea to make sure you bring them. There are also some other things that are expensive in Spain. If you enjoy your morning cup of tea, it is cheaper to bring your favorite tea from the UK.

Another essential which is more expensive in Spain is washing powder. Bring quality washing powder such as Ariel or Bold Two in One from the UK, and you will save a lot of money. Ariel capsules and Bold work well in Spanish water. A lot of the water around the coasts of Spain, now come from desalinated water. Super markets generic washing powders may not work so well, and as you are likely to wash clothes which could be sticky from sun tan lotion, it is a good idea to opt for quality. Lenor unstoppables is an excellent scent booster for Spanish desalinated water and is easy to pack. Ladies should also remember to bring female hygiene as buying brands in Spain can cost a lot of money.

Yes, you can save money when you enjoy a self-catering villa in Spain. It may not feel that important to you at the time, but it could be a better idea than letting the credit card take the strain.

Anyone living in Spain should consider investing in a funeral plan. There are still a lot of ex-pats living in Spain who do not have funeral plans. It may not seem important to you at the moment, but it is in fact very important. Recently, I found out how important it can be to have an expat funeral plan, or funeral insurance, in Spain. A friend of ours mother died with a wish to leave her body to medical science. The problem started when the hospital asked for an unexpected 1000 euros. It turns out donating your body to science in Spain is no longer for free.

Dying Without a Funeral Plan

First of all, this was money the family did not have. They had not expected to have to pay anything for donating the body to medical science, and the request for payment came as a great big surprise. At the time, the family did not have access to any extra funds at all, and did not even money to cover the wished for memorial service. If a prepaid funeral plan had been in place, a lot of stress could have been avoided. As it was, a local crematorium helped out and friends rallied around to get the money together.

Are Prepaid Funeral Plans in Spain Good Value for Money?

The question is – do you want this to be your legacy? It is much better to accept that anything in life, and in death, costs money and you may as well accept. When you look at funeral plans, they may initially seem expensive, but in fact, some of them are very good value for money. If you like, it is your chance to take a little bit of hassle out of the situation and you may make it easier for the family and friends you leave behind.

Dying Without a Will or Funeral Plan in Spain

I know funeral plans are a morbid subject, but sometimes it is better to face facts. You may not have any living family in the UK or Spain, and what happens when? If someone does not have Power of Attorney of your estate, you may find that even your money will be taken by the government. Dying without a will or a funeral plan, is still not that unusual. It happens a lot. The problem can easily be rectified.

Find the Right Funeral Plan for You

When you look for a funeral plan, you want make sure it suits your needs. Don't sign up for the first one which comes to mind. Take a look at a few and compare notes. Most importantly, make sure that it is a funeral plan which will ensures that you money is safe. After all, if there are no funds available when you die, your family will still be in the same situation. There are plenty of funeral plans available, and try to look at as many of them as you can.

Power of Attorney, Wills, Funeral Plans or Funeral Insurance

Of course, you can save up the money, or put the money aside for your funeral. In that case, your wishes need to be written into your will and you need to leave the money with someone you trust. A person with your Power of Attorney is a good idea if you are single and living in Spain, especially if you have no immediate family available. One another thing could be worth pointing out, you may want to make sure your funeral plan, or funeral insurance, covers you for wherever you die. Some of them do, and you want to make sure you sign up for a plan, or funeral insurance, which suits your needs.