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.