Stop the whinging and get on with it

SOMETIMES work-life can take its toll. Jobs can be stressful, boring or monotonous and it’s easy to start complaining and grump and groan our way around the office. But a recent newspaper article made me think that with Spain in such a deep crisis, maybe some employed people should be more grateful for...

Plan ahead and leave a good taste in your mouth

If you plan to save a part of your salary each month, the chances are higher that you’ll actually tuck something away in a savings account. If you plan to set aside €50 a month towards a summer holiday, then you will more than likely find yourself soaking up some rays on a beach or mountaintop...

Bilingual expats are healthier and wealthier

BEING able to speak two languages can help keep your health in tip-top condition, according to research from sociologists at an American university. So, with many of us ladies being expat residents in Spain, are we physically benefiting? The study reveals...

Getting chummy with the bank

I’m all for personal service, but since when did my bank become my friend? On my birthday last weekend, I received well wishing messages and calls from friends and family both here and abroad. It’s always fantastic to get a phone call or text and it’s something that makes me really miss the people I...

Yoga your way to happier finances

With the hot months approaching fast, getting into shape and being able to fit into the dreaded summer bikini are probably top of the list for many. A great way to whip stubborn fat into action is to start yoga. However, as any seasoned guru will preach, yoga is more than just toned abs and better posture,...

Spring into action with some last year fashion

THE sun is beginning to shine in Spain. And the layers of jumpers, jackets, tights and long-sleeved tops that saw us through winter are being striped off in place of light cardigans and T-shirts. There is definitely a sense of spring in the air – a sense of new beginnings to match the cheery weather...

Girls: We’re in the money but still work to be done

JUST a few weeks ago we celebrated International Women’s Day. March 8 is a date dedicated to supporting women’s advancement in society and in the workplace. International Women’s Day has been around since the early 1900’s, raising a voice against oppression and inequality. One of the reoccurring...

Don’t let complex pricing get the better of you

I’ve been on a smartphone rollercoaster the past week. I’ve gone from excited about the novelty of a new experience to being absolutely gob-smacked when I had to pay for the thrill. A lot of the shock is down to not quite understanding when and how to use the internet data – hence a whopping bill –...

Discount stores – madness for your purse

YOU think you’re being thrifty and economical, but little do you know that entering into a discount store can be financial suicide. And with chino stores on many corners in Spain; it’s a difficult habit to break. A bargain is a good thing, but be honest, how many things have you bought in a discount...

Haggle your way to great savings

WHEN I lived in the Middle East, haggling was part and parcel of everyday shopping. Walking into a store or market and paying the full whack for items was unheard of! For a European it did take some getting used too bargaining, but after a little practice and sly observation of how the professionals did it,...