• Use These Strategies To Shop Smarter For Groceries...
• Got Job Burnout? Take These 5 Job-Improvement Steps...
• Fun Facts and Laughs: 4 Popcorn Trivia Facts, Sharks Spotted Texting, and More...
• Trivia Challenge: Win Free Movie Tickets For Two
• Real Estate Q&A: What Are The Remodeling Trends For 2010?

Dear Todd...

It's easy to assume anything marked "sale" is a bargain, but it's not always the case. You can learn more about this supermarket tip and 8 other smart grocery shopping strategies in my latest Service For Life! ^® Free consumer newsletter.

You'll also learn how to improve your job if you're burned out, plus some fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more.

Enjoy your issue, and please feel free to call me whenever a friend, family member or neighbor needs a caring, competent real estate professional to help with buying or selling.

To health, success and laughter in your life!

• Approach grocery shopping like a job. You need to have a plan (take a list) and a budget to make the best use of your time and money.
  
• Stick to a time schedule. Shop for what you need and get out. It is said that if you're in the store more than 30 minutes, you'll spend an extra 50 cents to $1 per minute as you walk the aisles.
  
• Shop alone. Real Simple Magazine says parents will spend 10-40 percent more if they take their kids along. It might be worth it to hire a babysitter!
  
• Only buy "food" at a grocery store. Generally, you're better off buying toiletries, cleaning supplies and pet food at a big-box discount store.
  
• Know the floor plan. Shop the perimeter first for fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and milk. You'll find some good buys in the center aisles, but you'll also be tempted by items like frozen convenience foods.
  
• Don't assume everything on sale is a bargain. Stores often display "sale" items at the end of the aisles. Manufacturers pay to have their products put there so they aren't necessarily a good deal.
  
• Check "price per unit." Sometimes it's cheaper per unit to buy two smaller items than it is to buy one supersize package.
  
• Look high and low. Stores often place higher-priced items at eye level (brands pay for the space). Check prices on the top and bottom shelves.
  
• Pay attention at checkout. Shoppers lose up to $3 billion a year on scanner mistakes (current sale prices not reflected).
  

1. Identify stress factors and learn how to manage them. Be proactive rather than passive about workplace issues. Know the difference between the "shoulds" and the "musts." If you have too much work and too little time, talk to your supervisor.
2. Reconnect with your core work. Maybe you've strayed from what you were originally hired to do. Focus on the work you enjoy doing.
3. Take care of yourself. Take time off to recharge your batteries.
4. Build new relationships. Make friends with people who might have fresh ideas and perspectives. Do something different - open a Twitter account.
5. Plan your next move. Outline what you'd have to do to change careers and start taking action.

• The average American eats about 58 quarts annually.
  (Are you doing your part?)
  
• Popcorn was the first food to be microwaved deliberately.
  
• The average markup on an ounce of popcorn at the movie theater is about 1,275 percent.
  
• A medium popcorn and soda at the nation's largest theater chain is nutritionally equal to 3 quarter pounders with 12 pats of butter.
  

• Deodorize your car. Sprinkle some on the seats and floor, let it sit 15 minutes then vacuum.
  
• Take it on a camping trip. Use it as a dish washer, hand cleanser, toothpaste and fire extinguisher.
  
• Clean your microwave. Mix 2 tablespoons in a cup of water, put it in a quart container and zap it for 2-3 minutes on high. Wipe down moist interior.