Another factor that has helped to revolutionise consumer opinion is online shopping - more and more of us have started to shop online, realising that it is a safe, convenient and relatively cheap way of getting what we want. These days some people just purchase odd travel ticket online while others shop for everything...DVDs, groceries, clothes...all online. Indeed, biggest bargains are available online.

Anyway, we have reached a point where enough is enough and consumer groups have taken real action. An example is way that consumer groups have interfered in new-car market - together with regulators in UK market prices for new cars within UK have fallen significantly - and are still continuing to fall today. And it isn't just new car market - UK consumers have started to see falls in many other retail areas. Air travel is one example - British Airways used to be accused of abusing UK consumers with ridiculously high prices. Virgin Atlantic used this as an opportunity to step in with lower prices and today we have seen introduction of no frills airlines such as Ryanair (I'm sure we've all seen fly to Barcelona for £1 adverts). Being aware of these changes really can help you save a bundle and put real cash in your pocket. In area of clothing discounters such as TJ Maxx and TJ Hughes have driven down cost of high quality branded clothing. The result? You now have a choice of whether to get ripped off or not - savings of between 40% and 90% are readily available for those who know where and how to shop.

The writer of several eBooks, Tukshad Engineer also has a website which shows how just about anyone can make serious savings on whatever they wish to buy - http://www.my-online-powerpack.com/subscribersite.htm

This Black-Tie-Affair mindset causes many couples to strive to keep up with Joneses to point of being maxed out to hilt in financial demise from debt. Money issues are cited as one of biggest reasons for breakdown in family leading to divorce.

Are you struggling with fantasy?

Are you confused with all hoopla?

Is this life reality?

Is this relational reality?

Is it reality?

If it is, I must be missing something. I must have made a wrong turn in road somewhere. Most of families I know must have made wrong turn with me.

Although my wife and I love each other very much, much of our relationship life is spent, well, INFORMALLY NORMAL.

A day in life for most couples is spent:

* Punching old inevitable time clock.

* Doing dishes and laundry.

* Cooking.

* Paying bills.

* Fighting colds, headaches and fatigue.

* Changing diapers.

* Bathing kids and getting them ready for bed.

* Getting up next day and doing it all over again.

Most of world struggles with getting up, getting old, getting fat, getting sick or simply getting by.

So, do yourself a favor. Stop buying in to all hoopla and falsehood.

If you get caught in this web of deceit, you just may miss out on what really matters - faith, family, character and integrity.

The last time I checked, love wasn't defined by word MONEY.

For words that better define love you may want to consider: commitment, sacrifice, support, unselfishness, home building, encouragement, forgiveness, planning and working together.

Maybe a bit informal and normal...maybe not as flashy as dollar signs...but ironically, a lot richer!

(C)Copyright 2004 advice-for-lifetime-relationships.com by Stanley J. Leffew ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!