The challenge is being undertaken to raise awareness for the need to introduce financial education into mainstream schooling sooner rather than later. A snapshot of the current economy shows the result of not having it all too clearly as we experience the fall out from over zealous credit card lending and the appearance of a recession on the horizon.

The exciting part of revisiting the challenge that I undertook successfully some years ago is that I have discovered a brand new diet. As part of the Pay Off Your Mortgage Challenge I have been keeping a watchful eye on the groceries, and more importantly the grocery budget and portion control inflicted by the measures required.

To my amazement that in line with my grocery budget shrinking, so is my waistline. Four weeks into the challenge and I have shed five pounds of unwanted flab. So what is the reason for this medical marvel you may ask?

My research shows that the money saver diet is all about not super sizing anything. Instead of bulk quantities, it is carefully measured ones. Without stocking up on large combination snack packs, it has been carefully counted essentials and the results are amazing.

The shrinking waistline factor is further enhanced by shopping at local markets for exact requirements of fruit and vegetables and trips to the local butchers for meats, all packaged in paper bags so we are being environmentally friendly too.

It puts a whole new angle on the potentially boring subject of simply saving money, that conjures up all sorts of feelings of somehow losing out on things, or feeling depressed about not being able to afford things, if the by product of saving money creates a super slim fit body who would not jump at the chance and start today.

The elements that combine to make the money saving diet work are

1.Plan your meals for the week ahead, including breakfasts and lunches on the go if necessary.
2.Make a budget for each week and aim to better it.
3.Shop for your groceries on line if at all possible as this reduces impulse buys which usually end up straight on the waistline. The saying a moment in the mouth a month on the hips springs to mind.
4.Ignore anything that is a bulk buy, or buy one get the next one free you usually end up eating more than you need.
5.By keeping tighter control on your budget, and planning ahead, you will be surprised how less stressed you are about everything and as you feel those jeans feeling a little bit looser every week you stay on the challenge, you will feel motivated even more to continue.

The most amazing part of gaining mortgage freedom is being able to sustain a healthier more active and less stressful life. You can follow the challenge live week by week on the internet.