Paint clean-up
Instead of using turps as a cleanup for oil paints ....use baby oil . Baby oil takes paint off hands and brushes and leaves both soft. Baby oil is a little safer to use than turps and the generic product is OK to use.
Monday, 11 May 2009
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 10, 2009
Easy lunch prep
Rushing in the morning to make kids lunches for child care and school can end up costing a fortune. To help make things run smoother in the morning, I prepare my kids lunches in advance by making sandwiches with a variety of fillings such as Vegemite, Nutella, peanut butter etc. and freeze them separately. I then make a home made batch of mini muffins and freeze them. I buy generic Barbeque Shapes and Fruit Sticks. Decant large containers of peach and pear pieces into smaller containers. Then the night before or even better, in the morning before the madness sets in, I just grab some sandwiches, muffins, shapes, a fruit stick, small fruit and voila! It's done with minimal fuss and so much less in cost. I find that saving money is very important, but also saving time and emotional energy equally important to me and my family and this helps in keeping my stress levels down and me a happy mummy.
Contributed by Debi, Warrandyte
Rushing in the morning to make kids lunches for child care and school can end up costing a fortune. To help make things run smoother in the morning, I prepare my kids lunches in advance by making sandwiches with a variety of fillings such as Vegemite, Nutella, peanut butter etc. and freeze them separately. I then make a home made batch of mini muffins and freeze them. I buy generic Barbeque Shapes and Fruit Sticks. Decant large containers of peach and pear pieces into smaller containers. Then the night before or even better, in the morning before the madness sets in, I just grab some sandwiches, muffins, shapes, a fruit stick, small fruit and voila! It's done with minimal fuss and so much less in cost. I find that saving money is very important, but also saving time and emotional energy equally important to me and my family and this helps in keeping my stress levels down and me a happy mummy.
Contributed by Debi, Warrandyte
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 9, 2009
A false sense of saving
Don't fall into a false sense of saving money by shopping at the same place all the time. I've noticed that sometimes things are really cheap for a while and then they just creep up in price, one or two items a week, until you are paying more than you should i.e. cheese - I used to pay $5.79 for 1kg tasty cheese and this week I noticed it had gone up to $6.29 for 1kg at my usual supermarket, making it the same price as the other supermarkets in the area. I will be watching to see if it creeps up again, and comparing prices so I can get the best buy. It really does pay to know your prices at all the supermarkets you use.
Don't fall into a false sense of saving money by shopping at the same place all the time. I've noticed that sometimes things are really cheap for a while and then they just creep up in price, one or two items a week, until you are paying more than you should i.e. cheese - I used to pay $5.79 for 1kg tasty cheese and this week I noticed it had gone up to $6.29 for 1kg at my usual supermarket, making it the same price as the other supermarkets in the area. I will be watching to see if it creeps up again, and comparing prices so I can get the best buy. It really does pay to know your prices at all the supermarkets you use.
Friday, 8 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 8, 2009
Mountain fresh? Or perhaps lavender is your preferred air freshener?
Make your own air fresheners by cutting a small kitchen sponge into a circle and putting it into a container (the lid off aerosol cans is ideal for this). Then put a few drops of your favourite scented oil onto the sponge and top with hot water. Put it on or near window sills. Use them in the bathrooms and laundry to keep them fresh. The breeze makes the smell go through the house. After a few days top up with more water to keep the scent fresh.
Make your own air fresheners by cutting a small kitchen sponge into a circle and putting it into a container (the lid off aerosol cans is ideal for this). Then put a few drops of your favourite scented oil onto the sponge and top with hot water. Put it on or near window sills. Use them in the bathrooms and laundry to keep them fresh. The breeze makes the smell go through the house. After a few days top up with more water to keep the scent fresh.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 7, 2009
Make your 'do easy
To make your own hair de-tangler, simply buy a clear plastic spray bottle (about $1.50 from $2 shop), fill to about 2/3 water and add 1-2 squirts of conditioner. Then add 1-2 drops essential oil (chamomile for blondes/rosemary for brunettes) and 1-2 drops tea-tree oil, put cap back on and shake. Instant leave-in conditioner and de-tangler, the essential oils bring about the natural shine and highlights in the hair and the tea-tree oil acts as a deterrent for head-lice who hate the scent, so it is great for kids.
To make your own hair de-tangler, simply buy a clear plastic spray bottle (about $1.50 from $2 shop), fill to about 2/3 water and add 1-2 squirts of conditioner. Then add 1-2 drops essential oil (chamomile for blondes/rosemary for brunettes) and 1-2 drops tea-tree oil, put cap back on and shake. Instant leave-in conditioner and de-tangler, the essential oils bring about the natural shine and highlights in the hair and the tea-tree oil acts as a deterrent for head-lice who hate the scent, so it is great for kids.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 6, 2009
Planning a move
When moving house, save loads of time and money by planning ahead. Gather up anything that hasn't been worn in recent months or any item that you don't absolutely love, sell the things that are in excellent condition on eBay and get rid of the rest by garage sale. What's left might go to someone needy. The money you make will help pay for the move, it's cheaper and easier with less to move and you move into your new place with more space and only items you love. What a great feeling!
When moving house, save loads of time and money by planning ahead. Gather up anything that hasn't been worn in recent months or any item that you don't absolutely love, sell the things that are in excellent condition on eBay and get rid of the rest by garage sale. What's left might go to someone needy. The money you make will help pay for the move, it's cheaper and easier with less to move and you move into your new place with more space and only items you love. What a great feeling!
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 5, 2009
Know the cost before you leave home
The hardest thing when sticking to a grocery budget is knowing when you've reached it! Create a simple spreadsheet with all the usual grocery items you buy listed and how much each costs, and before each shop mark off each item you need and then check the total. This gives you a good idea of how much your shopping will cost before you even get to the store. If you print the list off each shop this becomes your shopping list. It takes a little time to get it started but is a great help once it's up and running.
The hardest thing when sticking to a grocery budget is knowing when you've reached it! Create a simple spreadsheet with all the usual grocery items you buy listed and how much each costs, and before each shop mark off each item you need and then check the total. This gives you a good idea of how much your shopping will cost before you even get to the store. If you print the list off each shop this becomes your shopping list. It takes a little time to get it started but is a great help once it's up and running.
Monday, 4 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 4, 2009
Free gourmet snack
Here's a very cheap and tasty idea bordering on desperate, but its good for you. After you wash and peel your spuds keep the skins. The same goes for pumpkin seeds. Put them on a biscuit tray in a single layer, sprinkle with a little salt and bake in a moderate oven until ready (they'll be brown and crisp).... almost no waste and a good healthy snack to boot! You can sprinkle the potato skins with a little olive oil and some paprika and bake them for a delicious and really frugal alternative to potato chips. They are great to nibble on and go really well with dips, too.
Here's a very cheap and tasty idea bordering on desperate, but its good for you. After you wash and peel your spuds keep the skins. The same goes for pumpkin seeds. Put them on a biscuit tray in a single layer, sprinkle with a little salt and bake in a moderate oven until ready (they'll be brown and crisp).... almost no waste and a good healthy snack to boot! You can sprinkle the potato skins with a little olive oil and some paprika and bake them for a delicious and really frugal alternative to potato chips. They are great to nibble on and go really well with dips, too.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 3, 2009
Storytime at home
Keep your junk mail and let your littlies use it for pasting. You can either cut out pictures for them or let the older children do their own cutting (with safety scissors of course). It keeps them busy for ages. If you have time to sit with them you can talk about what they are pasting. Use recycled paper or exercise books that have been purchased at back to school sales for as little as 1 cent each at the beginning of the year to paste in. Let them tell you the story of their picture and help them to write simple sentences underneath to encourage vocabulary and writing skills too.
Keep your junk mail and let your littlies use it for pasting. You can either cut out pictures for them or let the older children do their own cutting (with safety scissors of course). It keeps them busy for ages. If you have time to sit with them you can talk about what they are pasting. Use recycled paper or exercise books that have been purchased at back to school sales for as little as 1 cent each at the beginning of the year to paste in. Let them tell you the story of their picture and help them to write simple sentences underneath to encourage vocabulary and writing skills too.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 2, 2009
Don't forget to stop occasionally
While it may seem like a no-brainer, many people forget to make room in their lives to spend with friends and family. If you need to, schedule time to meet with your loved ones for dinner, game nights, or perhaps just over coffee. It may seem silly to have to make an appointment to catch up with family or even friends, but in today's busy world we often forget just how important family and friends are to our own happiness and well-being.
While it may seem like a no-brainer, many people forget to make room in their lives to spend with friends and family. If you need to, schedule time to meet with your loved ones for dinner, game nights, or perhaps just over coffee. It may seem silly to have to make an appointment to catch up with family or even friends, but in today's busy world we often forget just how important family and friends are to our own happiness and well-being.
Friday, 1 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 1, 2009
A seniors moment
Seniors, don't leave home without your Seniors Card. It entitles you to discounts at shops, cafes, restaurants and cinemas displaying the Seniors Card sign. If they don't display the sign, ask if they give a Seniors discount any way. It doesn't cost anything to ask. If you've lived long enough to get discounts just because you've lived, go right ahead and enjoy them.
Seniors, don't leave home without your Seniors Card. It entitles you to discounts at shops, cafes, restaurants and cinemas displaying the Seniors Card sign. If they don't display the sign, ask if they give a Seniors discount any way. It doesn't cost anything to ask. If you've lived long enough to get discounts just because you've lived, go right ahead and enjoy them.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 30, 2009
Keep the records straight
Keeping good records is essential to keep track of how much money you are spending and how much money you are making. Keeping track of your income and expenses can prevent you from overdrawing your account and will also help you track where you money is going. It’s also useful come tax time when you are trying to prepare those pesky forms. Cheapskates Bill Paying System will help you to keep your records straight. Keeping track in the first place will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
Keeping good records is essential to keep track of how much money you are spending and how much money you are making. Keeping track of your income and expenses can prevent you from overdrawing your account and will also help you track where you money is going. It’s also useful come tax time when you are trying to prepare those pesky forms. Cheapskates Bill Paying System will help you to keep your records straight. Keeping track in the first place will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 29, 2009
Cut back on treats
It’s hard to resist giving yourself the occasional treat, but consider how much you spend on things like coffee, soft drinks, lollies, chocolates, cakes and biscuits over the course of a month. It can add up very quickly. Treats are just that - treats. When you have them everyday they very quickly lose their "wow" factor and familiarity takes away the pleasure of the occasional treat. You can cut back on these expenses without completely depriving yourself, just remember that treats are not for everyday. You might find that with the money you save you can buy yourself a better treat in the long run.
It’s hard to resist giving yourself the occasional treat, but consider how much you spend on things like coffee, soft drinks, lollies, chocolates, cakes and biscuits over the course of a month. It can add up very quickly. Treats are just that - treats. When you have them everyday they very quickly lose their "wow" factor and familiarity takes away the pleasure of the occasional treat. You can cut back on these expenses without completely depriving yourself, just remember that treats are not for everyday. You might find that with the money you save you can buy yourself a better treat in the long run.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 28, 2009
Learn to DIY
Almost anything you can pay a service person to do you can learn to do on your own. Hemming your own pants, changing your own oil or doing your own tax, painting, cooking, gardening, carpentry, tiling even concreting and bricklaying can all be things you can learn to do on yourself. Not only does this save money, but you will gain the confidence and satisfaction of knowing you did it all on your own.
Almost anything you can pay a service person to do you can learn to do on your own. Hemming your own pants, changing your own oil or doing your own tax, painting, cooking, gardening, carpentry, tiling even concreting and bricklaying can all be things you can learn to do on yourself. Not only does this save money, but you will gain the confidence and satisfaction of knowing you did it all on your own.
Monday, 27 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 27, 2009
A new house, and it doesn't have to cost a cent
Sick of your same old living room or the squeaking screen door? You don’t need to move house. Sometimes just fixing up or rearranging things around the house can make your space seem like new. Take pride in your home and fix up little things around the house. Embrace your inner interior designer and try moving your couch to the other wall, or changing the curtains. Get a box and go through each room, removing all the ornaments and other clutter, leaving just the furniture. Give each room a good spring clean, starting at the ceiling and working your way down to the floor. Wash the curtains and windows, dust and polish furniture and vacuum or sweep and wash the floor. Re-arrange the furniture if you feel like it. Clean all your ornaments and then go back and put back either one, two or three ornaments (smaller groups have more impact). Improving your surroundings can often have a big impact on improving your mood.
Sick of your same old living room or the squeaking screen door? You don’t need to move house. Sometimes just fixing up or rearranging things around the house can make your space seem like new. Take pride in your home and fix up little things around the house. Embrace your inner interior designer and try moving your couch to the other wall, or changing the curtains. Get a box and go through each room, removing all the ornaments and other clutter, leaving just the furniture. Give each room a good spring clean, starting at the ceiling and working your way down to the floor. Wash the curtains and windows, dust and polish furniture and vacuum or sweep and wash the floor. Re-arrange the furniture if you feel like it. Clean all your ornaments and then go back and put back either one, two or three ornaments (smaller groups have more impact). Improving your surroundings can often have a big impact on improving your mood.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 26, 2009
Break the big jobs down
Sometimes a big project can seem so daunting you hardly know where to begin. If you break it up into smaller parts it can become more manageable, and you’ll be happier feeling like you are making some progress by checking off each of the smaller parts as you complete them. By breaking a big job down into smaller tasks you are much more likely to actually finish it, rather than getting discouraged and putting it aside. A pile of mending can be a breeze if you break it down to smaller tasks i.e. stitch on all the missing buttons one day, fix hems another day and so on. Getting the bank account reconciled won't seem such a big job if you break it down - collect the statements, put the receipts in order, gather pens, notepads etc before you start. Any big (or overwhelming) job can be broken down to smaller steps. Set a time limit and spend no more than 30 minutes on the job without a break.
Sometimes a big project can seem so daunting you hardly know where to begin. If you break it up into smaller parts it can become more manageable, and you’ll be happier feeling like you are making some progress by checking off each of the smaller parts as you complete them. By breaking a big job down into smaller tasks you are much more likely to actually finish it, rather than getting discouraged and putting it aside. A pile of mending can be a breeze if you break it down to smaller tasks i.e. stitch on all the missing buttons one day, fix hems another day and so on. Getting the bank account reconciled won't seem such a big job if you break it down - collect the statements, put the receipts in order, gather pens, notepads etc before you start. Any big (or overwhelming) job can be broken down to smaller steps. Set a time limit and spend no more than 30 minutes on the job without a break.
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 25, 2009
Anzac biscuits
Ingredients:
100g butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
2 tablespoons boiling water
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 cup of rolled oats
3/4 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup plain flour
1 cup sugar
Method:
Combine all dry ingredients except bi-carb soda. Add melted butter. Stir in soda mixed with boiling water. Place in spoonfuls on greased tray, allowing room for spreading. Cook in moderate oven about 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Store in airtight container.
Ingredients:
100g butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
2 tablespoons boiling water
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 cup of rolled oats
3/4 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup plain flour
1 cup sugar
Method:
Combine all dry ingredients except bi-carb soda. Add melted butter. Stir in soda mixed with boiling water. Place in spoonfuls on greased tray, allowing room for spreading. Cook in moderate oven about 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Store in airtight container.
Friday, 24 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 24, 2009
Do less laundry
Do you really need to wash the shirt you wore for 2 hours at dinner? Before you throw that shirt into your laundry hamper, take a second look. Does it really need to be washed or could it go for another wearing? Not so very many years ago clothes were worn more than once, often more than twice and for a lot of people they were worn for a week at a time! With the arrival of automatic washing machines and dryers we seem to have developed the habit of wear it once (even if it is just for an hour) and throw it in the wash. Do yourself a favour and think about the clothes you put in the laundry - do they really need to be washed, can they be aired or sponged and worn again? Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting we all wear dirty clothes, but this little action will save time, energy, and help your clothes to last longer.
Do you really need to wash the shirt you wore for 2 hours at dinner? Before you throw that shirt into your laundry hamper, take a second look. Does it really need to be washed or could it go for another wearing? Not so very many years ago clothes were worn more than once, often more than twice and for a lot of people they were worn for a week at a time! With the arrival of automatic washing machines and dryers we seem to have developed the habit of wear it once (even if it is just for an hour) and throw it in the wash. Do yourself a favour and think about the clothes you put in the laundry - do they really need to be washed, can they be aired or sponged and worn again? Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting we all wear dirty clothes, but this little action will save time, energy, and help your clothes to last longer.
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 23, 2009
The 50 Box
This is one of our favourites. Never spend a 50 cent coin. My children love to check my purse and their father's wallet for 50 cent pieces. Any 50 cent pieces they find go into the 50 box and when we have saved $50, we take it to the bank and deposit it into our holiday savings account. You'll be surprised how many 50 cent coins you accumulate and if you remove them immediately, you don't even miss them. We were able to pay for a family holiday one year just by saving our 50 cent coins!
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
5-minute microwave bottling
I am so excited! I found (in Big W) a new book on microwave bottling by Isabel Webb. I first heard Isabel and saw her demonstrate microwave bottling techniques at the Henty Field Days about 14 - 15 years ago. I stood, fascintated, and took down lots of notes on scraps of paper during the demonstration. Wayne and the boys quickly became bored and wandered off (mind you the boys were just 2 and 3 years old at the time), leaving me in a rapt daze.
Microwave bottling was something so new to me, I was still struggling with the old stove-top Fowlers, actually I'm still using the same old stove-top Fowlers outfit, but these days I do a fair bit of microwave bottling too thanks to that wonderful demonstration.
I had to take notes and lots of them because while Isabel had written a beautiful book on the subject, we didn't have the money at the time for me to buy it. Nowadays I have a little more mad money so while it was an impulsive purchase, I've already had a good look through and even tried the drying technique on the last of the apples off the tree (they actually turned out the way the book said they would!).
I've looked on eBay a few times in the hope of picking up one of the original books, but they always went for far more than I was prepared to pay and I have been keeping an eye out in op shops and at garage sales, sure I'd come across one, now I don't have to worry.
The one thing I found most valuable was the information about re-using jam jars, pasta sauce jars etc. They are so much easier to get hold of than the Fowlers jars and of course so much cheaper, generally being free. I've put a request out amongst friends and family to save their jars for me in exchange for a jar or two of jam, pickles or fruit and already they have started to roll in.
I'll do a proper book review and include it in the May Journal after I've tried a few of the recipes and dried a few more fruits, I can't wait to do bananas.
Tip of the Day April 22, 2009
A good use for an old jam jar
Have a savings jar on the fridge. Any loose change you find around the house, in the washing machine, on the floor of the kids' bedrooms, under the sofa cushions or on the floor of the car goes into the jar. When the jar is full, deposit the contents into a savings account. If you don't feel you can afford to "dump" all your loose change into savings, choose a denomination - say all 5c and 10c coins or all silver and just save those. The amount of money in the jar builds quite quickly, it's amazing just how much loose change you can find in a household when you are actively looking for it.
Have a savings jar on the fridge. Any loose change you find around the house, in the washing machine, on the floor of the kids' bedrooms, under the sofa cushions or on the floor of the car goes into the jar. When the jar is full, deposit the contents into a savings account. If you don't feel you can afford to "dump" all your loose change into savings, choose a denomination - say all 5c and 10c coins or all silver and just save those. The amount of money in the jar builds quite quickly, it's amazing just how much loose change you can find in a household when you are actively looking for it.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 21, 2009
Banking the difference
Save the difference between budgeted amounts and the actual cost. For example, if you have budgeted $120 for electricity and the bill is $106, pay the bill and bank the remaining $14 directly into a separate savings account. Do this with all your budgeted spending - petrol, phone, even groceries. This method of saving can become a competition to see how far below budget you can get your bills so you can save more. It's a fun way of saving for a specific goal - a holiday, new car, home renovations etc. Get the whole family involved in the "how low can you go" competition with the goal as the prize at the end. Set a time to reach your goal and then see how much you can save.
Save the difference between budgeted amounts and the actual cost. For example, if you have budgeted $120 for electricity and the bill is $106, pay the bill and bank the remaining $14 directly into a separate savings account. Do this with all your budgeted spending - petrol, phone, even groceries. This method of saving can become a competition to see how far below budget you can get your bills so you can save more. It's a fun way of saving for a specific goal - a holiday, new car, home renovations etc. Get the whole family involved in the "how low can you go" competition with the goal as the prize at the end. Set a time to reach your goal and then see how much you can save.
Monday, 20 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 20, 2009
The DIY Christmas club
Put away a small amount each month, perhaps $50, to use for Christmas. If you start now, you will have saved $400, plus interest, by the end of November. It's a great feeling to be able to buy gifts and goodies for the festive season, knowing that they are paid for and you won't be paying for them for the next 6 months. Having money saved really takes the stress out of the Christmas season.
Put away a small amount each month, perhaps $50, to use for Christmas. If you start now, you will have saved $400, plus interest, by the end of November. It's a great feeling to be able to buy gifts and goodies for the festive season, knowing that they are paid for and you won't be paying for them for the next 6 months. Having money saved really takes the stress out of the Christmas season.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 19, 2009
You can save and still enjoy life
If you think you don't make enough to have anything extra in a Peace of Mind account, emergency fund or stocks/bonds etc., try emptying your purse or pockets of change each night. Bank the money each week or fortnight and watch it grow. There are some great Internet bank accounts available that are fee free, have no minimum deposit or balance requirement and pay up to 6% interest. By saving a dollar here and a dollar there you will build up a 'rainy day' fund, ready for emergencies. It will grow quickly and you will really enjoy watching it increase in value.
If you think you don't make enough to have anything extra in a Peace of Mind account, emergency fund or stocks/bonds etc., try emptying your purse or pockets of change each night. Bank the money each week or fortnight and watch it grow. There are some great Internet bank accounts available that are fee free, have no minimum deposit or balance requirement and pay up to 6% interest. By saving a dollar here and a dollar there you will build up a 'rainy day' fund, ready for emergencies. It will grow quickly and you will really enjoy watching it increase in value.
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 18, 2009
No debt today
Take one hour at a time today so you can have 24 hours without adding to your debt. Tell yourself 'I will NOT go into debt today' and repeat each time you are tempted to spend on something that is not covered in your budget. Chances are, when debt is not an option, you will find ways to get what you need, or discover that what you thought you needed was not really necessary at all. We haven't used credit for fourteen years (apart from our mortgage) and we haven't used a credit card since we were married (20 years and counting) and we don't miss it. We live by the creed of 'if you can't pay cash, you can't afford it.'
So today, try to not increase your debt at all.
Take one hour at a time today so you can have 24 hours without adding to your debt. Tell yourself 'I will NOT go into debt today' and repeat each time you are tempted to spend on something that is not covered in your budget. Chances are, when debt is not an option, you will find ways to get what you need, or discover that what you thought you needed was not really necessary at all. We haven't used credit for fourteen years (apart from our mortgage) and we haven't used a credit card since we were married (20 years and counting) and we don't miss it. We live by the creed of 'if you can't pay cash, you can't afford it.'
So today, try to not increase your debt at all.
Friday, 17 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 17, 2009
Stop debting
This is a word I found in an article I was reading about debt. It's not in the dictionary, but it is a great, descriptive word. You get the meaning immediately. You cannot possibly get out of debt if you continue to get into it, either by continuing to spend your cash reserves or to use credit cards or take on other unnecessary debt. Unnecessary debt is anything at all that you do not need to live: movies, videos, clothing, shoes, holidays, gifts, magazines, newspapers everyday, takeaway meals or eating out etc . Either add these things to your budget so you have the money for them when you need them or do without them. If you don't have the cash to pay for something then you can't have it while you have debt.
This is a word I found in an article I was reading about debt. It's not in the dictionary, but it is a great, descriptive word. You get the meaning immediately. You cannot possibly get out of debt if you continue to get into it, either by continuing to spend your cash reserves or to use credit cards or take on other unnecessary debt. Unnecessary debt is anything at all that you do not need to live: movies, videos, clothing, shoes, holidays, gifts, magazines, newspapers everyday, takeaway meals or eating out etc . Either add these things to your budget so you have the money for them when you need them or do without them. If you don't have the cash to pay for something then you can't have it while you have debt.
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 16, 2009
Quick and easy dinner
Occasionally there comes a night when it just seems easier to give in and buy dinner - maybe fish and chips or pizza or bbq chicken - regardless of how much it will cost and how much damage it will do to your budget for the week. Make a list of quick and easy dinners you can whip up from pantry and fridge ingredients so you don't have to give in to temptation. Keep them to meals you can get on the table in under 30 minutes and you'll save time and money.
One of our favourites is good old Mac'n'Cheese
Ingredients:
500g macaroni
2 cups water
1/2 cup milk powder (skim or full cream)
2 tbsp plain flour
1 cup grated cheese
1 tsp mustard powder
Method:
Cook the macaroni according to the directions on the packet. Combine the milk powder , mustard powder and plain flour with 1 cup of the water until mixed (no lumps!). In a large saucepan combine the remaining cup of water and the combined water/milk mixture. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Add the grated cheese and stir until melted and well combined. Stir through the macaroni. Serve.
It's such a frugal meal too. Today the total cost for 6 serves was a low, low $1.92 or just 32 cents per serve.
Try to have at least two really cheap (ingredients wise) meals a week. They really help to keep the grocery bill down and under budget. When you come in under budget, add half the surplus to the slush fund and half to your savings so you have real motivation to keep the shopping bill low.
Occasionally there comes a night when it just seems easier to give in and buy dinner - maybe fish and chips or pizza or bbq chicken - regardless of how much it will cost and how much damage it will do to your budget for the week. Make a list of quick and easy dinners you can whip up from pantry and fridge ingredients so you don't have to give in to temptation. Keep them to meals you can get on the table in under 30 minutes and you'll save time and money.
One of our favourites is good old Mac'n'Cheese
Ingredients:
500g macaroni
2 cups water
1/2 cup milk powder (skim or full cream)
2 tbsp plain flour
1 cup grated cheese
1 tsp mustard powder
Method:
Cook the macaroni according to the directions on the packet. Combine the milk powder , mustard powder and plain flour with 1 cup of the water until mixed (no lumps!). In a large saucepan combine the remaining cup of water and the combined water/milk mixture. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Add the grated cheese and stir until melted and well combined. Stir through the macaroni. Serve.
It's such a frugal meal too. Today the total cost for 6 serves was a low, low $1.92 or just 32 cents per serve.
Try to have at least two really cheap (ingredients wise) meals a week. They really help to keep the grocery bill down and under budget. When you come in under budget, add half the surplus to the slush fund and half to your savings so you have real motivation to keep the shopping bill low.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 15, 2009
Shop for food that you like to eat
Don’t settle for brands that you won’t eat and don’t taste good to you because they cost less. By all means, try generics and cheaper brands, but if you don't like them then go back to your favourites or look for other ways of having what you like. Here’s one solution: if you like beef stroganoff (for example), don’t buy the prepared dish. Read the label and then buy the ingredients and create the dish you love at home. You could even get more than one meal out of it and save money.
Don’t settle for brands that you won’t eat and don’t taste good to you because they cost less. By all means, try generics and cheaper brands, but if you don't like them then go back to your favourites or look for other ways of having what you like. Here’s one solution: if you like beef stroganoff (for example), don’t buy the prepared dish. Read the label and then buy the ingredients and create the dish you love at home. You could even get more than one meal out of it and save money.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 14, 2009
Get regular checkups
A dental visit every six months and a yearly physical have a modest or sometimes no co-pay at all depending on your doctor and health insurance (if your doctor bulk bills services then you will have no out of pocket costs at all). Even a yearly eye exam has a negligible cost and many optometrists will bulk bill the eye test. If you can afford health insurance extras, make sure you use it to maintain or elevate the status quo. Investing in good health is never wasted money.
A dental visit every six months and a yearly physical have a modest or sometimes no co-pay at all depending on your doctor and health insurance (if your doctor bulk bills services then you will have no out of pocket costs at all). Even a yearly eye exam has a negligible cost and many optometrists will bulk bill the eye test. If you can afford health insurance extras, make sure you use it to maintain or elevate the status quo. Investing in good health is never wasted money.
Monday, 13 April 2009
Tip of the day April 13, 2009
Look good, feel good, spend less
For most people, having a positive outlook is closely related to feeling good about themselves. Most of us feel good when we look good and when we feel good we don't need emotional spending to lift our attitude so take care of your appearance, and you won't be tempted to spend money to feel good! Style your hair, brush your teeth, put on some makeup, wear a dab of perfume or cologne, get properly dressed - this can be enough to make you feel confident about your appearance and give you a positive outlook on your whole day.
For most people, having a positive outlook is closely related to feeling good about themselves. Most of us feel good when we look good and when we feel good we don't need emotional spending to lift our attitude so take care of your appearance, and you won't be tempted to spend money to feel good! Style your hair, brush your teeth, put on some makeup, wear a dab of perfume or cologne, get properly dressed - this can be enough to make you feel confident about your appearance and give you a positive outlook on your whole day.
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Tip of the Day April 12, 2009
Read the labels
Food labels give you information to help you make healthy food choices and compare similar foods. Reading food labels can help you to control portion size, keep track of the fat and calories in each food, and make sure you’re getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Reading food labels can also save you money - they list the ingredients in the product, in order of quantity (most at the top), giving you a list of what you need to make a "cheats version" at home. MOOing your favourite packet foods lets you control the ingredients, leaving out the artificial preservatives, colourings and flavourings.
Food labels give you information to help you make healthy food choices and compare similar foods. Reading food labels can help you to control portion size, keep track of the fat and calories in each food, and make sure you’re getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Reading food labels can also save you money - they list the ingredients in the product, in order of quantity (most at the top), giving you a list of what you need to make a "cheats version" at home. MOOing your favourite packet foods lets you control the ingredients, leaving out the artificial preservatives, colourings and flavourings.
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