A Sewing Kit for Non-Sewers
Even if you aren't a great dressmaker, or mad keen on sewing, you will at sometime have to bite the bullet and actually do some mending. By keeping a basic but small sewing kit on hand, those emergency mending jobs can be done with a minimum of stress, time and cost.
This little sewing kit can be put together for under $10, and will fit into a small lunchbox (around 99 cents at discount shops). Keep it in the laundry, or the linen cupboard where it will be easy to get to in a hurry.
Basic Sewing Kit:
1 reel white thread
1 reel black thread
1 reel invisible thread (matches any colour)
1 packet of all-purpose needles, self-threading, or include a threader
4-hole white shirt buttons (usually come 5 to a card)
1 iron-on patch kit, lightweight
1 iron-on patch kit, heavyweight
1 pack of Velcro strips, white
1 pack of Velcro strips, black
Small pair scissors
Monday, 25 May 2009
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 24, 2009
Grow Your Own Garlic
When you get cloves of garlic that are too small to use, plant them outside in your herb garden or into a pot. As they grow you can use the tops like garlic flavoured chives and when they are larger cut them off at the base and use them like spring onions (don't pull out) to flavour dishes and meals and as green garnish for scones and pizzas. The flavour is a lot lighter than the actual clove and if you don't pick the whole clove again they will keep growing all year around. If you leave them in for a few years they will multiply and when the tops have died off and before they start growing again, the whole clove can be picked...but I leave mine down unless I'm desperate because I've run out. You will always have garlic for salads or anything you need without any waste and no cost.
Contributed by Silvia
When you get cloves of garlic that are too small to use, plant them outside in your herb garden or into a pot. As they grow you can use the tops like garlic flavoured chives and when they are larger cut them off at the base and use them like spring onions (don't pull out) to flavour dishes and meals and as green garnish for scones and pizzas. The flavour is a lot lighter than the actual clove and if you don't pick the whole clove again they will keep growing all year around. If you leave them in for a few years they will multiply and when the tops have died off and before they start growing again, the whole clove can be picked...but I leave mine down unless I'm desperate because I've run out. You will always have garlic for salads or anything you need without any waste and no cost.
Contributed by Silvia
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 23, 2009
Cheap Family Outings
We purchase a family memberships to our State museum. At just $70 per household it gives us free general entry to all the museums and unlimited discounted entry to special events. We also received reciprocal free entry to interstate and overseas museums. A trip to the museum is a great way to spend your Saturdays and Sundays when you have active children (or not, it's still fun) and it is a great activity for school holidays. Check your area museums. Household rates are not limited to one or two children but includes one or two adults and children at the same address, so this becomes a really cheap way for a large family to have a loads of fun and adventure!
We purchase a family memberships to our State museum. At just $70 per household it gives us free general entry to all the museums and unlimited discounted entry to special events. We also received reciprocal free entry to interstate and overseas museums. A trip to the museum is a great way to spend your Saturdays and Sundays when you have active children (or not, it's still fun) and it is a great activity for school holidays. Check your area museums. Household rates are not limited to one or two children but includes one or two adults and children at the same address, so this becomes a really cheap way for a large family to have a loads of fun and adventure!
Friday, 22 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 22, 2009
Budget Banana Shakes
Did you know that once frozen bananas can be whipped? Buy bananas when they are on sale, and either freeze them in the skin, or you can peel them and then freeze them. Use the frozen bananas to make a delicious extra creamy and thick, thick shake. Blend two frozen bananas, one small tub of yogurt and half a litre of low fat milk. They are delicious, and much thicker than the same ingredients without the bananas. All this with the added bonus of being healthy and low calorie.
Did you know that once frozen bananas can be whipped? Buy bananas when they are on sale, and either freeze them in the skin, or you can peel them and then freeze them. Use the frozen bananas to make a delicious extra creamy and thick, thick shake. Blend two frozen bananas, one small tub of yogurt and half a litre of low fat milk. They are delicious, and much thicker than the same ingredients without the bananas. All this with the added bonus of being healthy and low calorie.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 21, 2009
Bedsheets
To keep your linen press neat and tidy, always fold your sheets and pillowcases in sets. Then simply use one of the pillowcases as a cover for the sheet set. Next time you go to get sheets, the complete set is there, just ready for you to grab and put on the bed.
To keep your linen press neat and tidy, always fold your sheets and pillowcases in sets. Then simply use one of the pillowcases as a cover for the sheet set. Next time you go to get sheets, the complete set is there, just ready for you to grab and put on the bed.
Tip of the Day May 31, 2009
Budget Sandpit Sun Shade
Approximate $ Savings: $1,200
With an active toddler I built her a sandpit two years ago just off our back verandah. We then realised that every time she played in there she was getting an awful lot of exposure to the sun and her toys were getting trashed by the elements.
Rather than building a solid structure over the sandpit we invested a whole $30 in a standard gazebo that you can pick up at Reject Shop / Cheap as Chips et al. type outlets at anytime.
We have had the gazebo up continuously for two years now and it is only just starting to show some wear and tear. We secure the corners with very long tent pegs and bricks, and weigh the centre point of the gazebo down with a heavy weight off a chaff cutter. It has not taken off in the wind yet!
Once the kids are grown we will return this area to lawn or garden so we did not want a permanent structure. Big saving and it looks remarkably good!
Contributed by Tracey, Tintinara
Approximate $ Savings: $1,200
With an active toddler I built her a sandpit two years ago just off our back verandah. We then realised that every time she played in there she was getting an awful lot of exposure to the sun and her toys were getting trashed by the elements.
Rather than building a solid structure over the sandpit we invested a whole $30 in a standard gazebo that you can pick up at Reject Shop / Cheap as Chips et al. type outlets at anytime.
We have had the gazebo up continuously for two years now and it is only just starting to show some wear and tear. We secure the corners with very long tent pegs and bricks, and weigh the centre point of the gazebo down with a heavy weight off a chaff cutter. It has not taken off in the wind yet!
Once the kids are grown we will return this area to lawn or garden so we did not want a permanent structure. Big saving and it looks remarkably good!
Contributed by Tracey, Tintinara
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 20, 2009
Reducing the Paper Pile
Open your mail near a rubbish bin. Immediately toss all outer envelopes (or put them in the notepaper stack to re-use), un-needed bill inserts, junk mail (unopened, if you can bring yourself to do it) and magazine wrappers. Only carry away things that need to be dealt with or referenced. This will reduce the pile of papers you have to take care of by more than 50 percent!
Open your mail near a rubbish bin. Immediately toss all outer envelopes (or put them in the notepaper stack to re-use), un-needed bill inserts, junk mail (unopened, if you can bring yourself to do it) and magazine wrappers. Only carry away things that need to be dealt with or referenced. This will reduce the pile of papers you have to take care of by more than 50 percent!
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 19, 2009
Buy sugar soap as a cleaning agent
Water it down in a spray bottle and you'll be surprises how far it goes, how quick it cleans and how less often you'll be forking out for cleaning agents. My squirt bottle sits on the bench in my kitchen, I have a grubby hubby, a feral 2 yr old and I have found over the last year by accident when I had run out of pine o clean it did the trick in half the time and cost half as much.
Contributed by Maresa Robbers
Water it down in a spray bottle and you'll be surprises how far it goes, how quick it cleans and how less often you'll be forking out for cleaning agents. My squirt bottle sits on the bench in my kitchen, I have a grubby hubby, a feral 2 yr old and I have found over the last year by accident when I had run out of pine o clean it did the trick in half the time and cost half as much.
Contributed by Maresa Robbers
Monday, 18 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 18, 2009
Hang them out to dry
When hanging business shirts, t-shirts or tops out on clothes line to dry place the garment on a wire coat hanger (the type you get with your dry cleaning) so that you can easily bend handle so it does not fall off and hang on rotary type clothes line where there is a loop in pipe that runs out from centre top off the line (where the wire lines thread through). Tops dry better and it saves on ironing!
When hanging business shirts, t-shirts or tops out on clothes line to dry place the garment on a wire coat hanger (the type you get with your dry cleaning) so that you can easily bend handle so it does not fall off and hang on rotary type clothes line where there is a loop in pipe that runs out from centre top off the line (where the wire lines thread through). Tops dry better and it saves on ironing!
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 17, 2009
Popcorn Paydirt
I just love fresh popcorn, especially the microwave kind. I have loads of visitors, including my husband's 8 brothers and sisters and their partners and children and my own 8 brothers and sisters and their kids. Between us we have 35 nephews and nieces who often visit us, completely ravenous as all kids are. We always keep popcorn on hand. The kids think we are giving them the expensive microwave kind but we are giving them our Cheapskate special. We just get a paper bag which we save from our shopping, although a new one is good too. We then spray it with a no name brand polyunsaturated oil in a tin on the inside of the bag. Place a handful of popcorn inside, give it a shake so the popcorn gets coated then seal the top with sticky tape. Lay it flat in your microwave for between 2 to 3 minutes or until the popping sound gets really slow. Presto! Hot popcorn that is healthy as well. We also buy McCormicks buttered popcorn flavouring in a jar and give it a quick shake. Heaps cheaper than wasting all that butter and salt. Flavours left over from two minute noodles that kids don't use are also great flavourings. Yum Yum!
Contributed by Jennifer
I just love fresh popcorn, especially the microwave kind. I have loads of visitors, including my husband's 8 brothers and sisters and their partners and children and my own 8 brothers and sisters and their kids. Between us we have 35 nephews and nieces who often visit us, completely ravenous as all kids are. We always keep popcorn on hand. The kids think we are giving them the expensive microwave kind but we are giving them our Cheapskate special. We just get a paper bag which we save from our shopping, although a new one is good too. We then spray it with a no name brand polyunsaturated oil in a tin on the inside of the bag. Place a handful of popcorn inside, give it a shake so the popcorn gets coated then seal the top with sticky tape. Lay it flat in your microwave for between 2 to 3 minutes or until the popping sound gets really slow. Presto! Hot popcorn that is healthy as well. We also buy McCormicks buttered popcorn flavouring in a jar and give it a quick shake. Heaps cheaper than wasting all that butter and salt. Flavours left over from two minute noodles that kids don't use are also great flavourings. Yum Yum!
Contributed by Jennifer
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 16, 2009
Single Serves
When you live alone, cooking isn't always fun. Instead of indulging in takeaways or expensive '1 serve' portions at the supermarket, get together with friends, bulk cook and share. Each person should cook enough of a dish that will allow one serve for each person in the group. Package, label and freeze each serve then get together with your friends and swap. S friends means you get a different meal every night of the week with almost no effort and you can usually take advantage of supermarket bulk specials to cut the cost of ingredients.
When you live alone, cooking isn't always fun. Instead of indulging in takeaways or expensive '1 serve' portions at the supermarket, get together with friends, bulk cook and share. Each person should cook enough of a dish that will allow one serve for each person in the group. Package, label and freeze each serve then get together with your friends and swap. S friends means you get a different meal every night of the week with almost no effort and you can usually take advantage of supermarket bulk specials to cut the cost of ingredients.
Friday, 15 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 15, 2009
Magic colouring pages
If your kids like to do lots of colouring in or mazes and dot to dots, slide the sheet/activity book inside a clear plastic sleeve and give them some non-toxic white-board markers. The marker can be rubbed out with a cloth and used again and again.
Contributed by Sue
If your kids like to do lots of colouring in or mazes and dot to dots, slide the sheet/activity book inside a clear plastic sleeve and give them some non-toxic white-board markers. The marker can be rubbed out with a cloth and used again and again.
Contributed by Sue
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 14, 2009
The most popular birthday gift
When your children are invited to parties the best , cheapest and most popular present is a torch! You can get them for around $2, sometimes with batteries included, at $2 shops and hardware stores.
When your children are invited to parties the best , cheapest and most popular present is a torch! You can get them for around $2, sometimes with batteries included, at $2 shops and hardware stores.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 13, 2009
Tidy up those cords and leads
What about all those cables and leads behind your TV. TV, DVD, Cable TV, Games Console, VCR. You could buy expensive cable ties that you have to cut off each time you have to move one of the components (repair etc) or you could simply secure the cables neatly with inexpensive pipe-cleaners. They are easily undone as well.
What about all those cables and leads behind your TV. TV, DVD, Cable TV, Games Console, VCR. You could buy expensive cable ties that you have to cut off each time you have to move one of the components (repair etc) or you could simply secure the cables neatly with inexpensive pipe-cleaners. They are easily undone as well.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 12, 2009
Saving on family fun
Paying for movies and entry to big fun parks, such as Movie World, Dream World, Sea World can cost a fortune. Before you go, check out discounts you may be able to receive from your Health Fund, Union, Motoring Organisation (e.g. RACQ, NRMA etc.). They can often give you discounted prices, but make sure you bring your membership cards for ID, and/or purchase your tickets from them before you go.
Paying for movies and entry to big fun parks, such as Movie World, Dream World, Sea World can cost a fortune. Before you go, check out discounts you may be able to receive from your Health Fund, Union, Motoring Organisation (e.g. RACQ, NRMA etc.). They can often give you discounted prices, but make sure you bring your membership cards for ID, and/or purchase your tickets from them before you go.
Monday, 11 May 2009
Tip of the Day May 11, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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