tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post450890662427652662..comments2024-03-03T16:03:52.071+11:00Comments on Debt Free, Cashed Up and Laughing - The Cheapskates way to living the good life: Please don't Feel Sorry for my FamilyCath Armstronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982092492622482815noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-43830815900939499102016-03-30T08:42:01.655+11:002016-03-30T08:42:01.655+11:00Both of my adult children were horrified the first...Both of my adult children were horrified the first time they purchased store-bought jam/jelly. They had never tasted it before as I always can all of our jam with home-grown berries. My daughter now grows her own berries so she can have home canned jam and my son will come and do chores around the place in exchange for my jam. The first few years my daughter was out on her own she was determined to be the exact opposite of us. She shopped til she dropped at all the high-end stores, she got her nails done once a week, coffees every morning but then the bills started coming- let's just say all these years later she has finally paid off those first foolish years. She quickly realized we lived the way we did for a very good reason. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-21161094026537397982016-03-10T06:34:57.153+11:002016-03-10T06:34:57.153+11:00You said this so well, Cath! Thanks for putting in...You said this so well, Cath! Thanks for putting into words what I think many stay-at-home moms feel.<br />Blessings, LeighAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-81266373752986056132016-03-05T15:14:01.142+11:002016-03-05T15:14:01.142+11:00Hi Cath, love the info you have on your wesite, an...Hi Cath, love the info you have on your wesite, and I'm trying to incorporate these ways into our life. I love the miracle spray and Audi has just opened in Adelaide (I checked them out quickly the other day and bought a few items we neded to try them out). Being frugal or careful with how you spend money is not something to be embarrassed about (as I suspect this couple are). At different times I've chatted with some girlfriends to find they love op shopping (like me), and are interested in things that are cheaper to make or do yourself, but still produce a result like a "bought" item.I make my own lasagne from scratch, but I was tired and running behind one day after work so bought one from the supermarket. My 4 kids took one bite and all made a face. They asked me never to buy lasagna again and that they only wanted the one I make , which is nothing special, but stil puts a smile on my face to think that much of it. I do think people would be more impressed, and probably jealous, if they realised that someone had low or no debt, while still having all the things that are important to them and their family. We are working towards this. You do a good job.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12259216929113308381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-25108907991735479202016-03-02T12:22:43.423+11:002016-03-02T12:22:43.423+11:00How rude of someone. Your set up sounds more respo...How rude of someone. Your set up sounds more responsible than I ever was. If 10% of your common sense rubs off on my then its a win for my family ..xoxooxoxWoosanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13377091651798025626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-8333828380179920492016-03-01T21:09:08.828+11:002016-03-01T21:09:08.828+11:00Great saying!
Great saying!<br />Melhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00535442579149449469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-27937403934947798532016-02-29T22:41:39.924+11:002016-02-29T22:41:39.924+11:00It is a pity isn't it that we now live in a so...It is a pity isn't it that we now live in a society that has become -or so it seems to me- so judgemental. I feel for you Cath and that your chdn had to hear those remarks from obviously discontented folk. We, also, saved money so that our chdn could have tertiary education. Our only child [genetic reasons] spent five years at Curtin Uni and has no HECS debt. But being a 'mean mother' we walked to the local primary school as our neighbour, a Director of Education advised us it was the best south of Perth. And being a stay-at-home Mum ,I was able to be a parent helper -- in 1994 I went to Perth Zoo five times!SereneBeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06440354757742033797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-52360770381104861742016-02-29T15:15:24.997+11:002016-02-29T15:15:24.997+11:00Isn't there a saying "People only talk be...Isn't there a saying "People only talk behind your back when you are two steps ahead of them"?<br />I think your family are blessed to have you showing them where the true value in life lies.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04842083179417098825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-65597584274270653422016-02-28T23:14:09.521+11:002016-02-28T23:14:09.521+11:00Hugs for you Cath, I just want to say, I am so gla...Hugs for you Cath, I just want to say, I am so glad of the day that I found your website and although I had already been living frugally since I was brought up with those values, I still had much to learn from you and I always recommend your site to others doing it tough. It has been such an awesome help. Thank you so much <3 <3 <3 Kathleen BurkeWahpimaskwasishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06936580258103703743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-34232012549603144862016-02-28T21:50:38.947+11:002016-02-28T21:50:38.947+11:00Thankyou for your advice. We too paid school fees ...Thankyou for your advice. We too paid school fees now we pay their rent,food and utilities. We have 2 sharing an apartment in Sydney this year which has already cut considerable costs.They support themselves otherwise and have saved some money.I will look into fee paying and suggest it. thanks again.Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15965442541526986072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-56120930403563586622016-02-28T17:49:00.633+11:002016-02-28T17:49:00.633+11:00Very well said. I have had a few negative comments...Very well said. I have had a few negative comments made towards our family and living cheaply. We are happy with our lifestyle and are teaching our kids to be mindful of spending rather than the endless cycle of work, consume, repeat. Haters gonna hate! xMelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00535442579149449469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-8009273755873232942016-02-28T17:35:06.256+11:002016-02-28T17:35:06.256+11:00Well said Cath.Well said Cath.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10871734965884342220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-3025615025112662132016-02-28T13:53:17.332+11:002016-02-28T13:53:17.332+11:00Thank-you for sharing your wonderful insights, kno...Thank-you for sharing your wonderful insights, knowledge and experiences. Your sensible, practical, honest, smart money saving ideas and attitude is appreciated by so many of us. Some people just do not want to know! I would love to bump into you anywhere my friend ( and you would get a hug!) Cheersjomorronoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-22910243084221037772016-02-28T10:30:54.835+11:002016-02-28T10:30:54.835+11:00Hilarious - go gettem Cath! Hilarious - go gettem Cath! poggeauxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00754636457782658089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-26700743112214277412016-02-28T09:14:28.846+11:002016-02-28T09:14:28.846+11:00That's appalling! Does nobody understand the v...That's appalling! Does nobody understand the value of good manner any more? Or are they disposable, too.<br /><br />I'm not sure how I would react in the same situation but your response here, Cath, is perfect. <br /><br />I know I'd rather be free of the shackles of debt than have a McMansion that's mortgaged to the hilt and a driveway full of leased cars. <br /><br />Keep up the great work Cath!Diane @ Smart Money, Simple Lifehttp://smartmoneysimplelife.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-41426596513698538372016-02-28T08:22:39.353+11:002016-02-28T08:22:39.353+11:00Makes your heart warm doesn't it to find out y...Makes your heart warm doesn't it to find out your famlly prefers your home cooking to anything they can buy. I bought some biscuits a few weeks ago (Lemon Crisp - I love them), but the kids turned their noses up after 1 each - said they tasted slimy and left a taste in their mouths, then asked for Lunchbox Cookies. They guilted me into making a batch for them :)Cath Armstronghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12982092492622482815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-36320365997456888682016-02-28T08:14:04.781+11:002016-02-28T08:14:04.781+11:00You've hit the nail on the head Kim. I always ...You've hit the nail on the head Kim. I always advise that what works for me and my family may not work for anyone else's, we're all different and we're all at different stages of our journey to frugality. Take what works and build on it and you'll achieve your goals.Cath Armstronghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12982092492622482815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-6988703253705590692016-02-28T02:39:23.611+11:002016-02-28T02:39:23.611+11:00Some people have a real nerve don't they? I...Some people have a real nerve don't they? I'm in the UK, but read every post that you and Wendy do. Somethings wouldn't work for us here in UK,but your blog gives me food for thought.The good Sensible advice you have on here has helped me no end.There is no "onesize fits all programme because my circumstances are different to yours or the next person's because we are all diffferent. Keep up the good work.Kim @ Him, Him Mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09566674565055851455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-26357574132684140582016-02-28T01:35:27.528+11:002016-02-28T01:35:27.528+11:00Well said. So many people just don't get it, a...Well said. So many people just don't get it, and never will.Annhttp://wwa.morethanjustastayhomemom.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-33238674357777125492016-02-27T23:28:54.326+11:002016-02-27T23:28:54.326+11:00Well said Cath!Well said Cath!patsi @ a working pantryhttp://aworkingpantry.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-77956088258253516642016-02-27T22:48:21.847+11:002016-02-27T22:48:21.847+11:00I look back at my 20s and well into my 30s and cri...I look back at my 20s and well into my 30s and cringe at the amount of money I wasted. I wish I had been taught/discovered budgeting and frugal living as a teenager, but unfortunately I used to spend all that I earned. It's really only in the last 5 years that I have changed my lifestyle, and realise the peace and freedom being budget conscious has given me and my family. Thank you for your blog, and for your willingness to share your wisdom.kylieohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13504014195831686938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-35200842071666001112016-02-27T20:38:46.521+11:002016-02-27T20:38:46.521+11:00I'd much rather have the cash in the bank! Peo...I'd much rather have the cash in the bank! People are so uptight and so worried about the next person that they forget about their own noose (debt) hanging around their necks. Being frugal to help provide for your kids via private schools and other things is something to be proud of. James Pollardhttp://www.personalfinancegenius.com/personal-finance-tips/55-awesome-money-tips-you-need-to-knownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-91775854638101940052016-02-27T20:00:51.711+11:002016-02-27T20:00:51.711+11:00We were blessed in a number of ways. They could al...We were blessed in a number of ways. They could all live at home and were happy to do so, we knew we'd have uni fees and had begun saving for them and as it turns out they weren't that much more than the school fees we were paying. We had a discount for cash, a discount for paying the year in full and a discount for something else that I can't remember - made them very affordable after 12 years of school fees.<br /><br />I would suggest that they start a separate bank account now and even if they just save a few dollars a month, save it and then pay it off their fees next year when they pay their deposit (do they still have to pay a deposit for HECS/HELP?). That will reduce the debt they'll owe. Can they request next year's fee schedule now and see how much they're going to be, then work out how much they need to bank each week to pay the next year in full? Depends on the course and may not be doable. They should also find out the discounted amount for paying the year in advance in cash.Cath Armstronghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12982092492622482815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-38466194689390783092016-02-27T19:03:07.776+11:002016-02-27T19:03:07.776+11:00Well said!Well said!lullahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02697261756889798574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-74018999624382953302016-02-27T18:49:36.653+11:002016-02-27T18:49:36.653+11:00Being frugal is nothing to be ashamed of. That'...Being frugal is nothing to be ashamed of. That's for sure. I wish that I had done as well for my kids. But I do recall that the first time my kids had a family favourite as it is usually made for the market. They were not impressed with the experience. Home made was best. Pat P.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814984506642537843.post-79725215309533970842016-02-27T18:39:27.353+11:002016-02-27T18:39:27.353+11:00Well said Cath you do a fantastic job and help lot...Well said Cath you do a fantastic job and help lots of people every day. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09289824915392113923noreply@blogger.com