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Member Wins & MOney Smiles
This is one of my favourite parts of the Insider. Here we celebrate the wins — big and small — from inside our community. From savings victories to mindset shifts, these stories are proof that small changes really do add up and that living the Cheapskates way truly works.
This month’s wins:
💰 Stop Feeling Deprived: Simple, Frugal Ways to Enjoy Life Without Spending More
If you’re feeling deprived, it may be time to slow down and start enjoying the simple things in life — the things that don’t cost much, or anything at all. A home-cooked meal made with your own vegetables, herbs, or fruit can be deeply satisfying. Even a small garden or a few pots can provide more than food — they bring a sense of calm and connection. Stepping outside for a walk, noticing the trees, wildlife, and natural scents around you, reminds us that enjoyment doesn’t have to come with a price tag. Recently, I watched a crimson rosella chatting away to another parrot, and it was far more memorable than anything bought in a shop. With my orange tree in full blossom, I’ve been opening the front door, securing the screen, and letting the natural perfume drift through the house. It costs nothing, yet it lifts the whole mood of the day. Community connection matters too. Local groups, many of them free or low-cost, offer friendship, purpose, and shared interests without pressure to spend. At home, dust off the board games instead of reaching for expensive consoles. Your brain — and your budget — will thank you. And remember: advertising is designed to make you spend money you don’t have on things you don’t need to impress people who don’t care.
Contributed by Ann
💰 Preparing for Water Restrictions: Smart Garden Choices for a Dry Victorian Summer
With water restrictions already in place in parts of Victoria — and more being discussed — now is the time to think carefully about how we manage our gardens.
Looking at a backyard full of silverbeet, I made the decision to cull rather than cling. As much as it felt counter-intuitive to pull out healthy plants, I didn’t want to be watering more than necessary. In the end, I kept just twelve silverbeet plants, which is more than enough to feed two people regularly.
The backyard looks a little bare at the moment, and that can take some getting used to. But bare doesn’t mean neglected — it means intentional. With fewer plants, the garden will be far easier to maintain through what could be a long, dry summer. Less watering, less stress, and more resilience.
This kind of decision is very much in the Cheapskates spirit: working with the conditions we have, not against them. A smaller, well-managed garden can still be productive, while saving water, time, and effort.
Sometimes being frugal and practical means letting go of “more” and choosing “enough” instead. In a season where water may be scarce, that choice brings peace of mind — and a garden that’s better suited to what lies ahead.
Contributed by Ann
💰 Free Weekend Public Transport in Victoria: Budget-Friendly Day Trips Without the Car
The Victorian Government has announced free public transport travel every weekend for all Victorians from 1 December to 1 February — and it’s a wonderful opportunity to get out and about without the cost of fuel, parking, or tolls.
Last Saturday, my son and I took advantage of the offer and enjoyed a simple day trip to Echuca. No traffic stress, no driving fatigue — just the pleasure of sitting back, watching the scenery change, and enjoying the journey as much as the destination. It reminded me how easy it is to forget what’s right on our doorstep when travel feels expensive.
Inspired by that outing, my son has already suggested our next adventure: a trip to Warrnambool. It’s something to look forward to, and planning these small, affordable outings adds excitement to the weeks ahead.
As one fellow passenger summed it up perfectly, “It’s better than staying at home.”
There are even more benefits for some travellers. Carers receive free public transport every Sunday, while Seniors can travel free all weekend within the metropolitan area.
It’s a great reminder that enjoying life doesn’t have to cost a fortune — sometimes, all it takes is a ticket that costs nothing at all.
Contributed by Ann
💰 Save Money on Herbs and Spices: How Freezing Herbs Can Cut Your Grocery Costs
For many years, I’ve been freezing my own herbs and spices — and it has saved me a small fortune. Fresh herbs from the garden or leftover bunches from the fridge can be chopped, popped into bottles or containers, and frozen for later use. It’s simple, practical, and incredibly cost-effective.
Store-bought bottled herbs and spices often come with markups of up to 1000%, making them one of the most expensive items in the pantry for what you actually get. Freezing your own means less waste, more flavour, and money staying in your pocket. It’s a classic Cheapskates habit that turns a small effort into long-term savings.
Contributed by Faye
💰 How to Manage Council Rates Without Stress: Simple Payment Plans That Work
Council or shire rates can feel overwhelming when they arrive as one large bill. One way to ease the burden is to contact your shire and arrange to pay in smaller, regular amounts instead. Many councils allow weekly or fortnightly payment plans, making rates far more manageable.
You can set up a direct debit from your bank account for the required number of payments. Your shire can tell you exactly how many debits are needed and the amount for each one. Spreading the cost across the year reduces stress and helps keep your household budget on track.
Contributed by Roslyn
💰 Cheap, Healthy Homemade Soups: A Frugal Way to Eat Well and Stay Strong
For five months of the year, I make healthy, low-cost homemade soups that provide generous servings for lunch and dinner. They’re filling, nutritious, and always well received — compliments come all round. Soup is an easy way to stretch ingredients while still eating well.
I buy around four and a half months’ worth of meat in advance, averaging about $4.00 per meal for two people. It keeps food costs predictable and affordable. We’re healthy, with strong bodies and clear minds at 71 and 76 years old, and we work hard on our farm every day. Eating simply, planning ahead, and being grateful keeps us active, capable, and enjoying life to the fullest.
Contributed by Faye
💰 Pantry Organisation for Small Households: Reduce Waste and Save Money with Date Tracking
In a household of just two, it’s important to keep a close eye on pantry staples so food doesn’t sit unused for too long. Smaller households often don’t go through ingredients as quickly, which can lead to waste if things are forgotten at the back of the cupboard.
One simple system I use is cutting the use-by or best-before date from the original packet — especially for baking supplies, dried beans, rice, or flour — and taping it to the lid of the storage container. That way, the date is always visible and nothing gets overlooked.
When I see an ingredient nearing its date, I deliberately work it into our menu or baking plan. This keeps the pantry rotating, reduces waste, and saves money by making sure everything is used as intended.
It’s a small habit, but it makes meal planning easier, keeps the pantry organised, and helps stretch the grocery budget further. For small households, simple systems like this make a big difference.
Contributed by Michelle
💰 Save Money on Eggs: How to Use a Flax Egg as a Cheap, Easy Substitute
With egg prices being what they are, finding simple substitutes can make a real difference to the grocery budget. One easy, low-cost option is a “flax egg,” which works beautifully in many baking recipes.
To make a flax egg, simply mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes, and it will thicken to the same consistency as a regular egg. This mixture replaces one egg in most baking, especially muffins, slices, pancakes, and biscuits.
Flaxseed meal is available in the health food section of most supermarkets and costs around $6 for a 500g pack, making it far cheaper than buying eggs regularly. A single packet goes a long way and keeps well in the pantry or fridge.
Using flax eggs is an easy way to reduce food costs, stretch your baking budget, and still enjoy homemade treats — without sacrificing texture or quality.
Contributed by Lynette
This month’s wins:
💰 Stop Feeling Deprived: Simple, Frugal Ways to Enjoy Life Without Spending More
If you’re feeling deprived, it may be time to slow down and start enjoying the simple things in life — the things that don’t cost much, or anything at all. A home-cooked meal made with your own vegetables, herbs, or fruit can be deeply satisfying. Even a small garden or a few pots can provide more than food — they bring a sense of calm and connection. Stepping outside for a walk, noticing the trees, wildlife, and natural scents around you, reminds us that enjoyment doesn’t have to come with a price tag. Recently, I watched a crimson rosella chatting away to another parrot, and it was far more memorable than anything bought in a shop. With my orange tree in full blossom, I’ve been opening the front door, securing the screen, and letting the natural perfume drift through the house. It costs nothing, yet it lifts the whole mood of the day. Community connection matters too. Local groups, many of them free or low-cost, offer friendship, purpose, and shared interests without pressure to spend. At home, dust off the board games instead of reaching for expensive consoles. Your brain — and your budget — will thank you. And remember: advertising is designed to make you spend money you don’t have on things you don’t need to impress people who don’t care.
Contributed by Ann
💰 Preparing for Water Restrictions: Smart Garden Choices for a Dry Victorian Summer
With water restrictions already in place in parts of Victoria — and more being discussed — now is the time to think carefully about how we manage our gardens.
Looking at a backyard full of silverbeet, I made the decision to cull rather than cling. As much as it felt counter-intuitive to pull out healthy plants, I didn’t want to be watering more than necessary. In the end, I kept just twelve silverbeet plants, which is more than enough to feed two people regularly.
The backyard looks a little bare at the moment, and that can take some getting used to. But bare doesn’t mean neglected — it means intentional. With fewer plants, the garden will be far easier to maintain through what could be a long, dry summer. Less watering, less stress, and more resilience.
This kind of decision is very much in the Cheapskates spirit: working with the conditions we have, not against them. A smaller, well-managed garden can still be productive, while saving water, time, and effort.
Sometimes being frugal and practical means letting go of “more” and choosing “enough” instead. In a season where water may be scarce, that choice brings peace of mind — and a garden that’s better suited to what lies ahead.
Contributed by Ann
💰 Free Weekend Public Transport in Victoria: Budget-Friendly Day Trips Without the Car
The Victorian Government has announced free public transport travel every weekend for all Victorians from 1 December to 1 February — and it’s a wonderful opportunity to get out and about without the cost of fuel, parking, or tolls.
Last Saturday, my son and I took advantage of the offer and enjoyed a simple day trip to Echuca. No traffic stress, no driving fatigue — just the pleasure of sitting back, watching the scenery change, and enjoying the journey as much as the destination. It reminded me how easy it is to forget what’s right on our doorstep when travel feels expensive.
Inspired by that outing, my son has already suggested our next adventure: a trip to Warrnambool. It’s something to look forward to, and planning these small, affordable outings adds excitement to the weeks ahead.
As one fellow passenger summed it up perfectly, “It’s better than staying at home.”
There are even more benefits for some travellers. Carers receive free public transport every Sunday, while Seniors can travel free all weekend within the metropolitan area.
It’s a great reminder that enjoying life doesn’t have to cost a fortune — sometimes, all it takes is a ticket that costs nothing at all.
Contributed by Ann
💰 Save Money on Herbs and Spices: How Freezing Herbs Can Cut Your Grocery Costs
For many years, I’ve been freezing my own herbs and spices — and it has saved me a small fortune. Fresh herbs from the garden or leftover bunches from the fridge can be chopped, popped into bottles or containers, and frozen for later use. It’s simple, practical, and incredibly cost-effective.
Store-bought bottled herbs and spices often come with markups of up to 1000%, making them one of the most expensive items in the pantry for what you actually get. Freezing your own means less waste, more flavour, and money staying in your pocket. It’s a classic Cheapskates habit that turns a small effort into long-term savings.
Contributed by Faye
💰 How to Manage Council Rates Without Stress: Simple Payment Plans That Work
Council or shire rates can feel overwhelming when they arrive as one large bill. One way to ease the burden is to contact your shire and arrange to pay in smaller, regular amounts instead. Many councils allow weekly or fortnightly payment plans, making rates far more manageable.
You can set up a direct debit from your bank account for the required number of payments. Your shire can tell you exactly how many debits are needed and the amount for each one. Spreading the cost across the year reduces stress and helps keep your household budget on track.
Contributed by Roslyn
💰 Cheap, Healthy Homemade Soups: A Frugal Way to Eat Well and Stay Strong
For five months of the year, I make healthy, low-cost homemade soups that provide generous servings for lunch and dinner. They’re filling, nutritious, and always well received — compliments come all round. Soup is an easy way to stretch ingredients while still eating well.
I buy around four and a half months’ worth of meat in advance, averaging about $4.00 per meal for two people. It keeps food costs predictable and affordable. We’re healthy, with strong bodies and clear minds at 71 and 76 years old, and we work hard on our farm every day. Eating simply, planning ahead, and being grateful keeps us active, capable, and enjoying life to the fullest.
Contributed by Faye
💰 Pantry Organisation for Small Households: Reduce Waste and Save Money with Date Tracking
In a household of just two, it’s important to keep a close eye on pantry staples so food doesn’t sit unused for too long. Smaller households often don’t go through ingredients as quickly, which can lead to waste if things are forgotten at the back of the cupboard.
One simple system I use is cutting the use-by or best-before date from the original packet — especially for baking supplies, dried beans, rice, or flour — and taping it to the lid of the storage container. That way, the date is always visible and nothing gets overlooked.
When I see an ingredient nearing its date, I deliberately work it into our menu or baking plan. This keeps the pantry rotating, reduces waste, and saves money by making sure everything is used as intended.
It’s a small habit, but it makes meal planning easier, keeps the pantry organised, and helps stretch the grocery budget further. For small households, simple systems like this make a big difference.
Contributed by Michelle
💰 Save Money on Eggs: How to Use a Flax Egg as a Cheap, Easy Substitute
With egg prices being what they are, finding simple substitutes can make a real difference to the grocery budget. One easy, low-cost option is a “flax egg,” which works beautifully in many baking recipes.
To make a flax egg, simply mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes, and it will thicken to the same consistency as a regular egg. This mixture replaces one egg in most baking, especially muffins, slices, pancakes, and biscuits.
Flaxseed meal is available in the health food section of most supermarkets and costs around $6 for a 500g pack, making it far cheaper than buying eggs regularly. A single packet goes a long way and keeps well in the pantry or fridge.
Using flax eggs is an easy way to reduce food costs, stretch your baking budget, and still enjoy homemade treats — without sacrificing texture or quality.
Contributed by Lynette