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June 2016 Journal Index
From Cath's Desk
Hello Cheapskaters, As I'm writing this the sun is streaming through the loungeroom window providing some very welcome free heat. Already this winter is shaping up to be colder and wetter and more wintery than last year and I'm feeling it. I'm..... read more..... |
Cheapskates Tip Store
Organised Vegetables Save Money, Time and Energy Before my shopping day I make sure that I have washed/cleaned and lined my veggie drawers in the fridge. I line the drawers with new paper towelling (which keeps my veggies and drawers cleaner as any leaks are captured) and I put back veggies that can still be used. I know..... read more..... |
Feature Article
Things to Consider Before Lending Money to Family and Friends Should you loan money to friend or family member? It’s a complicated subject. While it’s natural to want to help the people in your life, loaning money has the potential to destroy relationships. Refusing to lend money can..... read more..... |
Budgeting for a Monthly Grocery Shop
I liked the idea of monthly shopping, but my block to starting was not having the money to start. So I had a think about how was the best way to get this started. I have a free redraw on my mortgage, each week I have set up my weekly food budget to go into my mortgage..... read more..... |
A Thoughtful Moment
Reaction vs. Response Suddenly, a cockroach flew from somewhere and sat on her. I wondered if this was the cockroach’s response to all the glory that was spoken about it! She started screaming out of fear. With panic stricken face and trembling..... read more..... |
Making Money from Decluttering
I noticed the decluttering challenge and thought I would share my strategies. I sell some good quality useable items by putting them on gumtree or Facebook buy and sell sites. Easy to do, just set a price take a photo and away you go. If they do not sell I then put the price on..... read more..... |
Articles
5 Top Reasons to Avoid Rent-to-Own Schemes They've been on TV a lot recently - rent whatever you need and at the end of the rental period pay the balance and own it. Sounds like an easy way to get the new washing machine you want or that brand new smart television. But rent-to-own programs can cost you a large..... read more..... |
Freezer Preps make Meals Easier
Every day I look for small ways to make future meals easier. How do I do this? I prep ingredients for the freezer. Shredding cheese - shred an extra package for the freezer. Cutting onions, celery or peppers. Dice and freeze on a tray then put in snack size ziplock bags..... read more..... |
Don't Get Caught by Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud is a rampant issue and there is no way to completely protect yourself but there are things you can do to minimise the risk, and they are not difficult. Just last week I noticed a transaction on my debit card for a small amount. It stood out because it was an odd amount.... read more..... |
Telco Discounts for the Asking
Did you know Telcos have Retention teams, which are authorised to offer discounts to keep your business? Optus, for example, can offer up to $20/mth off for a year to stop you cancelling your service. And yes, you can do this year after year. I now get unlimited internet, calls to..... read more...... |
Tips for Growing Vegetables Indoor in Winter
It's easy for boredom to set in during the cold, winter months. However, if you are creative, you can find ways to bring life back indoors while you wait for things to warm up outdoors. Growing vegetables indoor in winter is one of those ways. I love my garden and nothing makes me..... read more.... |
Use up those Leftovers
Here's what I've just achieved with 5 sheets of ready rolled short crust pastry and leftovers: 4x full size pies, made with leftover over roast chicken, homemade white sauce and a tin of veggies left over from a camping trip 12 x mini quiches. 1 egg, last bit of crean in the bottle..... read more....., |
How to Throw a 21st Birthday Party without Spending a Cent
Hannah turns 21 next month. I'm not sure where all those years have gone, but she is very excited and making plans to celebrate with family and friends. We are on a very tight budget at the moment, so while there is money in the celebrations budget, it's not a huge amount..... read more..... |
Robyn's MOO Spreadable Butter
I have been buying the spreadable butters from the supermarket, for a long time now and after looking at the ingredients list, I noticed that the one I have been using has been just butter and water. These spreadable butters are expensive. Then I remembered something my dear..... read more;;;;; |
Super Cute Cheapskates Style Dog Coats
In this cold weather we need coats for our old dogs. Instead of paying big money at a pet shop I go to the op shop. I find a child's jumper or micro fleece top about the size of the dog. It is always under $5, then at home I just cut arms to fit..... read more..... |
June Tip Sheet
Freezer Storage Cheat Sheet This month's tip sheet is a very handy Freezer Storage Cheat Sheet to help you get the most from your freezer stocks. read more..... |
MOO Self Watering Plant Pots
Was wondering how to keep my plants alive when I went away recently and was looking out for ideas - self watering plant pots are the way to go. Self-watering pots have the drainage holes up the sides of the pots rather than in the bottom so there is a reservoir or water in the soil in..... read more..... |
Menu Planner
Fill in the meals you plan to eat for the week, fortnight or month and put the plan somewhere prominent: stick it to the front of the fridge with a magnet, blu-tack it to the.... read more..... |
Re-Usable, Gentle, MOO Make-up Wipes
I like to use soft face washers to take off my make-up. I was already shopping in Target for a baby gift and found Target Essentials pack of 10 nursery wash cloths for $4 (just 40 cents each!). Much cheaper than many face washers in other manchester departments and of course..... read more..... |
On the Menu
Slow Cooker Specials Winter is the perfect time to bring out the slow cooker. They are perfect for cooking tasty, filling and cheap meals, just right for a freezing winter night. These four recipes are all quick and easy, use pantry ingredients and take less than 10 minutes to prepare. Set the slow cooker and..... read more..... |
Save Time and Electricity With a Lighter Wash Program
I use my washing machine's gentle cycle for everything - sheets, towels, school uniforms, you name it. It's quicker (only 22 minutes for my top loader) so it uses less electricity, and the gentler spinning action means there's less wear and tear on clothing. Our clothes are clean and..... read more..... |
Quote of Note
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything you gave me". ~~Erma Bombeck~~ read more..... |
Cosy Winter Bedtime Warmer
Instead of adding to your winter electricity bill try using a wheat pack in bed instead of your electric blanket. I simply heat it up in the microwave 10 minutes before going to bed and then place it where I usually lay. Depending on if I remember too or not, I also move it around..... read more..... |