Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter 04:18
In this Newsletter
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Adjust the Cycle to Suit the Load; Beat the Heat, Cover your Skylight 2; Simple, Effective Room Deodoriser
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Save $100 Year on Water Filters
4. Share Your Tips
5. On the Menu - Lemon Avocado Chicken
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Food Shopping Made Me Smile
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Just a Catch-up
9. Last Week's Question - How to beat the budget blues?
10. This Week's Question - Help with homemade pet food please
11. Ask Cath
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I hope you are enjoying the last few days of summer holidays. We have thoroughly enjoyed the few weeks since Christmas. Wayne has worked through, but we've managed to have fun on the weekends and long summer evenings leave plenty of time to relax, although it's coming to an end much too fast!
With holidays coming to an end, no doubt the holiday budget is almost empty too. Having fun as a family doesn't require a six-figure income. If you look hard enough, you can find lots of free or cheap activities that parents and kids can enjoy just about anywhere.
Check your local newspapers, library and council to see what free activities they are running in your area. Tomorrow is Australia Day, so there will be no excuse to not celebrate our amazing country. I've seen barbecues, fireworks, parades and plays advertised as we've been travelling so there's something for everyone and they are all free. I've had leaflets dropped in the letterbox advertising free seedlings tomorrow - again, check your local council for events. And enjoy our national day, it's a great way to end the summer holidays and celebrate our amazing, wonderful country.
Happy Cheapskating,
Cath
PS: Love our site? We love referrals! Send a note to your favourite newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, friends and relatives, and tell them about us!
2. From The Tip Store
Adjust the Cycle to Suit the Load
I have recently realized that every time I use my washing machine I adjust the water load for the size of my wash, but I never adjust the length of the wash cycle. If I have say a load of towels the machine automatically washes for 20 mins before rinsing and spinning. As towels are basically clean - they are used after you shower - I adjust the wash cycle and they only wash for 10 minutes. I do this for each load depending on how dirty the load. Halving the washing time makes a difference to the electricity used
Contributed by Marilyn Devlin
Beat the Heat, Cover your Skylight 2
Like Sara, I find it hard to stand under my skylights in the summer. I simply remove the clear plastic cover and lay foil across it with a bit of tape to hold it in place, replace the cover with the foil uppermost and the problem is solved.
Contributed by Meryll Williams
Simple, Effective Room Deodoriser
I am the sort of person who doesn't like spending money on stuff, any stuff, but deodorisers are just a waste of my money in my mind. In our rental home there has been a sickly-sweet smell in the kitchen cupboards since day one. Goodness knows what was used to wash them out with before the last tenants left. I have done everything short of pulling the cupboards off the wall, then I thought of the coffee grounds. I put one scoop in the cupboard and the problem has been solved. I have no idea if the smell is still there and don't care because all I can now smell is the coffee and to open the cupboard where the coffee cups are in the morning and smell the coffee is almost as good as the taste. I have to say I am seriously considering putting a scoop somewhere in the bathroom as well.
Contributed by Linda Stapleton
Editor's note: This is a very old trick, used to disguise and banish very strong odours. You can use dried, used coffee grounds, they don't have to be fresh, and still get the same result. For really strong, ugly odours (think the freezer has defrosted while you were away on holidays - can you guess how I know this?) throw a handful of coffee grounds or even instant coffee, into a saucepan and heat it on the stove. The coffee will burn, but the horrible smell will disappear very quickly. Cath.
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning Tip
This week's winning tip is from Janet Bogner. Janet has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
Save $100 Year on Water Filters
We purchased a French door fridge with ice maker, cold water etc. We didn't realise that the water filter needed to be replaced every 6 months, costing at least $50 each to buy. I contacted the manufacturer, who sent us a plastic knob/lock to replace where the filter goes, that's $100 a year saved!
Congratulations Janet,I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
Share your favourite money saving, time saving or energy saving hint and be in the running to win a one-year membership to The Cheapskate Club. We publish a Winning Tip each Thursday, so enter your great money, time or energy saving idea now.
Enter your tip here
4. Submit Your Tip
The Cheapskate's Club website is over 3,000 pages of money saving hints, tips and ideas. Let's get together and make the Cheapskates Club Australia's largest online hint, tip and idea library. Share your favourite money saving, time saving or energy saving hint and be in the running to win a one-year membership to The Cheapskate Club. We publish a Winning Tip each Thursday, so enter your great money, time or energy saving idea now.
Share your favourite hint or tip that saves money, time and energy and be in the running to win a one-year subscription to The Cheapskate Journal.
Remember, you have to be in it to win it!
Submit your tip
5. On the Menu
Lemon Avocado Chicken
Ingredients:
4 small chicken breast fillets
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp salt
1 lemon
2 tsp crushed garlic
1 avocado
1 lemon
2 tbsp coriander
Salt and pepper
Method:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water, salt, juice from the lemon and the crushed garlic. Slice the lemon and add to the brine. Place the chicken fillets into the brine and let soak for 30 minutes, in the fridge.
Preheat frying pan. Pull the chicken out of the brine and pat dry. Discard brine.
Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
While the chicken is cooking, add the avocado, juice from 1 lemon and chopped coriander to small food processor and puree. Use avocado sauce as garnish or dip for the grilled chicken.
Serve Lemon Avocado Chicken with rice and salad.
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Chicken
Monday: Schnitzels, potato bake
Tuesday: Gnocchi & garlic bread
Wednesday: Lemon Avocado Chicken
Thursday: Moo Pizza
Friday: BBQ Hot Dogs with MOO Sweet Relish
Saturday: Enchiladas
In the fruit bowl: watermelon, strawberries, bananas
In the cake tin: Raspberry muffins
There are over 1,600 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Wendy is having a much deserved break, so here's a post from the $300 a Month Food Challenge archives.
From the Archives: "Food shopping made me smile...."
Today was the day I did my monthly supermarket shop. I had already been to the butchers last week and got enough meat to last until well after Christmas. Saturday, I ducked into Aldi to pick up a few things that are cheaper there than Coles.
So, with $134 left out of my $300 food budget I scanned my shopping list and crossed out anything that could wait until next month. I estimated my bill would be about $98 with the remainder needed for weekly milk, fruit and veg trips.
Off I went to the supermarket hoping I could keep within budget. Up and down the aisles I went trying to get the cheapest brand for each item (unit pricing makes it so easy). When I was standing in line to pay for the groceries I noticed the lady next to me with all her fancy brand names. I looked at my trolley - lots of white packaging (no name) and I smiled to myself. I'm not mesmerized by the tricks of the marketing departments of food companies.
When I got home and unpacked my groceries, I realised I had bought everything no name except dried ginger and curry powder (no name is available, but it has no flavour). I smiled to myself again.
Then I filled up all my containers with the ingredients I will be making many things with. Oh, what a good feeling. And I smiled again.
What a joy it is to do the food shopping. For me it is not a chore but a pleasure to provide good food for my family.
By the way, I just added up my dockets. The bill came in at $83.30. Under budget. And yes, I'm smiling again.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
7. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Help a Rellie???
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3700-Help-a-Rellie
Micro Investing
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3708-Micro-Investing
Dehydrating - tips, hints and recipes!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3706-Dehydrating-tips-hints-and-recipes!
Most popular blog posts this week
A Stress Free Start to the New School Year
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2015/01/a-stress-free-start-to-new-school-year.html
It's Back to School Week!
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2009/01/tip-of-day-january-27-2009.html
Age Old Advice for the Modern Homemaker
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/07/age-old-advice-for-modern-homemaker.html
8. Members Featured Blog
Platinum Cheapskates Club members have their very own Cheapskating blogs, and they are wonderful and inspirational and encouraging and even funny. This week's featured blog is written by j.
Just a Catch-up
So, when I looked back at my first post I realised that I did not address the Lesson set forth! So just a catch up.
Three Biggest Financial Challenges:
1. Getting a 3-month buffer saved up
2. TIME to get sorted
3. Paying down the mortgage
Three Goals for 2018:
1. Getting that 3-month buffer saved
2. Minor Renos to house
3. Sept/Oct Holidays
Three Financial Strengths
1. I pay bills on time
2. I compare prices on renewal of insurances
3. I am willing to change habits in order to save money and/or time
So, the goals have been set and now it's time to address Lesson 2.
Sort, File, Toss and Organise. We have been tasked to organise our handbag this week. This is something that I am in the habit of every time I return from shopping. Out come the receipts for logging into the grocery tracker and spending planner. Change to the piggy bank and sort notes facing the same direction and ordered smallest to largest. Remove rubbish from bag and resupply (tissues, hand lotion, lip balm and such). I do refer to my bag as a Mary Poppins bag because its relatively small, but it has everything I could need plus a lamp (well a torch...)!
I have my loyalty cards in their own organiser for business cards. The slips are clear so that I do not need to remove them to be scanned. Santa brought me a key hook for my bag so that they don't go missing in the depths. I do have most of my loyalty cards stored in my phone on Stocard, but I find it hard to use in store, but it’s great to get the flyers without wasting all that paper!
Ordering your money in your wallet is something my mother and grandfather taught me- have respect for your money and your money will respect you. It's something I think about every time I sort out my notes and it's a great tribute to my Grandpa. I also only have debit cards- no credit cards.
Challenge: Now my poor neglected office. It seems to be the family dumping ground. It used to the dining room, but has moved on to my space. A great deal of it is my fault. I love knitting and reading so all of those supplies live there as do my DIY/MOO experiments. I have been making my own body scrubs and will soon be experimenting with making bath bombs. Also, all the clothes and toys my boys outgrow accumulate in bags and boxes. I need to drop some at the op shops and the others to friends- I am just being lazy. There are a number of picture frames to be hung up and small DIY projects to be attempted once the boys are back at school. I just need TIME to get it all done and maybe a few storage solutions.
So, another week has passed and there are so many things to look forward to including my eldest son's birthday! Have a great encouraging week!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Sam who wrote
"I have been reading the newsletters for years now, and have owned all Cath's books since we were engaged (they were a gift from my sister). I am a 27 year old wife and mother of two small boys. We are paying off our home, and I work full-time to help with this. My question is how do you keep yourself out of the horrible pit of despair and sadness that sometimes people find themselves in while going through financial struggles? I am trying my best to get my family out of this mess, but the guilt and sadness are eating away at me. Thank you."
Tee-na Apted answered
I found myself close to bankruptcy because of my ex, it has taken 6 years and I am still not back to where I was before I met him. Focus on the free time you have with your family; no cost outings can make the best memories. Create a little ‘you time’ where you can pamper yourself, even if its homemade scrubs or soaks. Also, make time for your partner, financial stress can kill a relationship so quickly. If money is super tight, palm the kids off to someone for an evening and just be in the moment together. Good luck, keep your eye on your prize, but remember, it’s nothing in comparison to your loved ones, so try to learn the work/life balance.
Helen answered
Hi Sam, you are not alone in this, we also nearly lost everything a few years ago and it can be soul destroying if you allow it to be, but you know the saying once you hit bottom the only way is up. First off don't hide from your creditors (I still shake when the phone rings even though all the debts are paid), you'd be surprised how accommodating they can be when it comes to payment plans; let’s face it, if you go bankrupt they don't get a cent. Talk to your mortgager and see if you can pay a little less or even refinance the property or sell and get something more affordable. Go through everything that you are paying now and cull the ones that aren't absolutely essential i.e. pay TV, that extra phone that never gets used (like the home phone now that we all have mobiles). The sooner you do these things, the sooner you will get out of this black hole you are in. The fact you are worried tells me you care, and caring is half the battle (so many don't) and just start putting into action positive steps, some of which I listed above, and believe me the weight will lift off your shoulders just knowing there is a plan in place. I steer clear of shops as I am an impulse spender; I grocery shop online and that way if I go over budget I can go through and delete things, saves me in the long run. Guilt is something we all live with, but if you learn from the past you can make the future better. I wish you well and hold your head high in the fact that you are doing something to improve your life and be proud of yourself.
Pam answered
Hi Sam, firstly you are never alone, and yes, it is difficult sometimes. Giving thanks for the little things in life, and knowing that your situation will change in time. If your feeling really down, you could go to your G.P. and talk to them. You can get six visits to a counsellor or psychologist, all bulk billed. They can help with your thinking and goal setting. Lastly keep moving, walking the dog and taking the kids for a walk, or park, exercise is great for the brain.
Glenys Horne answered
Well done for being able to work full time, and please do not be so hard on yourself. Try to have quality time with your family at the weekends, it doesn't need to be expensive; utilise parks and playgrounds, take a picnic. Try to do a little cleaning each day so you do not have to do it all at the weekend. Check out if you have a local museum or art gallery, they sometimes have activities during the weekend you could take the kids too. Try to have a date night with your partner on a regular basis, even if it involves the kids having an early night or a movie in the lounge and you two have a meal together. Keep a tally of how your finances are improving and look at hobbies such as reading (I get lots of books from the op shop). I also do crafts such as knitting; I source the yarn from the op shop and try to make a few gifts to help the budget along. Put some motivational verses where you can see them, get the kids involved in a veggie patch to help the budget along. I truly hope your situation improves from baby steps to great long strides as you put your family in a better financial situation.
10. This Week's Question
Rosemarie writes
"In the light of there being no real meat in pet food, has anyone made their own? As my cats dislike most brands, I am happy to buy their biscuits, but want something better for their main meals."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a pet food recipe or suggestion for Rosemarie, let us know. We'll enter your answer into our Tip of the Week competition, with a one-year membership to the Cheapskates Club as the prize too.
Send your answer
11. Ask Cath
We have lots of resources to help you as you live the Cheapskates way but if you didn't find the answer to your question in our extensive archives please just drop me a note with your question.
I read and answer all questions, either in an email to you, in my weekly newsletter, the monthly Journal or by creating blog posts and other resources to help you (and other Cheapskaters).
Ask Your Question
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
For just 10 cents a day you can join the Cheapskates Club and get exclusive access to the Cheapskate Journal, the monthly e-journal that shows you how to cut the costs of everyday living and still have fun.
Joining the Cheapskates Club gives you 24/7 access to the Members Centre with 1000's of money saving tips and articles.
Click here to join the Cheapskates Club today!
13. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy. Members can update their email address or any other details by clicking on "Edit Profile" directly under their membership number after they have logged in to the Member's Centre. Subscribers to our free newsletter can use the Change Your Address form (under Customer Service in the menu) and fill it out. Once you've filled it in click the send button and we'll do the rest. Please remember to include your old email address so we can find it in the list as well as the new one.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
When you login to the Member's Centre you will be told how many days of membership you have left once you have 30 days left. Just click on the link to renew and your membership will just continue on, uninterrupted.
What will you do with my email address?
We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone for any reason whatsoever. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.
How Did You Get on Our List?
You signed up to receive our Free Newsletter at our Cheapskates Club Web site or are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member
14. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Adjust the Cycle to Suit the Load; Beat the Heat, Cover your Skylight 2; Simple, Effective Room Deodoriser
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Save $100 Year on Water Filters
4. Share Your Tips
5. On the Menu - Lemon Avocado Chicken
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Food Shopping Made Me Smile
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Just a Catch-up
9. Last Week's Question - How to beat the budget blues?
10. This Week's Question - Help with homemade pet food please
11. Ask Cath
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I hope you are enjoying the last few days of summer holidays. We have thoroughly enjoyed the few weeks since Christmas. Wayne has worked through, but we've managed to have fun on the weekends and long summer evenings leave plenty of time to relax, although it's coming to an end much too fast!
With holidays coming to an end, no doubt the holiday budget is almost empty too. Having fun as a family doesn't require a six-figure income. If you look hard enough, you can find lots of free or cheap activities that parents and kids can enjoy just about anywhere.
Check your local newspapers, library and council to see what free activities they are running in your area. Tomorrow is Australia Day, so there will be no excuse to not celebrate our amazing country. I've seen barbecues, fireworks, parades and plays advertised as we've been travelling so there's something for everyone and they are all free. I've had leaflets dropped in the letterbox advertising free seedlings tomorrow - again, check your local council for events. And enjoy our national day, it's a great way to end the summer holidays and celebrate our amazing, wonderful country.
Happy Cheapskating,
Cath
PS: Love our site? We love referrals! Send a note to your favourite newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, friends and relatives, and tell them about us!
2. From The Tip Store
Adjust the Cycle to Suit the Load
I have recently realized that every time I use my washing machine I adjust the water load for the size of my wash, but I never adjust the length of the wash cycle. If I have say a load of towels the machine automatically washes for 20 mins before rinsing and spinning. As towels are basically clean - they are used after you shower - I adjust the wash cycle and they only wash for 10 minutes. I do this for each load depending on how dirty the load. Halving the washing time makes a difference to the electricity used
Contributed by Marilyn Devlin
Beat the Heat, Cover your Skylight 2
Like Sara, I find it hard to stand under my skylights in the summer. I simply remove the clear plastic cover and lay foil across it with a bit of tape to hold it in place, replace the cover with the foil uppermost and the problem is solved.
Contributed by Meryll Williams
Simple, Effective Room Deodoriser
I am the sort of person who doesn't like spending money on stuff, any stuff, but deodorisers are just a waste of my money in my mind. In our rental home there has been a sickly-sweet smell in the kitchen cupboards since day one. Goodness knows what was used to wash them out with before the last tenants left. I have done everything short of pulling the cupboards off the wall, then I thought of the coffee grounds. I put one scoop in the cupboard and the problem has been solved. I have no idea if the smell is still there and don't care because all I can now smell is the coffee and to open the cupboard where the coffee cups are in the morning and smell the coffee is almost as good as the taste. I have to say I am seriously considering putting a scoop somewhere in the bathroom as well.
Contributed by Linda Stapleton
Editor's note: This is a very old trick, used to disguise and banish very strong odours. You can use dried, used coffee grounds, they don't have to be fresh, and still get the same result. For really strong, ugly odours (think the freezer has defrosted while you were away on holidays - can you guess how I know this?) throw a handful of coffee grounds or even instant coffee, into a saucepan and heat it on the stove. The coffee will burn, but the horrible smell will disappear very quickly. Cath.
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning Tip
This week's winning tip is from Janet Bogner. Janet has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
Save $100 Year on Water Filters
We purchased a French door fridge with ice maker, cold water etc. We didn't realise that the water filter needed to be replaced every 6 months, costing at least $50 each to buy. I contacted the manufacturer, who sent us a plastic knob/lock to replace where the filter goes, that's $100 a year saved!
Congratulations Janet,I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
Share your favourite money saving, time saving or energy saving hint and be in the running to win a one-year membership to The Cheapskate Club. We publish a Winning Tip each Thursday, so enter your great money, time or energy saving idea now.
Enter your tip here
4. Submit Your Tip
The Cheapskate's Club website is over 3,000 pages of money saving hints, tips and ideas. Let's get together and make the Cheapskates Club Australia's largest online hint, tip and idea library. Share your favourite money saving, time saving or energy saving hint and be in the running to win a one-year membership to The Cheapskate Club. We publish a Winning Tip each Thursday, so enter your great money, time or energy saving idea now.
Share your favourite hint or tip that saves money, time and energy and be in the running to win a one-year subscription to The Cheapskate Journal.
Remember, you have to be in it to win it!
Submit your tip
5. On the Menu
Lemon Avocado Chicken
Ingredients:
4 small chicken breast fillets
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp salt
1 lemon
2 tsp crushed garlic
1 avocado
1 lemon
2 tbsp coriander
Salt and pepper
Method:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water, salt, juice from the lemon and the crushed garlic. Slice the lemon and add to the brine. Place the chicken fillets into the brine and let soak for 30 minutes, in the fridge.
Preheat frying pan. Pull the chicken out of the brine and pat dry. Discard brine.
Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
While the chicken is cooking, add the avocado, juice from 1 lemon and chopped coriander to small food processor and puree. Use avocado sauce as garnish or dip for the grilled chicken.
Serve Lemon Avocado Chicken with rice and salad.
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Chicken
Monday: Schnitzels, potato bake
Tuesday: Gnocchi & garlic bread
Wednesday: Lemon Avocado Chicken
Thursday: Moo Pizza
Friday: BBQ Hot Dogs with MOO Sweet Relish
Saturday: Enchiladas
In the fruit bowl: watermelon, strawberries, bananas
In the cake tin: Raspberry muffins
There are over 1,600 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Wendy is having a much deserved break, so here's a post from the $300 a Month Food Challenge archives.
From the Archives: "Food shopping made me smile...."
Today was the day I did my monthly supermarket shop. I had already been to the butchers last week and got enough meat to last until well after Christmas. Saturday, I ducked into Aldi to pick up a few things that are cheaper there than Coles.
So, with $134 left out of my $300 food budget I scanned my shopping list and crossed out anything that could wait until next month. I estimated my bill would be about $98 with the remainder needed for weekly milk, fruit and veg trips.
Off I went to the supermarket hoping I could keep within budget. Up and down the aisles I went trying to get the cheapest brand for each item (unit pricing makes it so easy). When I was standing in line to pay for the groceries I noticed the lady next to me with all her fancy brand names. I looked at my trolley - lots of white packaging (no name) and I smiled to myself. I'm not mesmerized by the tricks of the marketing departments of food companies.
When I got home and unpacked my groceries, I realised I had bought everything no name except dried ginger and curry powder (no name is available, but it has no flavour). I smiled to myself again.
Then I filled up all my containers with the ingredients I will be making many things with. Oh, what a good feeling. And I smiled again.
What a joy it is to do the food shopping. For me it is not a chore but a pleasure to provide good food for my family.
By the way, I just added up my dockets. The bill came in at $83.30. Under budget. And yes, I'm smiling again.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
7. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Help a Rellie???
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3700-Help-a-Rellie
Micro Investing
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3708-Micro-Investing
Dehydrating - tips, hints and recipes!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3706-Dehydrating-tips-hints-and-recipes!
Most popular blog posts this week
A Stress Free Start to the New School Year
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2015/01/a-stress-free-start-to-new-school-year.html
It's Back to School Week!
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2009/01/tip-of-day-january-27-2009.html
Age Old Advice for the Modern Homemaker
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/07/age-old-advice-for-modern-homemaker.html
8. Members Featured Blog
Platinum Cheapskates Club members have their very own Cheapskating blogs, and they are wonderful and inspirational and encouraging and even funny. This week's featured blog is written by j.
Just a Catch-up
So, when I looked back at my first post I realised that I did not address the Lesson set forth! So just a catch up.
Three Biggest Financial Challenges:
1. Getting a 3-month buffer saved up
2. TIME to get sorted
3. Paying down the mortgage
Three Goals for 2018:
1. Getting that 3-month buffer saved
2. Minor Renos to house
3. Sept/Oct Holidays
Three Financial Strengths
1. I pay bills on time
2. I compare prices on renewal of insurances
3. I am willing to change habits in order to save money and/or time
So, the goals have been set and now it's time to address Lesson 2.
Sort, File, Toss and Organise. We have been tasked to organise our handbag this week. This is something that I am in the habit of every time I return from shopping. Out come the receipts for logging into the grocery tracker and spending planner. Change to the piggy bank and sort notes facing the same direction and ordered smallest to largest. Remove rubbish from bag and resupply (tissues, hand lotion, lip balm and such). I do refer to my bag as a Mary Poppins bag because its relatively small, but it has everything I could need plus a lamp (well a torch...)!
I have my loyalty cards in their own organiser for business cards. The slips are clear so that I do not need to remove them to be scanned. Santa brought me a key hook for my bag so that they don't go missing in the depths. I do have most of my loyalty cards stored in my phone on Stocard, but I find it hard to use in store, but it’s great to get the flyers without wasting all that paper!
Ordering your money in your wallet is something my mother and grandfather taught me- have respect for your money and your money will respect you. It's something I think about every time I sort out my notes and it's a great tribute to my Grandpa. I also only have debit cards- no credit cards.
Challenge: Now my poor neglected office. It seems to be the family dumping ground. It used to the dining room, but has moved on to my space. A great deal of it is my fault. I love knitting and reading so all of those supplies live there as do my DIY/MOO experiments. I have been making my own body scrubs and will soon be experimenting with making bath bombs. Also, all the clothes and toys my boys outgrow accumulate in bags and boxes. I need to drop some at the op shops and the others to friends- I am just being lazy. There are a number of picture frames to be hung up and small DIY projects to be attempted once the boys are back at school. I just need TIME to get it all done and maybe a few storage solutions.
So, another week has passed and there are so many things to look forward to including my eldest son's birthday! Have a great encouraging week!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Sam who wrote
"I have been reading the newsletters for years now, and have owned all Cath's books since we were engaged (they were a gift from my sister). I am a 27 year old wife and mother of two small boys. We are paying off our home, and I work full-time to help with this. My question is how do you keep yourself out of the horrible pit of despair and sadness that sometimes people find themselves in while going through financial struggles? I am trying my best to get my family out of this mess, but the guilt and sadness are eating away at me. Thank you."
Tee-na Apted answered
I found myself close to bankruptcy because of my ex, it has taken 6 years and I am still not back to where I was before I met him. Focus on the free time you have with your family; no cost outings can make the best memories. Create a little ‘you time’ where you can pamper yourself, even if its homemade scrubs or soaks. Also, make time for your partner, financial stress can kill a relationship so quickly. If money is super tight, palm the kids off to someone for an evening and just be in the moment together. Good luck, keep your eye on your prize, but remember, it’s nothing in comparison to your loved ones, so try to learn the work/life balance.
Helen answered
Hi Sam, you are not alone in this, we also nearly lost everything a few years ago and it can be soul destroying if you allow it to be, but you know the saying once you hit bottom the only way is up. First off don't hide from your creditors (I still shake when the phone rings even though all the debts are paid), you'd be surprised how accommodating they can be when it comes to payment plans; let’s face it, if you go bankrupt they don't get a cent. Talk to your mortgager and see if you can pay a little less or even refinance the property or sell and get something more affordable. Go through everything that you are paying now and cull the ones that aren't absolutely essential i.e. pay TV, that extra phone that never gets used (like the home phone now that we all have mobiles). The sooner you do these things, the sooner you will get out of this black hole you are in. The fact you are worried tells me you care, and caring is half the battle (so many don't) and just start putting into action positive steps, some of which I listed above, and believe me the weight will lift off your shoulders just knowing there is a plan in place. I steer clear of shops as I am an impulse spender; I grocery shop online and that way if I go over budget I can go through and delete things, saves me in the long run. Guilt is something we all live with, but if you learn from the past you can make the future better. I wish you well and hold your head high in the fact that you are doing something to improve your life and be proud of yourself.
Pam answered
Hi Sam, firstly you are never alone, and yes, it is difficult sometimes. Giving thanks for the little things in life, and knowing that your situation will change in time. If your feeling really down, you could go to your G.P. and talk to them. You can get six visits to a counsellor or psychologist, all bulk billed. They can help with your thinking and goal setting. Lastly keep moving, walking the dog and taking the kids for a walk, or park, exercise is great for the brain.
Glenys Horne answered
Well done for being able to work full time, and please do not be so hard on yourself. Try to have quality time with your family at the weekends, it doesn't need to be expensive; utilise parks and playgrounds, take a picnic. Try to do a little cleaning each day so you do not have to do it all at the weekend. Check out if you have a local museum or art gallery, they sometimes have activities during the weekend you could take the kids too. Try to have a date night with your partner on a regular basis, even if it involves the kids having an early night or a movie in the lounge and you two have a meal together. Keep a tally of how your finances are improving and look at hobbies such as reading (I get lots of books from the op shop). I also do crafts such as knitting; I source the yarn from the op shop and try to make a few gifts to help the budget along. Put some motivational verses where you can see them, get the kids involved in a veggie patch to help the budget along. I truly hope your situation improves from baby steps to great long strides as you put your family in a better financial situation.
10. This Week's Question
Rosemarie writes
"In the light of there being no real meat in pet food, has anyone made their own? As my cats dislike most brands, I am happy to buy their biscuits, but want something better for their main meals."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a pet food recipe or suggestion for Rosemarie, let us know. We'll enter your answer into our Tip of the Week competition, with a one-year membership to the Cheapskates Club as the prize too.
Send your answer
11. Ask Cath
We have lots of resources to help you as you live the Cheapskates way but if you didn't find the answer to your question in our extensive archives please just drop me a note with your question.
I read and answer all questions, either in an email to you, in my weekly newsletter, the monthly Journal or by creating blog posts and other resources to help you (and other Cheapskaters).
Ask Your Question
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
For just 10 cents a day you can join the Cheapskates Club and get exclusive access to the Cheapskate Journal, the monthly e-journal that shows you how to cut the costs of everyday living and still have fun.
Joining the Cheapskates Club gives you 24/7 access to the Members Centre with 1000's of money saving tips and articles.
Click here to join the Cheapskates Club today!
13. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy. Members can update their email address or any other details by clicking on "Edit Profile" directly under their membership number after they have logged in to the Member's Centre. Subscribers to our free newsletter can use the Change Your Address form (under Customer Service in the menu) and fill it out. Once you've filled it in click the send button and we'll do the rest. Please remember to include your old email address so we can find it in the list as well as the new one.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
When you login to the Member's Centre you will be told how many days of membership you have left once you have 30 days left. Just click on the link to renew and your membership will just continue on, uninterrupted.
What will you do with my email address?
We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone for any reason whatsoever. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.
How Did You Get on Our List?
You signed up to receive our Free Newsletter at our Cheapskates Club Web site or are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member
14. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!