Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 10:15 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Huge Furniture Savings, Catalogue Warning, Lights in an Emergency
3. Cheapskates Workshops - Lets All MOO
4. Submit Your Tip - You have to be in it to win it!
5. On the Menu with Anne - MOO Marshmallow
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Revision week
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - On the Right Track
9. Last Week's Question - Is there an easy way to save on the cost of fruit and veg?
10. This Week's Question - Where can I buy cheap wool?
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Welcome to MOO month.
No Spending month officially finished last Saturday but some Cheapskaters have been enjoying watching their savings grow and their spending shrink so they've decided to go for another month. You can keep up with them, or better yet join them, in the Member's Forum.
Every day this month I'll be posting a new MOO on the 31 Days of MOO page http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=45255, so check in daily to see what else you can MOO and cross off your shopping list.
We've had surprise visitors this week too, and it was a lovely surprise. It's nice to catch up with friends and enjoy each other's company over good food and drink. Of course you may remember I haven't shopped since the first Friday in December so pantry and freezer stocks are a little low, my meal planning has been a little creative and even more so this week. Thankfully the meal plan was covered so with some juggling, stretching with salad (thank goodness for free food from the garden) and homemade bread and desserts we all ate hearty. I'm not sure how much it would have cost to buy extra meals, I do know it would have thrown my grocery budget right out. I never doubted keeping a stockpile, meal planning, growing some simple veggies and cooking from scratch would save us money, time and energy. If you've ever doubted it perhaps work out how much feeding two extra mouths for three days would cost and see how much damage it would do to your grocery budget.
Have a great week everyone.
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!
PPS: You can read this newsletter and past copies on the website in the Newsletter Archive.
========================================
2. From The Tip Store
Huge Furniture Savings
Recently my husband and I built a new home and I desperately need to set up our office to run our business but didn't have any cash left for furniture. I searched Gumtree for cheap furniture, I found some told the hubby and he said unless it's free I'm not looking at it, so I opened my mind and searched free things on gumtree. I have decked out the office with exactly the look I was after with a free desk which looks brand new and second hand shelves which have minor wear, all for free. Now I have the office I want I have spotted lots of other free furniture items to furnish the rest of our home!!!
Contributed by Alicia Dobson
Catalogue Warning
This is more of a warning to not be influenced by catalogues and in store price tickets. Like most people I like to shop around and check the junk mail for things that are on sale. A few months ago I went to Bunnings and checked out the prices on some garden things I need and took a photo on my phone for future reference. Six weeks later the next catalogue arrived and one of the items I was looking at was featured for the SAME price as I had noted weeks earlier. This got me thinking, I looked through all the pages and did not find anything that specified "sale" or "discount" etc. anywhere. My next trip to Bunnings had me searching price tickets for these words. And even though they have plenty of big, bright yellow, eye-catching price tickets, not one had any claim of a discount. I called the enquiry line for my state and asked if they do have sales but was told they have "everyday low prices" and "feature promotional items" according to the season. So watch out, just because it's in a catalogue or has a BIG yellow sign does not means it's on sale!
Contributed by Jenna Kennedy
Lights in an Emergency
During the recent fires here in the Adelaide Hills, we had to evacuate. I have a granny flat attached to my daughter's house. My son-in-law stayed and saved the house, the water tanks, the storage shed and his 15 sheep. Lots of trees, fences and pasture was burned. As the electricity went off on the Saturday morning he needed light for at night. I use a small string 20 bulb LED Christmas lights as a nightlight, mostly for my dog. We live on a property, so no streetlights around. I have these lights all over the house for when we have a power failure. So at night he had about 20 strings all over the house and that was fantastic. Not strong enough to read by but very safe. The power was off from Saturday morning until Wednesday night. These little strings of lights last a couple of years on just 2AA batteries so very cheap to run and much safer than candles.
Contributed by Joanne Kegel
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
========================================
3. Cheapskate's Workshops
The Let's All MOO Workshop
Cheapskates just love to Make Our Own! Cheapskaters just love to save money! Cheapskaters just love to be the first!
Early bird bookings for this workshop on Making Our own end on Saturday, when bookings for this workshop will be open to everyone and the price will go up to $35 per ticket.
Come along and join us for a morning of fun, frivolity and frugality as we refine the Art of Living the Cheapskates Way and try to put the supermarkets out of business as we learn to Make Our Own cleaning products, convenience products, favourite foods and more.
What time: 1:30pm - 4pm
Cost: $35 per person (includes refreshments, samples and handouts)
Click here to book your ticket
========================================
4. Submit your tip
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 with Anne
MOO Marshmallow
It's MOO month and I was wondering what recipe to share with you when No. 1 Son wandered in and in his very subtle (not) way suggested I (meaning he) might really enjoy Marshmallow Slice for afternoon tea. The problem with that suggestion was simple: no marshmallows and too many days until shopping day. The solution was simple - MOO marshmallow to make the slice.
This is a really simple and truly easy marshmallow recipe, from the Sweets and Lollies recipe folder, contributed by Karen. I've made it so often I don't need the recipe any more, I know it off by heart.
If you think marshmallow slice would go down well, whip up a batch of marshmallow. While it's setting you can get the crumbs you need for the slice ready.
Easy Marshmallow
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon gelatine
1 cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red food colouring - optional
Method:
Using a fork, combine gelatine and 1/4 cup cold water in a microwave-safe jug. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100%) for 30 seconds. Stir with fork until mixture is clear. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and 1/3 cup water on high speed for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens and turns white. While beating on high speed, pour cooled gelatine mixture into sugar mixture in a thin, steady stream. Beat for 10 minutes or until very thick. Add vanilla and enough colouring to produce a pale pink colour. Continue beating on high speed for 1 minute or until well combined. Pour into a well buttered lamington tray that has been dusted with icing sugar. Use a wet spatula to even out the top. Cover with clingwrap and put in fridge to set.
Quick Marshmallow Slice
This quick slice is great for using up the crumbs in the bottom of the cereal packets. Just store them in the freezer until you have enough to make the slice. I use a mixture of whatever cereals we have in the cupboard. It could be Weetbix crumbs, crushed ricies, muesli, rolled oats, bran flakes in any combination to make up the 5 cups.
Ingredients:
250 g pack marshmallows - any colour will do (or use MOO marshmallow)
120 g butter
5 cups muesli - see above about using a mixture of cereal crumbs
60g dried apricots
60g glace cherries
60g slivered almonds
Method:
Melt marshmallows and butter together. Dice apricots and cherries. Mix fruit and almonds into cereal and stir to combine. Quickly add the melted marshmallow mixture and stir to combine. At this stage you will need to be quite fast as the marshmallow will start to set. Quickly pour into a baking paper lined slice tray. Press down with the back of a wet spoon (this stops the spoon sticking to the top of the slice). Mark into squares and set in the fridge.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Spaghetti with tomato sauce and salad
Saturday: Honey Soy Chicken Stir-fry over steamed rice
Sunday: Roast beef, baked potatoes, pumpkin, broccoli, corn, carrot, gravy
Monday: Meatballs in tomato sauce over mashed potato
Tuesday: Chicken pot pie, cauliflower, peas, corn
Wednesday: Curried sausages over rice
Thursday: Fish cakes, wedges and salad
In the fruit bowl: bananas, plums, apples, kiwi fruit
In the cake tin: Blueberry muffins, choc chip biscuits, raspberry coconut slice
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
========================================
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Welcome everyone to the food challenge.
How did everyone go with the pantry, fridge and freezer inventory last week? Have you got it written out yet? Mine is still a work in progress as I'd like to have it all typed out into categories.
You have all been working so hard over the last few weeks with fridge, freezer and pantries all sorted out and neat and tidy. I thought I'd give you the week off to revise what you've done. Perhaps you can check over your inventories and consolidate them. I've found over the years that I've crossed items off my lists because I MOO them or my family doesn't like them anymore. Snack packs, muesli bars, brown sugar, bread crumbs and castor sugar are some of the groceries I no longer buy.
For those who missed a task or two, maybe you can use this week to catch up. Feel free to read over the previous challenges for this year.
Next week we'll learn how to menu plan. I hope you are ready to eat an abundance of yummy meals.
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
========================================
7. Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
Time to MOO
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2783-Time-To-MOO
Vacuum Food Storage
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2774-Vacuum-food-storage
Hoarder or Collector
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2779-Hoarder-or-Collector
========================================
8. Member's 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 mumto5.
On the Right Track
Hi lovely peeps,
Well, it's a day early, but I've done a spend track to compare January and February's spending. Soooo happy to see some huge changes already!
I've knocked a third off of our grocery spend (and I did spend quite a bit extra to stockpile meat on special, some good pantry bargains and a few slabs of soy milk at a great price) and our takeaway spend has dropped to virtually zero.
I expect that as I continue to build a stockpile, my grocery spend will still be well over the $500 a month I'm aiming for, but it is already so much better than it was!
The price book has already been worth its weight in gold!! Specials that aren't really specials...you won't fool me anymore!!
Thank you for all your encouragement and inspiration Cheapskaters!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
========================================
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Katrina who wrote
"A large chunk of my grocery bill is fresh fruit and veg (my partner refuses to eat frozen). I don't have a garden and my current home is not suitable for keeping one. I've tried the local markets, but it's even more expensive than the supermarket! I did find a fruit and veg shop that was cheaper, but the quality was so poor it ended up more expensive after waste. How else can I save on fruit and veg?"
Leesa Swan answered
You don't need a garden bed to grow vegetables. Pots, old plastic containers or polystyrene boxes planted with tomatoes, herbs, carrots, bok choy, chilli and lettuce (to name a few) are great for patios and balconies. Smaller pots/containers can sit on the kitchen bench. Just remember that any fruiting vegetables (ie. tomatoes) require more sun so keep them in a sunny spot.
Joanne Garvin answered
There are 3 options I can think of:
1: Veggies can be grown in pot plants if you have room out the back to put them.
2: You could talk to a friend or neighbour who does have a back yard and offer to help out with buying, planting and maintaining the garden. That way two families save money and eat fresh vegies.
3: See if your neighbourhood runs a community garden. If so, ask if they have a plot available for you to use. If not, then offer to help out for some fresh veggies. Good luck and I hope you find the best solution for you.
Leanne Masters answered
Have a look at www.ripenear.me. This website gives you the location of backyard fruit trees and other produce that the owners are usually willing to give away or sell very cheaply. You could also look at getting involved in a local community garden (or starting one yourself) or bartering with a green-thumbed neighbour. Good luck!
Peta Lavery answered
Keeping veggies from the local farmer's market in genuine Tupperware containers works. Although the farmer's market veggies are about the same price as the supermarket, they are generally fresher, and haven't been in storage for so long, and will keep for weeks in the specially designed containers. Yes they are expensive, but you only ever buy them once. Good luck!
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
Send us your question and receive the combined knowledge of your fellow Cheapskates to solve your problem!
Ask Your Question
========================================
10. This Week's Question
Marianne writes
"Does anyone know where to buy wool for a reasonable price? Looking for 12ply wool to make a blanket. Thank you."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Marianne 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. 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!
========================================
12. Gift Memberships
Your family and friends will thank you for a whole year when you give them a Platinum Cheapskates Club membership as a gift.
It's so simple: just select the number of gift memberships required, click the Buy Now button and complete the Gift Membership order form (you must use this form to order gift memberships) and we'll get in touch with you to confirm the gift subscriptions.
Click here to order a gift membership right now!
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=43740
========================================
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.
Read our privacy policy
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!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
www.cheapskates.com.au
[email protected]
========================================
2. In the Tip Store - Huge Furniture Savings, Catalogue Warning, Lights in an Emergency
3. Cheapskates Workshops - Lets All MOO
4. Submit Your Tip - You have to be in it to win it!
5. On the Menu with Anne - MOO Marshmallow
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Revision week
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - On the Right Track
9. Last Week's Question - Is there an easy way to save on the cost of fruit and veg?
10. This Week's Question - Where can I buy cheap wool?
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Welcome to MOO month.
No Spending month officially finished last Saturday but some Cheapskaters have been enjoying watching their savings grow and their spending shrink so they've decided to go for another month. You can keep up with them, or better yet join them, in the Member's Forum.
Every day this month I'll be posting a new MOO on the 31 Days of MOO page http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=45255, so check in daily to see what else you can MOO and cross off your shopping list.
We've had surprise visitors this week too, and it was a lovely surprise. It's nice to catch up with friends and enjoy each other's company over good food and drink. Of course you may remember I haven't shopped since the first Friday in December so pantry and freezer stocks are a little low, my meal planning has been a little creative and even more so this week. Thankfully the meal plan was covered so with some juggling, stretching with salad (thank goodness for free food from the garden) and homemade bread and desserts we all ate hearty. I'm not sure how much it would have cost to buy extra meals, I do know it would have thrown my grocery budget right out. I never doubted keeping a stockpile, meal planning, growing some simple veggies and cooking from scratch would save us money, time and energy. If you've ever doubted it perhaps work out how much feeding two extra mouths for three days would cost and see how much damage it would do to your grocery budget.
Have a great week everyone.
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!
PPS: You can read this newsletter and past copies on the website in the Newsletter Archive.
========================================
2. From The Tip Store
Huge Furniture Savings
Recently my husband and I built a new home and I desperately need to set up our office to run our business but didn't have any cash left for furniture. I searched Gumtree for cheap furniture, I found some told the hubby and he said unless it's free I'm not looking at it, so I opened my mind and searched free things on gumtree. I have decked out the office with exactly the look I was after with a free desk which looks brand new and second hand shelves which have minor wear, all for free. Now I have the office I want I have spotted lots of other free furniture items to furnish the rest of our home!!!
Contributed by Alicia Dobson
Catalogue Warning
This is more of a warning to not be influenced by catalogues and in store price tickets. Like most people I like to shop around and check the junk mail for things that are on sale. A few months ago I went to Bunnings and checked out the prices on some garden things I need and took a photo on my phone for future reference. Six weeks later the next catalogue arrived and one of the items I was looking at was featured for the SAME price as I had noted weeks earlier. This got me thinking, I looked through all the pages and did not find anything that specified "sale" or "discount" etc. anywhere. My next trip to Bunnings had me searching price tickets for these words. And even though they have plenty of big, bright yellow, eye-catching price tickets, not one had any claim of a discount. I called the enquiry line for my state and asked if they do have sales but was told they have "everyday low prices" and "feature promotional items" according to the season. So watch out, just because it's in a catalogue or has a BIG yellow sign does not means it's on sale!
Contributed by Jenna Kennedy
Lights in an Emergency
During the recent fires here in the Adelaide Hills, we had to evacuate. I have a granny flat attached to my daughter's house. My son-in-law stayed and saved the house, the water tanks, the storage shed and his 15 sheep. Lots of trees, fences and pasture was burned. As the electricity went off on the Saturday morning he needed light for at night. I use a small string 20 bulb LED Christmas lights as a nightlight, mostly for my dog. We live on a property, so no streetlights around. I have these lights all over the house for when we have a power failure. So at night he had about 20 strings all over the house and that was fantastic. Not strong enough to read by but very safe. The power was off from Saturday morning until Wednesday night. These little strings of lights last a couple of years on just 2AA batteries so very cheap to run and much safer than candles.
Contributed by Joanne Kegel
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
========================================
3. Cheapskate's Workshops
The Let's All MOO Workshop
Cheapskates just love to Make Our Own! Cheapskaters just love to save money! Cheapskaters just love to be the first!
Early bird bookings for this workshop on Making Our own end on Saturday, when bookings for this workshop will be open to everyone and the price will go up to $35 per ticket.
Come along and join us for a morning of fun, frivolity and frugality as we refine the Art of Living the Cheapskates Way and try to put the supermarkets out of business as we learn to Make Our Own cleaning products, convenience products, favourite foods and more.
What time: 1:30pm - 4pm
Cost: $35 per person (includes refreshments, samples and handouts)
Click here to book your ticket
========================================
4. Submit your tip
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 with Anne
MOO Marshmallow
It's MOO month and I was wondering what recipe to share with you when No. 1 Son wandered in and in his very subtle (not) way suggested I (meaning he) might really enjoy Marshmallow Slice for afternoon tea. The problem with that suggestion was simple: no marshmallows and too many days until shopping day. The solution was simple - MOO marshmallow to make the slice.
This is a really simple and truly easy marshmallow recipe, from the Sweets and Lollies recipe folder, contributed by Karen. I've made it so often I don't need the recipe any more, I know it off by heart.
If you think marshmallow slice would go down well, whip up a batch of marshmallow. While it's setting you can get the crumbs you need for the slice ready.
Easy Marshmallow
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon gelatine
1 cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red food colouring - optional
Method:
Using a fork, combine gelatine and 1/4 cup cold water in a microwave-safe jug. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100%) for 30 seconds. Stir with fork until mixture is clear. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and 1/3 cup water on high speed for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens and turns white. While beating on high speed, pour cooled gelatine mixture into sugar mixture in a thin, steady stream. Beat for 10 minutes or until very thick. Add vanilla and enough colouring to produce a pale pink colour. Continue beating on high speed for 1 minute or until well combined. Pour into a well buttered lamington tray that has been dusted with icing sugar. Use a wet spatula to even out the top. Cover with clingwrap and put in fridge to set.
Quick Marshmallow Slice
This quick slice is great for using up the crumbs in the bottom of the cereal packets. Just store them in the freezer until you have enough to make the slice. I use a mixture of whatever cereals we have in the cupboard. It could be Weetbix crumbs, crushed ricies, muesli, rolled oats, bran flakes in any combination to make up the 5 cups.
Ingredients:
250 g pack marshmallows - any colour will do (or use MOO marshmallow)
120 g butter
5 cups muesli - see above about using a mixture of cereal crumbs
60g dried apricots
60g glace cherries
60g slivered almonds
Method:
Melt marshmallows and butter together. Dice apricots and cherries. Mix fruit and almonds into cereal and stir to combine. Quickly add the melted marshmallow mixture and stir to combine. At this stage you will need to be quite fast as the marshmallow will start to set. Quickly pour into a baking paper lined slice tray. Press down with the back of a wet spoon (this stops the spoon sticking to the top of the slice). Mark into squares and set in the fridge.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Spaghetti with tomato sauce and salad
Saturday: Honey Soy Chicken Stir-fry over steamed rice
Sunday: Roast beef, baked potatoes, pumpkin, broccoli, corn, carrot, gravy
Monday: Meatballs in tomato sauce over mashed potato
Tuesday: Chicken pot pie, cauliflower, peas, corn
Wednesday: Curried sausages over rice
Thursday: Fish cakes, wedges and salad
In the fruit bowl: bananas, plums, apples, kiwi fruit
In the cake tin: Blueberry muffins, choc chip biscuits, raspberry coconut slice
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
========================================
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Welcome everyone to the food challenge.
How did everyone go with the pantry, fridge and freezer inventory last week? Have you got it written out yet? Mine is still a work in progress as I'd like to have it all typed out into categories.
You have all been working so hard over the last few weeks with fridge, freezer and pantries all sorted out and neat and tidy. I thought I'd give you the week off to revise what you've done. Perhaps you can check over your inventories and consolidate them. I've found over the years that I've crossed items off my lists because I MOO them or my family doesn't like them anymore. Snack packs, muesli bars, brown sugar, bread crumbs and castor sugar are some of the groceries I no longer buy.
For those who missed a task or two, maybe you can use this week to catch up. Feel free to read over the previous challenges for this year.
Next week we'll learn how to menu plan. I hope you are ready to eat an abundance of yummy meals.
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
========================================
7. Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
Time to MOO
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2783-Time-To-MOO
Vacuum Food Storage
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2774-Vacuum-food-storage
Hoarder or Collector
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2779-Hoarder-or-Collector
========================================
8. Member's 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 mumto5.
On the Right Track
Hi lovely peeps,
Well, it's a day early, but I've done a spend track to compare January and February's spending. Soooo happy to see some huge changes already!
I've knocked a third off of our grocery spend (and I did spend quite a bit extra to stockpile meat on special, some good pantry bargains and a few slabs of soy milk at a great price) and our takeaway spend has dropped to virtually zero.
I expect that as I continue to build a stockpile, my grocery spend will still be well over the $500 a month I'm aiming for, but it is already so much better than it was!
The price book has already been worth its weight in gold!! Specials that aren't really specials...you won't fool me anymore!!
Thank you for all your encouragement and inspiration Cheapskaters!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
========================================
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Katrina who wrote
"A large chunk of my grocery bill is fresh fruit and veg (my partner refuses to eat frozen). I don't have a garden and my current home is not suitable for keeping one. I've tried the local markets, but it's even more expensive than the supermarket! I did find a fruit and veg shop that was cheaper, but the quality was so poor it ended up more expensive after waste. How else can I save on fruit and veg?"
Leesa Swan answered
You don't need a garden bed to grow vegetables. Pots, old plastic containers or polystyrene boxes planted with tomatoes, herbs, carrots, bok choy, chilli and lettuce (to name a few) are great for patios and balconies. Smaller pots/containers can sit on the kitchen bench. Just remember that any fruiting vegetables (ie. tomatoes) require more sun so keep them in a sunny spot.
Joanne Garvin answered
There are 3 options I can think of:
1: Veggies can be grown in pot plants if you have room out the back to put them.
2: You could talk to a friend or neighbour who does have a back yard and offer to help out with buying, planting and maintaining the garden. That way two families save money and eat fresh vegies.
3: See if your neighbourhood runs a community garden. If so, ask if they have a plot available for you to use. If not, then offer to help out for some fresh veggies. Good luck and I hope you find the best solution for you.
Leanne Masters answered
Have a look at www.ripenear.me. This website gives you the location of backyard fruit trees and other produce that the owners are usually willing to give away or sell very cheaply. You could also look at getting involved in a local community garden (or starting one yourself) or bartering with a green-thumbed neighbour. Good luck!
Peta Lavery answered
Keeping veggies from the local farmer's market in genuine Tupperware containers works. Although the farmer's market veggies are about the same price as the supermarket, they are generally fresher, and haven't been in storage for so long, and will keep for weeks in the specially designed containers. Yes they are expensive, but you only ever buy them once. Good luck!
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
Send us your question and receive the combined knowledge of your fellow Cheapskates to solve your problem!
Ask Your Question
========================================
10. This Week's Question
Marianne writes
"Does anyone know where to buy wool for a reasonable price? Looking for 12ply wool to make a blanket. Thank you."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Marianne 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. 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!
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12. Gift Memberships
Your family and friends will thank you for a whole year when you give them a Platinum Cheapskates Club membership as a gift.
It's so simple: just select the number of gift memberships required, click the Buy Now button and complete the Gift Membership order form (you must use this form to order gift memberships) and we'll get in touch with you to confirm the gift subscriptions.
Click here to order a gift membership right now!
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=43740
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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.
Read our privacy policy
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
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14. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
www.cheapskates.com.au
[email protected]
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