Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 12:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Make the Call, MOO Your Dettol Automatic Soap Dispenser Refill, Buy Herbs and Spices in Bulk
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Using an IPad Instead of a Baby Monitor
4. Submit Your Tip - Be in it for a chance to win
5. Living Green in 2014 - Don't Ignore Used Electronics
6. On the Menu with Anne - Fried Green Tomatoes
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy -MOO Takeaway
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - Bulk Buying Update
10. Last Week's Question - Learning a language on a budget
11. This Week's Question - It's time to think about a funeral plan
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Detail
1. Cath's Corner
We had a fantastic afternoon last Sunday at the Sustainable Cheapskating workshop. It was lovely to meet Gavin in person, and to hear, in his own words, just how he came to a huge lifestyle and attitude change. We joked that our stories were almost identical, but in reverse: we became Cheapskates and through living the Cheapskates way discovered sustainable living, while Gavin and his family discovered a sustainable, green lifestyle and through that found frugality.
Both families have come full circle, along different paths. And that's the great thing about living the Cheapskates way - no matter the path you take on your journey to frugality, and we're all on different paths, the end goal is the same: living the best life possible while doing no harm.
"Hi Cath, really enjoyed the session on Sunday, and have been processing thoughts throughout the week. And your MOO seed tapes are an idea I will try very soon. Thank you so much for all the ideas and tips. I love the Cheapskates Club." Lesley
"Hi Cath, Another wonderful workshop this afternoon - thank you. Gavin was terrific - so enthusiastic. What a great and inspiring lifestyle! I'm so pleased you arranged for him to come and speak to us. And another thing - your cream puffs were fantastic! I must give them a try and make them. (Have never made cream puffs before, however I figure if I can make Cath's No Fail Pavlova, I can make anything!" Sue
It really was a great afternoon and just like Wendy, Gavin was blown away by the interest and the number of questions.
When you are finally debt free and living the life of your dreams, it won't matter which path you took to get there, you'll be too busy celebrating, the Cheapskates way of course.
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
Make the Call!
My bookkeeping finishes on the 15th of every month. My dear husband does his best to fill in his expenditure and hardly every forgets to do it BUT that doesn't always run to whether it was cash or on his credit card. So there I am thinking "great I've paid the expenses marked 'credit card' at the 15th so the cards are once again clear"...then the accounts arrive and there is still money on the account to be paid. Now on the morning before I balance the home account I phone the credit card line to make sure all of the expenses listed I know about. It is a detail but one that gives me a welcome sigh of relief when I'm tallying up whether I'm still on budget for the following month. Credit Card statements are not always up to date, there are the days lost in the mail for a start. Cost of a phone call for peace of mind.
Contributed by Carol Ryan
MOO Your Dettol Automatic Soap Dispenser Refill
Approximate $ Savings: 6
I have a Dettol no touch soap dispenser next to my kitchen sink, however I find the refills so expensive compared to other soap refill. So I drilled a hole in the top of my original soap bottle and now refill it with cheaper sanitizing soap brands. I use a small funnel to top it up every time it gets low. Sometimes I use the Dettol brand soap pump pack soap and just top it up in my automatic dispenser as it often on special at the shops. For some reason the refill's for the automatic dispenser never seem to be cheaper than $5 and for that much I can get a litre of refill.
Contributed by Sonia Tourany
Buy Herbs and Spices in Bulk
Approximate $ Savings: $50+
There are a few dried herbs and spices that we use regularly but it is very expensive to buy the small packets from the supermarket. I was recently able to source bulk packets online at very reasonable prices. The website is aussiespices.com.au and shipping is free on orders over $15.
Contributed by Rebecca Clay
Website: aussiespices.com.au
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning tip
This week's winning tip is from Nicky Allouche. Nicky has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
Using an IPad Instead of a Baby Monitor
Approximate $ Savings: $100 +
When my toddler has a nap, I often use that time to get into my office and get my bills paid and I use a baby monitor so I can hear if she wakes up (my office is at the other end of the house to her bedroom). When I put little one to bed, I noticed the monitor was not working. I normally would have just gone to the shops when she woke and purchased a new one. But with finances stretched after the back to school expenses, this really wasn't an option right now. I wondered what to do as I really needed to get some things sorted in the office but also really needed to keep an ear on the toddler too. Light bulb moment happened when I was tidying up and went to put my daughter's IPad away in her room. I could use Skype to connect the IPad to my office computer. So I set up the IPad in my toddlers room and ventured into my office. I can now SEE my toddler sleeping and gently sooth her back to sleep if needed. This is even better than the baby monitor and it used items we already had at home. I was so pleased with myself for finding this simple and effective use of technology that saved me over $100. (This tip works for us as we have unlimited internet usage and therefore to use Skype does not cost us any additional internet charges).
Congratulations Nicky, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
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. Living Green in 2014
Don't Ignore Used Electronics
You might be under the impression that when you replace your electronic items, you must buy brand new ones.
However, it's usually people who aren’t particularly thrifty (commonly known as spendthrifts) who insist on having the latest, greatest computer, printer, mobile phone or other techno-gadget.
What that means to you, the seasoned Cheapskate, is that those people are disposing of perfectly good technological equipment every other year or perhaps even yearly – and you can snap up recent models for huge savings!
If you're prepared to buy second hand, you stand to discover some pretty fantastic bargains on gently used electronics.
Finding a good used camera, computer, printer or mobile phone can save you an enormous amount of money. In fact, you might even get such items for free! Try these strategies to save money on used electronics:
• Check Freecycle.org, Gumtree and eBay.com for gently used electronics.
• Read your local newspaper’s “For Sale” ads and check the online ads, too.
• Make calls and ask questions concerning components you may want to purchase. Become a garage sale and swap meet junkie, searching for the things you need.
• Let your friends and co-workers know you’re in the market for used electronics. They might have electronic components they aren’t using and would like to sell at a great discount – or they might even give them away!
Open your mind to the possibility of obtaining used electronics rather than new. When it comes to electronics, you’ll save a lot of money when you buy second-hand.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Fried Green Tomatoes
Not just a movie title, there really is a recipe for fried green tomatoes, and it's good. Fried green tomatoes are delicious, with a crispy, crunchy coating, best eaten straight from the pan, dipped into tomato sauce. They are great on their own as a snack or a light lunch dish, but they also go really well with grilled or barbecued steak, chops or chicken. Fried green tomatoes are a really nice way to use the last of the summer tomato harvest.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients:
3/4 cup self raising flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute regular milk)
3-4 green tomatoes sliced into 6mm thick rounds
Vegetable oil for frying
Sauce Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp tomato sauce
Method:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and buttermilk. Use a fork to mix the ingredients into a pancake-like batter. Use more buttermilk to thin the batter, if needed.
Heat 5cm of oil in a heavy frying pan until hot enough to fry. Dip tomato slices in batter, letting the excess batter drip back into the bowl. Put the dipped slices immediately into the frying pan. The oil should sizzle strongly but not pop when the tomatoes hit the oil-- if the oil pops or splatters, it's too hot. Let it cool down a bit before continuing.
Fry the tomato slices in batches of 4 or 5 at a time (don't crowd the pan) for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs when the coating turns golden brown.
Transfer to a colander or wire cooling rack to drain. To keep the tomatoes from getting soggy before they're served, stand them up like wheels in the serving dish instead of stacking them.
To make the sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, and tomato sauce in a bowl. Taste and season more, if needed. Serve sauce over the fresh fried green tomatoes.
Fried green tomatoes are best eaten straight from the frying pan, they get soggy after a few minutes if they are left to sit.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Spag bol, garlic bread
Saturday: Crumbed fish, MOO wedges, salad, sweet chilli cream for dipping
Sunday: Mustard Chicken, baked vegetables
Monday: Hamburgers
Tuesday: Corn fritters, salad
Wednesday: Schnitzel, mash, corn, beans, gravy
Thursday: Zucchini slice and salad
In the fruit bowl: Apple, bananas, kiwi fruit, grapes
In the cake tin: Apricot loaf, Lunchbox Cookies, Elephant Ears
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
As many of you would know, my family has embarked on a lifestyle change. My husband gave up his almost full time job in the takeaway food industry last month. He left so that he will be available to expand his ministry at our local church. I've posted a thread on the forum titled " My family's lifestyle change for 2014 ". In this thread I'm documenting my family's journey as we learn to live on an extremely low income.
One of the lessons we've learnt is to avoid takeaway food. When you consider the cost of takeaway food to feed a family of four we cannot fit it into our new budget. A couple of pizzas would cost about $14. A dinner pack of fish and chips costs $17 and hamburgers and chips from well known fast food outlets would set us back $20 +.
Most of my meals cost $3 - $5 to feed four people with the occasional serve of leftovers for the freezer. The cheapest takeaway meal I can make is MOO hamburgers and wedges. I make the hamburger patties in bulk and freeze them into lots of four for future quick meals. The rolls are MOOed ahead of time and frozen as well. In Summer we grow our own lettuce and tomatoes so this reduces the cost as well. Here are the ingredients and costs for the most delicious hamburgers.
Patties - 80g of regular beef mince ( $4.69 kg ) - costing approx 40 cent each
seasonings of pepper, garlic, seasoned bread crumbs ( MOOed ), tomato sauce, soy sauce , onion, parsley. I use dried onion and herbs. Costing about 5 cents
Bread rolls cost 10 cents each to make.
Cheese, lettuce and tomato ( if you grow your own ) approx 10 cents. If you need to buy all these allow about 30 cents.
Tomato sauce or mayo about 5 cents
MOO wedges - potatoes cost about $2.99 for five kilos. For a single serve of wedges with seasoning the cost would be 20 cents.
Total cost for a single hamburger and serve of wedges is $0.90.
If rolls and patties are made and frozen ahead of time, it takes about 15 minutes to make the hamburgers. The wedges take about an hour to cook in the oven. Occasionaly my husband adds an egg to his hamburger. We have chickens to supply us with eggs so it doesn't cost us anything to add an egg. This meal is filling, far more filling than what you can buy.
Next time you have a craving for takeaway, have a go at making your own. It's healthier, cheaper, tastier and far more satisfying to make it yourself.
By adding cheaper meals to my menu plan I've reduced our food costs from $270 to $221 for the last four weeks.
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2394-300-a-month-food-challenge-17-03-14&p=39318
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
8.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
The 31 Days of MOO
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2376-The-31-Days-of-MOO
What's on for Today
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?123-What-s-on-for-today
Future Workshops
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2389-Future-Workshops
Most popular blog posts this week
31 Days of MOO No. 1 - Chocolate Syrup
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/03/31-days-of-moo-no-1-chocolate-syrup.html
25 Strategies to Stretch Your Money No. 18 - The Cents Add Up
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/06/25-strategies-to-stretch-your-money-no_19.html
Today's Sustainable Cheapskating Workshop
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/
9. 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 Joyofquilting.
Bulk Buying Update
We have spent a little on take away this month for the visitor, plus we were away last weekend, but basically all I've been buying is some F&V and milk and bread; the rest of the time we've eaten from the big shop in January as I was trying to see if I could survive on once a month for Aldi, once a term for meat and just specials in between to lower the bill. Not doing too bad so far. I've also got some free veg from the Wyndham garden swap, ladies at quilting with a glut of tomatoes etc. Baking has reduced the snacks, I need to make more biscuits, in the holidays I might rev up the Kenwood and bulk mix, also want to make muesli bars etc. I've also been getting inspired by MOO month. So far the groceries for 10 weeks is $1,027, which is high, but this week I'll be away until Sunday and then do a top up for the pantry and fridge. Still have enough meat for a few weeks yet, thinking I might make the full term if I re-arrange the menu. Need to be more flexible with the heat, so extra chicken next time. Next thing to get back to is bread, just need to incorporate it into the timetable, if I can set the machine going for early morning DH will bake it when he gets up.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Michael who wrote
"Has anyone found a cheap way to learn a foreign language? I have always wanted to learn Italian or Spanish."
Wendy Ashcroft answered
Most large universities have a language club. This means you register your details and the language you want to learn. You also list the language you offer in return. In this case that would be English. Over a cuppa you meet and exchange languages. It's friendly and fun and free. I suggest contacting the English college of your local university as a starting point.
Carol Chambers answered
Google Destinos, it is a marvellous, free site for learning Spanish, it has heaps of interactive activities, videos etc. You will love it!!!
Amy Elizabeth answered
I have been learning Italian for 8 years. I go to a community college and I think that is the best. It works out at about $360 for 16 weeks. It is still cheaper than a lot of other places. The grammar and the different tenses in Italian require thorough explanation, experience and practice. For this reason, I do not suggest learning from an app or a CD. These methods may supplement other lessons, but they are not ideal as your primary method of learning. If all you want is to learn a few key phrases, an app or a CD might work for you. If you want to be conversational, you will need proper lessons.
Deanna Byrne answered
There is a free language site called Duolingo that teaches Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian or German. It was developed by Carnegie Mellon University and the really great thing about the program is that is also a web page translation service, saving countless billions in translating the web pages of the world into other languages at a fraction of the normal cost AND bringing world class language education to those that would not otherwise be able to afford it. It can be accessed via the iTunes Store, Google Play or online at: https://www.duolingo.com
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
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Ask Your Question
11. This Week's Question
Trish writes
"My brother-in-law recently lost his wife and intends taking out a funeral plan. Is their someone with any suggestions as to a reasonably priced reliable provider? Many thanks."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Trish 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
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!
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/members/join_form.cfm?item_id=2271
13. 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!
14. Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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15. 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 - Make the Call, MOO Your Dettol Automatic Soap Dispenser Refill, Buy Herbs and Spices in Bulk
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Using an IPad Instead of a Baby Monitor
4. Submit Your Tip - Be in it for a chance to win
5. Living Green in 2014 - Don't Ignore Used Electronics
6. On the Menu with Anne - Fried Green Tomatoes
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy -MOO Takeaway
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - Bulk Buying Update
10. Last Week's Question - Learning a language on a budget
11. This Week's Question - It's time to think about a funeral plan
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Detail
1. Cath's Corner
We had a fantastic afternoon last Sunday at the Sustainable Cheapskating workshop. It was lovely to meet Gavin in person, and to hear, in his own words, just how he came to a huge lifestyle and attitude change. We joked that our stories were almost identical, but in reverse: we became Cheapskates and through living the Cheapskates way discovered sustainable living, while Gavin and his family discovered a sustainable, green lifestyle and through that found frugality.
Both families have come full circle, along different paths. And that's the great thing about living the Cheapskates way - no matter the path you take on your journey to frugality, and we're all on different paths, the end goal is the same: living the best life possible while doing no harm.
"Hi Cath, really enjoyed the session on Sunday, and have been processing thoughts throughout the week. And your MOO seed tapes are an idea I will try very soon. Thank you so much for all the ideas and tips. I love the Cheapskates Club." Lesley
"Hi Cath, Another wonderful workshop this afternoon - thank you. Gavin was terrific - so enthusiastic. What a great and inspiring lifestyle! I'm so pleased you arranged for him to come and speak to us. And another thing - your cream puffs were fantastic! I must give them a try and make them. (Have never made cream puffs before, however I figure if I can make Cath's No Fail Pavlova, I can make anything!" Sue
It really was a great afternoon and just like Wendy, Gavin was blown away by the interest and the number of questions.
When you are finally debt free and living the life of your dreams, it won't matter which path you took to get there, you'll be too busy celebrating, the Cheapskates way of course.
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
Make the Call!
My bookkeeping finishes on the 15th of every month. My dear husband does his best to fill in his expenditure and hardly every forgets to do it BUT that doesn't always run to whether it was cash or on his credit card. So there I am thinking "great I've paid the expenses marked 'credit card' at the 15th so the cards are once again clear"...then the accounts arrive and there is still money on the account to be paid. Now on the morning before I balance the home account I phone the credit card line to make sure all of the expenses listed I know about. It is a detail but one that gives me a welcome sigh of relief when I'm tallying up whether I'm still on budget for the following month. Credit Card statements are not always up to date, there are the days lost in the mail for a start. Cost of a phone call for peace of mind.
Contributed by Carol Ryan
MOO Your Dettol Automatic Soap Dispenser Refill
Approximate $ Savings: 6
I have a Dettol no touch soap dispenser next to my kitchen sink, however I find the refills so expensive compared to other soap refill. So I drilled a hole in the top of my original soap bottle and now refill it with cheaper sanitizing soap brands. I use a small funnel to top it up every time it gets low. Sometimes I use the Dettol brand soap pump pack soap and just top it up in my automatic dispenser as it often on special at the shops. For some reason the refill's for the automatic dispenser never seem to be cheaper than $5 and for that much I can get a litre of refill.
Contributed by Sonia Tourany
Buy Herbs and Spices in Bulk
Approximate $ Savings: $50+
There are a few dried herbs and spices that we use regularly but it is very expensive to buy the small packets from the supermarket. I was recently able to source bulk packets online at very reasonable prices. The website is aussiespices.com.au and shipping is free on orders over $15.
Contributed by Rebecca Clay
Website: aussiespices.com.au
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning tip
This week's winning tip is from Nicky Allouche. Nicky has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
Using an IPad Instead of a Baby Monitor
Approximate $ Savings: $100 +
When my toddler has a nap, I often use that time to get into my office and get my bills paid and I use a baby monitor so I can hear if she wakes up (my office is at the other end of the house to her bedroom). When I put little one to bed, I noticed the monitor was not working. I normally would have just gone to the shops when she woke and purchased a new one. But with finances stretched after the back to school expenses, this really wasn't an option right now. I wondered what to do as I really needed to get some things sorted in the office but also really needed to keep an ear on the toddler too. Light bulb moment happened when I was tidying up and went to put my daughter's IPad away in her room. I could use Skype to connect the IPad to my office computer. So I set up the IPad in my toddlers room and ventured into my office. I can now SEE my toddler sleeping and gently sooth her back to sleep if needed. This is even better than the baby monitor and it used items we already had at home. I was so pleased with myself for finding this simple and effective use of technology that saved me over $100. (This tip works for us as we have unlimited internet usage and therefore to use Skype does not cost us any additional internet charges).
Congratulations Nicky, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
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. Living Green in 2014
Don't Ignore Used Electronics
You might be under the impression that when you replace your electronic items, you must buy brand new ones.
However, it's usually people who aren’t particularly thrifty (commonly known as spendthrifts) who insist on having the latest, greatest computer, printer, mobile phone or other techno-gadget.
What that means to you, the seasoned Cheapskate, is that those people are disposing of perfectly good technological equipment every other year or perhaps even yearly – and you can snap up recent models for huge savings!
If you're prepared to buy second hand, you stand to discover some pretty fantastic bargains on gently used electronics.
Finding a good used camera, computer, printer or mobile phone can save you an enormous amount of money. In fact, you might even get such items for free! Try these strategies to save money on used electronics:
• Check Freecycle.org, Gumtree and eBay.com for gently used electronics.
• Read your local newspaper’s “For Sale” ads and check the online ads, too.
• Make calls and ask questions concerning components you may want to purchase. Become a garage sale and swap meet junkie, searching for the things you need.
• Let your friends and co-workers know you’re in the market for used electronics. They might have electronic components they aren’t using and would like to sell at a great discount – or they might even give them away!
Open your mind to the possibility of obtaining used electronics rather than new. When it comes to electronics, you’ll save a lot of money when you buy second-hand.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Fried Green Tomatoes
Not just a movie title, there really is a recipe for fried green tomatoes, and it's good. Fried green tomatoes are delicious, with a crispy, crunchy coating, best eaten straight from the pan, dipped into tomato sauce. They are great on their own as a snack or a light lunch dish, but they also go really well with grilled or barbecued steak, chops or chicken. Fried green tomatoes are a really nice way to use the last of the summer tomato harvest.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients:
3/4 cup self raising flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute regular milk)
3-4 green tomatoes sliced into 6mm thick rounds
Vegetable oil for frying
Sauce Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp tomato sauce
Method:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and buttermilk. Use a fork to mix the ingredients into a pancake-like batter. Use more buttermilk to thin the batter, if needed.
Heat 5cm of oil in a heavy frying pan until hot enough to fry. Dip tomato slices in batter, letting the excess batter drip back into the bowl. Put the dipped slices immediately into the frying pan. The oil should sizzle strongly but not pop when the tomatoes hit the oil-- if the oil pops or splatters, it's too hot. Let it cool down a bit before continuing.
Fry the tomato slices in batches of 4 or 5 at a time (don't crowd the pan) for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs when the coating turns golden brown.
Transfer to a colander or wire cooling rack to drain. To keep the tomatoes from getting soggy before they're served, stand them up like wheels in the serving dish instead of stacking them.
To make the sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, and tomato sauce in a bowl. Taste and season more, if needed. Serve sauce over the fresh fried green tomatoes.
Fried green tomatoes are best eaten straight from the frying pan, they get soggy after a few minutes if they are left to sit.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Spag bol, garlic bread
Saturday: Crumbed fish, MOO wedges, salad, sweet chilli cream for dipping
Sunday: Mustard Chicken, baked vegetables
Monday: Hamburgers
Tuesday: Corn fritters, salad
Wednesday: Schnitzel, mash, corn, beans, gravy
Thursday: Zucchini slice and salad
In the fruit bowl: Apple, bananas, kiwi fruit, grapes
In the cake tin: Apricot loaf, Lunchbox Cookies, Elephant Ears
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
As many of you would know, my family has embarked on a lifestyle change. My husband gave up his almost full time job in the takeaway food industry last month. He left so that he will be available to expand his ministry at our local church. I've posted a thread on the forum titled " My family's lifestyle change for 2014 ". In this thread I'm documenting my family's journey as we learn to live on an extremely low income.
One of the lessons we've learnt is to avoid takeaway food. When you consider the cost of takeaway food to feed a family of four we cannot fit it into our new budget. A couple of pizzas would cost about $14. A dinner pack of fish and chips costs $17 and hamburgers and chips from well known fast food outlets would set us back $20 +.
Most of my meals cost $3 - $5 to feed four people with the occasional serve of leftovers for the freezer. The cheapest takeaway meal I can make is MOO hamburgers and wedges. I make the hamburger patties in bulk and freeze them into lots of four for future quick meals. The rolls are MOOed ahead of time and frozen as well. In Summer we grow our own lettuce and tomatoes so this reduces the cost as well. Here are the ingredients and costs for the most delicious hamburgers.
Patties - 80g of regular beef mince ( $4.69 kg ) - costing approx 40 cent each
seasonings of pepper, garlic, seasoned bread crumbs ( MOOed ), tomato sauce, soy sauce , onion, parsley. I use dried onion and herbs. Costing about 5 cents
Bread rolls cost 10 cents each to make.
Cheese, lettuce and tomato ( if you grow your own ) approx 10 cents. If you need to buy all these allow about 30 cents.
Tomato sauce or mayo about 5 cents
MOO wedges - potatoes cost about $2.99 for five kilos. For a single serve of wedges with seasoning the cost would be 20 cents.
Total cost for a single hamburger and serve of wedges is $0.90.
If rolls and patties are made and frozen ahead of time, it takes about 15 minutes to make the hamburgers. The wedges take about an hour to cook in the oven. Occasionaly my husband adds an egg to his hamburger. We have chickens to supply us with eggs so it doesn't cost us anything to add an egg. This meal is filling, far more filling than what you can buy.
Next time you have a craving for takeaway, have a go at making your own. It's healthier, cheaper, tastier and far more satisfying to make it yourself.
By adding cheaper meals to my menu plan I've reduced our food costs from $270 to $221 for the last four weeks.
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2394-300-a-month-food-challenge-17-03-14&p=39318
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
8.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
The 31 Days of MOO
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2376-The-31-Days-of-MOO
What's on for Today
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?123-What-s-on-for-today
Future Workshops
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2389-Future-Workshops
Most popular blog posts this week
31 Days of MOO No. 1 - Chocolate Syrup
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/03/31-days-of-moo-no-1-chocolate-syrup.html
25 Strategies to Stretch Your Money No. 18 - The Cents Add Up
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/06/25-strategies-to-stretch-your-money-no_19.html
Today's Sustainable Cheapskating Workshop
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/
9. 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 Joyofquilting.
Bulk Buying Update
We have spent a little on take away this month for the visitor, plus we were away last weekend, but basically all I've been buying is some F&V and milk and bread; the rest of the time we've eaten from the big shop in January as I was trying to see if I could survive on once a month for Aldi, once a term for meat and just specials in between to lower the bill. Not doing too bad so far. I've also got some free veg from the Wyndham garden swap, ladies at quilting with a glut of tomatoes etc. Baking has reduced the snacks, I need to make more biscuits, in the holidays I might rev up the Kenwood and bulk mix, also want to make muesli bars etc. I've also been getting inspired by MOO month. So far the groceries for 10 weeks is $1,027, which is high, but this week I'll be away until Sunday and then do a top up for the pantry and fridge. Still have enough meat for a few weeks yet, thinking I might make the full term if I re-arrange the menu. Need to be more flexible with the heat, so extra chicken next time. Next thing to get back to is bread, just need to incorporate it into the timetable, if I can set the machine going for early morning DH will bake it when he gets up.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Michael who wrote
"Has anyone found a cheap way to learn a foreign language? I have always wanted to learn Italian or Spanish."
Wendy Ashcroft answered
Most large universities have a language club. This means you register your details and the language you want to learn. You also list the language you offer in return. In this case that would be English. Over a cuppa you meet and exchange languages. It's friendly and fun and free. I suggest contacting the English college of your local university as a starting point.
Carol Chambers answered
Google Destinos, it is a marvellous, free site for learning Spanish, it has heaps of interactive activities, videos etc. You will love it!!!
Amy Elizabeth answered
I have been learning Italian for 8 years. I go to a community college and I think that is the best. It works out at about $360 for 16 weeks. It is still cheaper than a lot of other places. The grammar and the different tenses in Italian require thorough explanation, experience and practice. For this reason, I do not suggest learning from an app or a CD. These methods may supplement other lessons, but they are not ideal as your primary method of learning. If all you want is to learn a few key phrases, an app or a CD might work for you. If you want to be conversational, you will need proper lessons.
Deanna Byrne answered
There is a free language site called Duolingo that teaches Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian or German. It was developed by Carnegie Mellon University and the really great thing about the program is that is also a web page translation service, saving countless billions in translating the web pages of the world into other languages at a fraction of the normal cost AND bringing world class language education to those that would not otherwise be able to afford it. It can be accessed via the iTunes Store, Google Play or online at: https://www.duolingo.com
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11. This Week's Question
Trish writes
"My brother-in-law recently lost his wife and intends taking out a funeral plan. Is their someone with any suggestions as to a reasonably priced reliable provider? Many thanks."
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