Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 12:15 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - No Need for Freezer Diving, Caneston Wash Replacement, Easy Kettle Cleaning
3. Cheapskate's Workshops - Lets All MOO
4. Submit Your Tip - Share your favourite tip for a chance to win
5. On the Menu with Anne - Cowboy Cookies
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Meal ideas for the food challenge
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - New Chapter by KarenE
9. Last Week's Question - Advice for owner builders
10. This Week's Question - Do you have a way to use up nut butters?
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I hope you're week has been wonderful. Mine has been busy, with lots of planning and consulting for our new website, time in the garden, lots of cooking and trying new recipes for future Journals, a couple of interviews and of course the usual day-to-day household and Cheapskates chores.
MOO month is more than half over, but there is still a lot of MOOing going on if the forum chatter is anything to go by. Lots of bread, mango cordial, curry powder, muffins, soup, yoghurt, pizza, sauces and other foods normally bought have been MOOed and just in the last week! If we all keep MOOing like this the supermarkets will really have something to be worried about.
The Let's All MOO workshop is getting closer. There are still some places left and this workshop is going to be extra special, but it's a surprise so you'll need to be there to find out what it is. You can book your place here.
I'm off to make the pizza bases for tea tonight and perhaps put a batch of Cowboy Cookies in the oven.
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
No Need for Freezer Diving
Being 5.5 and just as round I do not like freezer diving in my chest freezer, so I attacked it with whiteboard pens with the contents of my freezer, and the amounts, so my shopping list of what I haven't got is on my freezer lid, if I don't want visitors to see it I put a cloth over it
Contributed by Rosemarie Wheeler
Caneston Wash Replacement
I have discovered that Pine O Cleen is an excellent replacement for Caneston, which I used to measure in each and every load. It is 99.85% germ free! Plus it softens my clothes and if you select a liked fragrance it doubles as a beautiful freshener.
Contributed by Annette Parlato
Easy Kettle Cleaning
To easily remove the brown staining in your kettle simply add 1tbsp of citric acid into your full jug and then boil. Once boiled tip the water out and your jug will be as new.
Contributed by Leigha Griffin
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
========================================
3. Cheapskate's Workshops
The Let's All MOO Workshop
***This is going to be a fantastic workshop that you won't want to miss. Lots of new MOOs and an extra special surprise for everyone who attends on the day.**
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.
When: Sunday 29th March 2015
What time: 1:30pm - 4pm
Where: Orana Neighbourhood House, 62 Coleman Street, Wantirna South (Victoria)
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
Sometimes we just want something a little different to nibble on. That's when I make a batch of Cowboy Cookies. They are sweet, nutty and chewy and go very well with a glass of icy cold milk or a piping hot cup of tea.
Cowboy Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup melted butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon bicarb soda
Method:
Preheat oven to 175 degrees. Grease biscuit trays. In a medium bowl, mix together cooled melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir in all of the dry ingredients. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 5cm apart on prepared biscuit trays. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven. Transfer from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Meatloaf, sweet potato mash, broccoli, corn
Saturday: Tacos
Sunday: Roast chicken, baked potato, pumpkin, cauliflower, peas, gravy
Monday: Spaghetti & meatballs
Tuesday: Curried Tuna Slice, salad
Wednesday: Beef curry, rice
Thursday: Chicken pie, wedges, salad
In the fruit bowl: apples, kiwi fruit, and bananas
In the cake tin: Cowboy Cookies, Jam Drops, and Apple Cinnamon Muffins
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
========================================
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Hello everyone and welcome to the food challenge.
How did everyone go with their menu plans? Did you get one done? Did anyone write one out for the next month? It can be a little hard to get started. I always start by writing in the meals that work on certain days like a roast on a Wednesday when everyone's home I then write in fish of some description on a Thursday. After that I slot in meals with different types of meats on the other days.
I thought I'd give you another week to fine tune your menu plans. I know we've had a lot of tasks to complete over the last month or so and I don't want to rush you. It's important to get each task completed before you move onto the next one. All of these tasks will improve your chances of reaching $75 per person for the month.
If you are stuck for meal ideas, here are some of the meals we eat-
Roast chicken, beef, leg of lamb, silverside.
Stir-fries - chicken, beef or vegetable
Stews - beef, lamb
Fish fingers and portions, fish, salmon patties, tuna casserole
Spag bol, tuna pasta bake, chicken or mince pasta bake, lasagne
Soups - vegetable, chunky beef or chicken, pumpkin, chicken and sweet corn
Chops, chicken fillets, sausages, coated chicken drumsticks
Casseroles - sausage, chops, chicken curry, chicken sweet and sour
Salads - green, pasta, rice, potato
Hamburgers, tacos, pizza, meat pie, meatloaf, fried rice, chop suey.
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
What are Your Most Useful Kitchen Appliances and those that you would give the Flick?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?160-What-are-your-most-useful-kitchen-appliances-and-those-that-you-would-give-the-flick
What are You Harvesting from Your Garden?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2726-What-are-you-harvesting-from-your-garden
Most popular blog posts this week
Groceries I Don't Buy
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2015/02/groceries-i-dont-buy.html
How to Set Up a Swapping Circle
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/05/how-to-set-up-swapping-circle.html
Soft Washing without Fabric Softeners
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/08/soft-washing-without-fabric-softeners.html
========================================
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 KarenE.
New Chapter
Well it was my last day at work on Saturday and omg the emotions were running riot. I still can't believe that after 14 years they had absolutely no loyalty whatsoever. So now I'm starting again. My amazing friends took us out for dinner (and a few drinks) on Saturday and I never once had to put my hand in my purse, they refuse to let us pay for anything so it was an awesome free night on them and I love them dearly for it.
I woke up on Sunday morning feeling so much better so I decided that while I'm waiting to start a new job I need to clean this house from top to bottom. I started in the pantry, oh boy! I don't have a pantry in the kitchen as it's too small so we built one underneath the stairs (which is only about 4 steps from the kitchen). I did the shelves the other week but didn't tackle the floor and as it goes way back underneath, I literally could not get in to see what was there.
So armed with determination I pulled absolutely everything out, sorted what I did and did not want and put things back in, in a very orderly fashion, its smells and looks so good in there now so I'm a happy lil pumpkin. Then I did my lounge room, moved furniture, dusted all brick work, scrubbed all the around the fire place and swept and steamed all the floors, curtains are coming down today to be washed and rehung and windows will be cleaned, Then I’m starting upstairs. My job will be working around here until paid work comes up so this house is going to sparkle.
When I got home from work on sat morning DH took one look at me and said “come on let’s get outta here and go for a drive”. He's funny ‘cause he took me to Tasman meats (an hour away); we spent $94 and have enough of everything to fill the freezer. When we got home he said “don’t say I never take you anywhere” haha.
So now it’s onto new and better things and although I’m a bit scared, I’m starting to get really excited at new opportunities that are obviously meant to be.
Log in to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
========================================
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Kate who wrote
"We are getting a house built. We have almost paid off our block of land and have cheap housing for the next year. But what are other people's tips when organising a building, we are just at the estimates stage. We want a four bedroom, two bathroom country house on stumps."
Susan Czermak answered
After you have plans and a building permit, the most important things:
1. Have a timeline of all tasks
2. Have tradesmen organised and ready. Remind each one a month before they are required and then a week. Keep everyone informed of changes so it does not mess up their schedule. They will look after you if you look after them.
3. Have all relevant materials on site just before each tradesman arrives. You can often save on materials, windows, doors, kitchens, bathroom fittings, HWS etc. if you do the searching. Be careful with fittings - do not over-capitalise for your area.
4. Be on site at least once every day if you are close by. This means you can make decisions quickly about any arising problems.
5. Do not make changes. If the changes are really important make them early. Your costs will rise steeply if work has to be undone and done over or you add things to the contract.
Ann Green answered
Having renovated more houses than I care to remember, what I have found that saves the most money is work out what you can do yourself. I will give a couple of examples to show the savings: on one property we were quoted $3,000 to do the plumbing for the bathroom, this did not include any fixtures. We approached a plumber and asked what was required by the council that he did to be sure the work was legal; we paid $300 for all the fixtures and $300 for the plumber and did the manual work necessary, so a full bathroom and connections for $600. Painting can be done for the cost of paint, the costly part is the labour. Gardening is another area where labour accounts for 50% of the cost. When getting quotes see how much the labour is and whether the trades person will reduce the cost if you are prepared to provide the labour. I remember an electrician halved his quoted because we were prepared to dig trenches.
Sandra Atkins answered
Many years ago (when moving to a new farm (just paddocks and bush) and needing a house, I bought three books with 999 house plans in total. I couldn't find even one that suited me. So I drew every room, as I would like it, onto paper, cutting them out (all to scale of course). Then I laid them out on a larger sheet, moved them around, juggled the shapes etc. and came up with my desired 'house'. Even the toilet had an exterior door for access with dirty boots! My sons' TD teacher at school was happy to look at my plan, discussed a few technical details and drew up an official plan that passed council. Our local builder (a friend too) built it for us and it was a dream to live in, faced the sun where we wanted it to, suited our farming lifestyle -was ideal. So use your own ideas to develop what you would like and all the best for a great home.
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
Rosie writes
"Does anyone have creative ways to use up nut butters? My kids won't use them on brad etc and they are near use by date. I don't want them wasted."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Rosie 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!
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/members/join_form.cfm?item_id=2271
========================================
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 - No Need for Freezer Diving, Caneston Wash Replacement, Easy Kettle Cleaning
3. Cheapskate's Workshops - Lets All MOO
4. Submit Your Tip - Share your favourite tip for a chance to win
5. On the Menu with Anne - Cowboy Cookies
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Meal ideas for the food challenge
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - New Chapter by KarenE
9. Last Week's Question - Advice for owner builders
10. This Week's Question - Do you have a way to use up nut butters?
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I hope you're week has been wonderful. Mine has been busy, with lots of planning and consulting for our new website, time in the garden, lots of cooking and trying new recipes for future Journals, a couple of interviews and of course the usual day-to-day household and Cheapskates chores.
MOO month is more than half over, but there is still a lot of MOOing going on if the forum chatter is anything to go by. Lots of bread, mango cordial, curry powder, muffins, soup, yoghurt, pizza, sauces and other foods normally bought have been MOOed and just in the last week! If we all keep MOOing like this the supermarkets will really have something to be worried about.
The Let's All MOO workshop is getting closer. There are still some places left and this workshop is going to be extra special, but it's a surprise so you'll need to be there to find out what it is. You can book your place here.
I'm off to make the pizza bases for tea tonight and perhaps put a batch of Cowboy Cookies in the oven.
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
No Need for Freezer Diving
Being 5.5 and just as round I do not like freezer diving in my chest freezer, so I attacked it with whiteboard pens with the contents of my freezer, and the amounts, so my shopping list of what I haven't got is on my freezer lid, if I don't want visitors to see it I put a cloth over it
Contributed by Rosemarie Wheeler
Caneston Wash Replacement
I have discovered that Pine O Cleen is an excellent replacement for Caneston, which I used to measure in each and every load. It is 99.85% germ free! Plus it softens my clothes and if you select a liked fragrance it doubles as a beautiful freshener.
Contributed by Annette Parlato
Easy Kettle Cleaning
To easily remove the brown staining in your kettle simply add 1tbsp of citric acid into your full jug and then boil. Once boiled tip the water out and your jug will be as new.
Contributed by Leigha Griffin
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
========================================
3. Cheapskate's Workshops
The Let's All MOO Workshop
***This is going to be a fantastic workshop that you won't want to miss. Lots of new MOOs and an extra special surprise for everyone who attends on the day.**
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.
When: Sunday 29th March 2015
What time: 1:30pm - 4pm
Where: Orana Neighbourhood House, 62 Coleman Street, Wantirna South (Victoria)
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
Sometimes we just want something a little different to nibble on. That's when I make a batch of Cowboy Cookies. They are sweet, nutty and chewy and go very well with a glass of icy cold milk or a piping hot cup of tea.
Cowboy Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup melted butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon bicarb soda
Method:
Preheat oven to 175 degrees. Grease biscuit trays. In a medium bowl, mix together cooled melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir in all of the dry ingredients. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 5cm apart on prepared biscuit trays. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven. Transfer from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Meatloaf, sweet potato mash, broccoli, corn
Saturday: Tacos
Sunday: Roast chicken, baked potato, pumpkin, cauliflower, peas, gravy
Monday: Spaghetti & meatballs
Tuesday: Curried Tuna Slice, salad
Wednesday: Beef curry, rice
Thursday: Chicken pie, wedges, salad
In the fruit bowl: apples, kiwi fruit, and bananas
In the cake tin: Cowboy Cookies, Jam Drops, and Apple Cinnamon Muffins
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
========================================
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Hello everyone and welcome to the food challenge.
How did everyone go with their menu plans? Did you get one done? Did anyone write one out for the next month? It can be a little hard to get started. I always start by writing in the meals that work on certain days like a roast on a Wednesday when everyone's home I then write in fish of some description on a Thursday. After that I slot in meals with different types of meats on the other days.
I thought I'd give you another week to fine tune your menu plans. I know we've had a lot of tasks to complete over the last month or so and I don't want to rush you. It's important to get each task completed before you move onto the next one. All of these tasks will improve your chances of reaching $75 per person for the month.
If you are stuck for meal ideas, here are some of the meals we eat-
Roast chicken, beef, leg of lamb, silverside.
Stir-fries - chicken, beef or vegetable
Stews - beef, lamb
Fish fingers and portions, fish, salmon patties, tuna casserole
Spag bol, tuna pasta bake, chicken or mince pasta bake, lasagne
Soups - vegetable, chunky beef or chicken, pumpkin, chicken and sweet corn
Chops, chicken fillets, sausages, coated chicken drumsticks
Casseroles - sausage, chops, chicken curry, chicken sweet and sour
Salads - green, pasta, rice, potato
Hamburgers, tacos, pizza, meat pie, meatloaf, fried rice, chop suey.
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
What are Your Most Useful Kitchen Appliances and those that you would give the Flick?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?160-What-are-your-most-useful-kitchen-appliances-and-those-that-you-would-give-the-flick
What are You Harvesting from Your Garden?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2726-What-are-you-harvesting-from-your-garden
Most popular blog posts this week
Groceries I Don't Buy
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2015/02/groceries-i-dont-buy.html
How to Set Up a Swapping Circle
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/05/how-to-set-up-swapping-circle.html
Soft Washing without Fabric Softeners
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/08/soft-washing-without-fabric-softeners.html
========================================
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 KarenE.
New Chapter
Well it was my last day at work on Saturday and omg the emotions were running riot. I still can't believe that after 14 years they had absolutely no loyalty whatsoever. So now I'm starting again. My amazing friends took us out for dinner (and a few drinks) on Saturday and I never once had to put my hand in my purse, they refuse to let us pay for anything so it was an awesome free night on them and I love them dearly for it.
I woke up on Sunday morning feeling so much better so I decided that while I'm waiting to start a new job I need to clean this house from top to bottom. I started in the pantry, oh boy! I don't have a pantry in the kitchen as it's too small so we built one underneath the stairs (which is only about 4 steps from the kitchen). I did the shelves the other week but didn't tackle the floor and as it goes way back underneath, I literally could not get in to see what was there.
So armed with determination I pulled absolutely everything out, sorted what I did and did not want and put things back in, in a very orderly fashion, its smells and looks so good in there now so I'm a happy lil pumpkin. Then I did my lounge room, moved furniture, dusted all brick work, scrubbed all the around the fire place and swept and steamed all the floors, curtains are coming down today to be washed and rehung and windows will be cleaned, Then I’m starting upstairs. My job will be working around here until paid work comes up so this house is going to sparkle.
When I got home from work on sat morning DH took one look at me and said “come on let’s get outta here and go for a drive”. He's funny ‘cause he took me to Tasman meats (an hour away); we spent $94 and have enough of everything to fill the freezer. When we got home he said “don’t say I never take you anywhere” haha.
So now it’s onto new and better things and although I’m a bit scared, I’m starting to get really excited at new opportunities that are obviously meant to be.
Log in to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
========================================
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Kate who wrote
"We are getting a house built. We have almost paid off our block of land and have cheap housing for the next year. But what are other people's tips when organising a building, we are just at the estimates stage. We want a four bedroom, two bathroom country house on stumps."
Susan Czermak answered
After you have plans and a building permit, the most important things:
1. Have a timeline of all tasks
2. Have tradesmen organised and ready. Remind each one a month before they are required and then a week. Keep everyone informed of changes so it does not mess up their schedule. They will look after you if you look after them.
3. Have all relevant materials on site just before each tradesman arrives. You can often save on materials, windows, doors, kitchens, bathroom fittings, HWS etc. if you do the searching. Be careful with fittings - do not over-capitalise for your area.
4. Be on site at least once every day if you are close by. This means you can make decisions quickly about any arising problems.
5. Do not make changes. If the changes are really important make them early. Your costs will rise steeply if work has to be undone and done over or you add things to the contract.
Ann Green answered
Having renovated more houses than I care to remember, what I have found that saves the most money is work out what you can do yourself. I will give a couple of examples to show the savings: on one property we were quoted $3,000 to do the plumbing for the bathroom, this did not include any fixtures. We approached a plumber and asked what was required by the council that he did to be sure the work was legal; we paid $300 for all the fixtures and $300 for the plumber and did the manual work necessary, so a full bathroom and connections for $600. Painting can be done for the cost of paint, the costly part is the labour. Gardening is another area where labour accounts for 50% of the cost. When getting quotes see how much the labour is and whether the trades person will reduce the cost if you are prepared to provide the labour. I remember an electrician halved his quoted because we were prepared to dig trenches.
Sandra Atkins answered
Many years ago (when moving to a new farm (just paddocks and bush) and needing a house, I bought three books with 999 house plans in total. I couldn't find even one that suited me. So I drew every room, as I would like it, onto paper, cutting them out (all to scale of course). Then I laid them out on a larger sheet, moved them around, juggled the shapes etc. and came up with my desired 'house'. Even the toilet had an exterior door for access with dirty boots! My sons' TD teacher at school was happy to look at my plan, discussed a few technical details and drew up an official plan that passed council. Our local builder (a friend too) built it for us and it was a dream to live in, faced the sun where we wanted it to, suited our farming lifestyle -was ideal. So use your own ideas to develop what you would like and all the best for a great home.
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
Rosie writes
"Does anyone have creative ways to use up nut butters? My kids won't use them on brad etc and they are near use by date. I don't want them wasted."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Rosie 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!
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/members/join_form.cfm?item_id=2271
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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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