THE CHEAPSKATES CLUB
  • Home
  • Join the Club!
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
    • Gift Memberships
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • Handmade Christmas Central >
      • Handmade Christmas 2025 is about to start
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Articles
    • Back to Basics >
      • Back to Basics
      • Back to Basics Index
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
  • SAVING REVOLUTION
    • 2025 Saving Revolution Index
    • Saving Revolution Resources
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2025
  • Saving Money
    • Bill Paying System
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Top Tip Competition
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • Help Files

Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter 18:21

In This Newsletter
11. Cath's Corner
2. From the Tip Store - MOO Coconut Lavender Scrub; The Gladwrap Use, Rinse, Re-Use Plan; How to Unblock a Toilet the Easy Way
3. Share Your Tips - What are your stockpiling secrets?
4. On the Menu - Vegetable Moussaka
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge - Time for a Pantry Challenge
6. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
7. The Cheapskates Club Show
8. The Weekly MOO Challenge - A May Pantry Challenge
9. 2021 Saving Revolution - Money Secret No. 3
10. Ask A Question - Have a question? Ask it here
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. Contact Details


1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I hope you're all having a wonderful week living the Cheapskates way. The weather has turned. It is cold and wet here now. And finally the fire is lit and it will stay lit for the rest of winter.

I love our fire. It not only saves us money (we don't run the ducted heating or use the air con), but it's cosy. And it dries the washing. It heats water. It dries bread for breadcrumbs. It dries herbs. It keeps the family together as we all huddle around it. OK, not huddle, but we are all usually in the same room instead of spread through the house. And it's simple. No programming, no thermostat to worry about. Just keep it fed with wood and it heats our home and a whole lot more.

It just makes me happy, and I've been smiling since Monday night when Wayne lit it.

Have a great week everyone.

Happy Cheapskating,

Cath


2. From The Tip Store
MOO Coconut Lavender Scrub
You will need:
2 cups of coconut oil
1 cup Epsom salt
20 drops of lavender essential oil

Step 1: Add coconut oil, Epsom salt and essential oil to a small china or Pyrex bowl (the essential oil may leach into a plastic bowl).

Step 2: Mix with a metal spoon until well combined.

Step 3: Store in a clean container with a tight fitting lid until ready to use.

To use gently massage a small amount over dry skin before you shower. Rinse off in the shower for soft, smooth skin.

I use salsa jars or other pretty, similar sized jars to pack this scrub, then print off a label with the ingredients and instructions. To finish it off I tie raffia or ribbon around the rim of the lid, gluing it in place. They look so pretty in the bathroom and they're practical too, and all for around $5 a jar.

The Gladwrap Use, Rinse, Re-Use Plan​
After using your Glad Wrap on an item, simply rinse it with cold running water or else just wipe over with a damp cloth and allow to dry You can reuse it again to wrap meat, chicken, fish etc. By doing this each time I haven't had to buy plastic wrap for ages.
Contributed by Maureen Young


How to Unblock a Toilet the Easy Way
Give a very generous squirt with dishwashing detergent in the water bowl, this loosen things in the pipes then pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet; leave it for about 20 minutes. If it is not completely cleared, don’t flush it, just grab another bucket of hot water pour down the bowl and wait then it just flushes away, I found it on YouTube, it actually works and I’m so happy now I don’t have to call a plumber. Just thought I would let you know in case it could help someone else. Here’s the link to where I found how to unblock mine https://youtu.be/ddWHeXSxHlo
Contributed by Rosalie Baker


Add a Tip

3. Share Your Tips
What are your stockpiling secrets?
This week I'd like to know your stockpiling secrets. How do you know how much of each thing to buy? How do you budget for your stockpile? Where do you keep it? How long will your stockpile last? Do you stockpile everything (food, cleaning, toiletries, clothes, garden needs etc.) or just groceries? Do you buy regular sizes or in bulk?

Building a pantry is one of the easiest ways to save money, time and energy, and ensure you never pay full price for what you need, so please share your secrets and your best tips.

Share your favourite stockpiling hint or tip 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 


4. On The Menu
Vegetable Moussaka
This is one of my favourite winter casseroles. It is hearty, tasty and warming and the leftovers just get better. It freezes too.

Vegetable Moussaka
Ingredients:
2 large egg plant, sliced into 1cm rounds
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large brown onion, diced
125g mushrooms, sliced
2 zucchini, cut into 1cm rounds
2 sticks celery, sliced thinly
2 tins diced tomatoes
1 tsp oregano
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tbsp tomato paste
extra parmesan to sprinkle on top

White Sauce:
1 egg
2 tbsp grated parmesan
1 cup Greek yoghurt
pinch nutmeg

Method:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Sauté the sliced egg plant for about 5 minutes, turning after 3 minutes.
Remove from the pan. Add the tomato paste, onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, until onion is clear. Add the mushroom, zucchini slices, celery and tinned tomatoes. Stir in the oregano. Bring to a boil, simmer for 10 minutes until mixture is thickened.
Oil a lasagne dish. Layer the egg plant slices and vegetable mixture.
Make the sauce by beating together the egg, parmesan, yoghurt and nutmeg. Spread over the top of the moussaka.
Sprinkle with extra parmesan.
Bake for 45 minutes until moussaka is bubbling and golden on top.
 
Next week we will be eating: 
Sunday: Roast Chicken
Monday: Curried Sausages
Tuesday: Spag bol
Wednesday: Fish cakes, wedges, salad
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Vegetable Moussaka
Saturday: Hamburgers


There are over 1,800 budget and family friendly recipes in the Cheapskates Club Recipe File, all contributed by your fellow Cheapskates, so you know they're good.

Add A Recipe

Recipe File Index

5. The $300 A Month Food Challenge
Hello Cheapskaters,
As it is the first week of May,  I thought it is time for a pantry challenge.

A look through the pantry and freezer and I am certain that we will get through the month without having to buy anything other than fresh milk and perhaps cheese and eggs.

This is going to really help me get the pantry and freezer cleaned out, both jobs I have been putting off, but they need to be done, and best done before winter really sets in, who wants to be digging around in a freezer in the middle of winter! Mystery meals may well be on the menu towards the end of the month.

So I know what to re-stock the pantry with I've stuck an inventory on the pantry door. As each item is used up I'll add it to the list – but only if it's something we use regularly and will continue to use.

There are quite a few odds and sods hanging around, sample packs of soups, herbs, drink mixes, cereals, plenty of gift hamper sauces etc. to use up too. I think I'll spend the weekend with my meal plan and recipe books and try to find some new meal ideas to use up all these bits and pieces.

The plan is to not shop at all this week. I'll see how I do - the slush fund could use a bit of a boost. Are you going to join me? What will you do with the grocery money you don't spend?


Design best-practices suggest a large font size for easy readability both on desktop and mobile devices.

The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
 
The Post that Started it All


6. Cheapskates Buzz
From The Article Archive
Give Yourself a MOO Manicure on a Budget
2 Hour Fingerless Gloves, Just in Time for Winter
Top 6 Mother's Day Gift Ideas


This Week's Hot Forum Topics
Knitting
Make Do and Mend
Building a Year’s Stockpile


7. The Cheapskates Club Show
Join us live on YouTube every Tuesday at 7.30pm and see how we are  living debt free, cashed up and laughing - and find out how you can too!

Show Schedule
Tuesday: Around the Kitchen Table - join Cath and Hannah for a cuppa and a chat around the kitchen table as they talk about living the Cheapskates way.
​

Latest Shows 
Picture
Picture
Picture
8. The Weekly MOO Challenge
As it is the first week of May,  I thought it is time for a pantry challenge.

A look through the pantry and freezer and I am certain that we will get through the month without having to buy anything other than fresh milk and perhaps cheese and eggs.

This is going to really help me get the pantry and freezer cleaned out, both jobs I have been putting off, but they need to be done, and best done before winter really sets in, who wants to be digging around in a freezer in the middle of winter! Mystery meals may well be on the menu towards the end of the month.

So I know what to re-stock the pantry with I've stuck an inventory on the pantry door. As each item is used up I'll add it to the list – but only if it's something we use regularly and will continue to use.

There are quite a few odds and sods hanging around, sample packs of soups, herbs, drink mixes, cereals, plenty of gift hamper sauces etc. to use up too. I think I'll spend the weekend with my meal plan and recipe books and try to find some new meal ideas to use up all these bits and pieces.

The plan is to not shop at all this week. I'll see how I do - the slush fund could use a bit of a boost. Are you going to join me? What will you do with the grocery money you don't spend?

9. 2021 Saving Revolution
Lesson 18 was all about Money Secret No. 3: saving for emergencies. This lesson is all about how important that is, even if it's not a popular topic. I also touch on real saving - when the money is in the bank, not just pretend saved.

"Saving" is a term that is used often.  You'll most often see or hear it used in conjunction with a sales special. You know "...was $1.88, now just $1, save 88c"  or "…..just $25, save $5….".  What they mean to say is the price has been discounted and you won't be spending 88c or $5 or however much the discount is.

The reality is that money isn't saved until it is safely in the bank, in either your Peace of Mind account, Emergency Fund or a simple, old fashioned savings account.  Until it is deposited in one of these accounts it just isn't spent.

The weekly challenge for Lesson 18 was to think about how you did/could/would handle a financial emergency, or even just a run of unexpected expenses (it happens, and often!).  Think about how you can save for a rainy day and start stashing away cash in your Emergency Fund today. Even if it's just putting silver coins in a jar, it's a start. Do try to set up an automatic transfer each pay day into your Emergency Fund. We started ours with just $25 a week, but it didn't really take long before it piled up. And it's saved us from debting time and time again over the years.  

Lesson 19 will be in your inbox around 11am tomorrow!

Log into the 2021 Saving Revolution forum and join the discussions too. They're fun, keep you accountable, and over the course of the year will be an amazing source of valuable hints and tips for you too. 

10. Ask A Question
We have lots of resources to help you as you live the Cheapskates way but if you didn't find the answer to your question in our extensive archives please just drop me a note with your question.

I read and answer all questions, either in an email to you, in my weekly newsletter, the monthly Journal or by creating blog posts and other resources to help you (and other Cheapskaters).

Ask Your Question

11. Join The Cheapskates Club
For just $25 a year, 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. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy.  When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name at the top of the page to go straight to your profile page where you can update your details, change your password and find your subscription details.

Not a Cheapskates Club member? Then please use the Changing Details form found here to update your email address.

How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
Memberships are active for one year from the date of joining. You will be sent a renewal reminder before your subscription is due to renew.  You can also find your membership expiry date on your profile page.


When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name to go straight to your profile page where you can will find your join date and your expiry date.

What will you do with my email address?
We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone for any reason whatsoever. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.

How did I get on this list?
The only way you can get onto our newsletter mailing list is to subscribe yourself. You signed up to receive our Free Newsletter at our Cheapskates Club Web site or are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member.

​
13. Contact Cheapskates
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!

PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152

Contact Cheapskates

About Cheapskates

Getting Started

Tools & Guides

Follow Us

Cath's Story
You Really Can Live on One Income
Join the Club!
Site Information
Contact
Begin here
Newsletter Archive
Journal Archive
$300 a Month Food Challenge
Forum
Cheapskates Tip Store
Cheapskates Recipe File
Tip Sheets
Facebook
YouTube

Copyright ©2001 - 2025 The Cheapskates Club, All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Join the Club!
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
    • Gift Memberships
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • Handmade Christmas Central >
      • Handmade Christmas 2025 is about to start
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Articles
    • Back to Basics >
      • Back to Basics
      • Back to Basics Index
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
  • SAVING REVOLUTION
    • 2025 Saving Revolution Index
    • Saving Revolution Resources
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2025
  • Saving Money
    • Bill Paying System
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Top Tip Competition
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • Help Files