Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 20:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Getting More from your Bras, Making up Healthy Salt with Left-over Herbs, Never Ending Basil Plant
3. Submit Your Tip -!
4. Living Green in 2014 - Small Choices that make a Big Impact
5. On the Menu with Anne - Slowcooker Porridge
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Coping with rising food prices
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Where there's a Will, I want to be in it…
9. Last Week's Question - A new dishwasher - what's the cheapest way to look after it?
10. This Week's Question - Is there affordable health insurance for pensioners?
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Has your week been frugally fantastic? I hope so. I also hope that the federal budget hasn't caused you too much worry. I know some Cheapskaters have been fretting over the "leaks" and worrying about what the budget contained.
You know the federal budget is just a spending plan, exactly like the one you have. OK, it's numbers have more zeroes on the ends and some of the categories are a little out there but basically it's the same: a plan for spending and saving money.
And just like your spending plan, it's not set in cement. It's a fluid document, meant to adjust up and down according to circumstances. The categories are fluid too; they can adjust as needs be. Don't need so much in the Gumdrops category? Overspending in the Hay Bale category? Adjust the spending plan so the excess in Gumdrops can balance the deficit in Hay Bales.
Your Spending Plan can be adjusted as easily. It's meant to change as your life changes. If you find you need more in heating and there's an excess in gifts, adjust the gift budget down and shift it over to the heating budget.
Struggling to find an excess in any category? Look to your recurring expenses: rent, electricity, gas, phone, rent, insurances etc. and try to get them as low as you possibly can. Then keep them that way. Work on your Spending Plan until you can live entirely on your income, whatever that may be.
You may need to make a few sacrifices while you get your spending under control. But it's not forever. Just remember there is a fine line between being frugal and being downright stingy. As a Cheapskate your goal is to stay on the comfortable side of that line so you don't feel deprived. You do that by taking control of your money and being willing to ditch the unimportant stuff so you have the money to enjoy the things you like.,
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
Getting More from Your Bras
Approximate $ Savings: Upwards of $50
Being a bigger busted lady, I can pay anywhere upwards of $50 for a bra. Last year I bought four new bras while on holiday, and then when I got home I found out I was pregnant with my second child. There went $150 down the drain. Now, 12 months later, I thought that I would get them out again and try them on. Cup size perfect, back size to tight. I couldn't justify buying anymore when I had four new pair in the cupboard. So, off to Spotlight I went and purchased two bra extenders, one black and one skin coloured. Now I can wear my bras and breathe at the same time. And with 30% off they were even cheaper.
Contributed by Erin Tyack
Making up Healthy Salt with Left-over Herbs
Approximate $ Savings: $10 plus
To keep my dried herbs fresh (it is recommended to only keep them around 6 months) I now have the habit of making up a healthy herb salt mixture. I use a Master foods herb bottle with the holes so the mixture comes out easily. First I put in a fine salt of any type - then I add for example - garlic powder, chives, Italian herbs, parsley, ginger, cayenne, Cajun spice, chilli - any number of varieties for a savoury taste. This also is a good mixture for cutting down on salt as well.
Contributed by Deborah Hunter-Kells
Never Ending Basil Plant
Approximate $ Savings: $250 + per year
I love basil (and most other fresh herbs) but the cost could send you broke! So I like most Cheapskaters have an herb garden. Purely by accident I discovered that with some planning I would never have to buy seedlings or even seeds for herbs like basil again!! Simply bend a stem of the large, aged plant down to the soil and cover it with soil. Pop a rock or tent peg in to hold it in place. A few weeks later, the stem will have developed its own roots and can be separated into its own plant! I've done it with basil, rosemary and thyme with great success. Give it a go and enjoy all the fresh basil you want.
Contributed by Sharima Atkinson
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning tip
This week's winning tip is from Teri Mudiman. Teri has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip, a twist on the 52 Week Saving Plan that is paying down debt.
The 52 Week Plan to Reduce Debt
Approximate $ Savings: $1378.00 +
When I first saw the 52 week Money challenge, I thought it might be a good idea so I started two. One is reverse and both into separate savings accounts at the bank. this way I can see which earns more interest. The idea is you put aside $1.00 the first week and $2.00 the second week finishing up with $52 in the last week. This will put $1378.00 into a piggy bank or more into an interest savings account. but then I thought about the credit card or loan account. both are around the $3,000.00 and if both were reduced by that amount by the end of the year how much would I save on interest? so I have started with just the CC now because money is still a bit tight until I go back to work. You wouldn't have to do it from 1st January to 31st December. any block of 52 weeks will do. Set up a reminder each payday. You won't miss it the first few months and by half way you will be getting excited with how it is working.
Congratulations Terri, 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
Small Choices that Make a Big Impact
If you’re not ready to make huge changes, you may feel better just taking a few small steps. There are several simple, quick things you can do that will make an immediate impact on the earth. In this chapter you’ll learn some simple steps.
You can practice one of these changes or all of them. Even making one change can have a big impact on the environment. Don’t just throw out the whole idea of sustainable living because it seems like a major lifestyle overhaul.
Instead, focus on making small changes one at a time. Once you’ve instituted one habit, you can add another and another if you choose. If not, at least you’ve done something to benefit the planet.
•Plant a tree in your yard
•Purchase a pitcher water filtering system instead of purchasing bottled water
•Grow an herb garden on your back porch
•Buy vegetables from local farmers
•Look for organic produce in your local supermarket
•Use natural cleaners such as vinegar to mop the floor instead of toxic chemicals
•Update a piece of furniture instead of throwing it away
•Give away or donate clothes that no longer fit
•Switch to fluorescent light bulbs
•Start recycling paper instead of throwing it away
•Organize a recycling center in your home for glass, plastic, and paper
•Use motion sensors for lighting fixtures to save energy
•Find an energy company that locally provides energy from windmills
•Recycle cans
•Buy reusable shopping bags instead of using paper or plastic
•Use plastic grocery sacks as trash can liners or reuse them for groceries
•Use renewable resources when remodeling your home – such as bamboo wood for flooring
•Buy items made from recycled materials
•Take old medications back to the pharmacy instead of throwing them away
•Turn your thermostat up a few degrees in summer and down a few degrees in winter
•Cover your windows with thermal curtains
•Make use of natural light instead of using electricity during the day
•Walk to the store instead of driving
•Take the bus instead of driving to work each day
•Set up a carpool to go to school or work
•Purchase a car with high gas mileage
•Choose one day a week to skip eating meat
•Make meat a side dish rather than the main meal each night
Any one of these choices can help to protect the planet. Doing something – even if its small - is better than doing nothing to conserve Earth’s resources. With every positive change you make, you’re working toward making the planet healthier and preserving it for future generations.
If you’re not ready to overhaul your whole lifestyle, taking it one step at a time can be beneficial. In the next chapter we’ll look at how to make a plan for a more sustainable future for you and your family.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Slowcooker Porridge
Winter mornings mean hot breakfasts in our house. The most popular hot breakfast is porridge. It's not the porridge of years go however. It's warm and creamy and ready to eat as soon as we get up. It's slowcooker porridge and I just love it.
The secret to slowcooker porridge is to always use rolled oats, not instant rolled oats, and to use a suitable sized crock. If you are making porridge for four and only have a 6 litre slowcooker you'll end up with dried, disgusting rubber unless you cook your porridge in a smaller dish.
Follow the instructions and you'll end up with the creamiest porridge you've ever enjoyed - don't be tempted to skimp on the water, you need it all.
Slowcooker Porridge
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1.25 litres (5 cups) cold water
Pinch salt.
Method:
Put the oats, water and salt into a heatproof bowl with a lid that fits inside your slowcooker. Put the bowl into the slowcooker and add water to the crock until it comes about halfway up the side of your heatproof bowl of ingredients. Turn the slowcooker to low. Put the lid on. Cook for 8 hours.
Now if you have a smaller slowcooker you can add the ingredients to the crock and cook them. Also, newer slowcookers tend to cook faster and hotter than the older style. I set the timer to start cooking at 11pm and breakfast is ready when we get up at 7am.
You can add dried fruit and cinnamon to your porridge while it's cooking.
Some recipes call for using half milk and half water. Don't. The milk will cause the porridge to stick and it may even burn, ruining your porridge. Leave adding the milk until you are ready to serve.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Chicken enchiladas
Saturday: Rissoles, mash, broccoli and gravy
Sunday: Mustard roast beef, baked vegetables and gravy
Monday: Chicken and vegetable risotto
Tuesday: Grilled fish, wedges, salad
Wednesday: Meatloaf, mash, steamed greens, gravy
Thursday: Pita pizzas
In the fruit bowl: apples, oranges, kiwi fruit
In the cake tin: Lunchbox Cookies, Whole Orange Cake
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Welcome to the $300 a month food challenge everyone.
Well it's official!!! Broccoli and cauliflower are now over priced. I was at the fruit and veg shop this afternoon stocking up for the week. I had both of these veggies on my shopping list if the price was going to fit into my budget. I checked the broccoli first. It was priced at $5.99 kg. Ouch!!! I noticed there was a sign asking customers to refrain from breaking off the stalks. At that price I can understand customers not wanting half their money to be spent on a stalk that they probably wouldn't use.
Usually if broccoli is dear then cauliflower is a cheaper option. Well, at $4.99 a small cauliflower head and $2.99 for half a head it was no longer a cheaper option. In fact, it wasn't an option at all.
So I came home without both of them. As much as I like my family to eat broccoli on a regular basis for health reasons, I wasn't going to blow my budget. I didn't panic at all. I made a mental note that we have plenty of green beans in the freezer. We also have a perpetual spinach plant that we are picking from. In a few weeks our silverbeet will be ready to pick as well. I planted out eight broccoli plants a over month ago so they'll be ready for eating and freezing in about eight weeks.
Over the weekend my mother in law gave us lots of smaller broccoli plants of our veg garden. My husband is planting them tomorrow.
So as far as green veggies go, we will not go without We have a plan and my food budget will stay intact.
How do cope with unstable fruit and veggie prices? Do you buy regardless of the price or do you find substitutes?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2467-300-a-month-food-challenge-12-05-14&p=41007#post41007
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
Stockpiling Laugh
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2215-Stockpiling-laugh
This Year's Budget Strategy
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2366-This-year-s-budget-strategy
Down to One Wage for Time Being
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2181-Down-to-one-wage-for-time-being
Most popular blog posts this week
Top Tips for Organic Food on a Budget
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/03/top-tips-for-organic-food-on-budget.html
Toss It In Beef Stew
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/04/toss-it-in-beef-stew.html
Cleaning with the Super Six
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/05/cleaning-with-super-six.html
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 katie.richer.
Where there's a Will, I want to be in it...
All jokes aside, this is one that I have been putting off for far too long. I'll admit, it had skipped my mind entirely until husband and I set up an appointment with out financial advisor and he asked us about our wills.
I realised that we each had only ever drafted one will/power of attorney...and they were invalidated the day we married. Not good!
So, we have resolved that after the obstetrician bill is paid (I currently owe $1,000, which should get cleared on my next visit), and once the money comes back from Husband's surgery, we will go and make an appointment with a solicitor. In preparation, I have already obtained a number of quotes; it looks like this will cost us about $500-600.
So ahead of this appointment, Husband and I need to sort out who we want to act as guardian for our child, and we also need to sort out what happens to our two cats. Ideally I want family (his or mine) looking after them, but if no one is willing then we'll set up a permanent boarding arrangement with the Animal Welfare League (it's a service they offer).
Husband and I already have a pretty good idea of what the other wants for a funeral arrangements, but it's still only a verbal agreement...I'd feel easier knowing it was written down. Means my wishes are more likely to be followed. And I do have very specific idea about certain aspects of this...not least of which is a rousing rendition of "Always Look on The Bright Side of Life" by all attending.
The idea of a funeral trust fund is intriguing. I do like the idea - it is certainly a much better solution than that awful 'funeral insurance' I keep on seeing advertised on TV. I mean, it's something you know is going to happen, so wouldn't the money spent on premiums be better spent going into what's effectively a savings fund, where it will accumulate interest? In any case, it's something I'm definitely asking our financial adviser about.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Dee who wrote
"Hello - I am about to become the proud and first time owner of a dishwasher! I would love to know how fellow Cheapskaters keep costs under control in terms of products that are recommended and keeping it in tip top shape. Thanks in advance for the help."
Judith Barclay answered
I was told by a dishwasher mechanic to only ever use half measure suggested by manufacture, it helps the machine by not corroding the pipes and saves money.
Margaret Trounce answered
Hopefully your new dish washer has a quick wash cycle. I use ours every time. Before I put dishes in I put plug in sink and about 1 inch of water and rinse off (or soak off if necessary) any food - this doesn't use much water and the quick wash uses MUCH less than normal and takes less time too saving electricity and water. I also wipe door and bottom of dishwasher after each use getting rid of crumbs etc.
Melissa Bonavia answered
A repair man told me not to use tablets because they bob around and can cause damage to spinners etc. I was happy with that because powder is cheaper and the no name brand is very cheap and just as effective. I also use vinegar in the rinse aid cheap and it still gives sparkling dishes
Lyn Beardmore answered
To keep my dishwasher shipshape, I do a quick wash each month with the inside empty - save for a good splash of Home Brand Vinegar splattered all around. When that's finished, open up the door and wipe all around your seals to complete the job. Clean your filter regularly too, and you should have a long and happy association with your new machine. BTW, I find Aldi tablets the cheapest and best to use.
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
11. This Week's Question
Vivienne writes
"I am an aged pensioner and I would like to try and keep my private hospital insurance, but it has become so expensive I don't know if I can keep it much longer. Does anyone know if there is any pensioner heath insurances available?"
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Vivienne 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
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.
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Read our privacy policy
How Did You Get on Our List?
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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
info@cheapskates.com.au
2. In the Tip Store - Getting More from your Bras, Making up Healthy Salt with Left-over Herbs, Never Ending Basil Plant
3. Submit Your Tip -!
4. Living Green in 2014 - Small Choices that make a Big Impact
5. On the Menu with Anne - Slowcooker Porridge
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Coping with rising food prices
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Where there's a Will, I want to be in it…
9. Last Week's Question - A new dishwasher - what's the cheapest way to look after it?
10. This Week's Question - Is there affordable health insurance for pensioners?
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Has your week been frugally fantastic? I hope so. I also hope that the federal budget hasn't caused you too much worry. I know some Cheapskaters have been fretting over the "leaks" and worrying about what the budget contained.
You know the federal budget is just a spending plan, exactly like the one you have. OK, it's numbers have more zeroes on the ends and some of the categories are a little out there but basically it's the same: a plan for spending and saving money.
And just like your spending plan, it's not set in cement. It's a fluid document, meant to adjust up and down according to circumstances. The categories are fluid too; they can adjust as needs be. Don't need so much in the Gumdrops category? Overspending in the Hay Bale category? Adjust the spending plan so the excess in Gumdrops can balance the deficit in Hay Bales.
Your Spending Plan can be adjusted as easily. It's meant to change as your life changes. If you find you need more in heating and there's an excess in gifts, adjust the gift budget down and shift it over to the heating budget.
Struggling to find an excess in any category? Look to your recurring expenses: rent, electricity, gas, phone, rent, insurances etc. and try to get them as low as you possibly can. Then keep them that way. Work on your Spending Plan until you can live entirely on your income, whatever that may be.
You may need to make a few sacrifices while you get your spending under control. But it's not forever. Just remember there is a fine line between being frugal and being downright stingy. As a Cheapskate your goal is to stay on the comfortable side of that line so you don't feel deprived. You do that by taking control of your money and being willing to ditch the unimportant stuff so you have the money to enjoy the things you like.,
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
Getting More from Your Bras
Approximate $ Savings: Upwards of $50
Being a bigger busted lady, I can pay anywhere upwards of $50 for a bra. Last year I bought four new bras while on holiday, and then when I got home I found out I was pregnant with my second child. There went $150 down the drain. Now, 12 months later, I thought that I would get them out again and try them on. Cup size perfect, back size to tight. I couldn't justify buying anymore when I had four new pair in the cupboard. So, off to Spotlight I went and purchased two bra extenders, one black and one skin coloured. Now I can wear my bras and breathe at the same time. And with 30% off they were even cheaper.
Contributed by Erin Tyack
Making up Healthy Salt with Left-over Herbs
Approximate $ Savings: $10 plus
To keep my dried herbs fresh (it is recommended to only keep them around 6 months) I now have the habit of making up a healthy herb salt mixture. I use a Master foods herb bottle with the holes so the mixture comes out easily. First I put in a fine salt of any type - then I add for example - garlic powder, chives, Italian herbs, parsley, ginger, cayenne, Cajun spice, chilli - any number of varieties for a savoury taste. This also is a good mixture for cutting down on salt as well.
Contributed by Deborah Hunter-Kells
Never Ending Basil Plant
Approximate $ Savings: $250 + per year
I love basil (and most other fresh herbs) but the cost could send you broke! So I like most Cheapskaters have an herb garden. Purely by accident I discovered that with some planning I would never have to buy seedlings or even seeds for herbs like basil again!! Simply bend a stem of the large, aged plant down to the soil and cover it with soil. Pop a rock or tent peg in to hold it in place. A few weeks later, the stem will have developed its own roots and can be separated into its own plant! I've done it with basil, rosemary and thyme with great success. Give it a go and enjoy all the fresh basil you want.
Contributed by Sharima Atkinson
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning tip
This week's winning tip is from Teri Mudiman. Teri has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip, a twist on the 52 Week Saving Plan that is paying down debt.
The 52 Week Plan to Reduce Debt
Approximate $ Savings: $1378.00 +
When I first saw the 52 week Money challenge, I thought it might be a good idea so I started two. One is reverse and both into separate savings accounts at the bank. this way I can see which earns more interest. The idea is you put aside $1.00 the first week and $2.00 the second week finishing up with $52 in the last week. This will put $1378.00 into a piggy bank or more into an interest savings account. but then I thought about the credit card or loan account. both are around the $3,000.00 and if both were reduced by that amount by the end of the year how much would I save on interest? so I have started with just the CC now because money is still a bit tight until I go back to work. You wouldn't have to do it from 1st January to 31st December. any block of 52 weeks will do. Set up a reminder each payday. You won't miss it the first few months and by half way you will be getting excited with how it is working.
Congratulations Terri, 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
Small Choices that Make a Big Impact
If you’re not ready to make huge changes, you may feel better just taking a few small steps. There are several simple, quick things you can do that will make an immediate impact on the earth. In this chapter you’ll learn some simple steps.
You can practice one of these changes or all of them. Even making one change can have a big impact on the environment. Don’t just throw out the whole idea of sustainable living because it seems like a major lifestyle overhaul.
Instead, focus on making small changes one at a time. Once you’ve instituted one habit, you can add another and another if you choose. If not, at least you’ve done something to benefit the planet.
•Plant a tree in your yard
•Purchase a pitcher water filtering system instead of purchasing bottled water
•Grow an herb garden on your back porch
•Buy vegetables from local farmers
•Look for organic produce in your local supermarket
•Use natural cleaners such as vinegar to mop the floor instead of toxic chemicals
•Update a piece of furniture instead of throwing it away
•Give away or donate clothes that no longer fit
•Switch to fluorescent light bulbs
•Start recycling paper instead of throwing it away
•Organize a recycling center in your home for glass, plastic, and paper
•Use motion sensors for lighting fixtures to save energy
•Find an energy company that locally provides energy from windmills
•Recycle cans
•Buy reusable shopping bags instead of using paper or plastic
•Use plastic grocery sacks as trash can liners or reuse them for groceries
•Use renewable resources when remodeling your home – such as bamboo wood for flooring
•Buy items made from recycled materials
•Take old medications back to the pharmacy instead of throwing them away
•Turn your thermostat up a few degrees in summer and down a few degrees in winter
•Cover your windows with thermal curtains
•Make use of natural light instead of using electricity during the day
•Walk to the store instead of driving
•Take the bus instead of driving to work each day
•Set up a carpool to go to school or work
•Purchase a car with high gas mileage
•Choose one day a week to skip eating meat
•Make meat a side dish rather than the main meal each night
Any one of these choices can help to protect the planet. Doing something – even if its small - is better than doing nothing to conserve Earth’s resources. With every positive change you make, you’re working toward making the planet healthier and preserving it for future generations.
If you’re not ready to overhaul your whole lifestyle, taking it one step at a time can be beneficial. In the next chapter we’ll look at how to make a plan for a more sustainable future for you and your family.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Slowcooker Porridge
Winter mornings mean hot breakfasts in our house. The most popular hot breakfast is porridge. It's not the porridge of years go however. It's warm and creamy and ready to eat as soon as we get up. It's slowcooker porridge and I just love it.
The secret to slowcooker porridge is to always use rolled oats, not instant rolled oats, and to use a suitable sized crock. If you are making porridge for four and only have a 6 litre slowcooker you'll end up with dried, disgusting rubber unless you cook your porridge in a smaller dish.
Follow the instructions and you'll end up with the creamiest porridge you've ever enjoyed - don't be tempted to skimp on the water, you need it all.
Slowcooker Porridge
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1.25 litres (5 cups) cold water
Pinch salt.
Method:
Put the oats, water and salt into a heatproof bowl with a lid that fits inside your slowcooker. Put the bowl into the slowcooker and add water to the crock until it comes about halfway up the side of your heatproof bowl of ingredients. Turn the slowcooker to low. Put the lid on. Cook for 8 hours.
Now if you have a smaller slowcooker you can add the ingredients to the crock and cook them. Also, newer slowcookers tend to cook faster and hotter than the older style. I set the timer to start cooking at 11pm and breakfast is ready when we get up at 7am.
You can add dried fruit and cinnamon to your porridge while it's cooking.
Some recipes call for using half milk and half water. Don't. The milk will cause the porridge to stick and it may even burn, ruining your porridge. Leave adding the milk until you are ready to serve.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Chicken enchiladas
Saturday: Rissoles, mash, broccoli and gravy
Sunday: Mustard roast beef, baked vegetables and gravy
Monday: Chicken and vegetable risotto
Tuesday: Grilled fish, wedges, salad
Wednesday: Meatloaf, mash, steamed greens, gravy
Thursday: Pita pizzas
In the fruit bowl: apples, oranges, kiwi fruit
In the cake tin: Lunchbox Cookies, Whole Orange Cake
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Welcome to the $300 a month food challenge everyone.
Well it's official!!! Broccoli and cauliflower are now over priced. I was at the fruit and veg shop this afternoon stocking up for the week. I had both of these veggies on my shopping list if the price was going to fit into my budget. I checked the broccoli first. It was priced at $5.99 kg. Ouch!!! I noticed there was a sign asking customers to refrain from breaking off the stalks. At that price I can understand customers not wanting half their money to be spent on a stalk that they probably wouldn't use.
Usually if broccoli is dear then cauliflower is a cheaper option. Well, at $4.99 a small cauliflower head and $2.99 for half a head it was no longer a cheaper option. In fact, it wasn't an option at all.
So I came home without both of them. As much as I like my family to eat broccoli on a regular basis for health reasons, I wasn't going to blow my budget. I didn't panic at all. I made a mental note that we have plenty of green beans in the freezer. We also have a perpetual spinach plant that we are picking from. In a few weeks our silverbeet will be ready to pick as well. I planted out eight broccoli plants a over month ago so they'll be ready for eating and freezing in about eight weeks.
Over the weekend my mother in law gave us lots of smaller broccoli plants of our veg garden. My husband is planting them tomorrow.
So as far as green veggies go, we will not go without We have a plan and my food budget will stay intact.
How do cope with unstable fruit and veggie prices? Do you buy regardless of the price or do you find substitutes?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2467-300-a-month-food-challenge-12-05-14&p=41007#post41007
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
Stockpiling Laugh
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2215-Stockpiling-laugh
This Year's Budget Strategy
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2366-This-year-s-budget-strategy
Down to One Wage for Time Being
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2181-Down-to-one-wage-for-time-being
Most popular blog posts this week
Top Tips for Organic Food on a Budget
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/03/top-tips-for-organic-food-on-budget.html
Toss It In Beef Stew
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/04/toss-it-in-beef-stew.html
Cleaning with the Super Six
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/05/cleaning-with-super-six.html
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 katie.richer.
Where there's a Will, I want to be in it...
All jokes aside, this is one that I have been putting off for far too long. I'll admit, it had skipped my mind entirely until husband and I set up an appointment with out financial advisor and he asked us about our wills.
I realised that we each had only ever drafted one will/power of attorney...and they were invalidated the day we married. Not good!
So, we have resolved that after the obstetrician bill is paid (I currently owe $1,000, which should get cleared on my next visit), and once the money comes back from Husband's surgery, we will go and make an appointment with a solicitor. In preparation, I have already obtained a number of quotes; it looks like this will cost us about $500-600.
So ahead of this appointment, Husband and I need to sort out who we want to act as guardian for our child, and we also need to sort out what happens to our two cats. Ideally I want family (his or mine) looking after them, but if no one is willing then we'll set up a permanent boarding arrangement with the Animal Welfare League (it's a service they offer).
Husband and I already have a pretty good idea of what the other wants for a funeral arrangements, but it's still only a verbal agreement...I'd feel easier knowing it was written down. Means my wishes are more likely to be followed. And I do have very specific idea about certain aspects of this...not least of which is a rousing rendition of "Always Look on The Bright Side of Life" by all attending.
The idea of a funeral trust fund is intriguing. I do like the idea - it is certainly a much better solution than that awful 'funeral insurance' I keep on seeing advertised on TV. I mean, it's something you know is going to happen, so wouldn't the money spent on premiums be better spent going into what's effectively a savings fund, where it will accumulate interest? In any case, it's something I'm definitely asking our financial adviser about.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Dee who wrote
"Hello - I am about to become the proud and first time owner of a dishwasher! I would love to know how fellow Cheapskaters keep costs under control in terms of products that are recommended and keeping it in tip top shape. Thanks in advance for the help."
Judith Barclay answered
I was told by a dishwasher mechanic to only ever use half measure suggested by manufacture, it helps the machine by not corroding the pipes and saves money.
Margaret Trounce answered
Hopefully your new dish washer has a quick wash cycle. I use ours every time. Before I put dishes in I put plug in sink and about 1 inch of water and rinse off (or soak off if necessary) any food - this doesn't use much water and the quick wash uses MUCH less than normal and takes less time too saving electricity and water. I also wipe door and bottom of dishwasher after each use getting rid of crumbs etc.
Melissa Bonavia answered
A repair man told me not to use tablets because they bob around and can cause damage to spinners etc. I was happy with that because powder is cheaper and the no name brand is very cheap and just as effective. I also use vinegar in the rinse aid cheap and it still gives sparkling dishes
Lyn Beardmore answered
To keep my dishwasher shipshape, I do a quick wash each month with the inside empty - save for a good splash of Home Brand Vinegar splattered all around. When that's finished, open up the door and wipe all around your seals to complete the job. Clean your filter regularly too, and you should have a long and happy association with your new machine. BTW, I find Aldi tablets the cheapest and best to use.
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11. This Week's Question
Vivienne writes
"I am an aged pensioner and I would like to try and keep my private hospital insurance, but it has become so expensive I don't know if I can keep it much longer. Does anyone know if there is any pensioner heath insurances available?"
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Vivienne 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
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Joining the Cheapskates Club gives you 24/7 access to the Members Centre with 1000's of money saving tips and articles.
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15. Contact Details
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www.cheapskates.com.au
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