The Cheapskates Club Newsletter 25:16
In this newsletter
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Freezer Preps make Meals Easier; Telco Discounts for the Asking; Use up those Leftovers
3. Share Your Tips - Share your best money saving tip here
4. In the June Journal
5. On the Menu - Slow Cooker Curried Sausages
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Cutting the Cost of Toiletries
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Shopping
9. Last Week's Question - Where can I get a safe, budget friendly fire guard?
10. This Week's Question - How can I make Weight Watchers meals Cheapskates style?
11. Ask Cath
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Welcome to another Bright Ideas newsletter.
I've spent the better part of this week in front of the fire, cosy and warm. I'll be spending the next few days close to the fire again with the wintery blast that's forecast for this coming weekend. I posted some ways to cut back on heating expenses earlier this week, you can find them here, and I'm thankful Wayne and the boys took the time to collect and cut firewood, enough to keep us warm all winter.
I've also made sure there's plenty of soup in the freezer. Homemade soup is cheap and a nice healthy way to stay warm. We have pumpkin, minestrone and beef and vegetable to choose from. At around 10 cents a mug it's a very frugal drink or snack or meal and much healthier than soft drinks.
And some good news - the days are getting longer! We passed the winter solstice this week and that means the days are getting longer. It won't be too long and we'll be able to enjoy evenings outdoors instead of curled up inside - I can hardly wait!
Enjoy your newsletter, it's another big one.
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Freezer Preps make Meals Easier; Telco Discounts for the Asking; Use up those Leftovers
3. Share Your Tips - Share your best money saving tip here
4. In the June Journal
5. On the Menu - Slow Cooker Curried Sausages
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Cutting the Cost of Toiletries
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Shopping
9. Last Week's Question - Where can I get a safe, budget friendly fire guard?
10. This Week's Question - How can I make Weight Watchers meals Cheapskates style?
11. Ask Cath
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Welcome to another Bright Ideas newsletter.
I've spent the better part of this week in front of the fire, cosy and warm. I'll be spending the next few days close to the fire again with the wintery blast that's forecast for this coming weekend. I posted some ways to cut back on heating expenses earlier this week, you can find them here, and I'm thankful Wayne and the boys took the time to collect and cut firewood, enough to keep us warm all winter.
I've also made sure there's plenty of soup in the freezer. Homemade soup is cheap and a nice healthy way to stay warm. We have pumpkin, minestrone and beef and vegetable to choose from. At around 10 cents a mug it's a very frugal drink or snack or meal and much healthier than soft drinks.
And some good news - the days are getting longer! We passed the winter solstice this week and that means the days are getting longer. It won't be too long and we'll be able to enjoy evenings outdoors instead of curled up inside - I can hardly wait!
Enjoy your newsletter, it's another big one.
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!
2. From The Tip Store
Freezer Preps make Meals Easier
Every day I look for small ways to make future meals easier. How do I do this? I prep ingredients for the freezer. Shredding cheese - shred an extra package for the freezer. Cutting onions, celery or peppers. Dice and freeze on a tray then put in snack size ziplock bags - place all bags in a larger zip bag to keep them together. Making potato salad and boiling the potatoes - Throw in extras and pull them before they get all the way done. When cool shred and put on a tray in the freezer. (use foil or parchment) Freeze and put in bags. Homemade hash browns. Little bits add up to lots of pre-prepared meal ingredients, less waste and peace of mind.
Contributed by Crystal Hankey
Telco Discounts for the Asking
Did you know Telcos have Retention teams, which are authorised to offer discounts to keep your business?
Optus, for example, can offer up to $20/month off for a year to stop you cancelling your service. And yes, you can do this year after year. I now get unlimited internet, calls to landlines and to mobiles, for $65/month after a little negotiation.
Contributed by Fulviou Gerardi
Use up those Leftovers
Here's what I've just achieved with 5 sheets of ready rolled short crust pastry and leftovers:
4x full size pies, made with leftover over roast chicken, homemade white sauce and a tin of veggies left over from a camping trip
12 x mini quiches. 1 egg, last bit of cream in the bottle, an egg, last little bit of cheese and bacon in the fridge, parsley from the garden
18 x mini blueberry tarts. 3-4 frozen blueberries in each, with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon. Once these are cooled, a blob of cooled custard or vanilla yoghurt on top.
All this with only one reroll of the pastry and no buying extra ingredients! I will definitely be doing this each fortnight before shopping day to use up those last little bits.
Contributed by Claire Davenport
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Share your tips
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
4. In the Cheapskates Journal
June Journal Index
From Cath's Desk
Feature Article: Things to Consider Before Lending Money to Family and Friends
Thoughtful Moment: Reaction v Response
5 Top Reasons to Avoid Rent-to-Own Schemes
Don't Get Caught by Credit Card Fraud
Tips for Growing Vegetables Indoor in Winter
How to Throw a 21st Birthday Party without Spending a Cent
Dear Cath
June Tip Sheet: Freezer Storage Cheat Sheet
Meal Planner July 2016
On The Menu: Slow Cooker Specials
Quote of Note
Cheapskates Tip Store: 12 brand new tips just for you
Click here to read more.....
5. On the Menu
Slow Cooker Curried Sausages
Curried sausages are such a comfort food. I serve them with fluffy mashed potato or piles of steamed rice and there are rarely leftovers. My favourite way of cooking curried sausages is in the slow cooker, this is my very simple and easy go-to recipe.
Slow Cooker Curried Sausages
Ingredients:
10 sausages par boiled, skins removed and cut into 2cm slices
1 large onion, diced
2 tins coconut cream*
1 tbsp curry powder (or more to taste)*
Method:
Put the sausages into a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, simmer three minutes, drain. Allow the sausages to cool a few minutes and then slip the skins off. Cut into 2 centimetre slices. Add the sausages and onion to the slow cooker. Stir the curry powder into the coconut cream and pour over the sausages. Cover and cook on HIGH 3 hours. Test sausages to see if they are cooked through- if not, cook a further 15 minutes and check again.
Notes
*Two tins of coconut cream may seem excessive but we like a lot of sauce with our curried sausages. To lower the fat content use two tins (or MOO equivalent) of low fate evaporated milk and 1 tablespoon of coconut essence (add more to taste if you want a stronger coconut flavour).
** I use Keens curry powder. I've tried different brands, including plain label and they just haven't had the flavour and kick that Keens has.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Cream cheese patties, steamed veg
Saturday: Lamb souvlaki
Sunday: Roast Beef
Monday: Sweet & Sour Chicken & noodles
Tuesday: Curried sausages, rice
Wednesday: Swiss schnitzels, steamed veg
Thursday: MOO Pizza
In the fruit bowl: mandarins, kiwi fruit, oranges, limes
In the cake tin: Sultana cake
There are over 1,500 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Cutting The Cost Of Toiletries
Hello fellow Cheapskaters.
I'm glad you are taking the time to read the $300 a month food challenge. Each week I try to introduce you to a new topic that will help you get your food costs down.
The $300 a month also includes buying basic toiletries. By basic, I mean toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, shower gel, liquid hand soap, bars of soap for face or hands, deodorants, razors, women's products and first aid.
By now you might be thinking " Oh my goodness, those things can cost a fortune ". True, they can cost a lot, but they don't have to. Here's how I keep my costs down -
* Toothpaste is bought at under $2 a tube and I buy about 20 when on sale.
* Brand name toothbrushes are bought at supermarkets for $1 each and I'll by 20 - 30.
* Shampoos and conditioners are bought in large bottles at 1/2 price and diluted by 1/3.
* Shower gel is bought at 1/2 price and poured into pump bottles. It's also diluted by 1/3. I also make my own soap and use that instead of shower gel.
* Deodorants are bought from Avon or Aldi. Fancier brands are given at birthdays etc.
* Always looking for sale items and stocking up. This eliminates running out of something then buying the first thing you see in a panic.
Portioning out toiletries can also save you a small fortune. You only need to use toothpaste the size of a pea. Using pump bottles where possible is a great way to portion control. Count out how many pumps you need of shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. You might be surprised at how little you need to do the job.
How do you cut the cost of toiletries in your house?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
7. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Soup Ideas
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3259-Soup-ideas
Savings vs Bills
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2681-savings-vs-bills
Cheapskate Inspiration
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3222-Cheapskate-inspiration
Most popular blog posts this week
A Quarterly Meat Shop
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/08/a-quarterly-meat-shop.html
Share Your Shopping List: Split the Cost
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/06/share-your-shopping-list-split-cost.html
How to Remove a Splinter
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/02/how-to-remove-splinter.html
8. Members 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 janithom..
Shopping
Hello,
I can honestly say I don't really enjoy shopping! I don't like buying clothes, or shoes, etc. I don't mind having a small wander around the shops. But when it comes to actually having to go and get something specific I find it's a pain in the backside! I can never seem to find something that suits me or what I have in mind.
With big items I check the catalogues etc. And I always have a set amount to spend in mind. We needed a new TV when we moved house. Our old TV was on its way out and was one of the old TV's with the big back etc. So I went to Big W bought a Viano brand, a cheap brand, got home set it up, it made a high pitched noise, no matter what we did we couldn't get rid of the noise, so we packed it up and took it back. Bring home the next one, go to take it out the box and it's broken, the screen was coming away from the screen! So we take it back and get our money back. Decide to go to JB HiFi buy an Akai, a good brand get it home it has a very high pitched noise! So we pack it up and take it back, pay double the price and buy an LG which has worked perfectly.
Moral of the story, cheap is not always the best, do your research and spend the extra if you need to.
Currently I need to get back on track with my budget, I've been a bit naughty with fabric shopping the only shopping I truly enjoy!!! But my younger DD's and I are off to the UK for three weeks next Feb/March I have my airfare and accommodation saved, but I need to save spending money. So I need to rejig the budget and get back on track with saving. Plus, I have a few jobs around the house that will need doing soon so I will need to save for those as well.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
2. From The Tip Store
Freezer Preps make Meals Easier
Every day I look for small ways to make future meals easier. How do I do this? I prep ingredients for the freezer. Shredding cheese - shred an extra package for the freezer. Cutting onions, celery or peppers. Dice and freeze on a tray then put in snack size ziplock bags - place all bags in a larger zip bag to keep them together. Making potato salad and boiling the potatoes - Throw in extras and pull them before they get all the way done. When cool shred and put on a tray in the freezer. (use foil or parchment) Freeze and put in bags. Homemade hash browns. Little bits add up to lots of pre-prepared meal ingredients, less waste and peace of mind.
Contributed by Crystal Hankey
Telco Discounts for the Asking
Did you know Telcos have Retention teams, which are authorised to offer discounts to keep your business?
Optus, for example, can offer up to $20/month off for a year to stop you cancelling your service. And yes, you can do this year after year. I now get unlimited internet, calls to landlines and to mobiles, for $65/month after a little negotiation.
Contributed by Fulviou Gerardi
Use up those Leftovers
Here's what I've just achieved with 5 sheets of ready rolled short crust pastry and leftovers:
4x full size pies, made with leftover over roast chicken, homemade white sauce and a tin of veggies left over from a camping trip
12 x mini quiches. 1 egg, last bit of cream in the bottle, an egg, last little bit of cheese and bacon in the fridge, parsley from the garden
18 x mini blueberry tarts. 3-4 frozen blueberries in each, with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon. Once these are cooled, a blob of cooled custard or vanilla yoghurt on top.
All this with only one reroll of the pastry and no buying extra ingredients! I will definitely be doing this each fortnight before shopping day to use up those last little bits.
Contributed by Claire Davenport
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Share your tips
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
4. In the Cheapskates Journal
June Journal Index
From Cath's Desk
Feature Article: Things to Consider Before Lending Money to Family and Friends
Thoughtful Moment: Reaction v Response
5 Top Reasons to Avoid Rent-to-Own Schemes
Don't Get Caught by Credit Card Fraud
Tips for Growing Vegetables Indoor in Winter
How to Throw a 21st Birthday Party without Spending a Cent
Dear Cath
June Tip Sheet: Freezer Storage Cheat Sheet
Meal Planner July 2016
On The Menu: Slow Cooker Specials
Quote of Note
Cheapskates Tip Store: 12 brand new tips just for you
Click here to read more.....
5. On the Menu
Slow Cooker Curried Sausages
Curried sausages are such a comfort food. I serve them with fluffy mashed potato or piles of steamed rice and there are rarely leftovers. My favourite way of cooking curried sausages is in the slow cooker, this is my very simple and easy go-to recipe.
Slow Cooker Curried Sausages
Ingredients:
10 sausages par boiled, skins removed and cut into 2cm slices
1 large onion, diced
2 tins coconut cream*
1 tbsp curry powder (or more to taste)*
Method:
Put the sausages into a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, simmer three minutes, drain. Allow the sausages to cool a few minutes and then slip the skins off. Cut into 2 centimetre slices. Add the sausages and onion to the slow cooker. Stir the curry powder into the coconut cream and pour over the sausages. Cover and cook on HIGH 3 hours. Test sausages to see if they are cooked through- if not, cook a further 15 minutes and check again.
Notes
*Two tins of coconut cream may seem excessive but we like a lot of sauce with our curried sausages. To lower the fat content use two tins (or MOO equivalent) of low fate evaporated milk and 1 tablespoon of coconut essence (add more to taste if you want a stronger coconut flavour).
** I use Keens curry powder. I've tried different brands, including plain label and they just haven't had the flavour and kick that Keens has.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Cream cheese patties, steamed veg
Saturday: Lamb souvlaki
Sunday: Roast Beef
Monday: Sweet & Sour Chicken & noodles
Tuesday: Curried sausages, rice
Wednesday: Swiss schnitzels, steamed veg
Thursday: MOO Pizza
In the fruit bowl: mandarins, kiwi fruit, oranges, limes
In the cake tin: Sultana cake
There are over 1,500 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Cutting The Cost Of Toiletries
Hello fellow Cheapskaters.
I'm glad you are taking the time to read the $300 a month food challenge. Each week I try to introduce you to a new topic that will help you get your food costs down.
The $300 a month also includes buying basic toiletries. By basic, I mean toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, shower gel, liquid hand soap, bars of soap for face or hands, deodorants, razors, women's products and first aid.
By now you might be thinking " Oh my goodness, those things can cost a fortune ". True, they can cost a lot, but they don't have to. Here's how I keep my costs down -
* Toothpaste is bought at under $2 a tube and I buy about 20 when on sale.
* Brand name toothbrushes are bought at supermarkets for $1 each and I'll by 20 - 30.
* Shampoos and conditioners are bought in large bottles at 1/2 price and diluted by 1/3.
* Shower gel is bought at 1/2 price and poured into pump bottles. It's also diluted by 1/3. I also make my own soap and use that instead of shower gel.
* Deodorants are bought from Avon or Aldi. Fancier brands are given at birthdays etc.
* Always looking for sale items and stocking up. This eliminates running out of something then buying the first thing you see in a panic.
Portioning out toiletries can also save you a small fortune. You only need to use toothpaste the size of a pea. Using pump bottles where possible is a great way to portion control. Count out how many pumps you need of shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. You might be surprised at how little you need to do the job.
How do you cut the cost of toiletries in your house?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
7. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Soup Ideas
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3259-Soup-ideas
Savings vs Bills
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2681-savings-vs-bills
Cheapskate Inspiration
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3222-Cheapskate-inspiration
Most popular blog posts this week
A Quarterly Meat Shop
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/08/a-quarterly-meat-shop.html
Share Your Shopping List: Split the Cost
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/06/share-your-shopping-list-split-cost.html
How to Remove a Splinter
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/02/how-to-remove-splinter.html
8. Members 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 janithom..
Shopping
Hello,
I can honestly say I don't really enjoy shopping! I don't like buying clothes, or shoes, etc. I don't mind having a small wander around the shops. But when it comes to actually having to go and get something specific I find it's a pain in the backside! I can never seem to find something that suits me or what I have in mind.
With big items I check the catalogues etc. And I always have a set amount to spend in mind. We needed a new TV when we moved house. Our old TV was on its way out and was one of the old TV's with the big back etc. So I went to Big W bought a Viano brand, a cheap brand, got home set it up, it made a high pitched noise, no matter what we did we couldn't get rid of the noise, so we packed it up and took it back. Bring home the next one, go to take it out the box and it's broken, the screen was coming away from the screen! So we take it back and get our money back. Decide to go to JB HiFi buy an Akai, a good brand get it home it has a very high pitched noise! So we pack it up and take it back, pay double the price and buy an LG which has worked perfectly.
Moral of the story, cheap is not always the best, do your research and spend the extra if you need to.
Currently I need to get back on track with my budget, I've been a bit naughty with fabric shopping the only shopping I truly enjoy!!! But my younger DD's and I are off to the UK for three weeks next Feb/March I have my airfare and accommodation saved, but I need to save spending money. So I need to rejig the budget and get back on track with saving. Plus, I have a few jobs around the house that will need doing soon so I will need to save for those as well.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Melanie who wrote
"We've just renovated our kitchen/family/living rooms and put in a slow combustion heater. I love, love, love it. It heats the whole house and it's great for drying the washing (I've been envious of Cath and her heater since we moved here two years ago). My problem is we have a pre-schooler, a toddler and a crawler and the fire guard we have is flimsy, wobbly and not big enough to go around the entire fireplace. I've priced them to fit and they are hundreds of dollars! I love our fire, the wood is free from fallen trees on our farm and I'd hate to have to go back to using the reverse cycle system again - the power bill would be huge! Any ideas on where I can get a nice sturdy, kid proof fire screen that isn't going to bankrupt us?
Kylie Axford answered
For a firescreen with toddlers we used a metal cage meant for small dogs and puppies. It was large enough to completely surround the fire. Easy enough for an adult to access and best yet sturdy enough to drape the washing on.
Bought it from the local feed store.
Jenny Ariansen answered
A good guard to get is a child guard from Bunnings that you can attach on walls out as far as you want. Sturdy and it's good to keep animals away as well and a good height. When you don't need it, it packs away flat.
Janet Johnson answered
My neighbour had a similar problem. He went to the local recycling centre and bought three discarded metal framed fly screen doors. He wired the doors with plastic coated wire to form a U shape and as they were quite sturdy they stood up by themselves. He did find out that the local metal fabricator would make four wall brackets that could be screwed to the doors and the walls - at a very reasonable price, the doors were $5 each.
There are more answers to Melanie's question in the Cheapskates Club Tip Store
10. This Week's Question
Livvy writes
"Hi I'm 70 years old, on an aged pension and would like to do weight watchers. Their food, while interesting, can be a little pricey using specific ingredients, often only once in a blue moon. While I don't want to be living on sausages or mince I do have to watch every dollar. I enjoy cooking and baking. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you."
Do you have the answer?
If you can help Livvy 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. Ask Cath
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
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!
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.cheapskatesclub.net
Last week's question was from Melanie who wrote
"We've just renovated our kitchen/family/living rooms and put in a slow combustion heater. I love, love, love it. It heats the whole house and it's great for drying the washing (I've been envious of Cath and her heater since we moved here two years ago). My problem is we have a pre-schooler, a toddler and a crawler and the fire guard we have is flimsy, wobbly and not big enough to go around the entire fireplace. I've priced them to fit and they are hundreds of dollars! I love our fire, the wood is free from fallen trees on our farm and I'd hate to have to go back to using the reverse cycle system again - the power bill would be huge! Any ideas on where I can get a nice sturdy, kid proof fire screen that isn't going to bankrupt us?
Kylie Axford answered
For a firescreen with toddlers we used a metal cage meant for small dogs and puppies. It was large enough to completely surround the fire. Easy enough for an adult to access and best yet sturdy enough to drape the washing on.
Bought it from the local feed store.
Jenny Ariansen answered
A good guard to get is a child guard from Bunnings that you can attach on walls out as far as you want. Sturdy and it's good to keep animals away as well and a good height. When you don't need it, it packs away flat.
Janet Johnson answered
My neighbour had a similar problem. He went to the local recycling centre and bought three discarded metal framed fly screen doors. He wired the doors with plastic coated wire to form a U shape and as they were quite sturdy they stood up by themselves. He did find out that the local metal fabricator would make four wall brackets that could be screwed to the doors and the walls - at a very reasonable price, the doors were $5 each.
There are more answers to Melanie's question in the Cheapskates Club Tip Store
10. This Week's Question
Livvy writes
"Hi I'm 70 years old, on an aged pension and would like to do weight watchers. Their food, while interesting, can be a little pricey using specific ingredients, often only once in a blue moon. While I don't want to be living on sausages or mince I do have to watch every dollar. I enjoy cooking and baking. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you."
Do you have the answer?
If you can help Livvy 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. Ask Cath
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
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!
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.cheapskatesclub.net