Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 31:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. Birthday Month Specials - 30% off new memberships!
3. From the Tip Store - The Cheapskates Way to Have Your Baby Privately, Steam Fresh Veggies, Sparkling Pearly Whites with this Mouthwash
4. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - No Spend Week Every Month
5. Submit Your Tip - Send us your best frugal tip for a chance to win
6. Living Green in 2014 - Storing organic foods
7. On the Menu with Anne - Fish Tacos with Corn and Coriander Salsa
8. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Toiletries Included!
9. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
10. Member's Featured Blog - Spending Freeze by AliJ
11. Last Week's Question - What's a fair rate for room and board?
12. This Week's Question - A question about frozen yoghurt, help required
13. Join the Cheapskates Club
14. Gift Memberships
15. Frequently Asked Questions
16. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Twenty years ago this month I thought my world had come crashing down. In the space of just 4 days we went from a two income family of four to a no income family of four with one on the way.
To top it off we were living in half a house. A fortnight before we'd pulled the back off our house to start renovating.
I think I was in state of shock; it was all I could do to get up each day and cover the basics that needed doing. But then, after about six months, something happened that made me stop, think and then get moving.
I decided that I liked our lifestyle. I liked our home and our plans for it. I didn't want to change anything. But we were still living on a very unreliable income, our savings had run out and the bills still had to be paid.
And so I became a Cheapskate. Our lives turned around, we no longer stressed over money. We had a plan and we worked it. And friends and family noticed. And wondered how, with such a sporadic income, we managed. Some of them were even brave enough to ask how we were doing it.
One day at playgroup I told them. I explained that I'd changed our shopping habits, only shopping once a month. I explained that I had dragged out the recipe books and started cooking from scratch. I explained that I had pulled out my sewing machine and started sewing and mending instead of buying and tossing out. I explained that I'd asked my mother to help me start a veggie garden. I explained that I know cut everyone's hair with a $20 set of hair clippers. And they were all so enthusiastic, wanting to know more so the next week I shared a recipe for homemade muesli bars that cost 80 cents to make (remember, this was 19 years ago). That day was my very first Cheapskating workshop, not that I realised it then.
It was also unofficial beginnings of the Cheapskates Club, although we didn't come to our present form for another few years.
This month is our birthday month. The Cheapskates Club is 13 years old. From small beginnings, it has gone from strength to strength over the last 13 years, and it's all thanks to you, the members. Without your support, encouragement and contributions my job would have been a lot harder.
Happy birthday Cheapskaters, here's to another fabulous year of Cheapskating, with many more to come!
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. Birthday Month Specials
30% off new memberships!
Each week during August we'll have a fantastic new birthday month special for you. To get things rolling this week, we are having a massive membership sale, with 30% off the price of new Cheapskates Club memberships.
August is our birthday month and to get the celebrations started we are having a membership sale.
Until 8pm Monday 4th August 2014 the price of new Cheapskates Club membership has been slashed to just $25!
Click here to join now
And if you are already a Platinum member, you can renew for just $18.25
3. From The Tip Store
The Cheapskates Way to Have Your Baby Privately
Approximate $ Savings: $1,741.88
I only spent $1,640 out of pocket to go private.
1. You don't have to have family/couple health cover. I had singles health insurance and so did my husband. When we wanted to start a family I increased my cover to include birth but left his the same. That way we saved a years’ worth of higher cover for him (we saved $544.20)
2. Find a doctor who allows all of their payment to be claimed by Medicare. Some doctors will have a 'gap' payment (e.g. $1,000) that cannot be claimed by Medicare. Others allow you to claim the full amount (we saved $850)
3. Register for the Medicare safety net. When you have made more than $1,000 in out of pocket medical expenses in one calendar year you then get 80% of future medical expenses back. Also try to make as many payments in the same calendar year (e.g. if your baby is due in February, ask if you can make your final payment in December to take advantage of the safety net.)
4. Save all Medicare and doctors receipts for tax time. Medical expenses over $1,500 in one financial year can be claimed as a tax deduction (part of the expense can anyway - we claimed $347.68). You can get a financial statement from Medicare at the end of the financial year if you can't find all receipts.
Contributed by Laura
Steam Fresh Veggies
Approximate $ Savings: $182.00 a year.
My 14 year old son decided one day that he didn't like vegetables anymore and just refused to eat them when given to him, then one day he stayed at a friends place and had a bag of Steam Fresh vegies which had peas, carrots and corn in it. He came home raving about them and asked me to buy some. I thought if that was the only way I could get him to eat vegies then I would get some. The first bag, which has 3 individual packs inside at 200g each, cost me $3.65. The second lot was on special at 2 bags for $6.00. He would have a pack every night, so I realised this was going to cost a lot, there had to be a better way. I had seen a pack of Glad Steam Lock bags at the supermarket for $3.35 (which has 5 single serve bags inside.)Then I bought a Homebrand bag of mixed vegies, a bag of peas and a bag of corn kernels. I mixed the three bags together and measured out 1 cup (250g) into the bags. It says on the pack to rip off the strip at the top of the bag when your vegies are cooked which makes them no good to use again, so I carefully open the Ziploc at the top making sure I don't burn myself and then tip them onto his plate. They take 3 minutes to cook. I rinse out the bag straight away then either wash in dishwasher or hand wash and let dry. I am happy my son is eating vegies again and he is happy because he likes eating them. He has also come home from school and heated up a bag for his afternoon snack. The bags are really strong and so far haven't ripped at the seams or developed any holes and I have been using them for about 3 months now. Instead of paying $6.00 for 6 single bags ($1.00 at 200g each) I now get 12 single serves (0.37c at 250g each.) You could cut down the size of the serves making a few more bags at a cheaper price.
Contributed by Sian, Mackay
Sparkling Pearly Whites with This Mouthwash
Here`s my recipe for a teeth whitening mouthwash that removes coffee, tea and tobacco stains and brightens teeth. Mix together in a glass bottle with a lid: 1/2 cup vodka or gin (cheap is good), 2 teaspoons glycerine, 4 cups water, 2 teaspoons flavouring (mint is good), a few drops of food colouring (green is good) and 3 packets artificial sweetener (optional, but it tastes much better with it). Label the bottle. Swish 1 tablespoonful through teeth for one minute prior to brushing. Spit out. Brush as usual for two minutes. Used regularly you will see a difference in about a week. As with all medicinal products, keep out of reach of children. Not particularly toxic, but not good to drink either.
Contributed by Toni, Elizabeth Park
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
4. Cheapskates Winning tip
This week's winning tip is from Ashleigh Saint. Ashleigh has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
No Spend Week, Every Month
Approximate $ Savings: $100-500
I have to admit, I freak a little when I see the ‘No-Spend’ month challenge come out in the weekly Cheapskates newsletter. I haven’t quite mastered the monthly shop yet but I am slowly reducing my shopping bill down (through meal planning, shopping lists and taking advantage of the specials) and have started to MOO where I can, however, the no spending for a month on anything but essentials feels a bit overwhelming. But one week when I just didn’t make it to the supermarket for our shop, I thought I can do a no-spend week, and I could quite easily do one week every month instead of doing a whole month (until I work up to it.) For us, it is a great time, to use up all the bits in the fridge, freezer and pantry stores for food, plus we get a bit creative with our meals sometimes and make do with what we have for other non-essential expenses for the week.
Congratulations Ashleigh, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
5. 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
6. Living Green in 2014
Nine Things to Consider When Storing Organic Food
An interesting thing happens when foods aren’t laden with artificial preservatives or any unnecessary processing.
And that thing is they don’t last as long as less natural options.
Add to that the fact that organic foods tend to be more expensive and any spoiling can be very costly. Considering all this, here are some things to keep in mind when storing your organic foods.
1. Buy produce in season. Out of season fruits and vegetables generally have a longer travel time, so that can reduce the amount of time you’ll be able to keep them before they spoil. Local produce is also often cheaper and it helps ensure maximum nutrient content. When produce is shipped long distances, it is often harvested just a little earlier than it normally should be.
2. Wash and then dry your produce. Never assume that the lack of pesticides means produce doesn’t need to be washed. Dirt can still have bacteria and other harmful substances. Make sure all produce is properly dry before you store it; wet or damp food will cause condensation and hasten the rotting process. Use a clean tea towel for hard fruits and veggies and a salad spinner for leafy vegetables.
3. Whole fruits can be stored in the usual manner. Use your crisper or storage containers in your fridge. Of course, some produce like bananas, avocadoes, tomatoes, potatoes and onions shouldn’t be refrigerated. If you cut up any fruits or vegetables, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
5. Store grains like flour and pasta in airtight containers. They will keep longer if you store them in the fridge (up to 6 months) and even longer in the freezer (up to 1 year). I make it a habit to freeze all dry goods for at least 7 days before putting them into the pantry to ensure any weevils (or other bugs) are dead.
6. Fresh meat and poultry needs to be used fairly quickly. Large cuts like roasts last up to 4 days; items like steaks, chops and chicken pieces last up to 3 days; and ground meats should be used within a day or two.
7. Freeze meats that won’t be used right away. Do the same for excess fruits and vegetables you won’t be able to use. Make sure all products you freeze are in airtight packaging. When using storage containers, make sure to fill them as full as possible, so buy a variety of sizes for best results. Any extra air in your container can contribute to freezer burn.
8. Bottling is another possibility for organic produce. You can create jams, pickle a variety of items, and make compotes, bottle fruits and vegetables in water and more. Of course, do note that the high temperatures in canning can affect the nutritional quality of your produce.
9. Dehydrating food can also help with preservation and can be used in a variety of ways. Dehydrated fruits make a great on-the-road snack, instead of processed food items. In addition, dehydrated produce is excellent for emergency kits, camping trips and more.
However, you store your food include a date on foods you store. This will give you an idea of when foods might spoil and which items should be used first.
7. On the Menu with Anne
I have had a few requests for more fish recipes. We are not big fish eaters in our house. I have a shellfish allergy, DH is a "feed the man meat" type of fella and as far as he's concerned fish just doesn't cut it when it comes to a meal and the boys aren't all that fussed. I do slip in the odd piece of grilled fish and the occasional tuna casserole but that's about it.
Until I found this recipe for fish tacos. It is delicious. Imagine warm taco shells filled with crispy fried fish and a fresh, tangy salsa. It really is good. So good in fact that when I serve it, there are no complaints and no leftovers!
Fish Tacos with Corn and Coriander Salsa
Ingredients:
1 cup whole kernel corn (frozen or tinned)
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup red capsicum, diced
1 cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
1 lime, zested and juiced
2 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp salt
6 white fish fillets*, about 125g each
2 tbsp olive oil
12 taco shells
Sour cream for topping
Method:
Put the corn, red onion, capsicum, coriander, lime zest and lime juice in a bowl and toss together until well blended; set aside. In a separate small bowl, stir together the cayenne pepper, ground black pepper and salt. Lay out the fish fillets and brush both sides with the olive oil, then sprinkle the mixed dry seasonings evenly over both sides of each fillet. Heat a large frying pan which has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray to medium-high heat. Set fillets carefully on hot pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, then turn and cook 3 to 4 more minutes or until fish is just cooked through. While the fish is cooking warm the taco shells.
Remove fish from grill and break up into smaller pieces. To serve, divide the fish and salsa between the tacos and top each with sour cream. Serve immediately.
*I use whatever white fish is on sale at the fishmonger when I buy it.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Tuna casserole, salad
Saturday: Spaghetti bolognaise
Sunday: Roast beef, baked vegetables
Monday: Mexican Lasagne and salad
Tuesday: Rissoles, mash, corn, carrot, broccoli
Wednesday: Curried sausages and fried rice
Thursday: Chicken pie, potato bake, broccoli, carrot
In the fruit bowl: bananas, apples, mandarins
In the cake tin: Orange cake, chocolate coconut slice.
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
8. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
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 $2 a tube and I buy about 20 when on sale.
* Brand name toothbrushes are bought at discount stores for $1 each.
* Shampoos and conditioners are bought in larger bottles and diluted by 1/3.
* Shower gel is bought at discount stores and poured into pump bottles. It's also diluted by 1/3
* 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
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2013-300-a-month-food-challenge-3-06-13
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
9.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
The Gardening Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?169-The-Gardening-Challenge&highlight=yellowlyn
What's your Worst Cleaning Job and how do you do it?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?38-What-s-your-worst-cleaning-job-and-how-do-you-do-it&highlight=yellowlyn
Saving on Meat Free Dinners
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?850-Saving-on-meat-free-dinners&highlight=yellowlyn
Most popular blog posts this week
10 Ways to Use Egg Shells
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/10/10-ways-to-use-egg-shells.html
Using Dried Foods on a Regular Basis
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/02/using-dried-foods-on-regular-basis.html
How Much Are You Saving Per Hour?
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/02/how-much-are-you-saving-per-hour.html
10. 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 AliJ.
Spending Freeze and Bringing Down the Grocery Bill
I know we're out of time with everyone else, but we've decided to make our own spending freeze. Yesterday was day one, and we made quite a few savings. It’s interesting how your mind set changes when faced with a challenge. We were planning a day out with the kids, no doubt would have included buying something for lunch ($20 at least), fuel to get there (approximately $15). But instead opted for a day at home. I cleaned out and vacuumed the inside of my car, saving of at least $10 - $15, dried the washing on the line in between showers (raining so much at the moment) so saved using the drier for at least for one wash! We cleaned out and re-organised the garage so we can have better access to the treadmill and start using it again (which we've been putting off for about six months. We also found a TV aerial lead (which I didn't know we had) but needed and had budgeted for and was going to buy this week (saving around $30).
Then I cooked a beautiful bolognaise at the end of the day and froze half so there's another meal for next week. And also fit in a run on the treadmill. All in all it was a very productive and busy day.
I think having this challenge has motivated both DH and I, so no excuses now with money or fitness! I've decided it’s time to shift those extra 10 kilos I've been carrying around since baby number three was born a year ago and DH has about 6 kilos he wants to lose.
Anyway time to go, making another from scratch meal tonight - Cath's Fried Rice....sounds yummy!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
11. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Cheapskates Club member Cutegroomz who wrote
"My middle son started his apprenticeship and I am wondering what parents consider acceptable for their kids to pay for board. Just a quick rundown, Centrelink won't pay child support for him anymore which is fair enough; he is earning a very good wage for a 17 year old. He leaves from 6 in the morning and gets home about 5.30 - 6.00 at night, 5 days a week. I do the cooking, washing etc. as it's easier for running the household. I have told him that he has to buy his own clothes and toiletries as he has certain brands he likes that aren't the cheapest. Thanks for any advice given."
Sandra Darling answered
Add up the cost of internet, electricity, gas, food, mortgage repayments/rent etc., and divide by the number of people in your house. Charge him his share but add $20-$50/week. In charging him this amount you get your costs covered, teaching him to respect the work you do for him which will help him respect his partner later down the line; there is a difference between cost and value and this respect for the sacrifice of others in your service is an invaluable part of any healthy relationship. That extra $20-$50? Put it in a secret account for him, and when he wants to move out give him a cheque to help him cover bond and setting up a house.
Sarah W answered
Although he is too young to be moving out of home, he should be budgeting to be able to live on his income once he does move out. You might choose to put some of the board he pays into a fund that he will be given once he moves out of the family home, but his board should be based upon the weekly rent he would pay to live with other young people and a contribution to shared bills and groceries. If you divide your expenditure on those items by the number of adults in the household, I think you will arrive at something which is fair and helps him manage his money.
Toni C answered
You need to prepare your son for the shock of when he moves out for the cost of living. I sometimes take in boarders as we have a spare room and have calculated that board is $30 per night and food $10 per day. You can’t stay at a motel for that.
Jennifer Martin answered
I have teenagers of my own now, but am still grateful to my mother for the board arrangements we had in place when I was in my first job. Essentially, I had to learn what it was like to budget both time and money. Rather than let me get off with just paying a flat, weekly board amount my mother said "you will live here rent free, but you will pay your way". This meant I paid half of each phone bill (only had landline in those days - these days it would be a matter of paying for your own mobile), I paid half of each electricity and gas bill, I paid my share of groceries, and of course I bought my own clothes and toiletries and paid for my own transport. There were two of us in the house, which is why my share was half - if you have more family members then the formula would be 1/3 or 1/4 or 1/5 - whatever equates to the number of people using the electricity and eating the food, etc. The advantage of this system was that I had to learn to be aware of when these bills were due and to set aside money for them. When I moved out of home I had a very good understanding of the implications of leaving lights on and letting the electricity usage creep up, I had a great understanding of shopping for specials rather than just buying my favourite things week by week. These skills put me in good stead for paying off my first mortgage. It's worth mentioning that I was also aware of the fact that I was living rent-free - so I quickly got a habit of setting aside a weekly amount equivalent to what I would have had to pay in rent if I was in a share-house and I saved that amount. The other thing that was expected of me when I had my first job was to pull my weight around the house. This meant I had to budget time as well as money. This was especially important in relation to things like laundry - because I needed clean clothes to wear to that first job! When my children finish school and get their first jobs I'd love them to still live with me - but I would also expect them to get the next part of their education: the time and money skills needed to operate a household.
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12. This Week's Question
Leith writes
"Recently I bought a 2 litre ice-cream machine for the purpose of making healthier frozen yoghurt, big favourite in my household. I wanted to store in freezer and have small deserts. I am disappointed to find that while the taste is great the texture is not - very icy, requiring defrosting for hour and then not the best texture. Any tips please?"
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Leith 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
13. 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
14. 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!
15. 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?
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Read our privacy policy
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16. 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. Birthday Month Specials - 30% off new memberships!
3. From the Tip Store - The Cheapskates Way to Have Your Baby Privately, Steam Fresh Veggies, Sparkling Pearly Whites with this Mouthwash
4. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - No Spend Week Every Month
5. Submit Your Tip - Send us your best frugal tip for a chance to win
6. Living Green in 2014 - Storing organic foods
7. On the Menu with Anne - Fish Tacos with Corn and Coriander Salsa
8. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Toiletries Included!
9. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
10. Member's Featured Blog - Spending Freeze by AliJ
11. Last Week's Question - What's a fair rate for room and board?
12. This Week's Question - A question about frozen yoghurt, help required
13. Join the Cheapskates Club
14. Gift Memberships
15. Frequently Asked Questions
16. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Twenty years ago this month I thought my world had come crashing down. In the space of just 4 days we went from a two income family of four to a no income family of four with one on the way.
To top it off we were living in half a house. A fortnight before we'd pulled the back off our house to start renovating.
I think I was in state of shock; it was all I could do to get up each day and cover the basics that needed doing. But then, after about six months, something happened that made me stop, think and then get moving.
I decided that I liked our lifestyle. I liked our home and our plans for it. I didn't want to change anything. But we were still living on a very unreliable income, our savings had run out and the bills still had to be paid.
And so I became a Cheapskate. Our lives turned around, we no longer stressed over money. We had a plan and we worked it. And friends and family noticed. And wondered how, with such a sporadic income, we managed. Some of them were even brave enough to ask how we were doing it.
One day at playgroup I told them. I explained that I'd changed our shopping habits, only shopping once a month. I explained that I had dragged out the recipe books and started cooking from scratch. I explained that I had pulled out my sewing machine and started sewing and mending instead of buying and tossing out. I explained that I'd asked my mother to help me start a veggie garden. I explained that I know cut everyone's hair with a $20 set of hair clippers. And they were all so enthusiastic, wanting to know more so the next week I shared a recipe for homemade muesli bars that cost 80 cents to make (remember, this was 19 years ago). That day was my very first Cheapskating workshop, not that I realised it then.
It was also unofficial beginnings of the Cheapskates Club, although we didn't come to our present form for another few years.
This month is our birthday month. The Cheapskates Club is 13 years old. From small beginnings, it has gone from strength to strength over the last 13 years, and it's all thanks to you, the members. Without your support, encouragement and contributions my job would have been a lot harder.
Happy birthday Cheapskaters, here's to another fabulous year of Cheapskating, with many more to come!
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. Birthday Month Specials
30% off new memberships!
Each week during August we'll have a fantastic new birthday month special for you. To get things rolling this week, we are having a massive membership sale, with 30% off the price of new Cheapskates Club memberships.
August is our birthday month and to get the celebrations started we are having a membership sale.
Until 8pm Monday 4th August 2014 the price of new Cheapskates Club membership has been slashed to just $25!
Click here to join now
And if you are already a Platinum member, you can renew for just $18.25
3. From The Tip Store
The Cheapskates Way to Have Your Baby Privately
Approximate $ Savings: $1,741.88
I only spent $1,640 out of pocket to go private.
1. You don't have to have family/couple health cover. I had singles health insurance and so did my husband. When we wanted to start a family I increased my cover to include birth but left his the same. That way we saved a years’ worth of higher cover for him (we saved $544.20)
2. Find a doctor who allows all of their payment to be claimed by Medicare. Some doctors will have a 'gap' payment (e.g. $1,000) that cannot be claimed by Medicare. Others allow you to claim the full amount (we saved $850)
3. Register for the Medicare safety net. When you have made more than $1,000 in out of pocket medical expenses in one calendar year you then get 80% of future medical expenses back. Also try to make as many payments in the same calendar year (e.g. if your baby is due in February, ask if you can make your final payment in December to take advantage of the safety net.)
4. Save all Medicare and doctors receipts for tax time. Medical expenses over $1,500 in one financial year can be claimed as a tax deduction (part of the expense can anyway - we claimed $347.68). You can get a financial statement from Medicare at the end of the financial year if you can't find all receipts.
Contributed by Laura
Steam Fresh Veggies
Approximate $ Savings: $182.00 a year.
My 14 year old son decided one day that he didn't like vegetables anymore and just refused to eat them when given to him, then one day he stayed at a friends place and had a bag of Steam Fresh vegies which had peas, carrots and corn in it. He came home raving about them and asked me to buy some. I thought if that was the only way I could get him to eat vegies then I would get some. The first bag, which has 3 individual packs inside at 200g each, cost me $3.65. The second lot was on special at 2 bags for $6.00. He would have a pack every night, so I realised this was going to cost a lot, there had to be a better way. I had seen a pack of Glad Steam Lock bags at the supermarket for $3.35 (which has 5 single serve bags inside.)Then I bought a Homebrand bag of mixed vegies, a bag of peas and a bag of corn kernels. I mixed the three bags together and measured out 1 cup (250g) into the bags. It says on the pack to rip off the strip at the top of the bag when your vegies are cooked which makes them no good to use again, so I carefully open the Ziploc at the top making sure I don't burn myself and then tip them onto his plate. They take 3 minutes to cook. I rinse out the bag straight away then either wash in dishwasher or hand wash and let dry. I am happy my son is eating vegies again and he is happy because he likes eating them. He has also come home from school and heated up a bag for his afternoon snack. The bags are really strong and so far haven't ripped at the seams or developed any holes and I have been using them for about 3 months now. Instead of paying $6.00 for 6 single bags ($1.00 at 200g each) I now get 12 single serves (0.37c at 250g each.) You could cut down the size of the serves making a few more bags at a cheaper price.
Contributed by Sian, Mackay
Sparkling Pearly Whites with This Mouthwash
Here`s my recipe for a teeth whitening mouthwash that removes coffee, tea and tobacco stains and brightens teeth. Mix together in a glass bottle with a lid: 1/2 cup vodka or gin (cheap is good), 2 teaspoons glycerine, 4 cups water, 2 teaspoons flavouring (mint is good), a few drops of food colouring (green is good) and 3 packets artificial sweetener (optional, but it tastes much better with it). Label the bottle. Swish 1 tablespoonful through teeth for one minute prior to brushing. Spit out. Brush as usual for two minutes. Used regularly you will see a difference in about a week. As with all medicinal products, keep out of reach of children. Not particularly toxic, but not good to drink either.
Contributed by Toni, Elizabeth Park
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
4. Cheapskates Winning tip
This week's winning tip is from Ashleigh Saint. Ashleigh has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
No Spend Week, Every Month
Approximate $ Savings: $100-500
I have to admit, I freak a little when I see the ‘No-Spend’ month challenge come out in the weekly Cheapskates newsletter. I haven’t quite mastered the monthly shop yet but I am slowly reducing my shopping bill down (through meal planning, shopping lists and taking advantage of the specials) and have started to MOO where I can, however, the no spending for a month on anything but essentials feels a bit overwhelming. But one week when I just didn’t make it to the supermarket for our shop, I thought I can do a no-spend week, and I could quite easily do one week every month instead of doing a whole month (until I work up to it.) For us, it is a great time, to use up all the bits in the fridge, freezer and pantry stores for food, plus we get a bit creative with our meals sometimes and make do with what we have for other non-essential expenses for the week.
Congratulations Ashleigh, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
5. 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!
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6. Living Green in 2014
Nine Things to Consider When Storing Organic Food
An interesting thing happens when foods aren’t laden with artificial preservatives or any unnecessary processing.
And that thing is they don’t last as long as less natural options.
Add to that the fact that organic foods tend to be more expensive and any spoiling can be very costly. Considering all this, here are some things to keep in mind when storing your organic foods.
1. Buy produce in season. Out of season fruits and vegetables generally have a longer travel time, so that can reduce the amount of time you’ll be able to keep them before they spoil. Local produce is also often cheaper and it helps ensure maximum nutrient content. When produce is shipped long distances, it is often harvested just a little earlier than it normally should be.
2. Wash and then dry your produce. Never assume that the lack of pesticides means produce doesn’t need to be washed. Dirt can still have bacteria and other harmful substances. Make sure all produce is properly dry before you store it; wet or damp food will cause condensation and hasten the rotting process. Use a clean tea towel for hard fruits and veggies and a salad spinner for leafy vegetables.
3. Whole fruits can be stored in the usual manner. Use your crisper or storage containers in your fridge. Of course, some produce like bananas, avocadoes, tomatoes, potatoes and onions shouldn’t be refrigerated. If you cut up any fruits or vegetables, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
5. Store grains like flour and pasta in airtight containers. They will keep longer if you store them in the fridge (up to 6 months) and even longer in the freezer (up to 1 year). I make it a habit to freeze all dry goods for at least 7 days before putting them into the pantry to ensure any weevils (or other bugs) are dead.
6. Fresh meat and poultry needs to be used fairly quickly. Large cuts like roasts last up to 4 days; items like steaks, chops and chicken pieces last up to 3 days; and ground meats should be used within a day or two.
7. Freeze meats that won’t be used right away. Do the same for excess fruits and vegetables you won’t be able to use. Make sure all products you freeze are in airtight packaging. When using storage containers, make sure to fill them as full as possible, so buy a variety of sizes for best results. Any extra air in your container can contribute to freezer burn.
8. Bottling is another possibility for organic produce. You can create jams, pickle a variety of items, and make compotes, bottle fruits and vegetables in water and more. Of course, do note that the high temperatures in canning can affect the nutritional quality of your produce.
9. Dehydrating food can also help with preservation and can be used in a variety of ways. Dehydrated fruits make a great on-the-road snack, instead of processed food items. In addition, dehydrated produce is excellent for emergency kits, camping trips and more.
However, you store your food include a date on foods you store. This will give you an idea of when foods might spoil and which items should be used first.
7. On the Menu with Anne
I have had a few requests for more fish recipes. We are not big fish eaters in our house. I have a shellfish allergy, DH is a "feed the man meat" type of fella and as far as he's concerned fish just doesn't cut it when it comes to a meal and the boys aren't all that fussed. I do slip in the odd piece of grilled fish and the occasional tuna casserole but that's about it.
Until I found this recipe for fish tacos. It is delicious. Imagine warm taco shells filled with crispy fried fish and a fresh, tangy salsa. It really is good. So good in fact that when I serve it, there are no complaints and no leftovers!
Fish Tacos with Corn and Coriander Salsa
Ingredients:
1 cup whole kernel corn (frozen or tinned)
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup red capsicum, diced
1 cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
1 lime, zested and juiced
2 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp salt
6 white fish fillets*, about 125g each
2 tbsp olive oil
12 taco shells
Sour cream for topping
Method:
Put the corn, red onion, capsicum, coriander, lime zest and lime juice in a bowl and toss together until well blended; set aside. In a separate small bowl, stir together the cayenne pepper, ground black pepper and salt. Lay out the fish fillets and brush both sides with the olive oil, then sprinkle the mixed dry seasonings evenly over both sides of each fillet. Heat a large frying pan which has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray to medium-high heat. Set fillets carefully on hot pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, then turn and cook 3 to 4 more minutes or until fish is just cooked through. While the fish is cooking warm the taco shells.
Remove fish from grill and break up into smaller pieces. To serve, divide the fish and salsa between the tacos and top each with sour cream. Serve immediately.
*I use whatever white fish is on sale at the fishmonger when I buy it.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Tuna casserole, salad
Saturday: Spaghetti bolognaise
Sunday: Roast beef, baked vegetables
Monday: Mexican Lasagne and salad
Tuesday: Rissoles, mash, corn, carrot, broccoli
Wednesday: Curried sausages and fried rice
Thursday: Chicken pie, potato bake, broccoli, carrot
In the fruit bowl: bananas, apples, mandarins
In the cake tin: Orange cake, chocolate coconut slice.
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
8. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
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 $2 a tube and I buy about 20 when on sale.
* Brand name toothbrushes are bought at discount stores for $1 each.
* Shampoos and conditioners are bought in larger bottles and diluted by 1/3.
* Shower gel is bought at discount stores and poured into pump bottles. It's also diluted by 1/3
* 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
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2013-300-a-month-food-challenge-3-06-13
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
9.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
The Gardening Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?169-The-Gardening-Challenge&highlight=yellowlyn
What's your Worst Cleaning Job and how do you do it?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?38-What-s-your-worst-cleaning-job-and-how-do-you-do-it&highlight=yellowlyn
Saving on Meat Free Dinners
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?850-Saving-on-meat-free-dinners&highlight=yellowlyn
Most popular blog posts this week
10 Ways to Use Egg Shells
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/10/10-ways-to-use-egg-shells.html
Using Dried Foods on a Regular Basis
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/02/using-dried-foods-on-regular-basis.html
How Much Are You Saving Per Hour?
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/02/how-much-are-you-saving-per-hour.html
10. 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 AliJ.
Spending Freeze and Bringing Down the Grocery Bill
I know we're out of time with everyone else, but we've decided to make our own spending freeze. Yesterday was day one, and we made quite a few savings. It’s interesting how your mind set changes when faced with a challenge. We were planning a day out with the kids, no doubt would have included buying something for lunch ($20 at least), fuel to get there (approximately $15). But instead opted for a day at home. I cleaned out and vacuumed the inside of my car, saving of at least $10 - $15, dried the washing on the line in between showers (raining so much at the moment) so saved using the drier for at least for one wash! We cleaned out and re-organised the garage so we can have better access to the treadmill and start using it again (which we've been putting off for about six months. We also found a TV aerial lead (which I didn't know we had) but needed and had budgeted for and was going to buy this week (saving around $30).
Then I cooked a beautiful bolognaise at the end of the day and froze half so there's another meal for next week. And also fit in a run on the treadmill. All in all it was a very productive and busy day.
I think having this challenge has motivated both DH and I, so no excuses now with money or fitness! I've decided it’s time to shift those extra 10 kilos I've been carrying around since baby number three was born a year ago and DH has about 6 kilos he wants to lose.
Anyway time to go, making another from scratch meal tonight - Cath's Fried Rice....sounds yummy!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
11. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Cheapskates Club member Cutegroomz who wrote
"My middle son started his apprenticeship and I am wondering what parents consider acceptable for their kids to pay for board. Just a quick rundown, Centrelink won't pay child support for him anymore which is fair enough; he is earning a very good wage for a 17 year old. He leaves from 6 in the morning and gets home about 5.30 - 6.00 at night, 5 days a week. I do the cooking, washing etc. as it's easier for running the household. I have told him that he has to buy his own clothes and toiletries as he has certain brands he likes that aren't the cheapest. Thanks for any advice given."
Sandra Darling answered
Add up the cost of internet, electricity, gas, food, mortgage repayments/rent etc., and divide by the number of people in your house. Charge him his share but add $20-$50/week. In charging him this amount you get your costs covered, teaching him to respect the work you do for him which will help him respect his partner later down the line; there is a difference between cost and value and this respect for the sacrifice of others in your service is an invaluable part of any healthy relationship. That extra $20-$50? Put it in a secret account for him, and when he wants to move out give him a cheque to help him cover bond and setting up a house.
Sarah W answered
Although he is too young to be moving out of home, he should be budgeting to be able to live on his income once he does move out. You might choose to put some of the board he pays into a fund that he will be given once he moves out of the family home, but his board should be based upon the weekly rent he would pay to live with other young people and a contribution to shared bills and groceries. If you divide your expenditure on those items by the number of adults in the household, I think you will arrive at something which is fair and helps him manage his money.
Toni C answered
You need to prepare your son for the shock of when he moves out for the cost of living. I sometimes take in boarders as we have a spare room and have calculated that board is $30 per night and food $10 per day. You can’t stay at a motel for that.
Jennifer Martin answered
I have teenagers of my own now, but am still grateful to my mother for the board arrangements we had in place when I was in my first job. Essentially, I had to learn what it was like to budget both time and money. Rather than let me get off with just paying a flat, weekly board amount my mother said "you will live here rent free, but you will pay your way". This meant I paid half of each phone bill (only had landline in those days - these days it would be a matter of paying for your own mobile), I paid half of each electricity and gas bill, I paid my share of groceries, and of course I bought my own clothes and toiletries and paid for my own transport. There were two of us in the house, which is why my share was half - if you have more family members then the formula would be 1/3 or 1/4 or 1/5 - whatever equates to the number of people using the electricity and eating the food, etc. The advantage of this system was that I had to learn to be aware of when these bills were due and to set aside money for them. When I moved out of home I had a very good understanding of the implications of leaving lights on and letting the electricity usage creep up, I had a great understanding of shopping for specials rather than just buying my favourite things week by week. These skills put me in good stead for paying off my first mortgage. It's worth mentioning that I was also aware of the fact that I was living rent-free - so I quickly got a habit of setting aside a weekly amount equivalent to what I would have had to pay in rent if I was in a share-house and I saved that amount. The other thing that was expected of me when I had my first job was to pull my weight around the house. This meant I had to budget time as well as money. This was especially important in relation to things like laundry - because I needed clean clothes to wear to that first job! When my children finish school and get their first jobs I'd love them to still live with me - but I would also expect them to get the next part of their education: the time and money skills needed to operate a household.
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12. This Week's Question
Leith writes
"Recently I bought a 2 litre ice-cream machine for the purpose of making healthier frozen yoghurt, big favourite in my household. I wanted to store in freezer and have small deserts. I am disappointed to find that while the taste is great the texture is not - very icy, requiring defrosting for hour and then not the best texture. Any tips please?"
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If you have a suggestion or idea for Leith 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.
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13. Join the Cheapskates Club
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14. Gift Memberships
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16. Contact Details
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www.cheapskates.com.au
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