Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter 31:21
In This Newsletter
1. Cath's Corner
2. From the Tip Store - Has to be Wool for Warm Feet; Make Use Of Marketing Magnets; Stop Overdosing Your Garden
3. The Cheapskates Club 20th Birthday Sale - New memberships just $20!
4. Share Your Tips
5. On the Menu - Sloppy Joes
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge - Shopping Day Spring Clean
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. The Cheapskates Club Show
9. The Weekly MOO Challenge - Flavoured Coffee Beans
10. 2021 Saving Revolution Lesson 31: How Much Will You Need in Retirement?1
11. Ask A Question - Have a question? Ask it here
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
This August is one of the highlights of my life, right up there marrying the love of my life and being a mum to three amazing chidults.
This month, August 2021, marks 20 years of The Cheapskates Club in it's current format!
I never imagined 20 years ago when Le told me she had a way I could "do that newsletter thing" without having to type and print and fold and label and post, that I even had 20 years of hints, tips, ideas, suggestions and advice about debt free living in me.
It has been a rollercoaster ride, that's for sure. Way back when this journey began, Cheapskates was the only website of it's kind in Australia. There were other similar websites, but nothing exactly like Cheapskates. There still isn't.
Back in 1995 when a group of playgroup mums gathered at our home and asked me lots of questions, I never thought it would plant the seed of an idea that would lead to something amazing and wonderful and so much fun.
If the next twenty years are as much fun as the last twenty have been, I can't wait, and I hope you join me for the journey, living debt free, cashed up and laughing all the way.
Have a great week everyone.
Happy Cheapskating,
Cath
2. From The Tip Store
Has to be Wool for Warm Feet
Approximate $ Savings: $25-$35
In Winter in the Southern States (since I turned 100 with my twin) I have noticed an increasing number of cold-temp cramps in my feet and legs. My feet ache and then my calves cramp from being too cold. My darling Mum (God rest her Soul) used to swear by wool (singlets, jumpers, hats etc.) however the woollen socks just don't seem to be enough nowadays for my feet. I was looking at the used-to-be beautiful sheepskin (pock-marked, burnt, chewed and stained by various calamities) the other day (it's our mat we sit on to tend to the fire on our very cold slate floors). Suddenly, the light bulb went on! I grabbed the scissors, ALL my shoes, slippers, gumboots are now lined with the said sheepskin and boy are my feet doing a Happy Dance. No more Cramps, toasty warm toes - Oh, Happy Day!
Contributed by Melinda Rau-Wig
Make Use Of Marketing Magnets
Collect a few of the larger calendar magnets pollies love to give out, some glue or double sided tape, and a favourite recipe or two printed to fit the magnet. Then simply glue or tape the recipe/item to the magnet and leave it on the fridge.
Contributed by Rosemarie Wheeler
Editor's note: These would make a lovely stocking stuffer or gift for a young person moving out on their own. Use favourite family recipes and you could create a set of magnetic recipes. Cath
Stop Overdosing Your Garden
I use liquid plant tonics and fertilisers and find it difficult to decant the required amount for the watering can as they only have lids to decant out what you need, you spill it on your hands and everywhere, and once you put the lid back on it drips down the bottle! I have bought plastic twin neck liquid dispenser bottles, with 100ml measure. This allows you to accurately decant up to 100ml of liquid into the chamber, and pour it without spilling it. You are saving your expensive fertilisers, you're not overdosing your plants and its mess free! I have also done this with my liquid laundry detergent also. I peel off the label to the front of the bottle and the application/dose rate on the back, remember to always label your bottles and keep out of reach of children!
Contributed by Tanya Campigli
Add a Tip
3. The Cheapskates Club 20th Birthday Sale
If you want to win the Battle of the Bills (and who doesn't?) then the Cheapskates Club is the place to find the resources you need to plan your money saving strategies and attack the bill monster.
To celebrate our 20th birthday, all new Cheapskates Club memberships are just $20 each until 8pm 31st August 2021!
Join today and win the Battle of the Bills
4. Share Your Tips
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!
Share Your Tip
5. On The Menu
Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
500g mince**
1 tbsp dried onion
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato sauce
2 cups water
3 tbsp gravy powder
Method:
Place mince in ziplock bag. Combine remaining ingredients in a jug. Stir to dissolve gravy powder. Pour over mince. Seal bag and freeze.
To cook thaw and pour contents of bag into slow cooker. Cook on HIGH 4 hours or LOW 6 hours. Serve spooned over toasted bread rolls.
**Cut the cost by using 250g mince and 1 cup TVP reconstituted in 1 cup boiling water or boiling stock.
Next week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Beef
Monday: Schnitzels, potato bake, green salad
Tuesday: Mexican Lasagne, salad
Wednesday: Sloppy Joes
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Fish, potato gems, coleslaw
Saturday: Soup & Toast
There are over 1,800 budget and family friendly recipes in the Cheapskates Club Recipe File, all contributed by your fellow Cheapskates, so you know they're good.
Add A Recipe
Recipe File Index
6. The $300 A Month Food Challenge
Shopping Day Spring Clean
If it's been a while since you cleaned out your cupboards, you may want to give your pantry an overhaul before your next shopping trip. You'll be surprised at how much easier meal planning and cooking is when you have a tidy pantry. You'll also be surprised at just how much money you can save too.
When your pantry, fridge and freezer are organised, you will stop over-buying. Using inventories will show you at a glance just how much food you have on hand and what you need to add to the shopping list.
Here are some tips for organising your food:
· Check the food in your pantry for expiration dates; if it is past its prime, throw it out.
· If an item isn't expired, but no one is interested in eating it, get rid of it. Feed it to the dog or cat (if it is safe to do so) or compost it, or just bin it. Unopened items can be donated to family, friends or a local food bank.
· Group like foods together; for example store all canned foods in the same cupboard and all dry goods, such as rice and pasta in the same cupboard. Designate a shelf to baking supplies. Store flours, dried fruits, coconut and other baking supplies in air-tight containers to keep them fresh. If you put new packets into the freezer for at least 72 hours before putting them in the pantry you won't be bothered with pantry moths and weevils. If you have the freezer room they can be stored in the freezer in air-tight containers permanently.
· Keep drink mixes, coffee and tea in the same area and keep breakfast cereals, breakfast spreads and other breakfast items grouped together. When you want something, you'll know right where to go to get it.
· Keep regularly used items front and centre. You'll save time by not continuously searching, reaching and bending for these items.
· If you pack a lot of lunches, designate a “lunch” shelf or cupboard. Place lunch bags, Ziploc bags, greaseproof paper, foil etc. in a basket so they are all together and not falling all over the pantry.
· When you or the kids or whoever start packing the lunch, you simply open the lunch cupboard, grab your lunch stuff and start packing. Of course, you'll need to walk over to the fridge to grab meats, cheeses, jams, fruits, and so forth, but having most of the items in one place will save you a lot of time.
· Clean out the fridge each week. Leftovers have a short shelf life and you don't want to risk getting sick by eating something that should have been frozen or already been thrown-out.
Less clutter means you can see what you have and use it up, and see what need to buy; no more wasting money by over-buying and forgetting to use things.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
The Post that Started it All
7. Cheapskates Buzz
From The Article Archive
Dating on a Budget
How Much Money Is Enough?
Happy Birthday on the Cheap
This Week's Hot Forum Topics
Curry Pastes
Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
Single Income
8. The Cheapskates Club Show
Join us live on YouTube every Tuesday and see how we are living debt free, cashed up and laughing - and find out how you can too!
Show Schedule
Tuesday: Around the Kitchen Table - join Cath and Hannah for a cuppa and a chat around the kitchen table as they talk about living the Cheapskates way.
Latest Shows
1. Cath's Corner
2. From the Tip Store - Has to be Wool for Warm Feet; Make Use Of Marketing Magnets; Stop Overdosing Your Garden
3. The Cheapskates Club 20th Birthday Sale - New memberships just $20!
4. Share Your Tips
5. On the Menu - Sloppy Joes
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge - Shopping Day Spring Clean
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. The Cheapskates Club Show
9. The Weekly MOO Challenge - Flavoured Coffee Beans
10. 2021 Saving Revolution Lesson 31: How Much Will You Need in Retirement?1
11. Ask A Question - Have a question? Ask it here
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
This August is one of the highlights of my life, right up there marrying the love of my life and being a mum to three amazing chidults.
This month, August 2021, marks 20 years of The Cheapskates Club in it's current format!
I never imagined 20 years ago when Le told me she had a way I could "do that newsletter thing" without having to type and print and fold and label and post, that I even had 20 years of hints, tips, ideas, suggestions and advice about debt free living in me.
It has been a rollercoaster ride, that's for sure. Way back when this journey began, Cheapskates was the only website of it's kind in Australia. There were other similar websites, but nothing exactly like Cheapskates. There still isn't.
Back in 1995 when a group of playgroup mums gathered at our home and asked me lots of questions, I never thought it would plant the seed of an idea that would lead to something amazing and wonderful and so much fun.
If the next twenty years are as much fun as the last twenty have been, I can't wait, and I hope you join me for the journey, living debt free, cashed up and laughing all the way.
Have a great week everyone.
Happy Cheapskating,
Cath
2. From The Tip Store
Has to be Wool for Warm Feet
Approximate $ Savings: $25-$35
In Winter in the Southern States (since I turned 100 with my twin) I have noticed an increasing number of cold-temp cramps in my feet and legs. My feet ache and then my calves cramp from being too cold. My darling Mum (God rest her Soul) used to swear by wool (singlets, jumpers, hats etc.) however the woollen socks just don't seem to be enough nowadays for my feet. I was looking at the used-to-be beautiful sheepskin (pock-marked, burnt, chewed and stained by various calamities) the other day (it's our mat we sit on to tend to the fire on our very cold slate floors). Suddenly, the light bulb went on! I grabbed the scissors, ALL my shoes, slippers, gumboots are now lined with the said sheepskin and boy are my feet doing a Happy Dance. No more Cramps, toasty warm toes - Oh, Happy Day!
Contributed by Melinda Rau-Wig
Make Use Of Marketing Magnets
Collect a few of the larger calendar magnets pollies love to give out, some glue or double sided tape, and a favourite recipe or two printed to fit the magnet. Then simply glue or tape the recipe/item to the magnet and leave it on the fridge.
Contributed by Rosemarie Wheeler
Editor's note: These would make a lovely stocking stuffer or gift for a young person moving out on their own. Use favourite family recipes and you could create a set of magnetic recipes. Cath
Stop Overdosing Your Garden
I use liquid plant tonics and fertilisers and find it difficult to decant the required amount for the watering can as they only have lids to decant out what you need, you spill it on your hands and everywhere, and once you put the lid back on it drips down the bottle! I have bought plastic twin neck liquid dispenser bottles, with 100ml measure. This allows you to accurately decant up to 100ml of liquid into the chamber, and pour it without spilling it. You are saving your expensive fertilisers, you're not overdosing your plants and its mess free! I have also done this with my liquid laundry detergent also. I peel off the label to the front of the bottle and the application/dose rate on the back, remember to always label your bottles and keep out of reach of children!
Contributed by Tanya Campigli
Add a Tip
3. The Cheapskates Club 20th Birthday Sale
If you want to win the Battle of the Bills (and who doesn't?) then the Cheapskates Club is the place to find the resources you need to plan your money saving strategies and attack the bill monster.
To celebrate our 20th birthday, all new Cheapskates Club memberships are just $20 each until 8pm 31st August 2021!
Join today and win the Battle of the Bills
4. Share Your Tips
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!
Share Your Tip
5. On The Menu
Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
500g mince**
1 tbsp dried onion
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato sauce
2 cups water
3 tbsp gravy powder
Method:
Place mince in ziplock bag. Combine remaining ingredients in a jug. Stir to dissolve gravy powder. Pour over mince. Seal bag and freeze.
To cook thaw and pour contents of bag into slow cooker. Cook on HIGH 4 hours or LOW 6 hours. Serve spooned over toasted bread rolls.
**Cut the cost by using 250g mince and 1 cup TVP reconstituted in 1 cup boiling water or boiling stock.
Next week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Beef
Monday: Schnitzels, potato bake, green salad
Tuesday: Mexican Lasagne, salad
Wednesday: Sloppy Joes
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Fish, potato gems, coleslaw
Saturday: Soup & Toast
There are over 1,800 budget and family friendly recipes in the Cheapskates Club Recipe File, all contributed by your fellow Cheapskates, so you know they're good.
Add A Recipe
Recipe File Index
6. The $300 A Month Food Challenge
Shopping Day Spring Clean
If it's been a while since you cleaned out your cupboards, you may want to give your pantry an overhaul before your next shopping trip. You'll be surprised at how much easier meal planning and cooking is when you have a tidy pantry. You'll also be surprised at just how much money you can save too.
When your pantry, fridge and freezer are organised, you will stop over-buying. Using inventories will show you at a glance just how much food you have on hand and what you need to add to the shopping list.
Here are some tips for organising your food:
· Check the food in your pantry for expiration dates; if it is past its prime, throw it out.
· If an item isn't expired, but no one is interested in eating it, get rid of it. Feed it to the dog or cat (if it is safe to do so) or compost it, or just bin it. Unopened items can be donated to family, friends or a local food bank.
· Group like foods together; for example store all canned foods in the same cupboard and all dry goods, such as rice and pasta in the same cupboard. Designate a shelf to baking supplies. Store flours, dried fruits, coconut and other baking supplies in air-tight containers to keep them fresh. If you put new packets into the freezer for at least 72 hours before putting them in the pantry you won't be bothered with pantry moths and weevils. If you have the freezer room they can be stored in the freezer in air-tight containers permanently.
· Keep drink mixes, coffee and tea in the same area and keep breakfast cereals, breakfast spreads and other breakfast items grouped together. When you want something, you'll know right where to go to get it.
· Keep regularly used items front and centre. You'll save time by not continuously searching, reaching and bending for these items.
· If you pack a lot of lunches, designate a “lunch” shelf or cupboard. Place lunch bags, Ziploc bags, greaseproof paper, foil etc. in a basket so they are all together and not falling all over the pantry.
· When you or the kids or whoever start packing the lunch, you simply open the lunch cupboard, grab your lunch stuff and start packing. Of course, you'll need to walk over to the fridge to grab meats, cheeses, jams, fruits, and so forth, but having most of the items in one place will save you a lot of time.
· Clean out the fridge each week. Leftovers have a short shelf life and you don't want to risk getting sick by eating something that should have been frozen or already been thrown-out.
Less clutter means you can see what you have and use it up, and see what need to buy; no more wasting money by over-buying and forgetting to use things.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
The Post that Started it All
7. Cheapskates Buzz
From The Article Archive
Dating on a Budget
How Much Money Is Enough?
Happy Birthday on the Cheap
This Week's Hot Forum Topics
Curry Pastes
Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
Single Income
8. The Cheapskates Club Show
Join us live on YouTube every Tuesday and see how we are living debt free, cashed up and laughing - and find out how you can too!
Show Schedule
Tuesday: Around the Kitchen Table - join Cath and Hannah for a cuppa and a chat around the kitchen table as they talk about living the Cheapskates way.
Latest Shows
9. The Weekly MOO Challenge
MOO Flavoured Coffee Beans
You will need:
A glass jar with a screw-top lid
500g coffee beans
Flavouring of choice (vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmegs, cardamon pods, whole cloves, dried orange peel)
Step 1. Put the coffee beans in the jar.
Step 2. Add your flavouring:
Vanilla beans - 3 whole beans, split
Cinnamon sticks - 2 whole sticks, crushed (flatten them with a knife blade)
Nutmeg - 2 whole, crushed
Cloves - 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
Orange peel - 2 or 3 x 5cm strips
Hazelnut - 1/4 cup crushed hazelnuts (flatten them with a knife blade to release the oils that contain the flavour)
Step 3. Put the lid on the jar. Shake well. Store in a dark cupboard for at least one week to infuse the flavours - longer if you want a stronger flavouring to your coffee.
Step 4. Once the flavours have developed remove the flavourings. Store the coffee beans in a dry, dark cupboard to keep the flavour fresh.
Get in on the fun and discussions here.
10. This Week's Question
Lesson 31: How Much Will You Need in Retirement?
After last week, and putting plans in place to build a retirement nest egg, you need to know just how much you are going to need in retirement, the $64,000 question.
How much you need to be saving now to enjoy a comfortable retirement largely depends on how old you are now and how long you have before you retire, and how much you have stashed away in superannuation and savings, as we discovered last week.
Don't think you don't have to be actively saving for retirement. Right now, the chances are that the superannuation you have and are building will not be nearly enough to keep you even modestly comfortable. And you cannot rely on the Age Pension either, because there's a better than fair to middling chance it won't be around in it's present form, and if it is it certainly won't be enough to live on, let alone live comfortably on.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of such bad news but it is what it is. You are much better to save now to be financially independent in retirement, so you can be sure you'll be able to maintain the standard of living you want to.
Log into the 2021 Saving Revolution forum and join the discussions too. They're fun, keep you accountable, and over the course of the year will be an amazing source of valuable hints and tips for you too.
11. Ask A Question
We have lots of resources to help you as you live the Cheapskates way but if you didn't find the answer to your question in our extensive archives please just drop me a note with your question.
I read and answer all questions, either in an email to you, in my weekly newsletter, the monthly Journal or by creating blog posts and other resources to help you (and other Cheapskaters).
Ask Your Question
12. Join The Cheapskates Club
For just $25 a year, you can join the Cheapskates Club and get exclusive access to the Cheapskate Journal, the monthly e-journal that shows you how to cut the costs of everyday living and still have fun.
Joining the Cheapskates Club gives you 24/7 access to the Members Centre with 1000's of money saving tips and articles.
Click here to join the Cheapskates Club today!
13. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy. When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name at the top of the page to go straight to your profile page where you can update your details, change your password and find your subscription details.
Not a Cheapskates Club member? Then please use the Changing Details form found here to update your email address.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
Memberships are active for one year from the date of joining. You will be sent a renewal reminder before your subscription is due to renew. You can also find your membership expiry date on your profile page.
When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name to go straight to your profile page where you can will find your join date and your expiry date.
What will you do with my email address?
We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone for any reason whatsoever. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.
How did I get on this list?
The only way you can get onto our newsletter mailing list is to subscribe yourself. You signed up to receive our Free Newsletter at our Cheapskates Club Web site or are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member.
14. Contact Cheapskates
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
Contact Cheapskates
MOO Flavoured Coffee Beans
You will need:
A glass jar with a screw-top lid
500g coffee beans
Flavouring of choice (vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmegs, cardamon pods, whole cloves, dried orange peel)
Step 1. Put the coffee beans in the jar.
Step 2. Add your flavouring:
Vanilla beans - 3 whole beans, split
Cinnamon sticks - 2 whole sticks, crushed (flatten them with a knife blade)
Nutmeg - 2 whole, crushed
Cloves - 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
Orange peel - 2 or 3 x 5cm strips
Hazelnut - 1/4 cup crushed hazelnuts (flatten them with a knife blade to release the oils that contain the flavour)
Step 3. Put the lid on the jar. Shake well. Store in a dark cupboard for at least one week to infuse the flavours - longer if you want a stronger flavouring to your coffee.
Step 4. Once the flavours have developed remove the flavourings. Store the coffee beans in a dry, dark cupboard to keep the flavour fresh.
Get in on the fun and discussions here.
10. This Week's Question
Lesson 31: How Much Will You Need in Retirement?
After last week, and putting plans in place to build a retirement nest egg, you need to know just how much you are going to need in retirement, the $64,000 question.
How much you need to be saving now to enjoy a comfortable retirement largely depends on how old you are now and how long you have before you retire, and how much you have stashed away in superannuation and savings, as we discovered last week.
Don't think you don't have to be actively saving for retirement. Right now, the chances are that the superannuation you have and are building will not be nearly enough to keep you even modestly comfortable. And you cannot rely on the Age Pension either, because there's a better than fair to middling chance it won't be around in it's present form, and if it is it certainly won't be enough to live on, let alone live comfortably on.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of such bad news but it is what it is. You are much better to save now to be financially independent in retirement, so you can be sure you'll be able to maintain the standard of living you want to.
Log into the 2021 Saving Revolution forum and join the discussions too. They're fun, keep you accountable, and over the course of the year will be an amazing source of valuable hints and tips for you too.
11. Ask A Question
We have lots of resources to help you as you live the Cheapskates way but if you didn't find the answer to your question in our extensive archives please just drop me a note with your question.
I read and answer all questions, either in an email to you, in my weekly newsletter, the monthly Journal or by creating blog posts and other resources to help you (and other Cheapskaters).
Ask Your Question
12. Join The Cheapskates Club
For just $25 a year, you can join the Cheapskates Club and get exclusive access to the Cheapskate Journal, the monthly e-journal that shows you how to cut the costs of everyday living and still have fun.
Joining the Cheapskates Club gives you 24/7 access to the Members Centre with 1000's of money saving tips and articles.
Click here to join the Cheapskates Club today!
13. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy. When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name at the top of the page to go straight to your profile page where you can update your details, change your password and find your subscription details.
Not a Cheapskates Club member? Then please use the Changing Details form found here to update your email address.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
Memberships are active for one year from the date of joining. You will be sent a renewal reminder before your subscription is due to renew. You can also find your membership expiry date on your profile page.
When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name to go straight to your profile page where you can will find your join date and your expiry date.
What will you do with my email address?
We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone for any reason whatsoever. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.
How did I get on this list?
The only way you can get onto our newsletter mailing list is to subscribe yourself. You signed up to receive our Free Newsletter at our Cheapskates Club Web site or are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member.
14. Contact Cheapskates
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
Contact Cheapskates