Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter 52:17
In this Newsletter
1. Cath's Corner
2. The 2018 Saving Revolution
3. In the Tip Store - Don't Get Sucked into the Sale; Lectric Soda for the Dishwasher; Saving Time to Save Money and Eat Well
4. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Limiting the Credit Card
5. Share Your Tips
6. On the Menu - Friday Night Frittata
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - From the Archives: Stretching Leftover Meat
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - 2018 Looking Forward to a More Frugal but Happy Year
10. Last Week's Question - Mt Washmore is Taking Over (and I don't like it!)
11. This Week's Question - Can you help me plan a 60th anniversary party?
12. Ask Cath
13. Join the Cheapskates Club
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
This is the last Bright Ideas newsletter for 2017. Number 52, the one that wraps up a year long saving adventure, shared with all your fellow Cheapskates Club members and Bright Ideas readers.
2017 has been a busy year (isn't every year?), filled with triumphs and challenges for all. We celebrated 17 years of the Cheapskates Club online (and 23 years of living the Cheapskates way all up). We welcomed thousands of new members, many of them in the last few weeks, every one of them excited to become a Cheapskater.
It was Einstein who said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Seems he was a smart fella. As you look back over the year, don't dwell on the mistakes (and we've all made them), but instead learn from them and vow to not repeat them as you move into 2018.
A while back a friend commented on what a great job I have. And I do! I love my job and I can't imagine not doing it. We were talking about retirement, actually early retirement, and she mentioned in passing that I would never have to retire, I could always "do Cheapskates". Until she put it into words I honestly had never thought about not "doing Cheapskates". I can just see me with my grey(er) hair, gnarly fingers and glasses working away on whatever amazing electronic device will be available in the future, and loving every minute of it.
To me Cheapskates isn't a job, it's a privilege. I am privileged to spend every day researching, writing, creating and sharing just how good life as a Cheapskate is. I am privileged to have you share your stories, triumphs and yes, even trials, with me. Every day I learn something new, something to share and pass on to you, my fellow Cheapskaters, in the hope that you too can live life debt free, cashed up and laughing.
I can't imagine ever retiring, as long as I have you reading over my shoulder. You are the inspiration and the reason for Cheapskates, but more importantly you are the inspiration and reason the Cheapskates Club has stood the test of time and is so strong.
I want to thank you for your support and encouragement and wish you every happiness and joy for 2018.
Talk to you next year!
Cath
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. The 2018 Saving Revolution
Registration for the 2018 Cheapskates Club Saving Revolution is now open, but will close at 5pm on 31st December 2017.
The 2018 Saving Revolution is going to be different - registration will close on 31st December 2017 and won't open again. If you want to be a part of the 2018 Saving Revolution and get your finances under control so you too can live life debt free, cashed up and laughing you'll need to register now.
Click here to register.
Registration is open to anyone, but there are advantages to joining the Saving Revolution as a Cheapskates Club member.
As well as weekly lessons and challenges (which everyone will receive) Cheapskates Club members will have access to the 2018 Saving Revolution Forum, Saving Revolution tools, tip sheets and webinars (you can join the Cheapskates Club here).
Have questions? I've answered the most common Saving Revolution questions here.
3. From The Tip Store
Don't Get Sucked into the Sale
So often when I see a bargain I am tempted to buy two or more of the great buy. At this point it is important to stop and think about how much money I was planning on spending on this item. If this amount is less than what I am about to spend for this fantastic buy then I need to put the extras down so that I don't blow my budget. I need to remember that the shops are trying to get me to blow my budget and spend, spend, spend; they are not ultimately interested in me getting a good buy, but in me spending my money. Also, I find it helpful to remember that there will always be another sale, this is not my only chance to get a fantastic buy. Don't let the sale suck you in and lose all sense of reason, stop and think about your choices before you get to the checkout!
Contributed by Ashleigh Holmes
Lectric Soda for the Dishwasher
Whilst making the Cheapskates Washing Powder I was reading the back of the Lectric washing soda pack. It said you can use the washing soda in your dishwasher. So I tried it. One tablespoon in the powder compartment and my dishes came out sparkling clean. It even cleaned the dishwasher. At a couple of cents per load that's the cheapest you'll find.
Contributed by Pauline Day
Saving Time to Save Money and Eat Well
We both work full-time and don't get home until around 5.45pm. This has too often resulted in us just grabbing some "freezer meal", to pop in the oven, as we're too exhausted to spend time on vegetable preparation (we're vegetarian).
When we set out on our 'save time, to save money' campaign, we included weekly meal planning. "Duh", I hear you say :-) However, we went one step further! We would do our weekly shop, on Saturday or Sunday, sticking grimly to our meal plan shopping list and then, would spend a companionable hour or so, peeling, chopping and floretting vegetables, as per the menu instructions on the meal plan. These are then stored in separate containers, in the fridge, ready for use on the designated day.
To add to this, during summertime, we make a large quantity of salad, e.g. potato, coleslaw, etc - anything that will keep in the fridge for a few days.
Contributed by Linda Malinowski
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
4. Cheapskates Winning Tip
This week's winning tip is from Mandy Wilson. Mandy has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
Limiting the Credit Card
We started this year with a lot of credit card debt, but we had a plan to reduce it. We made the last payment on 19th December (woo hoo!). Since the first of January 2017 my DH and I have paid off $6,874 in credit card debt. It may not be a lot to some people, but we are both still studying and live on two part-time incomes. Anyway, we put every spare cent we could and more towards that debt and made a promise to each other to never, ever get into "useless" debt again. To help with this we cancelled all but once card, which is in both our names, but the biggest thing we have done is every time we reduced the balance by $100, one of us would ring up and have the credit limit on the card reduced to the balance. It wasn't easy - to say they were reluctant is an understatement but we held our ground and insisted. Now we have the one credit card with a simple $500 limit that we know we can pay off quickly if needed. It is for true emergencies only and more for peace of mind until we get our Emergency Fund fully funded (we still have two years of studying left before we will (hopefully) have full-time jobs). Now we are putting the money we were paying off the useless debt we had towards our Emergency Fund and watching it grow - already, thanks to Christmas money, we have added $349, in just over a week!
Congratulations Mandy I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership and watching your Emergency Fund grow.
The Cheapskate's Club website is huge, with over 12,000 hints, tips and ideas to save you money, time and energy. 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.
Enter your tip here
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. On the Menu
Sometimes a quick, simple meal with just a few ingredients is needed. This frittata fits the bill. It uses basic pantry ingredients, is quick to make and delicious. It can be eaten on its own, or with a salad to make a meal. It is even delicious cold the next day.
Friday Night Frittata
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked spaghetti
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped green onions
500g mince, cooked and drained (or cooked, diced chicken)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1 large tomato, sliced
Method:
Preheat oven to 175 degrees. In a 20cm greased pie plate combine spaghetti and peas and toss with dressing. Beat eggs and milk together and pour over spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle the top with onions, mince and cheese. Place tomato slices on top. Bake until centre of frittata is set, and top is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes and cut into slices to serve.
This is one of the recipes from the Pasta Recipe File.
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Lamb
Monday: BBQ Sausages
Tuesday: Spag Bol, salad, garlic bread
Wednesday: *Garlic Chicken Kebabs
Thursday: Moo Pizza
Friday: Friday Night Frittata
Saturday: Hamburgers
In the fruit bowl: apples, bananas, strawberries
In the cake tin: Christmas cake, fruit mince pies, White Christmas
There are over 1,600 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
For the next couple of weeks, while Wendy takes a much-deserved break, we'll be revisiting posts from the $300 a Month Food Challenge archives.
From the Archives: Stretching Leftover Meat
Welcome to the food challenge.
Yesterday my family was at a BBQ for lunch. There were lots and lots of sausages leftover as it had been over catered for. Quite a few families were able to take packages of cooked sausages home for their dinner. We were one of those blessed families.
As we were going out that night, we couldn't eat them straight away. Darren had his eyes on them as " snacks ". If it was one or two sausages, I wouldn't have minded him munching away on them. This time there were just too many.
So tonight, I will be getting out my biggest saucepan and making a huge curried sausage casserole. Usually I only need six sausages to make a casserole that feeds 5 - 6 people as I cut the sausages into small pieces to help them stretch. This time I have about 15 - 18 sausages to use up. We'll be eating the casserole for tea tonight with the leftovers portioned into takeaway food containers and frozen for future meals. This will be great to have on hand for Christmas and the holidays when we are a bit too busy to cook a meal.
Yes, I could have let the family munch on them. Instead, I've turned this blessing into a bigger blessing which will feed the four of us for three meals. With veggies thrown in, it's not only a frugal option but a healthier one too.
How do you deal with leftover meat? Do you turn it into another meal, casserole or snack?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
8. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Gratitude Journal
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2404-Gratitude-Journal&highlight=split
It’s Not Exactly Brain Surgery!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3682-It%92s-not-exactly-brain-surgery!
Storing Salad Ingredients
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3419-Storing-Salad-Ingredients
Most popular blog posts this week
Lunch the Day After the Day After Christmas
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/12/lunch-day-after-day-after-christmas.html
Get Creative and Redesign Leftovers
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/07/get-creative-and-redesign-leftovers.html
Leftovers don't have to be Leftovers
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/12/leftovers-dont-have-to-be-leftovers.html
9. 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 barbw7.
2018 Looking Forward to a More Frugal but Happy Year
Hello everyone,
Well it's been awhile since I blogged here, so I thought I would do a catch-up post and document my aims and goals for the new year ahead.
Before I tell you what I plan to do I will reflect on this year. I need to remind myself that it was not as bad a cheapskating year as I thought for me.
Ok, I didn't save $2500 or even $1,000, but I used some of my savings I already had to:
Buy a new bed.
Buy my Christmas gifts; yes, I owned my own Christmas, no credit cards for me. I do have a small debt, no interest that I am paying back so it might seem like false economy me saying I own my own Christmas. However, I did not add any extra debt, I used savings, made gifts and cards used fly buys points to buy some gifts and did many things to save money where I can. I mentioned I did not save big money in the bank, well I did save money but unfortunately towards the end of the year I have had some expenses I did not foresee. That is why Cath says it's important to have an emergency fund.
I had savings, a slush fund, I followed my spending plan 95 % of the time, I menu planned most of the year, my pantry and freezer are pretty full, I have a great stockpile of pretty much everything I use, however: I could do better.
Which brings me to my goals / plans etc for 2018:
Firstly, I am going over my spending plan and creating a whole new spending plan for 2018, that's a work in progress but my first fortnightly budget/ spending plan for 2018 has been done and includes an emergency fund amount. It's not a huge amount and yes, I have tried before but this time I am determined not to touch it unless it's an emergency!
I look forward to another year of cheapskating full of fun, savings in the bank and a great year for being frugal or as Cath says: Debt free, cashed up and laughing.
My goals aren't set in stone yet but will focus on my health, future, family and home, craft goals as I love my craft and this ties in with home. I will set out my goals in a future blog.
Happy New year!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Janelle, who wrote
"I'm getting buried by washing - and I've had enough. We're a family of five (two adults, a 5yo, 9yo and about to turn 13yo) and we have more washing now that when the kids were babies. I wash every day, with an extra two loads a day on Saturday and Sunday (I feel like I spend my weekend in the laundry) and it's still not all done. I'm dreading the holidays and the potential extra washing already. I try to line dry as much as possible, but at the weekend I run out of room on the line and the overflow goes onto the clotheshorses. I have four - one for each of the kids and one for DH and me to share (thanks to Cath for this great tip). In summer they live on the back deck, in winter they're in the bedrooms over the heater vents. I try really hard to not use the dryer but I'm finding it is getting used, even at this time of year, because of the amount of laundry we're creating. Every day we have two work uniforms, three school shirts, socks, undies, etc. Every second day you can add school shorts/trousers or sport uniforms. Then there are the cricket uniforms (or footy in winter), hockey and cricket for my DH, PJs, play clothes, towels, bedding, tea towels, tablecloth and so on. The kids wear their shorts/trousers for two days, DH and I try to stretch our uniforms, but they can get messy at work, and the boys do change after school to play clothes that they wear for the week (they're only in them until bed time). It feels like the more I do the more we have. Does anyone have a routine or suggestions for how I can get a handle on Mt Washmore (at the moment the washing is folded straight off the line and put away immediately - another gem from Cath) and I don't iron (unless it's our good clothes for a special occasion), so I have a handle on that part. It's the amount of actual washing that's getting to me. Even using Cheapskates Washing Powder and vinegar for the rinse, with the cost of water and electricity keeping us in clean clothes is costing a fortune."
Kate Crawford answered
For a start make sure you're not washing clothes that don't really need washing. Only wash if they have been worn at least three times, or have a mark or smell...I learnt this on the farm where we have limited water over summer.
Next, how many items of each variety does each person own? I try to work on the principal of 3, one that is being worn, one in the wash, and one that is clean. Except for underwear, where I have one for each day of the week.
Personally, I have good clothes for going down the street in, and home clothes, that I can garden and get filthy in, plus work clothes.
So, I have as my good clothes 3 tee shirts, 3 long sleeve shirts, 3 jumpers, 3 pairs of jeans, 3 skirts, 3 dresses, 3 sleeveless tops. Then I have the same, or a few less, that have been relegated to home clothes, plus my work uniforms. If you don't wear all of these, cut them back accordingly.
I know kids get grotty quickly, but if they are at home in their home clothes, just work on the worn three times rule, if nothing else it will improve their immune system, and save you washing three outfits.
Despina Hatzis answered
I, like you, also have to wash every day. The secret I have found that works for me is to do a load or two every night before I go to bed and hang it out first thing in the morning. If you have a clotheshorse or a covered outdoor area use that; I've been doing this for years, even when my children were young, now they are adults still living at home. Washing late at night also saves on the power bill.
Beryl Carder answered
I do feel your pain, we have five (now grown up) kids and have been at the never-ending washing place!! Apart from joining a nudist colony, there is not much you can do to reduce more than you have, as they grow, so do their clothes, this means the same number of clothes equals more loads. I had three big baskets in the laundry and my kids learnt to sort their own into whites, colours and darks, this actually saved a lot of time. From primary school, they hung out some loads of washing, I did struggle at times with this, (we have ADHD in the family) and one son in particular used to hang clothes with one peg from wherever he picked it up from the basket..... I had to BREATHE and remind myself that this was one load I didn't have to hang! Now it is summer, hang a load or two out at night, most times it will be dry by morning. When you need to replace your washing machine, buy the biggest you can, you can choose different water levels as needed. I was amazed at how much time this actually saved.
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
Send us your question and receive the combined knowledge of your fellow Cheapskates to solve your problem!
Ask Your Question
11. This Week's Question
Maria writes
"My parents 60th wedding anniversary is coming up and my siblings and I would love to give them a wedding reception, as they didn't have one when they were married. They have given us everything and gone without all their married lives to support us, so we really want this to be a special day. We have hired the local hall, but now are stumped on the essentials - invitations, food, drink, decorations, photographer, flowers, honeymoon - all the things you'd normally have for a wedding and wedding reception. Our budget is tight, so we'll be MOOing as much as possible. We need the combined creativity of the Cheapskates Club to make this something special for them - please help!"
Do you have the answer?
If you can help Maria, let us know. We'll enter your answer into our Tip of the Week competition, with a one-year membership to the Cheapskates Club as the prize too.
Send your answer
12. 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
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!
14. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy. Members can update their email address or any other details by clicking on "Edit Profile" directly under their membership number after they have logged in to the Member's Centre. Subscribers to our free newsletter can use the Change Your Address form (under Customer Service in the menu) and fill it out. Once you've filled it in click the send button and we'll do the rest. Please remember to include your old email address so we can find it in the list as well as the new one.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
When you login to the Member's Centre you will be told how many days of membership you have left once you have 30 days left. Just click on the link to renew and your membership will just continue on, uninterrupted.
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15. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
1. Cath's Corner
2. The 2018 Saving Revolution
3. In the Tip Store - Don't Get Sucked into the Sale; Lectric Soda for the Dishwasher; Saving Time to Save Money and Eat Well
4. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Limiting the Credit Card
5. Share Your Tips
6. On the Menu - Friday Night Frittata
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - From the Archives: Stretching Leftover Meat
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - 2018 Looking Forward to a More Frugal but Happy Year
10. Last Week's Question - Mt Washmore is Taking Over (and I don't like it!)
11. This Week's Question - Can you help me plan a 60th anniversary party?
12. Ask Cath
13. Join the Cheapskates Club
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
This is the last Bright Ideas newsletter for 2017. Number 52, the one that wraps up a year long saving adventure, shared with all your fellow Cheapskates Club members and Bright Ideas readers.
2017 has been a busy year (isn't every year?), filled with triumphs and challenges for all. We celebrated 17 years of the Cheapskates Club online (and 23 years of living the Cheapskates way all up). We welcomed thousands of new members, many of them in the last few weeks, every one of them excited to become a Cheapskater.
It was Einstein who said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Seems he was a smart fella. As you look back over the year, don't dwell on the mistakes (and we've all made them), but instead learn from them and vow to not repeat them as you move into 2018.
A while back a friend commented on what a great job I have. And I do! I love my job and I can't imagine not doing it. We were talking about retirement, actually early retirement, and she mentioned in passing that I would never have to retire, I could always "do Cheapskates". Until she put it into words I honestly had never thought about not "doing Cheapskates". I can just see me with my grey(er) hair, gnarly fingers and glasses working away on whatever amazing electronic device will be available in the future, and loving every minute of it.
To me Cheapskates isn't a job, it's a privilege. I am privileged to spend every day researching, writing, creating and sharing just how good life as a Cheapskate is. I am privileged to have you share your stories, triumphs and yes, even trials, with me. Every day I learn something new, something to share and pass on to you, my fellow Cheapskaters, in the hope that you too can live life debt free, cashed up and laughing.
I can't imagine ever retiring, as long as I have you reading over my shoulder. You are the inspiration and the reason for Cheapskates, but more importantly you are the inspiration and reason the Cheapskates Club has stood the test of time and is so strong.
I want to thank you for your support and encouragement and wish you every happiness and joy for 2018.
Talk to you next year!
Cath
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. The 2018 Saving Revolution
Registration for the 2018 Cheapskates Club Saving Revolution is now open, but will close at 5pm on 31st December 2017.
The 2018 Saving Revolution is going to be different - registration will close on 31st December 2017 and won't open again. If you want to be a part of the 2018 Saving Revolution and get your finances under control so you too can live life debt free, cashed up and laughing you'll need to register now.
Click here to register.
Registration is open to anyone, but there are advantages to joining the Saving Revolution as a Cheapskates Club member.
As well as weekly lessons and challenges (which everyone will receive) Cheapskates Club members will have access to the 2018 Saving Revolution Forum, Saving Revolution tools, tip sheets and webinars (you can join the Cheapskates Club here).
Have questions? I've answered the most common Saving Revolution questions here.
3. From The Tip Store
Don't Get Sucked into the Sale
So often when I see a bargain I am tempted to buy two or more of the great buy. At this point it is important to stop and think about how much money I was planning on spending on this item. If this amount is less than what I am about to spend for this fantastic buy then I need to put the extras down so that I don't blow my budget. I need to remember that the shops are trying to get me to blow my budget and spend, spend, spend; they are not ultimately interested in me getting a good buy, but in me spending my money. Also, I find it helpful to remember that there will always be another sale, this is not my only chance to get a fantastic buy. Don't let the sale suck you in and lose all sense of reason, stop and think about your choices before you get to the checkout!
Contributed by Ashleigh Holmes
Lectric Soda for the Dishwasher
Whilst making the Cheapskates Washing Powder I was reading the back of the Lectric washing soda pack. It said you can use the washing soda in your dishwasher. So I tried it. One tablespoon in the powder compartment and my dishes came out sparkling clean. It even cleaned the dishwasher. At a couple of cents per load that's the cheapest you'll find.
Contributed by Pauline Day
Saving Time to Save Money and Eat Well
We both work full-time and don't get home until around 5.45pm. This has too often resulted in us just grabbing some "freezer meal", to pop in the oven, as we're too exhausted to spend time on vegetable preparation (we're vegetarian).
When we set out on our 'save time, to save money' campaign, we included weekly meal planning. "Duh", I hear you say :-) However, we went one step further! We would do our weekly shop, on Saturday or Sunday, sticking grimly to our meal plan shopping list and then, would spend a companionable hour or so, peeling, chopping and floretting vegetables, as per the menu instructions on the meal plan. These are then stored in separate containers, in the fridge, ready for use on the designated day.
To add to this, during summertime, we make a large quantity of salad, e.g. potato, coleslaw, etc - anything that will keep in the fridge for a few days.
Contributed by Linda Malinowski
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
4. Cheapskates Winning Tip
This week's winning tip is from Mandy Wilson. Mandy has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
Limiting the Credit Card
We started this year with a lot of credit card debt, but we had a plan to reduce it. We made the last payment on 19th December (woo hoo!). Since the first of January 2017 my DH and I have paid off $6,874 in credit card debt. It may not be a lot to some people, but we are both still studying and live on two part-time incomes. Anyway, we put every spare cent we could and more towards that debt and made a promise to each other to never, ever get into "useless" debt again. To help with this we cancelled all but once card, which is in both our names, but the biggest thing we have done is every time we reduced the balance by $100, one of us would ring up and have the credit limit on the card reduced to the balance. It wasn't easy - to say they were reluctant is an understatement but we held our ground and insisted. Now we have the one credit card with a simple $500 limit that we know we can pay off quickly if needed. It is for true emergencies only and more for peace of mind until we get our Emergency Fund fully funded (we still have two years of studying left before we will (hopefully) have full-time jobs). Now we are putting the money we were paying off the useless debt we had towards our Emergency Fund and watching it grow - already, thanks to Christmas money, we have added $349, in just over a week!
Congratulations Mandy I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership and watching your Emergency Fund grow.
The Cheapskate's Club website is huge, with over 12,000 hints, tips and ideas to save you money, time and energy. 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.
Enter your tip here
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. On the Menu
Sometimes a quick, simple meal with just a few ingredients is needed. This frittata fits the bill. It uses basic pantry ingredients, is quick to make and delicious. It can be eaten on its own, or with a salad to make a meal. It is even delicious cold the next day.
Friday Night Frittata
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked spaghetti
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped green onions
500g mince, cooked and drained (or cooked, diced chicken)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1 large tomato, sliced
Method:
Preheat oven to 175 degrees. In a 20cm greased pie plate combine spaghetti and peas and toss with dressing. Beat eggs and milk together and pour over spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle the top with onions, mince and cheese. Place tomato slices on top. Bake until centre of frittata is set, and top is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes and cut into slices to serve.
This is one of the recipes from the Pasta Recipe File.
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Lamb
Monday: BBQ Sausages
Tuesday: Spag Bol, salad, garlic bread
Wednesday: *Garlic Chicken Kebabs
Thursday: Moo Pizza
Friday: Friday Night Frittata
Saturday: Hamburgers
In the fruit bowl: apples, bananas, strawberries
In the cake tin: Christmas cake, fruit mince pies, White Christmas
There are over 1,600 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
For the next couple of weeks, while Wendy takes a much-deserved break, we'll be revisiting posts from the $300 a Month Food Challenge archives.
From the Archives: Stretching Leftover Meat
Welcome to the food challenge.
Yesterday my family was at a BBQ for lunch. There were lots and lots of sausages leftover as it had been over catered for. Quite a few families were able to take packages of cooked sausages home for their dinner. We were one of those blessed families.
As we were going out that night, we couldn't eat them straight away. Darren had his eyes on them as " snacks ". If it was one or two sausages, I wouldn't have minded him munching away on them. This time there were just too many.
So tonight, I will be getting out my biggest saucepan and making a huge curried sausage casserole. Usually I only need six sausages to make a casserole that feeds 5 - 6 people as I cut the sausages into small pieces to help them stretch. This time I have about 15 - 18 sausages to use up. We'll be eating the casserole for tea tonight with the leftovers portioned into takeaway food containers and frozen for future meals. This will be great to have on hand for Christmas and the holidays when we are a bit too busy to cook a meal.
Yes, I could have let the family munch on them. Instead, I've turned this blessing into a bigger blessing which will feed the four of us for three meals. With veggies thrown in, it's not only a frugal option but a healthier one too.
How do you deal with leftover meat? Do you turn it into another meal, casserole or snack?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
8. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Gratitude Journal
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2404-Gratitude-Journal&highlight=split
It’s Not Exactly Brain Surgery!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3682-It%92s-not-exactly-brain-surgery!
Storing Salad Ingredients
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3419-Storing-Salad-Ingredients
Most popular blog posts this week
Lunch the Day After the Day After Christmas
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/12/lunch-day-after-day-after-christmas.html
Get Creative and Redesign Leftovers
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/07/get-creative-and-redesign-leftovers.html
Leftovers don't have to be Leftovers
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/12/leftovers-dont-have-to-be-leftovers.html
9. 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 barbw7.
2018 Looking Forward to a More Frugal but Happy Year
Hello everyone,
Well it's been awhile since I blogged here, so I thought I would do a catch-up post and document my aims and goals for the new year ahead.
Before I tell you what I plan to do I will reflect on this year. I need to remind myself that it was not as bad a cheapskating year as I thought for me.
Ok, I didn't save $2500 or even $1,000, but I used some of my savings I already had to:
Buy a new bed.
Buy my Christmas gifts; yes, I owned my own Christmas, no credit cards for me. I do have a small debt, no interest that I am paying back so it might seem like false economy me saying I own my own Christmas. However, I did not add any extra debt, I used savings, made gifts and cards used fly buys points to buy some gifts and did many things to save money where I can. I mentioned I did not save big money in the bank, well I did save money but unfortunately towards the end of the year I have had some expenses I did not foresee. That is why Cath says it's important to have an emergency fund.
I had savings, a slush fund, I followed my spending plan 95 % of the time, I menu planned most of the year, my pantry and freezer are pretty full, I have a great stockpile of pretty much everything I use, however: I could do better.
Which brings me to my goals / plans etc for 2018:
Firstly, I am going over my spending plan and creating a whole new spending plan for 2018, that's a work in progress but my first fortnightly budget/ spending plan for 2018 has been done and includes an emergency fund amount. It's not a huge amount and yes, I have tried before but this time I am determined not to touch it unless it's an emergency!
I look forward to another year of cheapskating full of fun, savings in the bank and a great year for being frugal or as Cath says: Debt free, cashed up and laughing.
My goals aren't set in stone yet but will focus on my health, future, family and home, craft goals as I love my craft and this ties in with home. I will set out my goals in a future blog.
Happy New year!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Janelle, who wrote
"I'm getting buried by washing - and I've had enough. We're a family of five (two adults, a 5yo, 9yo and about to turn 13yo) and we have more washing now that when the kids were babies. I wash every day, with an extra two loads a day on Saturday and Sunday (I feel like I spend my weekend in the laundry) and it's still not all done. I'm dreading the holidays and the potential extra washing already. I try to line dry as much as possible, but at the weekend I run out of room on the line and the overflow goes onto the clotheshorses. I have four - one for each of the kids and one for DH and me to share (thanks to Cath for this great tip). In summer they live on the back deck, in winter they're in the bedrooms over the heater vents. I try really hard to not use the dryer but I'm finding it is getting used, even at this time of year, because of the amount of laundry we're creating. Every day we have two work uniforms, three school shirts, socks, undies, etc. Every second day you can add school shorts/trousers or sport uniforms. Then there are the cricket uniforms (or footy in winter), hockey and cricket for my DH, PJs, play clothes, towels, bedding, tea towels, tablecloth and so on. The kids wear their shorts/trousers for two days, DH and I try to stretch our uniforms, but they can get messy at work, and the boys do change after school to play clothes that they wear for the week (they're only in them until bed time). It feels like the more I do the more we have. Does anyone have a routine or suggestions for how I can get a handle on Mt Washmore (at the moment the washing is folded straight off the line and put away immediately - another gem from Cath) and I don't iron (unless it's our good clothes for a special occasion), so I have a handle on that part. It's the amount of actual washing that's getting to me. Even using Cheapskates Washing Powder and vinegar for the rinse, with the cost of water and electricity keeping us in clean clothes is costing a fortune."
Kate Crawford answered
For a start make sure you're not washing clothes that don't really need washing. Only wash if they have been worn at least three times, or have a mark or smell...I learnt this on the farm where we have limited water over summer.
Next, how many items of each variety does each person own? I try to work on the principal of 3, one that is being worn, one in the wash, and one that is clean. Except for underwear, where I have one for each day of the week.
Personally, I have good clothes for going down the street in, and home clothes, that I can garden and get filthy in, plus work clothes.
So, I have as my good clothes 3 tee shirts, 3 long sleeve shirts, 3 jumpers, 3 pairs of jeans, 3 skirts, 3 dresses, 3 sleeveless tops. Then I have the same, or a few less, that have been relegated to home clothes, plus my work uniforms. If you don't wear all of these, cut them back accordingly.
I know kids get grotty quickly, but if they are at home in their home clothes, just work on the worn three times rule, if nothing else it will improve their immune system, and save you washing three outfits.
Despina Hatzis answered
I, like you, also have to wash every day. The secret I have found that works for me is to do a load or two every night before I go to bed and hang it out first thing in the morning. If you have a clotheshorse or a covered outdoor area use that; I've been doing this for years, even when my children were young, now they are adults still living at home. Washing late at night also saves on the power bill.
Beryl Carder answered
I do feel your pain, we have five (now grown up) kids and have been at the never-ending washing place!! Apart from joining a nudist colony, there is not much you can do to reduce more than you have, as they grow, so do their clothes, this means the same number of clothes equals more loads. I had three big baskets in the laundry and my kids learnt to sort their own into whites, colours and darks, this actually saved a lot of time. From primary school, they hung out some loads of washing, I did struggle at times with this, (we have ADHD in the family) and one son in particular used to hang clothes with one peg from wherever he picked it up from the basket..... I had to BREATHE and remind myself that this was one load I didn't have to hang! Now it is summer, hang a load or two out at night, most times it will be dry by morning. When you need to replace your washing machine, buy the biggest you can, you can choose different water levels as needed. I was amazed at how much time this actually saved.
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11. This Week's Question
Maria writes
"My parents 60th wedding anniversary is coming up and my siblings and I would love to give them a wedding reception, as they didn't have one when they were married. They have given us everything and gone without all their married lives to support us, so we really want this to be a special day. We have hired the local hall, but now are stumped on the essentials - invitations, food, drink, decorations, photographer, flowers, honeymoon - all the things you'd normally have for a wedding and wedding reception. Our budget is tight, so we'll be MOOing as much as possible. We need the combined creativity of the Cheapskates Club to make this something special for them - please help!"
Do you have the answer?
If you can help Maria, let us know. We'll enter your answer into our Tip of the Week competition, with a one-year membership to the Cheapskates Club as the prize too.
Send your answer
12. 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
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!
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15. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152