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The 2026 Inflation Reset Week 2
Stop Buying These 10 Things and Start Saving Money the Cheapskates Way
If grocery prices and household costs have been feeling relentless lately, you’re not imagining it.
The cost of living crisis in Australia continues to put pressure on everyday families, and many households are finding that even careful shopping doesn’t stretch as far as it once did.
But here’s the good news:
You do not have to keep buying everything.
That one shift can completely change how you manage your home, your pantry, and your budget.
Welcome to Week 2 of the Inflation Reset Challenge, where we move into one of the most powerful systems we use in the Cheapskates Club:
MOO — Make Our Own
Now before you panic, this does not mean you need:
• a homestead
• a farm
• endless spare time
• or a perfectly organised pantry
The Cheapskates Way has never been about perfection.
It’s about practical systems that:
✔ save money
✔ reduce stress
✔ simplify life
✔ and help ordinary families move toward debt free living
This week, we’re focusing on replacing a few expensive household items with simple homemade alternatives that work beautifully and cost far less.
And no — you do not need to do everything at once.
In fact, the best approach is to start with just one thing.
Why MOO Works So Well During Inflation
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to save money on groceries is focusing only on shopping harder.
They:
• chase specials
• drive to multiple shops
• switch brands constantly
• buy things “just in case”
Sometimes that helps.
But long-term savings often come from reducing how many products you need to buy in the first place.
That’s where Make Our Own systems become incredibly powerful.
When you:
✔ make simple staples yourself
✔ portion products properly
✔ use what you have first
you naturally:
✔ reduce grocery spending
✔ cut waste
✔ avoid unnecessary shopping
✔ create calm budgeting habits that last
This is one of the reasons pantry first living works so well.
1. Homemade Laundry Powder
Laundry products are one of the biggest hidden drains on household budgets.
Commercial powders and liquids are heavily marketed, heavily packaged, and often heavily overpriced.
One of the biggest savings comes not only from making your own laundry powder — but from using the correct amount.
Most people use far more than they actually need.
A simple homemade laundry powder:
✔ costs a fraction of store brands
✔ lasts surprisingly well
✔ reduces packaging waste
✔ works beautifully when used correctly
Inside the Cheapskates Club Member Hub, members have access to several laundry powder recipes for different washing machines, water types, and sensitivities.
And once people start using them, they’re often shocked at how much money they save over the course of a year.
2. Homemade Cleaning Sprays
Modern households are often overloaded with cleaning products.
Kitchen spray.
Bathroom spray.
Glass spray.
Bench spray.
Floor cleaner.
But simple homemade cleaners can handle most jobs beautifully.
This is one of those changes that saves more than just money.
It also creates:
✔ less clutter
✔ simpler systems
✔ calmer homes
And during stressful financial periods, calm systems matter.
3. Dishwasher Powder Instead of Tablets
Dishwasher tablets may seem convenient, but they remove one very important thing: portion control
Powder allows you to:
✔ use less for light loads
✔ adjust for heavy loads
✔ avoid overusing product
And over time, that makes a substantial difference to your grocery budget.
Simple changes repeated consistently are how real savings happen.
4. Homemade Gravy Mixes
Packet mixes are one of those sneaky grocery expenses that quietly add up over time.
Individually they don’t look expensive.
But over months and years?
They can cost a surprising amount.
Homemade gravy mixes:
✔ store beautifully
✔ are easy to prepare ahead
✔ taste better
✔ cost significantly less
And once they’re made, they’re just as convenient as the packets.
That’s always the goal: convenience without the markup
5. Condensed Soup Bases
Condensed soup is a staple ingredient in many Australian family recipes.
But commercial versions are increasingly expensive and often contain unnecessary additives.
Making your own condensed soup base:
✔ saves money
✔ gives you better flavour
✔ reduces pantry stress
✔ keeps ingredients on hand for quick meals
This is part of building a resilient pantry — one that supports you during inflation instead of constantly draining your budget.
6. Homemade Baking Mixes
Cake mixes, muffin mixes, pancake mixes…
Most are based on very inexpensive pantry ingredients, packaged and sold at a premium price.
Homemade baking mixes:
✔ save money
✔ reduce packaging
✔ make baking easier
✔ simplify lunchbox planning
They’re also wonderful for:
✔ emergency baking
✔ budget-friendly treats
✔ reducing takeaway temptation
The Real Shift Isn’t Just About Saving Money
The biggest change that happens during this process is not just financial.
It’s mental.
Instead of constantly asking:
“What do I need to buy?”
You begin asking:
“What can I make?”
“What system can I create?”
“What can I use first?”
That shift changes everything.
Because simple money saving systems create confidence.
And confidence helps you:
✔ stay calmer
✔ shop less reactively
✔ avoid panic spending
✔ feel more prepared
Start Small — Really Small
One of the reasons many people give up on frugal living is because they try to change everything at once.
Please don’t do that.
You do not need to make everything.
You do not need a perfect pantry.
You do not need to overhaul your entire life this week.
Just choose one thing.
One replacement.
One homemade mix.
One new habit.
That’s enough.
That’s how lasting change happens.
Your Week 2 Challenge
This week:
Choose ONE thing to stop buying
Replace it with a homemade alternative
Track how much you save
Then build from there.
Steadily.
Calmly.
Practically.
That’s the Cheapskates Way.
Debt free
Cashed up
And laughing
The cost of living crisis in Australia continues to put pressure on everyday families, and many households are finding that even careful shopping doesn’t stretch as far as it once did.
But here’s the good news:
You do not have to keep buying everything.
That one shift can completely change how you manage your home, your pantry, and your budget.
Welcome to Week 2 of the Inflation Reset Challenge, where we move into one of the most powerful systems we use in the Cheapskates Club:
MOO — Make Our Own
Now before you panic, this does not mean you need:
• a homestead
• a farm
• endless spare time
• or a perfectly organised pantry
The Cheapskates Way has never been about perfection.
It’s about practical systems that:
✔ save money
✔ reduce stress
✔ simplify life
✔ and help ordinary families move toward debt free living
This week, we’re focusing on replacing a few expensive household items with simple homemade alternatives that work beautifully and cost far less.
And no — you do not need to do everything at once.
In fact, the best approach is to start with just one thing.
Why MOO Works So Well During Inflation
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to save money on groceries is focusing only on shopping harder.
They:
• chase specials
• drive to multiple shops
• switch brands constantly
• buy things “just in case”
Sometimes that helps.
But long-term savings often come from reducing how many products you need to buy in the first place.
That’s where Make Our Own systems become incredibly powerful.
When you:
✔ make simple staples yourself
✔ portion products properly
✔ use what you have first
you naturally:
✔ reduce grocery spending
✔ cut waste
✔ avoid unnecessary shopping
✔ create calm budgeting habits that last
This is one of the reasons pantry first living works so well.
1. Homemade Laundry Powder
Laundry products are one of the biggest hidden drains on household budgets.
Commercial powders and liquids are heavily marketed, heavily packaged, and often heavily overpriced.
One of the biggest savings comes not only from making your own laundry powder — but from using the correct amount.
Most people use far more than they actually need.
A simple homemade laundry powder:
✔ costs a fraction of store brands
✔ lasts surprisingly well
✔ reduces packaging waste
✔ works beautifully when used correctly
Inside the Cheapskates Club Member Hub, members have access to several laundry powder recipes for different washing machines, water types, and sensitivities.
And once people start using them, they’re often shocked at how much money they save over the course of a year.
2. Homemade Cleaning Sprays
Modern households are often overloaded with cleaning products.
Kitchen spray.
Bathroom spray.
Glass spray.
Bench spray.
Floor cleaner.
But simple homemade cleaners can handle most jobs beautifully.
This is one of those changes that saves more than just money.
It also creates:
✔ less clutter
✔ simpler systems
✔ calmer homes
And during stressful financial periods, calm systems matter.
3. Dishwasher Powder Instead of Tablets
Dishwasher tablets may seem convenient, but they remove one very important thing: portion control
Powder allows you to:
✔ use less for light loads
✔ adjust for heavy loads
✔ avoid overusing product
And over time, that makes a substantial difference to your grocery budget.
Simple changes repeated consistently are how real savings happen.
4. Homemade Gravy Mixes
Packet mixes are one of those sneaky grocery expenses that quietly add up over time.
Individually they don’t look expensive.
But over months and years?
They can cost a surprising amount.
Homemade gravy mixes:
✔ store beautifully
✔ are easy to prepare ahead
✔ taste better
✔ cost significantly less
And once they’re made, they’re just as convenient as the packets.
That’s always the goal: convenience without the markup
5. Condensed Soup Bases
Condensed soup is a staple ingredient in many Australian family recipes.
But commercial versions are increasingly expensive and often contain unnecessary additives.
Making your own condensed soup base:
✔ saves money
✔ gives you better flavour
✔ reduces pantry stress
✔ keeps ingredients on hand for quick meals
This is part of building a resilient pantry — one that supports you during inflation instead of constantly draining your budget.
6. Homemade Baking Mixes
Cake mixes, muffin mixes, pancake mixes…
Most are based on very inexpensive pantry ingredients, packaged and sold at a premium price.
Homemade baking mixes:
✔ save money
✔ reduce packaging
✔ make baking easier
✔ simplify lunchbox planning
They’re also wonderful for:
✔ emergency baking
✔ budget-friendly treats
✔ reducing takeaway temptation
The Real Shift Isn’t Just About Saving Money
The biggest change that happens during this process is not just financial.
It’s mental.
Instead of constantly asking:
“What do I need to buy?”
You begin asking:
“What can I make?”
“What system can I create?”
“What can I use first?”
That shift changes everything.
Because simple money saving systems create confidence.
And confidence helps you:
✔ stay calmer
✔ shop less reactively
✔ avoid panic spending
✔ feel more prepared
Start Small — Really Small
One of the reasons many people give up on frugal living is because they try to change everything at once.
Please don’t do that.
You do not need to make everything.
You do not need a perfect pantry.
You do not need to overhaul your entire life this week.
Just choose one thing.
One replacement.
One homemade mix.
One new habit.
That’s enough.
That’s how lasting change happens.
Your Week 2 Challenge
This week:
Choose ONE thing to stop buying
Replace it with a homemade alternative
Track how much you save
Then build from there.
Steadily.
Calmly.
Practically.
That’s the Cheapskates Way.
Debt free
Cashed up
And laughing