I love the idea as we go through so much garlic, and it is really hard to find Aussie grown garlic. I am concerned with some produced in foreign countries as I know they dont have the same laws regarding pesticides and fertilizers that we do. So, here goes, I am planting a couple of cloves today and will look forward to my own produce. Sounds nice and easy!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Grow your own Garlic
I was searching for ideas from other great money saving money making blogs when I came upon this handy tip from 101 Ways to Save Money.
I love the idea as we go through so much garlic, and it is really hard to find Aussie grown garlic. I am concerned with some produced in foreign countries as I know they dont have the same laws regarding pesticides and fertilizers that we do. So, here goes, I am planting a couple of cloves today and will look forward to my own produce. Sounds nice and easy!
I love the idea as we go through so much garlic, and it is really hard to find Aussie grown garlic. I am concerned with some produced in foreign countries as I know they dont have the same laws regarding pesticides and fertilizers that we do. So, here goes, I am planting a couple of cloves today and will look forward to my own produce. Sounds nice and easy!
Cheap fun for the Kids
LJ & I are currently housebound as the weather is too cold and wet to enjoy a good walk, so I am trying to find creative ideas to entertain a very active toddler. When I was a little, I used to love making things with playdough, so I have looked up a recipe to make some for LJ to enjoy. Its very simple and can be stored in your fridge for a longer life.
The best thing is that it probably costs under one dollar to make, so is cheap and is a good way to save money, rather than buying play dough from the shops.
Ingredients
1/2 cup salt
2 tbs cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tbs oil
food colouring
Method
Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and stir over heat until dough resembles play dough. Then just allow to cool and store in an airtight plastic bag or container.
Once LJ has had a play, I will add some photos of my endeavors.
The best thing is that it probably costs under one dollar to make, so is cheap and is a good way to save money, rather than buying play dough from the shops.
Play Dough
Ingredients
1/2 cup salt
2 tbs cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tbs oil
food colouring
Method
Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and stir over heat until dough resembles play dough. Then just allow to cool and store in an airtight plastic bag or container.
Once LJ has had a play, I will add some photos of my endeavors.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
For the Carnivor Family
We eat meat! I cant imagine and dont want to imagine life without it. But unfortunately the grocery bills for our family is every increasing unless I am very careful, so I try to make our meat last as long as possible. I have mentioned before that I am a fan of buying at a discount and my local butcher sells better meat at least half the price of the supermarkets. Every few weeks I plan a vague list of meals and then armed with my cash make my purchases.
Two weeks ago, I spent $40 on the following: 1.2kg chicken breasts, 1.5kg mince, 2 osso bucco, 2 porterhouse steaks, 3 oyster blade steaks and 4 rashers of bacon. We have had meat every weeknight and I still have another week's worth to go. There are only 3 of us to feed, but I have managed to have 2 days worth of osso bucco, 2 days with lemon chicken pasta, 3 days of chow mein, 2 days of spaghetti bolognaise, 3 days of beef stew, 2 days of chicken curry, 1 day of egg souffle with bacon which we call 'cheese pud'.
I stretched out most of the meals by adding heaps of vegetables, and used different sides such as pasta or rice, or even made some of the stew into pies. And I have to admit that my meal portions have been occassionally smaller as I still feel a little queasy as a result of being pregnant, but there is always still some of my meals that are wasted because we have had our fill. I feel really thrifty and proud of myself when I see how far I can make the meat stretch.
I have done an inventory of my freezer today and this week's grocery bill will still not require any meat and very few vegetables. That means more money that we can put towards paying off our investment property.
Two weeks ago, I spent $40 on the following: 1.2kg chicken breasts, 1.5kg mince, 2 osso bucco, 2 porterhouse steaks, 3 oyster blade steaks and 4 rashers of bacon. We have had meat every weeknight and I still have another week's worth to go. There are only 3 of us to feed, but I have managed to have 2 days worth of osso bucco, 2 days with lemon chicken pasta, 3 days of chow mein, 2 days of spaghetti bolognaise, 3 days of beef stew, 2 days of chicken curry, 1 day of egg souffle with bacon which we call 'cheese pud'.
I stretched out most of the meals by adding heaps of vegetables, and used different sides such as pasta or rice, or even made some of the stew into pies. And I have to admit that my meal portions have been occassionally smaller as I still feel a little queasy as a result of being pregnant, but there is always still some of my meals that are wasted because we have had our fill. I feel really thrifty and proud of myself when I see how far I can make the meat stretch.
I have done an inventory of my freezer today and this week's grocery bill will still not require any meat and very few vegetables. That means more money that we can put towards paying off our investment property.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Lets Trade
We are lucky enough to have family with gardens that produce abundantly and are often blessed with a supply of seasonal fruit and vegetables. This week we were given a huge bag of lemons, the tastiest, sweetest juiciest lemons you could imagine. With lemons, I like to juice them and freeze them into ice cubes, then store them for winter when we have sore throats to make honey and lemon tea with. However at the moment, I am loving making my own version of lemonade. I squeeze a lemon, add 1dspoon of caster sugar and then fill the cup with cold water. It is really thirst quenching and satisfies my pregnant cravings nicely.
There are dozens of things that can be done with lemons: lemon butter, lemon merangue pie, lemonade, lemon slice. You can also put half a lemon in your fridge to absorb smells and freshen it up.
As with any vegetables that I have in large supply, rather than letting them go to waste, I will cut them up and freeze them into meal sized portions. We often receive pumpkins and as a major fan of pumpkin soup, I like to make up a huge pot and freeze that into meal sizes for those weekends when I just cant be bothered cooking.
The other great thing with fresh produce that you are given is that you can trade with other family and friends, that will give you variety and it helps you both save money.
There are dozens of things that can be done with lemons: lemon butter, lemon merangue pie, lemonade, lemon slice. You can also put half a lemon in your fridge to absorb smells and freshen it up.
As with any vegetables that I have in large supply, rather than letting them go to waste, I will cut them up and freeze them into meal sized portions. We often receive pumpkins and as a major fan of pumpkin soup, I like to make up a huge pot and freeze that into meal sizes for those weekends when I just cant be bothered cooking.
The other great thing with fresh produce that you are given is that you can trade with other family and friends, that will give you variety and it helps you both save money.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Coming Back Online
I am back! After taking a month off I am back online with plenty to say. I have spent the month of April basically being slack and definitely a financial backslider. I left lights on, used hot water to rinse the dishes and spent every cent that came my way and it felt like crap. So I am back on the bandwagon and about to reclaim my control of money.
Stay tuned for the next installment of what I have learned along my journey.
Stay tuned for the next installment of what I have learned along my journey.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Affordable Health Insurance - Is it Worthwhile?
Within Australia, you need to purchase health insurance cover before you turn 31 or face higher annual premiums for each year that you are without cover. I wasn't keen, but to avoid this extra cost and to save money on my tax I joined up before my 31st birthday, with the most basic cover available. After I had finished working full-time, the Australian Government decided that a couple could earn $150,000 before they were charged a Medicare surcharge through their tax meaning that I dont need to pay health insurance....except I am now over 31.
I have been paying for about three years and never made a health insurance claim. I visited the health insurance quotes website ISelect and applied for health insurance quotes in my search for low cost health insurance plans. Based on my details, the recommended individual health insurance cover was with the exact same policy.
I have now received a letter informing me that my health insurance premium will increase by about $7 a month. It is not much, but I really hate to have to pay for something I am determined I wont need for 30-40 years. I gave birth to my son in a public hospital and loved the experience. I have no desire to be out of pocket many thousands of dollars, just so that I can have my own hospital room for 3 days with a few other perks here and there. If I have an accident, I would be treated immediately so really I would only be inconvenienced for elective surgeries.
It is so tempting to cancel my individual health insurance, but insurance is for 'just in case' so I guess I'll be spending many more years paying for something that I am determined not to need.
There are ways you can save on low cost health insurance policies.
1. Ask for a higher excess and you may be able to reduce your premium. It just means you will pay more if you have to use your health insurance for any reason.
2. Paying annually can save up to 10 per cent on your premium when compared with monthly.
3. Quit smoking, some insurance companies will charge you less if you are a non-smoker.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle so that even if you are paying for health insurance, you dont need to make a claim.
5. Compare policies that the different health insurance companies offer to make sure you are getting the best deal.
I have been paying for about three years and never made a health insurance claim. I visited the health insurance quotes website ISelect and applied for health insurance quotes in my search for low cost health insurance plans. Based on my details, the recommended individual health insurance cover was with the exact same policy.
I have now received a letter informing me that my health insurance premium will increase by about $7 a month. It is not much, but I really hate to have to pay for something I am determined I wont need for 30-40 years. I gave birth to my son in a public hospital and loved the experience. I have no desire to be out of pocket many thousands of dollars, just so that I can have my own hospital room for 3 days with a few other perks here and there. If I have an accident, I would be treated immediately so really I would only be inconvenienced for elective surgeries.
It is so tempting to cancel my individual health insurance, but insurance is for 'just in case' so I guess I'll be spending many more years paying for something that I am determined not to need.
There are ways you can save on low cost health insurance policies.
1. Ask for a higher excess and you may be able to reduce your premium. It just means you will pay more if you have to use your health insurance for any reason.
2. Paying annually can save up to 10 per cent on your premium when compared with monthly.
3. Quit smoking, some insurance companies will charge you less if you are a non-smoker.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle so that even if you are paying for health insurance, you dont need to make a claim.
5. Compare policies that the different health insurance companies offer to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
How to Plan a Cheap Trip
The Easter holiday is fast approaching, another opportunity to plan a cheap trip vacation. As usual, my husband decided mid-2009 that it was time to book for our Easter holiday 2010, a nice cheap trip to Australia...well interstate within Australia, since we are already living here. We discussed options for cheap holiday vacation packages searching for the best cheap holiday.
We finally decided to plan a cheap trip to Cairns, as I have never been there and there is just so much to see.
To save money and to plan a cheap trip, we researched all aspects of our holiday to plan a cheap trip. We are lucky enough to be members of a holiday club through Worldmark South Pacific Vacation Club by Wyndham so we were able to pay for accommodation with our points. Had we not had points available, we probably would have looked further into cheap holiday getaways to plan a cheap trip.
We also invited my in-laws, since we will be staying in a three-bedroom apartment. They will enjoy a cheap trip, will get to spend time with us - especially little LJ and we will have childcare available when we want to go out ALONE together. I cant wait to go on a date with my husband again!
Listed below are tips on how to plan a cheap trip and save money when you book your cheap holiday trips.
When you Plan a Cheap Trip, Compare Airfares
I compare airfares between carriers and if I can save a few bucks, will use one airline in one direction and another for the return. My favorite Australian carrier is Qantas as our family all have Qantas frequent flyer memberships and between us we have enough points for return flights to either the USA or Europe, which we plan to use next year. However, if we can save money by flying another carrier, it is worthwhile.
Book cheap holiday trips well in Advance
To plan a cheap trip, we book cheap holiday trips well in advance to ensure availability. Most bookings can be changed or cancelled until a certain date, so periodically we compare prices to see if we can get a better price elsewhere. We booked our car hire in July 09 which was a good thing. To hire the same car now would cost an additional $400 for the week.
Pay for Cheap Holiday Getaways with Cash, not Credit Card
Booking in advance also allows us to save money toward a cheap trip so that we dont need to use the credit card to pay for bookings and spending money. We use our credit card out of choice to earn points and can easily afford to pay it off at the end of the month, rather than feeling guilty about recreation credit card use that leads to credit card interest charges.
Points used the Right Way will Save Money on your Cheap Trip Vacation
I am devoted to points, probably because I like the feeling of getting something for nothing...well almost. I know there's an annual credit card fee, but we never pay credit card interest. To plan a cheap trip, you can still spend a lot of money, so if each dollar I spend earns points I can eventually plan a cheap trip for nothing.
When you plan a cheap trip earn points by using an airline loyalty program for flights, paying with a credit card that offers rewards and if you can use accommodation loyalty clubs, timeshare or vacation club points, utilize these as well.
We finally decided to plan a cheap trip to Cairns, as I have never been there and there is just so much to see.
To save money and to plan a cheap trip, we researched all aspects of our holiday to plan a cheap trip. We are lucky enough to be members of a holiday club through Worldmark South Pacific Vacation Club by Wyndham so we were able to pay for accommodation with our points. Had we not had points available, we probably would have looked further into cheap holiday getaways to plan a cheap trip.
We also invited my in-laws, since we will be staying in a three-bedroom apartment. They will enjoy a cheap trip, will get to spend time with us - especially little LJ and we will have childcare available when we want to go out ALONE together. I cant wait to go on a date with my husband again!
Listed below are tips on how to plan a cheap trip and save money when you book your cheap holiday trips.
When you Plan a Cheap Trip, Compare Airfares
I compare airfares between carriers and if I can save a few bucks, will use one airline in one direction and another for the return. My favorite Australian carrier is Qantas as our family all have Qantas frequent flyer memberships and between us we have enough points for return flights to either the USA or Europe, which we plan to use next year. However, if we can save money by flying another carrier, it is worthwhile.
Book cheap holiday trips well in Advance
To plan a cheap trip, we book cheap holiday trips well in advance to ensure availability. Most bookings can be changed or cancelled until a certain date, so periodically we compare prices to see if we can get a better price elsewhere. We booked our car hire in July 09 which was a good thing. To hire the same car now would cost an additional $400 for the week.
Pay for Cheap Holiday Getaways with Cash, not Credit Card
Booking in advance also allows us to save money toward a cheap trip so that we dont need to use the credit card to pay for bookings and spending money. We use our credit card out of choice to earn points and can easily afford to pay it off at the end of the month, rather than feeling guilty about recreation credit card use that leads to credit card interest charges.
Points used the Right Way will Save Money on your Cheap Trip Vacation
I am devoted to points, probably because I like the feeling of getting something for nothing...well almost. I know there's an annual credit card fee, but we never pay credit card interest. To plan a cheap trip, you can still spend a lot of money, so if each dollar I spend earns points I can eventually plan a cheap trip for nothing.
When you plan a cheap trip earn points by using an airline loyalty program for flights, paying with a credit card that offers rewards and if you can use accommodation loyalty clubs, timeshare or vacation club points, utilize these as well.
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