As we drive around the countryside be on the lookout for wild fruit trees such as apple trees…in season blackberries are everywhere…gather and freeze blackberries and cook and freeze apples for pies or sauces. The sealable bag now is much easier than bottling and the food is just as nice frozen. Crabapple and feijoas are […]
Pay bills on time and if there is a discount for early repayment then take advantage of it. Don’t get behind on your power and telephone to avoid disconnection and re-connection charges. Avoid the temptation to buy on tick. This applies especially to motor vehicles, furniture, clothes, holidays and hobbies. It’s bad enough that […]
I have a lot of fun entering free competitions. I do well winning cash and goods. All of the winnings are used for debt repayment.
If you use a credit card, and many people are nowadays to collect reward points, make sure you make prepayments in full and on time.
I think the only way to prepare for each Xmas is to put some money away each week, fortnight or whatever and try NOT to use it during the year. It makes things so much easier and not so stressful. Buy presents during the year but it this doesn’t happen put a limit on each […]
Always include some sanity money in your budget as it means you are less likely to spend other money that you need for something else. Get this money out in cash each pay day and when it is gone it is gone – NO SWIPING!
Save all change given to you at shops that is under $1. Our family of three adults has made this a habit. We use an old glass vase and all the 10, 20, and 50 cents pieces get dropped in after each shopping trip. We only dip into it if we need parking meter money. […]
When my hubby & I were on a tight budget, we came up with the idea that we would not spend over $29 without receiving the other person’s approval first. We usually gave permission when asked by the other, but it gave us time to think if we really needed the item before getting it…a […]
To make budgeting easier for our family, I calculate ALL bills for the year (including car warrants, regos, insurance, rates, power, phone, etc). I then divide the full yearly amount by 52 weeks, and deposit that amount to a bills account. I have all automatic payments and direct debits set up to come out of […]
As a Kiwi settled long-term in Melbourne, here’s a budgeting tool I find extremely helpful. You will need to change the odd government allowances term. Just fill in the details and hey presto! moneysmart >>>