It’s time to review my Frugal Challenge Year at the half way point.
I did use all my gift vouchers that I had received over past six month, even using one for part payment for my new stove & oven that I bought last month and paying the balance in Cash.

My credit cards are still at Zero balance but for the debit amount which is paid off each month.

My survival kit & resources are coming along nicely, only a few items needed to buy now. I will be able to stay out of the supermarkets if there is a food crisis in my area at anytime in the future. May go to the camping stores instead for extra items that I don’t want to stock to much of for now.

All bills are paid and up to date. I am able to go out when I like to as I have put money away for such outings.

Food and Gas prices have risen over the past six months but I am still able to manage as I have stockpiled some food items because of that I’m now living off last years prices and will only replace if I find a real bargain in that line only. I can afford to wait awhile!

As for Gas, I only drive on a need bases and limit the distance that I’m driving. Each time the gas is low in my area, I will fill up if I need too! But again I can afford to wait to see if the price does go down too! By shopping locally and keeping my driving to under a 50km around trips and staying off the troll ways this is helping with my budget, as time is not a factor for me.

I have been working on my craft room; it’s a room you can’t move around that much. As not much can be thrown away at this moment but if something can be thrown out it is. I have a bad habit of collecting up anything not in the right place and boxing it to go back later and putting it this room each time I have visitors. Some is papers that I need to read, jewelry, odd coins, books and projects that I was doing at that time being all mixed up together. Now I’m sorting each box out and putting away in the right area. Quick reading of the papers but trashing any that out date, I have found some very valuable items also.

Well I went out today and had lunch with my ex-coworkers at a new place for lunch costing $11 for roasted chicken and roasted vegetables roll and coffee. I did pay some bills while out. Also getting some printers ink for my new printer as I buy the color but refill the black one.

So I spend money today
Total Money spent today $728 (my cash outlay) (mostly bills)
Savings $stretch $23.00

No Spending Days so far this month : ~ 20

Today is the day I go to the city for lunch with friends. While showing this morning I hit the nail on my index finger on the shower tap and it was a bit sore with a black spot on it. My first appointment this morning was the doctor’s so I wasn’t too worried. As it was raining the bus just got to the city in time. After checking me for my annual medical check and writing up scripts for blood tests and medicines. He checked my finger I had a piece of metal in the nail so no gardening for a few days.

I did put more money on my pre-paid mobile plan for another year. Mobile phone prepaid recharge
Taking this total too $149 for 4 years averaging 37.25 per year, very few calls, mainly text messages.

Paying my rates and water bills and I had only 9kL of water in last 92 days. So I am on track with my water targets that have been set by the government. Which is a goal of 140L per person mine is only 97.8K.

Meeting up with some of my ex-coworkers, at the casino, there is a deal going there for $10.00.

I had Fish & Chips with Salad (reg. price $13.50) and vanilla slice as usual (reg. price$5.90), posted in this blog October 29, 2006 in recipe section. Coffee (reg. price 2x $3.00) total = $25.30. I did play the 1c poker machines for just two dollars then left.

As for shopping I only bought some books again today spending $13.00 (reg. price value $175.65) on them.

So I spend money today
Total Money spent today $369.00
Savings $stretch $168.15

Meeting up with some of my ex-coworkers, at the casino, there is a deal going there for $10.00, you get a choice of about 8 different meals and about a choice 8 cakes or cheesecakes or fruit salad as well coffee or tea. The only catch is that you need to be over 18 and a member also came in by public transport. As our group are do all these things so it’s no problem for any of us here.

I had Satay Chicken with peanuts on steamed rice (reg. price $12.40) and vanilla slice as usual (reg. price$5.90), posted in this blog October 29,2006 in recipe section. Coffee (reg. price 2x $3.00) total = $24.30
I did play the 1c poker machines for a few dollars then left.

As for shopping I only bought some books today spending $16.90 (reg. price value $63.85) on them. One I saw in the bookshop window over the holidays and as this store was closed until this morning, I need to be quick if wanted it as it was a secondhand copy too! The other book was on 1001 hints & tips from yesterday year and craft book this is my style of reading. Two out of three books were a need of that information category and time savers as I was using my internet time looking for this information and I need this information in printed form anyway.

So I spend money today
Total Money spent today $29.90
Savings $stretch $61.25

Note - Savings $stretch is the different between original regular price and money handed over. Coming under $tretch category

I’m planning a frugal year for 2008 so it’s to spend wisely and only on needs, planned purchases and emergency replacements, so if I can do without it I will.

So planning a very minimum frugal year using what in the house or can be borrowed. This includes some food items, laundry & toilet paper, toiletries, linen, household goods, cookware, books, clothes & underwear etc, (buying only if I change sizes too much in clothing).

~ No Spending but for planned items. (If I have an item in the house or can borrow it, then I’m to use that first.)
~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month.
~ Come under budget each month and deposit into the online accounts any leftover amounts.
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days or ahead of time. (As my budget is now in Excel, I can see a working model of these figures. When due and approx amount needed for each month.)
~ As I have two gift vouchers from Christmas so that I can buy items on my need list or items for next Christmas gifts as one is a store voucher for January only. I do limit myself to extra $10.00 only if buying gifts for others.
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks)
~ Known outings are budgeted for, as social events.
~ Making and setting up emergency survival kit & resources.
~ Saving as much cash I can for a new stove & oven later in the year. (Nothing fancy)

I have only two major projects other than new stove on the calendar next year, one is a must do (I have funding saved), and the other could go one more year. Both cost thousands of dollars and on a pension with limited fund I need to come up with little challenges to make them happen.

I did venture out into the Christmas crowds this week, mainly to pay off my credit card and get a cheque (check) for DF-M and then post a bill for her. She gave me some money to buy myself a present which I must show her what I have bought it’s a mind game. There were some sandals on special this week at Kmart that I liked the look of, so I went there and bought 2 pair black sandals, 3 T-shirt night dresses kind and 6 pairs of white sport socks as they were on all special and on my To Buy List. You may ask why not wait until Boxing Day Sales; I just want keep out of them, I will spend less by doing that. The prices may be a little cheaper and but the sizes may not be there, as some of the size were already missing. Along with buying some store gift cards for the family as they like to shop the Boxing Day Sales. I only buy a few gifts each year as most of my gifts now are gift cards.

Shoes reg. price $29.95 each x2 =$59.90, sale price $15.00 each =$30.00
Night Dresses reg. price $10.99 x 3 = $32.97, sale price $8.80 each =$24.75
6 pairs of white sport socks reg. price $9.99, sale price $7.92
AAA batteries x10 +6 free pkt. = $13.30
Total $75.97 - less 5% for team members discount =$72.18

Being a very practical person so DF-M gift will be two T-shirt Night Dresses & six pairs of white sport socks. Also while shopping around I started picking up a gifts for next Christmas saving 40% off in my under $10.00 range.

While I was out I bought some 1L brandy custard on special $1.00 off and regular fruit cake both coming $4.95. I’m a bit like Jamie Oliver and refer bought thick custard.

Saved on purchases $44.98

Weekly Main Meal Menu

Sunday ~ Omelet with Shredded Cheese and Salad & Mango
Monday ~ Pasta with Tuna & Tomato Sauce & Stone Fruit
Tuesday ~ Christmas Dinner
Wednesday ~ Chicken Salad & Stone Fruit
Thursday ~ Steak & Vegetables
Friday ~ Steamed Fish and Salad
Saturday ~ Chicken Kebabs with Salad

As I start my new annual budget each year around now.
I am reviewing my past spending and goals before I start posting my goals and plans for 2008.

As you may have read, I had a spending spree this year.
New Front Door & Security Door, 3000L Tank, Water Hot Tank, New Mower, New Computer & Printer etc, Digital Camera plus extras, Holiday Interstate.
All bills paid on time throughout the year
And credit card at Zero balance at end of each month.
Best of all I’m still under my pension income and things are looking good for next year goals.

My goals & plans for next three months ~ December to February.

~ No Spending but for planned items. (If I have an item in the house or can borrow it, then I’m to use that first.)
~ I have only two gift vouchers for Christmas to buy as all other gifts have been bought.
~ Saving as much cash I can for a new stove & oven later in the year.
~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month.
~ Come under budget. (Only if you don’t count major project)
~ Deposit into the online accounts.
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days or ahead of time. (As my budget is now in Excel, I can see a working model of these figures. When due and approx amount needed for each month.)
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks)
~ Known outings to budget for in December - February –dining out 5 times
~ Live off my Bulk Food Assets & Storage Assets
~ Gardening Mowing & weed back garden & put water saving techniques in place.
~ Cull & de-clutter computer files not in use.
~ Downsizing storage areas and clean these areas (zones 9, 10 & 11)
~ Lay a load wood chip that our neighbor hood (10 households) got for FREE, so far I have moved 30 Wheel borrows full for my garden. Still wheel borrows more to go.

Well I have been off learning to use my new computer and printer; I did fine some free online lessons so I have been doing these for the past two weeks.

HP -Online Tutorials

As for spending I went out and bought myself a new Kodak C763 Camera last week. Saving over $140 on RRP when not on special.

I will have to stop spending for now as I have some large bills due next month.

I will drop in at the end of this month.

Kitty

Well I have been busy looking at my next major project.

Unlike most people living on limited income, I believe in buying the best quality products for my money that I have to spend and not spending to save money by buying the cheapest I can get.

I’m updating my computer, printer, & programs this time. After checking out what was available for the price that I wanted to pay! I found one that I had made up to what I wanted. I was able to buy all branded parts just over my total budget $1500 cash only. On Programs Window Office 2007 & anti-virus programs, I saved $220 on top prices quoted. Printer I got one that I could print in black only, and refill the ink. Saved $20 as it went on special the day before I picked up the computer and USB data stick 2GB saved $13
HP Pavilion or Dell had for the same money only, had 512MB Ram and Memory 80G to 200G in $1000 to $1500 range with paying for expended warranty extra.

My computer has Ram 1G, Memory 250G with fast drive, 19 inch LP flat screen monitor including Window ® XP Home, floppy drive, optical keyboard & mouse,
DVD burner, safety power pack and temperature warning system plus five years labor warranty and including help to exchange data from old to new computer, loading all the programs.

On what I got included in one computer that I bought, saved about $900 on one with same standard components around $2000 mark.

Summery
Computer $1044 - saved $900
Programs $305 - saved $220
Printer $69 - saved $20
USB data stick $27- saved $13
Office 2007 book $27 -saved $13
Warranty - Free - saved $248
Safety power board- $149 - top of range
Total spent $1594 Total saved $1414
saving 47%
Over budget by $94

(If I had paid by credit card that would have been extra 3% charge of $37.29)

So now it’s back to saving for a holiday next.

In the city today, paid my credit card off again in full and paid another bill too!

We went to the Sizzler’s again, just having the salad bar & drinks today $11.95 as they have put the price up again. Saving $2.80 with my senior card. Even though I went to five other places to buy things on my list not one had them anything I wanted so I just walked out again.

Lucky I did as when I left this morning, I was having trouble with hot water system, it over 13 year old so it a replacement job. The thermostat is gone I think, and the $200 to fix it for around 2 years is not worth it. As it only will cost about $600 –700 to replace it for next 10 years plus. Life span is around 10-15 years for an electric hot water system. It not economical for me, to buy solar hot water system at $4000 and only $1000 rebate with about same life span.

Why I know it needs to be replace is for the last few weeks it been just eating the kWh big time. I have been reading the meter every few days, have use 68 kWh since Saturday, and had NO hot water when I went to shower this morning and I used so little hot water in that time too! It took over 20 minutes to fill the tank until it overflowed, then I read it and check the meter box was on too! When I came home this afternoon I read it again I had use 13 kWh in 7 hours which means that thermostat is not turn off when hot and all I am getting is the laundry full of steam instead. I rang the energy company and found when the next power reading is and as I am 100kWh over now and still 4 weeks to ago before next reading. I spoke to a plumber, we will buy one and replace it on Saturday. In the meantime the power tariff that is on 24/7 used only 12 kWh in all this time since Saturday with 2 large refrigerators & chest freezer as well all the lights, TV’s & computer etc. So another Major project expense this week, lucky I bank that $1000 rebate a few weeks ago.

Today’s Senior Card Savings - $2.80
Add to total $20 Challenge $87.50

Just got my first water tank rebate back! I open my online account to check if my debit had been taken out and found that my first rebate of $1000 has been debit credit to my account. I quickly transferred it to my ING account so that I won’t spend it and save it for one of my major project later this year like a new computer as my computer is very outdate now and 8 years old but still working very slowly and can’t be upgraded anymore.

I went to the city to have lunch with my ex-work friends today! We went to Sizzler’s as usual, I just had the salad bar. Saving $2.00 with my senior discount so that another $2.00 for $20 challenge.

I did pay my credit card balance off in full. But as my internet bill was not on this, I had to ring to fine out why and make sure that I wasn’t cut off at end of this month. They did as no I would be and I would be charged for last month & next month on the next bill. Not happy with that but it was they problem not mine!

I bought some markdown organic pasta 1kg saving $1.50 and bacon bones to make pea & ham soup to-morrow.

Yesterday it rained all day but only light showers, my tank is full again! I now have enough water to last for a few months if didn’t rain for a while. I will use only full recycle & tank water for the next month or so.

Today’s Senior Card Savings - $2.00
Add to total$20 Challenge $69.30
My Spending today $445.00
Any Savings today $3.50

June / July Goals & Planning Ahead

~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month.
~ Come under budget.
~ Deposit into the online accounts.
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days or ahead of time.
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks)
~ Known outings to budget for in June / July - lunch out 3
~ Live off my Bulk Food Assets
~ Make up another eight meals OAMC. - Out of Bulk Food Assets.
~ De-cluttering 5 Storage Boxes
~ Gardening Mowing & weed back garden & put water saving techniques in place done
~ Cull & de-clutter computer files not in use. – (on going)
~ Downsizing storage and clean these areas (zones 6, 7 & 8) (on going)
~ Have my car service

Review of the last two months.

April / May Goals & Planning Ahead
~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month. Done
~ Come under budget. Did come under.
~ Deposit into the online accounts. Yes
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days or ahead of time. All bill paid to date
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks) yes
~ Known outings to budget for in April / May - lunch out 2 - had more lunch out 5
~ Live off my Bulk Food Assets Yes
~ Make up another eight meals OAMC. - Out of Bulk Food Assets. Yes
~ De-cluttering Computer Room Yes
~ Gardening Mowing & weed back garden & put water saving techniques in place done Yes
~ Cull & de-clutter computer files not in use. – (on going)
~ Downsizing storage and clean these areas (zones 6, 7 & 8) (on going)
~ Install the water tank, paid and apply for rebate. ? Done

Today I did a big run around shopping and pay my bills, as I haven’t been out for a while. I went to thrift shop on the way up the street and bought a large plastic container, for $2.50 that is normal sold for about $12.95 new. I also pick up some more Gourmet Traveller magazines, 5 for $2.00 I now have quite a number of theses now. I bought some grocery $4.70. I want to get some film developed but no one does it any more but at large shopping centres. So I had to go the another shopping centre in my car. So as I need to pay some bills as well, first put the film in to get developed, $11.63 then I had wait for 3 hours but I needed to shop, have lunch and pay the bills. Going to Aldi spending $19.93, buy some underwear $11.94, having lunch for $1.65 saving $1.50 on coffee with my senior card. Paying my car membership $62.00, and another bill for $94.50. I did buy the book The Secret $20.94 so I will know want it all about. I still have a few more bills to pay via my credit card. I will pay this before I need to put my next annual Chiro bill on it. But I will have it paid off along before the interest is due on it.

Weekly Main Meal Menu

Monday ~ Chicken Mustard with Rice.
Tuesday ~ Beans Rissoles & Salad
Wednesday ~ Toasted Savoury Mince Jaffa’s
Thursday ~ Scramble Eggs on Toast
Friday ~ Poached Fish with Steamed Vegetables
Saturday ~ Spicy Pumpkin & Sweet Potato with Lentils
Sunday ~ Chicken Schnitzel with Tomato Salsa & Steamed Vegetables.

Today’s Senior Card Savings - $1.50
Add to total $20 Challenge $32.40

My Spending today $231.79
Any Savings today $11.95

My tank arrived today, I had it delivered & installed today, after a 217 days since I ordered it.

It cost $1540 plus extra $50.00 for a ‘Water Diverter First Flush’ so I can drink the tank water if I want too and the first lot of water doesn’t go into the tank so it clean water going into the tank only. I will get back $1500 in government rebates over next few months. I will keep you posted. So will end up paying $90.00 all up for the tank 3250L with pump, extra tap & extra pipe plus fitting from part of main roof near the garage.
I spent nothing else today.

Finally the answer to my question in my first post.

Just twelve months ago I started this blog asking myself a question that I been wondering about for sometime. My Question was this “What is the true value of my lifestyle now that I am living on a pension?” and still living within my means.

As I have never included my other saving accounts in this challenge only what was money banked into them. The main aim of this challenge was to write a daily account of my life style and living solely on my pension and cash reserves (by this I mean any money that I get within the hour) without going into to my investments. I did start with a small emergency fund as a back up and two credit cards at zero balance and no debt.

After crunching the numbers, I am better off than I was when I started this challenge with the door finished and adding $6000 to the value of my home. I am still debt free as I have the money there to pay any money that I owe when due!

My motto for this challenge.

“Its real hard to come up with $1000 but it’s easy to find 1000 ways to save a dollar or two!”

So let’s go and find those 1000 ways to save a dollar challenge and see what’s amount is at the end of 12 months.

So here are the numbers to this question.

I’ve crunched My Challenge numbers. I spent an average of $498.75 a pay, on living expenses, including the major project –Door, over the year after savings but I don’t pay any tax. My Credit Card is balanced now $55.00 in the No % period.

At the end of 365 days these are the totals showing up. That if I was the one who paid original full price for everything that I use, ate or bought in that year, my income would need to be around $24149 and not $13312 that I get in the way of my pension plus some cash gifts and interest.

Here are few numbers to look at.

Pension Income $13312.00
Cash gifts & Interest $1050.00
Banking in $2020.00 & out $1400.00
Major project $1690.00
Money Left $881.00 + Water Tank Money $1540.00
Senior % $3423.49
Other % $8045.38

To recap
My Real Spending Total : $12968.04
+ 2006 - 2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally: $11469.07
= Full Price (RRP) Income Challenge: $24149.11

So that’s a saving of 47.5% on RRP & Senior Discounts savings overall. ($11469)
My senior discount ratio 30% other savings 70%.

Looking at savings and senior discount numbers

Total Savings at following weeks.
4th wk $1343.50
8th wk $2826.02
12th wk $3427.84
16th wk $4590.28
20th wk $5814.26
24th wk $6645.21
28th wk $7521.90
32nd wk $8304.36
36th wk $8886.27
40th wk $9629.66
44th wk $10,018.97
48th wk $10,473.01
52nd wk $11469.07

Senior Card Discount & Senior Rebate Amounts

Rates ___________ $855.00
Car _____________ $322.28
Insurance 55over_ $125.00
Coffee free ______$92.10
Lunch ___________ $79.31
Medical _________ $1309.80
Dr_______________ $180.00
Power ___________ $120.00
Phone ___________ $120.00
Fares ___________ $58.00
Free Cheque______ $96.00
No Bank fees_____ $60.00
Movies __________ $6.00
________________= $3423.49

Power of senior card & senior pension discount rebates is averaging out around $3500 or more if I used the State Travel Voucher once this year on what I have done over past 12 months. Much more senior card discounts are available that I didn’t use 5 – 20% off different things for just showing your senior card.

This the text from 'The Answer to my Question'

Challenge at 52nd week and end of this $$$ Stretching challenge.

Kitty’s Real Spending Total $12968.04
+ 2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $11469.07
= Full Price (RRP) Income Challenge $24149.11

Opening CC Balance $317.00 (In % free days period)
Kitty’s Opening Balance Rollover $648.00 ($265 Bill A/C)
$$$Money in - $1212.00
= Total Income Balance. $1860.00
Bills Total $339.00 + 262.00 CC = $601.00
Other Spending & Groceries $239.61
$$$ Money out = $840.61
Cash Banked in other A/C’s $138.00
Kitty’s Rollover Balance $ 881.39 ($400 Bill A/C*)
CC Balance $55.00 (No % free days period & to be paid next shopping day)
Major project bills outstanding = $360*

* (To be paid when my friend returns from a NZ holiday.)

I drove down the shopping centre to pay my bills. Rates and phone bills $339.00 with seniors discount savings of $239 to be added for a full price amount in this challenge.

I went to Target to buy a gift card and birthday card for MIL. Spending $33.00 here.

While I was at the shopping centre, I went to the supermarket for DF-M to get her some plastic containers that she wanted. I had to get 10 x 1 Litre flat plastic containers costing $2.95 each. This all bought too at the supermarket!

BREAKFAST Boiled Eggs & Toast Coffee
LUNCH Chilli Tuna Salad & Crackers Apple Coffee
DINNER Thai Satay Chicken with Steamed Rice & Green Tea

Today’s Full price Tally $611
Today’s Savings - $ 239.00
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10877.46

~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month.
~ Come under budget.
~ Deposit into the online accounts.
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days or ahead of time.
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks)
~ Known outings to budget for in - lunch. 4
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks)
~ Known outings to budget for in April / May - lunch out 2
~ Live off my Bulk Food Assets
~ Make up another eight meals OAMC. - Out of Bulk Food Assets.
~ De-cluttering Computer Room
~ Gardening Mowing & weed back garden & put water saving techniques in place
~ Cull & de-clutter computer files not in use. – (on going)
~ Downsizing storage and clean these areas (zones 6, 7 & 8)
~ Install the water tank, paid and apply for rebate.

Review of the last two months.

February / March Goals & Planning Ahead

~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month. Yes
~ Come under budget. (Only if you don’t count major project)
~ Deposit into the online accounts. Yes
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days or ahead of time. Yes
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks) Yes
~ Known outings to budget for in February / March - lunch out 4 - more than this time
~ Live off my Bulk Food Assets ~ (On Going)
~ Make up another eight meals OAMC. - Out of Bulk Food Assets. Yes
~ De-cluttering Computer Room for door project. – Stage 1 done
~ Finish Door project - Done
~ Gardening Mowing & weed back garden & put water saving techniques in place - Done
~ Cull & de-clutter computer files not in use. – (on going) - no time
~ Downsizing storage and clean these areas (zones 6, 7 & 8) no time, worked on major project
~ Install the water tank, paid and apply for rebate. - Still waiting for deliver.

Challenge at 48th week.

Kitty’s Real Spending Total $12389.43
+ 2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10473.01
= Full Price (RRP) Income Challenge $22862.44

Opening CC Balance $0
Kitty’s Opening Balance Rollover $918.78 ($720 Bill A/C)
$$$Money in - $1141.06 + cash w/d $400
= Total Income Balance. $2459.84
Bills Total $818.50
Other Spending (& major project)& Groceries $1533.84
$$$ Money out = $2352.34
Cash Banked in other A/C’s $72
Kitty’s Rollover Balance $648.00 ($265 Bill A/C)
CC Balance $317.00
Major project bills still outstanding = $360

As only the brickwork was removed yesterday and extra bolts bought. Today we worked on removing the old window and the rest of the walls. No one could have broken in last night, as the original wall was still intact. This is one of the big days on this project as the plan was to have the new door lockable tonight. Which I am happy to say it’s the case.

My friend is a master builder, this the first time he has put a door in of this type and did work too!

I did set a bit of problem in making these doors, yes they are two doors but you wouldn’t know it by looking at it from outside. As it’s one standard door and half panel door in French door style, but we have made look like a standard door with a half panel. I did buy extra bolts so that the half door is bolts at all times but when you need to remove furniture you can unbolts this panel door. It even has a mock centre wooden butt screwed and glued to extra half door so that it looks like a half panel.

While this was going on I drove down to shopping centre and paid my bills so that I wouldn’t forget to do so next week, when we will be still working on this project. Saved $30.00 on my power. (senior discount). I bought a few groceries as I am feeding an extra person for next few days.

MMM I will be very lucky to have any no spending days this month, at the rate I’m going now!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Salad & light Cream Cheese on Crackers Apple Coffee
DINNER Poached Fish with Salad Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $238.10
Today’s Savings - $ 30.00
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10395.69

It’s that time of the month again lunch with my ex-work friends, there eight of us today. we went to Sizzlers again, I had the manager special as it was still on seafood for $3.95 plus salad bar & drinks*. Costing $15.10 saving $3.85 (senior card).

I paid my Household Insurance today, $658.50 and yet again paid my credit card off. I do have a debit bill on this card so need keep on top of it at all times.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Lunch out *
DINNER Curry Ground Beef & Rice with Sambal

Today’s Full price Tally $717.45
Today’s Savings - $ 3.85
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10,302.32

Challenge at 44th week.

Kitty’s Real Spending Total $10,037.09
+ 2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10,018.97
= Full Price (RRP) Income Challenge $20,056.87

Opening CC Balance $$49.15
Kitty’s Opening Balance Rollover $315.18 ($190 Bill A/C)
$$$Money in - $1506.28
= Total Income Balance. $1821.46
Bills Total $635.70
Other Spending & Groceries $266.98
$$$ Money out = $902.68
Cash Banked in other A/C’s $0.00
Kitty’s Rollover Balance $918.78 ($720 Bill A/C)
CC Balance $0

I had to recharge my pre-paid mobile today as it is soon due and I didn’t want to lose my credits if I forgot to re-charge it on the date due. Too much to lose, and I not talking about cents here. it’s annual pre-paid plan that I am on as I only use it for SMS & incoming calls. I will only use it for actual calls if I am in trouble or have lost the person I am with and need to find them. As we all have mobile phones in our family. My family bought this mobile phone about three years ago so that I could have on when I am driving back and forth from they place 20 minutes away on a freeway and they can find me if I am out. It’s when I do put my mobile on.

So back to the costing of this mobile phone, Ok I got it for FREE with $30.00 free calls on it. As I can’t hear it ring only see the lights when a message come in. I don’t use it much to talk on, as the calls on this annual plan are .60cent per minute. I have no voice mail, rarely call out, only SMS mainly. After first 2 months, I bought $50.00 recharge and put it on annual plan. At the end of the first year I had $49.00 left which rollover to next recharge which I put another $50.00 recharge on it and next year another $50 recharge. Because now, I have still $72.00 left to rollover this year I put only $20.00 on it this time which is the lowest I can get. This is not all I saved, as I got 15% off each of those recharges as well! So what’s the cost of my mobile phone to date. As the phone was free with $30.00 in call. I spent only $127.50 out of my pocket. In 3 years I had $200 of call credits now have $92.00 left. Using only $108.00 in this time. $108.00 call credits used on Mobile phone calls in 3 years with a phone that is in daily use. Can anyone else beat this?

Also I went shopping today, bought some groceries $3.85 saving $2.00 and had lunch out $2.95 and free coffee, saving $2.45 and I bought chocolates as I do have a sweet tooth. $3.88 saving .60 here

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Marinated Feta Cheese with Marinated Peppers Fruit Coffee
DINNER Savoury Mince on Toast. Fruit Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $33.10
Today’s Savings - $ 8.05
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $ 9963.51

Today I made a special trip down to the place where I paid my bills as I am a bit old fashion and like to visualize that I paid a bill and hand over my cash or cards as the case may be. Well as I never pay many of my bills via credit card unless I am very short of money that week and I can be paid before next payment is due. What different about today’s phone bill it’s only a very bill and I can afford to pay it cash too! The phone bill is only $38.35 this month I do get a payment with my pension once every 3 months for a discount on my phone bill $20.30 so I better count that in my tally as I was paid it this week.

Different is that I have more than one credit card and this one hasn’t been use for a very long. While as I was talking to a cashier at another bank, I said need to make sure that I use it at a least once every few years so the bank knows that I still what it. The cashier did hear of a lady that had hers cancelled because she never used it. As I am going to the city in the morning and will have time to pay the credit card off again so it’s back to zero. I don’t have any fees on this card and it only there for a safety blanket, as I don’t qualify for any new cards so I need to keep them open even if I don’t use them. After tomorrow I will put it back in it home. This is one of the problems of having a very low income. Here you need an annual income of $25000 plus to qualify for one and my annual income is below $15000. Do any of you have this problem?

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Marinated Feta Cheese with Marinated Peppers Fruit Coffee
DINNER 2 Sausage & Egg with Baked Beans

Today’s Full price Tally $58.65
Today’s Savings - $ 20.30
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $9907.32

It was a busy day today at dawn I went and got gas for the car saving $1.93 off with shopper docket then extra as the price went up again a few hours later by 10c litre. Timing is the key with buying gas around here.

I had lunch again with my friends at Sizzlers ‘all you can eat salad bar’ place and I had the manager’s special of fried seafood @ 3.95 and salad bar costing $14.32 for both. Saving $8.58 as I get a senior discount here.

Today I paid my car annual insurance and zeroed my credit card yet again. I ‘m getting good at that one. This time of the year I have a lot of major bills coming in so I can’t go spending big at the Summer clothing sales with their big discounts. If I want to buy something next year I will have to save some extra money for clothes at this time period. I like to pay most of my bill annually as I save money by doing this it this way. Take my car insurance if paid monthly which I can do, I would be paying extra $77.56 per year that I would need to fine and on my budget that is not easy. I am saving here that amount plus over 55 discount and multi insurance on top. That’s around $180.28 for just my car insurance.

I did by some remnants at dressmaker store it’s call Lincraft’s, these were about 60% RRP saving $10.57.

When I came home later, and had a rest, I went shopping for cat food and a few groceries, saving $7.80 here.

So I had a very busy day.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Lunch out*
DINNER Grilled Cheese with Mustard Toasted Slices Fruit Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $842.36
Today’s Savings - $ 209.87
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $9842.53

40th Week’s Summary of $$$ Stretching challenge

Challenge at 40th week.

Kitty’s Real Spending Total $9134.41
+ 2006/7 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $9629.66
= Full Price (RRP) Income Challenge $18761.70

Opening CC Balance $0
Kitty’s Opening Balance Rollover $255.49 ($94 Bill A/C)
$$$Money in - $1057.20
= Total Income Balance. $1312.69
Bills Total $340.35
Other Spending & Groceries $557.71
$$$ Money out = $898.06
Cash Banked in other A/c’s $140.00
Kitty’s Rollover Balance $315.18 ($190 Bill A/C)
CC Balance $49.15 (No % period)

February / March Goals & Planning Ahead

~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month.
~ Come under budget.
~ Deposit into the online accounts.
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days or ahead of time.
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks)
~ Known outings to budget for in February / March - lunch out 2
~ Live off my Bulk Food Assets ~ (On Going)
~ Make up another eight meals OAMC. - Out of Bulk Food Assets.
~ De-cluttering Computer Room for door project.
~ Finish Door project
~ Gardening Mowing & weed back garden & put water saving techniques in place
~ Cull & de-clutter computer files not in use. – (on going)
~ Downsizing storage and clean these areas (zones 6 , 7 & 8)
~ Install the water tank, paid and apply for rebate.

Review of the last two months.

December / January Goals & Planning Ahead

~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month. - Yes
~ Come under budget. - Yes
~ Deposit into the online accounts. – Yes
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days or ahead of time. -Yes
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks) –Yes
~ Known outings to budget for in December / January lunch out 4 dinner 2
~ Live off my Bulk Food Assets ~ (On Going)
~ Make up another eight meals OAMC. Out of Bulk Food Assets. -Yes
~ Gardening Mowing & weed front garden & put water saving techniques in place. - done
~ Install the water tank, pay and apply for rebate. – still waiting
~ Cleaning and painting garage before the tank is installed. – done
~ Cull & de-clutter computer files not in use. – still to do some
~ Downsizing storage and clean these areas (zones 2, 4 & 5)

Today is DF-M Grocery Shopping day and I’m the driver. So it was off to the bank and chemist when down to the shopping centre and I just paid my Rate bill. Pensioner & Homeowner Discounts on rates bill $209.77. I got given some cherries when she bought some for herself, as she has a set shopping plan and there is no way of change her mind when it made up to buy or do something. I try not to buy anything when I’m on this shopping trip as when I do, most times it get add to her shopping tally. Madding and it not the checkout staffs fault. No lunch today as we had frozen food this time.

Today’s Full price Tally $505.97
Today’s Savings - $215.12
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $9519.03

It’s the day that I spend doing my budget, checking that I have paid my bills and balancing the figures and it’s so far so good on that front. There is enough money in Bill A/c to pay for all the bills for the next month. So everything is working out, as it should.

I had a look at my no spending days so far this year. I had 12 No Spend Day since the 1st January so far. I did say I was going to cut back a bit.