Well we went to our local Target store to buy sleepwear for (DF-M) her young grandchildren that she is visiting this weekend. One of our other neighbors has a vineyard in the same town DF-M daughter lives. He will take her up for the weekend & bring her home again too!

So I took my car out today. DF-M bought lunch at the local Pizza Parlor at the shopping centre. ½ each only, I wouldn’t let her buy by two. As she only eats 2/3 of ½ then you have to eat all what’s left. Munch, Munch! I am watching my waistline too! I’m too skinny to her but my BMI read 29, her is 41. Oh well! Free lunch and gas money. Saving $6.50* on lunch.

I bought only needed items for the cats, so that I don’t need to take the car out to that shop until next month, only if I go the other supermarket. Spent $11.00 this trip saved $2.00 on a bucket for the garden that I priced before hand.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk with LSA Prunes Coffee 70c
LUNCH ½ Pizza (Lunch Out) Soft Drink – Free*
DINNER No Meal Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $17.50
Today’s Savings - $8.50*
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $50.40
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1459.00

Today I had my hair styled $13.00 normal price here is around $25 - $65 mark. Saving $12.00.

While I was up the street, I stopped at three of the Thrifts shops there. One is having sale on Thursday until Saturday in an empty shop that has it rent paid until the end of the month. It’s my kind a Sale too! Fill a Bag for $2.50. I will limit myself to just three bags see, what I come up with. I finish up with a cookbook today $1.50. Saving $8.50

I had another coffee & ice cream cone 30c. Saving $2.40 (senior discount). Bought the paper today $1.00. Some items at the supermarket on the away home, as I had to buy jar of jam for my neighbor there. 2 Sewing Items discounted for $1.66. Saving $1.06 Tomatoes 50c saving $1.00

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee 45c
LUNCH Chilli Tuna Salad & Crackers Apple Coffee 80c
DINNER Poach Fish & Vegetables … $2.50

Today’s Full price Tally $42.92
Today’s Savings - $24.96
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $ 47.95
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1441.50

Friday was pension day, so it’s the day that I allocate to pay any bills that I have what are due in the next fortnight. I keep my bill money in the Pension A/c until I have too much over for next lots of bills. Then I will transfer balance allotted for bills out for future large bills at the end of the year.

Instead of working out how much for each bill for each pay. I use annual totals instead plus 10% system then allot the grand total divide by 26 for bills each pay, it’s more than half my pension each time. I am not allow to spend this amount on anything other than bills and credit cards if the bill was paid via credit card so that now I pay my credit card out of Bill A/C because that is all that it’s used for now! I only pay an annual fee on my credit card, which is budgeted for and no interest on CC as it paid in full each month. My Internet has to be paid by direct debit via CC only.

Today bill’s are Electricity Bill $139.10 saving $16.00 on the last bill.
Car Club M’ship $58.00
Personal Accident Insurance $87.45 Annual saving $7.95
Total $284.55 with left $141.43 for bills this pay.

Two of the Bill’s had to be paid by Cheques so I needed to go to the bank for these. Normally you pay $6.00 each for them, as I am a pensioner they are FREE (see below). Saving $12.00.

Bill still to come is Chiro $421.00 in next this pension pay period.

How do I get around this without taking out of my saving bank A/C?

Simple pay off the credit card first before I put the Chiro on to it, which has been done. Deposit $140 + medical refund in CC when the bank opens. Then pay the balance out of the next two pays amounts for Bill A/c before the interest is due! I am lucky that all the dates are right to do this. I have only one bill due before the end June that I can be pay out of my grocery allotment. If am short. This is how I use my CC to my advantage. But you must have a ($0) zero balance to do it.

I only pay my credit card annual fee to the banks, I have no other fees including interest as I paid off my CC each month. I don’t pay account keeping fees even, which is here around $5.00 per month on all banking accounts if you haven’t found away to get around it. I am lucky that I am on a pension as I have a pensioner fee FREE A/C and free bank Cheques, which are normally $6.00 each. (Saving $120 on bank fees. Allowing $10 each month in saving tally.) I may open another account online in the future so I can keep my EF & saving out of my Bill A/C. But there is so much red tape to do it when you are on a pension.

I did have to go to Westfield’s Shopping Centre by car to pay one of the bills there. So I did a little shopping and had lunch there too! Lunch, I only saved $4.90 on coffee, as I had no vouchers left. Bought few Sympathy cards for my Bulk Assets box. Saving $8.00 on buying them at a newsagent each time. Had my exercise for the day while there, once around both levels.

Spend more money on groceries on Cereals & Bacon on the way home at Aldi. Saving $3.00.

Went shopping at night DF-D only bought a gift for DS & Coffee in the markdown area saving $4.00 While DF-D spent well over $130.00, I only spent $8.00 mostly of that was not Food.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk with LSA Prunes 4 Honey Puffs Coffee 65c
LUNCH Crackers with Hummus & Cheese with Mango Chutney Coffee 40c
DINNER Mini Salmon Loaf with Tomato Sauce & Vegetables, Yogurt & LSA Coffee $1.50

Today’s Full price Tally $ 318.65
Today’s Savings - $65.85
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $39.70
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1416.54

Gone shopping or bought something. 17 times

Went to the city by bus and had lunch out. 3 times

Used my car only. 6 times

And had 15 No Spending Days.

Lets see what next 28 days tallies will be.

Challenge at the 4th week.

Kitty’s Real Spending Total $1062.74
+ 2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1343.50
= Full Price (RRP) Income Challenge $2406.24

4th Week’s Summary of $$$ Stretching Challenge
Opening CC Balance $0
Bank Fees & Interest $26.40*
Kitty’s Opening Balance Rollover $334 ($283 Bill A/C)
$$$Money in - $1194
= Total Income Balance. $1528
Bills Total $ 651.74
Other Spending & Groceries $371.56*
$$$ Money out = $1023.30
Cash Banked in other A/C $165
Kitty’s Rollover Balance $340.00 ($161 Bill A/C)
CC Balance $0

Note: ($161 Bill A/C) ~ This money is left in this account until a surplus, and no large bills due in next pay periods. Saving the losted bonus interest in other A/C if I withdraw any money.

Boy! I got a lot of groceries in my two pantries; I have a storage cupboard downstairs for the overflow, along with my Toilet Paper and cleaning items. One of my freezer/refrigerator is there too! I have a very large storage area under my house. It can’t be made into living areas, as only one area is legal height but just a good height for me to walk around. If you are over 5 feet 5 inches then you will hit your head on the beams as you walk around.

I think I will have enough Grocery items to last until I run out of the proteins meats in about two to three months. Too many items of some things and very little of salad items left which I like to add to my salad in the way of Bread & Butter Pickles which will be on my list in a few weeks. Here you can have salads all year around. I think I will cut back on my bulk asset stock by 50% just buy enough for 3 months not six months supply like I have been doing. I will use up want I have got before I replace it too! I have got a small Gourmet Deli corner in my pantry as DIL loves to buy Gourmet Christmas Hampers in the ‘After Christmas Sales’ but doesn’t like all the food so I end up with it. MMMMMM. YUM!

Did do some cooking in the slow cooker today, ‘French Onion Chicken’. I used the two trays of chicken thigh I bought yesterday along with half can French Onion Soup and two cans small crushed tomatoes. I portioned the chicken into soup ladle meal sizes and I plan to add it to pasta or rice. I will get another nine meals doing this for 80c a serve.

BREAKFAST - Oatmeal & Currants with Milk, 2 Pancakes & Maple Syrup with Whipped Cream. Coffee. 60c
LUNCH French Onion Soup French Bread & Hummus Apple Coffee + Health LSA Bar (That I won. $3.95 ea.) 50c
DINNER French Onion Chicken Chocolate Paddle Pop Coffee $1.25

Today’s Full price Tally $3.95
Today’s Savings - $3.95
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $34.55
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1350.69

The library called to say that the book I ordered had come in in the middle of last week’s crisis!

“Affluenza , The All –Consuming Epidemic” 2nd edition. by John De Graaf, David Wann & Thomas H. Naylor. I didn’t need to buy it like I normally do this time! I will read it over the next few weeks and give my view on it. Anyone read it?

Well going to the library does cost money, 55c fee for order it in, that was Ok. But I had a $5 voucher off clothes at full price only to use up before the end of the month. So I bought another top, a nice brown one for $11.95 saving $5.00. Then off to the supermarket in this shopping centre, I prefer not to go to shopping centre if I can help it. I got 50L container on special $7.95 saving $4.00 on that one. Oh! As usual I gravitate to the markdown areas, this time dairy case found 3 cartons of skim milk for 28c each, RRP $1.15 saving $2.51 and 2 packs of chicken thighs $1.00 each saving $2.00. I went to the Thrift shop there & got another book on same theme as “Affluenza” title is Slaves of Chic by Joanne Finkelstein. (An A- Z of Consumer Pleasures). RRP $19.95 cost $2.00 saving $17.95

I did use the car today only second time since I filled up the tank too! No wonder I get six weeks between fill up!

After my afternoon nap, if I don’t have it I am so tired by 7 p.m. that’s it time for early night. Then I will wake up around 2am, not a good idea.

I went for a walk up to my Hungry Jack’s for my favorite 30c cone and two cups of free cappuccino, saving $4.90. Bought some eggs at our local supermarket because they have them in the refrigerator not on the shelves. On the way home, I drop in at 2nd hand bookstore and bought 5 novels for $2.00 (The sign said $1.00 each or 5 for $2.00 someone got that one wrong.) RRP value $40.55 saving $38.55

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Prunes Coffee 45c
LUNCH ½ Baguette and Sardine & Tomato Sauce Coffee 50c
DINNER Apricot Chicken & Rice 1 Pancake & Ginger Jam $2.00

Today’s Full Price Tally $108.63
Today’s Savings - $75.49
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $32.20
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1343.50

I went to see the movie ‘THE DA VINCI CODE’ today. What did I think of it!

In having read the illustrated collector’s edition of the book. It has historical facts yes, but it needs to be remembered that this is a novel not Fact!

The movie should be viewed in the same way as any novel with a Hollywood makeover. Thought it was around 90% consistent with to book plot, but not for the faint hearted or very young to watch. I did enjoy the sets & scenery, which were a great joy to see.

I do suggest that you read the book before you see the Movie, as the changes are fast that it is sometimes is difficult to make sense while watching. The characters were wholly believable. View it as a good yarn worth watching more than once. I would give it four stars.

I also made it a day out for myself which is a rare these days, and took myself to lunch as well! I don’t remember the last time I went out to the movie & lunch, I think it may be when I saw a Jane Austin Movie base on book ‘Mansfield Park’ a few years ago now! I went to the restaurant that I go to with my ex co-workers for lunch. So I got my senior card discount and I didn’t buy the drink package also. I drank water. Saving $ 6.90. On the movie ticket I saved $6.00 on that too! Regular adult ticket price here $14.50.

I paid my CC in full yet again! 24 months in a row paid in full! No interest in 2 years. WOW!

My annual CC fee was due on this one, to have the reward points on your card, the fees are $59.00 and no reward fee $26.40 saving $32.60. Why paid extra $97.80 over three years for reward points that are cancelled before you can get enough to use any. This way I still get my interest-free days for a lot less. I don’t need 0 % as I am not using interest. I wonder, how long before the banks start charging you for paying your CC account in full? MMMMMM!

BREAKFAST Oatmeal & Currants 2 Toast & Jam Coffee 35c
LUNCH Dine Out $9.00*
DINNER Creamed Sweet Corn on Toast Coffee 50c

Today’s Full price Tally $129.35*
Today’s Savings - $45.50
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $29.25
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1271.96

I picked up my Avon order today & visited two friends. One friend is an Avon Rep. I got Deodorants at a good price 3 x $4.99 reg. price for 1.45 each saving $10.62
Skin Care reg. price $12.99 for $3.99 saving $9.00.
Perfume reg. price $29.99 for $8.99 saving $21.00
Pill case $9.99 reg. price for $4.99 saving $5.00
Total saving $45.62
I delivered an Avon order to another friend who is caring for her sister.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk 2 slices Toast & Jam - 75c
LUNCH Cracker with Cheese & Tomato Apple Coffee –50c
DINNER Fish Cakes & Vegetables Yogurt & LSA coffee $1.20

Today’s Full Price Tally $67.94
Today’s Savings - $45.62
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $ 23.70
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1226.46

Today, I just finished the mowing the lawn it take me twice along to do it now but I get some exercise doing it and save money as well! In fact $35.00 each time. I am putting this money in my new mower fund and very soon I will have enough to buy new one. I am lucky that this one is still going. I had the motor recondition a few years back but other things are breaking so I will get a new one when I need to pay any money out on it. The fund is now at $280 so I can afford to buy new one any time now! The goal price is around $450. I will get a new one for next summer if it doesn’t breakdown before hand.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Pancakes & Maple Syrup with Whipped Cream 80c
LUNCH Crackers with Chutney, Home-cooked Corn Beef & Salad Coffee $1.00
DINNER Devilled Sausages Orange $1.00

Today’s Full price Tally $35.00
Today’s Savings - $35.00
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $21.25
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1180.84

Today I charged over my seasons in my wardrobes. Taking out my winter clothes and put away my summer clothes that I will not wear again until October here or later. It’s still in the twenties in the middle of the day but it’s getting cooler in evenings. But sleeveless tops are no longer needed and any items that you can’t wear a vest under it.

I also refilled my moth ball holders in each wardrobe as they were empty. I buy extra loose mothballs and refill the hanging holders ones, you can get them from Chinese supermarket here, if you know want you are looking for. Hanging holder cost $2.00 for 2, but once you bought them you have got them for many years. But the supermarkets would like us to buy the hangers only. I found that the bottoms do come off, you need to use a knife to open it. Then you can put the refill in & close it again. I almost can get two full refills out of one bag for around $1.50 bag. I keep the mothballs in an old coffee tin that is well labeled so that they are airtight until next time. I has have four sets of these hangers so I am paying $8.00 for original outlay + $1.50. So each time I replace them I saving $7.25 by using ‘Refill It Strategy’. With using around 1.5 bags per year. That’s $21.75 saving per year on mothball hangers.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk 2 slices Toast & Jam - 75c
LUNCH Cheese Salad Orange Coffee .60c
DINNER 2 Egg Cheese Omelette and Pasta Sauce & Grilled Peppers - 50c

Today’s Full price Tally $8.00
Today’s Savings - $7.25
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $18.45
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1145.84

I visited two thrift shops on the way up too! I bought some more books $3.00 value new $45.00

Dropped in at local newsagent for the paper. Went to the supermarket for milk and I also bought some chocolate biscuits along a few other things on markdown, Latte Coffee x2 @ $1.50 reg.$4.39 ea. Coffee syrup for Ice Coffee $3.61 reg $5.39 then walked down to fresh veggies section found markdown they too! Salad greens, Cos lettuce, tomato cherry & sliced Mushroom $3.50 for the lot and with veggies the price they are now that’s Cheap. Value reg. $12.25 saving $8.75 on F&V alone. I did remember to buy the milk.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk 2 Slice Toast & Jam 75c
LUNCH Cheese Salad & Apple 60c
DINNER Chicken Salad Yogurt & LSA 1.00

Today’s Full price Tally $72.64
Today’s Savings - $58.59
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $16.60
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1138.59

I am feeling a little better today, so long walk is need here! Paying my phone bill will do the trick! WRONG, it just gave my “I am feeling low mood” free rein to spend a little money more than I did yesterday too! I saw in the flyer for local sight & sound store here that DVD were on sale for three DVD titles that is on my want to buy list, not on my need to buy list. Oh it’s was Mother Day last Sunday and didn’t get a present Boo-hoo! (I am getting it in June, when I my DS & DIL come home from their trip to Europe.) Two of the titles were still there, so what did I do Yes, bought both to view later, if I ever get off the computer. One was new movie version ‘Pride & Prejudice’ $39.95 - SP $16.95 and the other ‘Paradise Road’ Reg. $14.95 - SP $6.95.

Why did I buy ‘Paradise Road’ DVD. Here is a little tale of my childhood growing up in suburbia. My favourite radio serial as a child on Sunday night was the ‘White Coolies’ about Australian nurses that were prisoners of war in WWII. Out of all radio serials of that time and listening to Voice of America and BBC on short wave in Dad’s Garage is all that I can remember now! Today, children have their Game boys, X-boxes, Play Stations 3 etc. I had my radio and a short wave one at that! And for girl of ten that was rare then to sit for hours listening to short wave. Even if your distant cousin was a radio presenter on the local radio station and your younger sister listened to rock & roll on house radio and record player and worn out the carpet dancing to it too!

So much for musing of my childhood, back to my walk & shopping trip. After that I went to pay my phone bill and buy some Yogurt and apples for the week. Both were on special too!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Apple 80c
LUNCH Crackers with Cheese and Tomato Orange Coffee 70c
DINNER Corn Cob 3 Chicken Kebabs & Salad $2.00

Today’s Full price Tally $100.32
Today’s Savings - $35.26
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $14.25
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally - $1080.00

So it my favorite 30c cone and cup of free cappuccino at local Hungry Jack’s mood pick up before I went shopping for my pets. Oh well on these kinder of days I do spend a bit more than normal so I allow some free spending up to $20.00. I went to the thrift shop and had a look at they books any found three that took my interest one was a cookbook on freezing and the other were on health the ‘Take Care of Yourself’ in two versions, one Australian and other American which had more info in the style that I like and printed 5 year later too! It’s cost only $6.00 for the lot. (About $54 new) Now off the get the pet food and other items on the list. Coffee Flavoured Milk 2L bottle 67% off - $1.10 and ‘Fresh’ for Veggie @ 55% off - $2.85, Cat Food $6.75

I drove the car to the shops.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk with LSA 2 Toast & Jam 75c
LUNCH Corn Beef and Mustard Pickle on 3 Crackers, Bunch of Grapes, Milk Coffee - $1.50
DINNER 2 Egg Cheese Omelette and Tomato Pasta Sauce, Chocolate Paddle Pop, Coffee - $1.00

Today’s Full price Tally $70.15
Today’s Savings - $53.45
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $8.40
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $1044.74

I balanced my budget today. I did buy a few extra luxuries this last period but still came within the budget. It is on track but could have been better. I can over spend on books so I need to track everyone that I do buy. Food eaten outside the house was on the high side again but I do get value for my money when I do spend. Mainly Two for One Deal’s, as I only eat half & eat the other half next day for lunch. (Doggie Bag Strategy) These areas and my gift giving were my highest this period. When you just have $1000 to budget with for the month it can be tight. That’s why I am $$$ stretching and not saving, I do save if I can some months. I still had $85 left in my budget A/C when I got paid which is rollovered into next period. All my bills came out of this amount this month and not out of Bill A/C, (Freedom account) any surplus bill money does get banked until needed too! Banking the balance and not paying it out the Bill A/C allows for extra interest by depositing and not withdrawing.

I also did some shopping today, I went for a walk up to the chemist again, to get the right prescription filled this time. Liptor is ($82.31-RRP), general public NPS - $25.00, health card holders & pensioners $4.70 … saving $20.30. If I had to pay RRP I would never get the prescription filled. Never went and got a free coffee today as this is only a rare treat and I don’t need an ice cream cone everyday!

Popped into two thrift shops on my way, found a cute metal basket & another item for my baby gift basket both for $1.00…saving $8.00. So that baby gift basket has come under $15 value around $28.00. I have wrapping paper in my storage. At the supermarket I bought milk that was markdown today and 2 pens… saving $2.59 on RRP

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee 40c
LUNCH Devilled Sausages Coffee $1.00
DINNER Poach Fish & Vegetables for dinner… $2.50

Today’s Full price Tally $38.14
Today’s Savings - $30.89
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $5.15
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $991.29

My hair is starting to show grey again, so I dye it today a Copper Blonde. I was a redhead so any red tone dye I can use. I saved money using a strategy that I found in Amy’s D book, ‘The Tightwad Gazette’ in article ‘Three ways to save’ Vol 1 - p42 (CTG)

To recap on the strategies in use.
1. Buy it cheaper.
2. Make it last longer.
3. Use it less.

I have explained this strategy in ‘Re-Reading The Tightwad Gazette’ >> Frugal Question & Answers forum in Saving Advice. I paid $5.95 instead of $16.95 this time, using all three strategies.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk 2 slices Toast & Jam - 75c
LUNCH Leftover Spicy Chicken Baguette Coffee - FREE
DINNER 2 Egg Cheese Omelette and Pasta Sauce & Grilled Peppers - 50c

Today’s Full price Tally $16.95
Today’s Savings - $14.00
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $1.25
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $952.40

Well it’s about time that I did a Freezer Inventory, as I don’t know what’s lurking at the bottom of my chest freezer. Just living off the top half! I will defrost while I am at it too! Not that it too bad, but a little more than wants recommend ¼ inch I think it is. All three freezers (2 fridge freezers & 160L chest freezer) that I have are now full. As this morning, I got 4 loaves of free bread & 2 whole Pumpkins homegrown one’s to go with the 2 whole pumpkins that I have grew myself, when I cut up each one I will share it out with the others that have given me food gifts at times. The bread I packed into half loaves then froze in my downstairs freezer.
Free bread RRP $2.20 x 3 + 3.20 = $9.80
20kg pumpkin @ $1.60 kg = $32.00 (av.5kg each x 4)
Value of free food $41.80

I will not be buying much in the way of food in the next few weeks. I will be costing my meals that come out of bulk food assets so that I can put aside that amount for replacements later. Now it’s on to the next step Grocery Inventory. Then it’s menu planning. This is my project for this weekend.

Today’s Full price Tally $ 41.80
Today’s Savings - $41.80
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $938.40

I did washing today, so that I least I have something done today while I said a few prayers. Feeling very low and lost with cold as well. A dose of Frugal Shopping is much better than sitting home thinking about my friends and making myself depressed. I walked up to the local shops to post my sympathy card and have lunch with people even if it’s alone! I went thrift shopping instead being alone, talk to my friend at one of the shops which had Two for One on clothing sale as they are closing down that thrift shop in three weeks time. I bought six garments today, 4 tops and 2 pants for $10.00 original value $140
Another Costa Moda (up market) Top $2.00 as new value $55.00 as new in my size too!
Blouse and matching tank top $3.50 as new value $35.00 as new
Top sleeveless $1.50 as new value $25.00 as new
Track pants $ 1.50 as new value $15.00
Cotton pattern pants $1.50 as new value $10.00 Total saving on clothes $130.00
Pottery vase $2.00 value $30.00 saving $28.00 This is my memory vase for my young friend.
2 containers for gift baskets @50c $1.00 saving $12.00 (one is worth around $8)
Historical Romance Novel FREE for stay in the store while a difficult customer was in the store. new value 18.95
Lunch out, Two for One Deal again Spicy Chicken Baguette, with Hungry Jacks voucher + another 30c cone & more free coffee, two cups cappuccino this time with my senior card total cost $5.55 value $15.70 saving $10.15

Today’s Full price Tally $216.65
Today’s Savings - $199.10
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $896.60

I walked up to the local shops today and visited a few of our local thrift shops there. I am lucky that I have cluster of them in the one area, six of them in all within walking distances of my home. I visited three plus the Charity Street Stall on Thursday’s, that is set up outside the supermarket as well! I got most of my bargain there today.

I bought few items at two of thrift shops but most of it at the street stall.
Here a list the items that I bought today:
Two Cookbooks that are part of a series that I am collecting $3.00 as new value $10.00
Brand Name Glasses Case 50c as new value $12.95
Oral-B Toothbrush Refills Pack of 2 $1.00 …as new value $20.00 (Never opened as new)
Old Freezer Cookbook $1.00 (value 2nd bookshop price $5.00)
Costa Moda (up market) Top $1.00 as new value $55.00 as new in my size too!
24 Pottery Mini Novelty - $2.00 (cost around $2- $4 each at pottery store). as new value $56.00
(They are cute, ideal for gifts & some for wrapping novelty ties. Four are for my collection of miniature owls which is why I bought them in the first place.)

98% of items I bought have never been used, only one book which I value at 2nd hand.

If I went and bought each item at it’s original source new, I would had to find an extra $154 today!

I saw another couple of items @ 10% or less than original price that may make a nice gift fillers too! More items for that suitcase that’s under the bed. MMMMM

I went to chemist but found that I had the wrong prescription so I will need to go back again to-morrow. (Mad at myself) I went to Hungry Jack’s for Morning Tea, seeing that I was near by and got another 30c cone & more free coffee, two cups cappuccino this time with my senior card that was a saving of $4.90. I bought some pet food on the way home that was on special too! $8.90 for 3 boxes saving $1.20

Today’s Full Price Tally $174.75
Today’s Savings - $ 154.35
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $697.50

I did a lot of household chores this morning before I caught the bus to the City to visit my Chiro. This is a regular monthly visit for my birth defect in my hips and now Arthritis that I have. It will never fix the problem but it helps it somewhat. I get treatment at student/pensioner rates. Then a medical fund refund also! Normally its around $45.00 per visit. Because of a survey that I filled out for them some months back. I got $6.00 off my pensioner rate this time, and I paid $33.00 so after the refund I am only out pocket $13.60 this time! On a Full visit saving of $31.40 Next month’s Chiro Bill will be a WHOOPER, as I will be paying for a whole year in advance. But with bank interest is so low here and getting over 10% discount off per visit off. As I have saved this money in my Bill A/c it’s worth it. You only get the medical refunds after each visit, which I re-banking for next year bill. More about it next month!

I bought lunch out today, another two for one deal, and free coffee plus a single cone. I like my 30c cones too! Saving $7.70

I went to Lifeline in the city today, which is THE up-market Thrift Shop here. Where all the Antiques and High Price Brands Names goods are sold. Got a book for $2.00 but most was around the $8.00 to $18.00 there. I did see great sets of Ladies & Gents watches in original boxes NEW, for $50.00 the set. Nearly bought a set but I didn’t need them. I bought a few items at Chinese markets in the city for $7.00 saved over $4.00 there.

Today’s Full Price Tally $ 72.40
Today’s Savings - $45.10
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $543.15

Fitted & flats sheets are required. I did have some a few years before I retired so it times to find them. Oh Boy docket said I paid $7 each from them. That would now be 428% saving on today’s prices x 5. (I did get them at 90% off when I did buy them at a closing down sale.) $150.00 - $35.00 = $115 saving. Not a bad return for storing linen for the future they were only 7 years in storage. Never store linen for more than 10 years without checking it now and then. Wash and getting them ready for use, the elastic on fitted sheets are OK! That's major problem with storing them.

Greenwaste was pickup today. I got 2x free bags of compost 25L, as I had to put out two piles as I cut the neighbor tree & hedge and put it outside her place also! About $3.50 a bag, I will not count in tally as anyone who did it got a free bag for each household also!

Today’s Full price Tally $ 150
Today’s Savings - $115
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $498.15

This DF-M is old enough to be my mother. So I am the driver & trolley pusher etc. It’s part of our local block community barter system. (See below.) As we were doing banking, chemist, thrift shop drop off, & grocery shopping in one go, it took over 2½ hours. She always gives me her ‘4c off fuel voucher’ plus a cooked chicken & little cash for fuel. So I am not out of pocket only thing is time & my energy level and whether I can do anything else for the day.

Did some shopping today also, I was to buy eggs but there were none that at the price, I wish to pay & they price has gone up by 12c per dozen too! I looked at the bargain areas again it had some good buys, so I bought some items that I can use or try! Spent $6.90 full price $20.67. So my meal tonight will be part portions of the free chicken & fresh mushroom and Garlic Focaccia Bread which were all part of the bargain areas markdowns today. I drop off some Avon that I pick-up for someone else and with given ¼ of chicken & stuffing, for my trouble. I am well feed in this community.

Our Local Block Community Barter System.
We exchange garden produce, tools, cook meals, ironing, house sitting when tradesmen are coming, water gardens, putting out & returning Trash bins, feeding pets, doing errands for others, shopping, checking on one’s living alone each day. As well driving around, (including to airport (50 km trip), which the fuel & parking is paid, doctors visits, shopping, take them visiting friends etc or taking bulk trash to the dump) time in involved is free, over 8 hours each week, I am doing this for others. As my most valuable asset is that I have a car & time. With this barter system, you do something for someone, then they give you something in exchange and pay any the cost involved as you may be paying bills or doing shopping for them.

Today’s Full price Tally $32.67*
Today’s Savings Tally $25.77
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $383.15

*Full price includes items bought & value of free items or bulk assets storage.

Needed to buy milk for my DF- M, so I had to go the supermarket where I am paying my bills today. As I had to go Transport office to update my information after buying my new car so that I would get my pensioner discount, its worth over $52 for ½ year off the regular car registration. I paid local rates & water bill at the Post Office where we can pay most of our bills in person and it’s agent for some of the banks too! If you would like to pay something, you just look on the back of your bills and it will tell you if can pay them at the post office. (I am claiming pensioner discount on Rate’s Bill that’s a saving of $161.28 a ¼ year) + by due date % $15.04 Saving $52.00 + $161.28 + 15.04 = $228.32

As usual I gravitate to the markdown areas of any store that I go into. Today was not any different I got two tubs of Hummus with 6 week to go on used by date, its just not readable. Reg. price $5.89 tub markdowns price $1.99 saving $7.80 there! I also bought some ‘T-Cut for scratches on cars”, as last night my DS, back into my car with his wife car and marked and scratched both cars. We’re not happy about that one. I tried the stuff that I bought when I got home and got the marks off first time on my car! It cost $7.15 – 50% off plus a lot of peace of mind all round. As I used just the tinniest amount, there is enough for the whole family to use on their cars too!
Saving $7.30 here or saving on $300 x 2 excess car insurance.

Full amounts on Bills ($477.92 + 284.32) = 762.24 – 228.32 = $533.92 paid

Today’s Full price Tally $788.47
Today’s Savings Tally $243.32
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $357.38

Went late night shopping with DS & DIL last night. We had dinner in the food court; they bought crepes with a voucher from the Entertainment Book with two for one deal. , I bought two for one deal Spicy Chicken Baguette, with Hungry Jacks voucher that was in my letter box this week along with a free coffee that’s valued at $2.45 with senior card and small cone. (5.25 x 2 + 2.45 + 30c) = 12.45 – 5.55 = $7.70 saving.

We went to Target; I bought a new hair brushes @50% off plus my 5% retired staff discount of the total of the bill. Save $3.88 off here. Found some Baby Toiletries for a baby gift basket I am making for new baby in the DIL family. Baby items cost $12.35 saving $5.30 after retired staff discount.

Total of my shopping for the night. $21.40 saving of $16.88 on regular prices of $38.28

That’s 44% off saving on the regular prices for the night shopping.

I don’t think you can get this kind of return with shares!

Drove the car to my son's place.

Today’s Full price Tally $38.28
Today’s Savings - $16.88
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $114.06

Today is my lunch date, meeting up with my old ex-work friends each month. As I need to make sure that I get out the house and talk to people other than my neighbors only. We go to a restaurant that has salad bars and gives discount to seniors too! This is part of my food budget each month, as I do believe in a healthy mind & body as well as healthy wallet. As these friends stop coming to this luncheon then I plan to join a local senior group. But I don’t think I am ready to start play cards, bingo or doing jigsaw puzzles just yet!

I spent every little today other than what was budget for. Monthly Visa card balance paid off. Lunch & monthly lotto ticket. The only item that I bought was a car duster -$6 that was on my shopping list to buy. (I budgeted over $20 so I saved $14 here.) Bus fares were pre-paid for this month. I buy ten trips ticket this is saving money, as two of the trips are free. It’s cheaper to go by bus to the city than pay for gas and parking when you are on a pension here. Around trip cost only $2 for pensioner and Car parking is between $4 to $10.00 hour.

While out today, I paid my credit card balance off so I am back to $0.00 again this month.

Today’s Full price Tally $32.25
Today’s Savings Tally $16.70
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $97.18

Today DF- D and I went grocery shopping together, it's her grocery shopping day. I also have to go as I get a discount there! When we go I always buy something in the way of specials.

Today we got 75% off salad greens; I got 2 packs of them. In the Meat Dept. we got Chicken Kebabs 50% off, I got 2 packs x 6 of them, I freeze want I don’t eat today, that’s 6 meals there. Grocery items are on super special prices this week at this one supermarket.

So a few things for storage, plus my generic cat food for next two weeks that I get from this grocery chain.

Everything I bought but for the cat food was on markdown or on super special and I saved $18 off the regular prices then got 5% off on top of that too!

We don’t have coupons here. How much did I spend you may ask, only $22.45 in total. It should have been $41.57. I didn’t go over aboard.

Today’s Full price Tally $41.57
Today’s Savings - $19.12
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $80.48

By the end of this week I will need to use my last Fly buys voucher up for gas, it’s worth looking for the best price as I have to drive 10 km each way to get it. Lucky, Shell has a website that tells you what the prices are at these outlets. Only a few take these vouchers too! Checking the one I normally go to were 4c dearer than next nearest so went to that one only extra km but in the opposite direction and did some shopping and errands that I need to do too!

This gas station is next door to one of larger shopping centres, so I don’t make it a practice for go there just for gas. I found a car park after a few minutes, then walked to do that errand of getting the exchange on clothes that I bought last time there. I by-passed the eatery and walked down to the craft shop, found chair pad cushions on special that I had on my shopping list to buy when found. These ones are the top quality and $8.00 off each that’s $32 for the four that I bought. Saving $32

I headed for the Shell gas station next door. I filled my tank for $31.50 after all the rebates. $1.195L less 14cL in rebates. That was a saving of $5.40 but the cost of fuel here at times differs so the saving would have been much higher if I had bought two days earlier. This car takes a little more fuel than my old car but then it’s six weeks since I did fill up last time! Saving $5.40

Bargain shopping at my local grocery store.

After buying my gas today, I drove to my local grocery store. I do my bulk frozen shopping this week. I bought two pizzas, 6 packet of frozen vegetables for winter, as the cost of vegetables here is high. We have had a cyclone which wiped out most crops. Some yogurt that was marked down to $1, some Sweet & Sour Lite Sauce 3 jars of those, & some sweet corn. Saving for this little trip $22.26 more than it cost me all up. Remembering that little rule of DON’T go shopping when hungry. I went and bought a milk shake @ $1.45 at nearby snack bar saving here too as they're cheapest for milk shakes in the area, this was my only luxury today. Saving $1.55 on milk shakes. Total savings today $61.36

Today’s Full price Tally $162.19
Today’s Savings - $ 61.36
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $ 61.36

I am starting this challenge as from today! -Day 1

I finally have decided that I need to work on fine-tuning my budget. My Question is “What is the true value of my lifestyle now that I am living on a pension?” This is what I wish to find out the difference, than that of someone single paying full price for everything and what I am doing now! My pension is around $13000 per year before tax. What is the minimum income of someone single paying full price for everything, doing the same things and having essentially the same lifestyle? Mirror Image Challenge

I can save very little in the way of cash, but I can certainly stretch my money a lot more than most of those around me can! If I had to pay for what I do use in the way of goods & services at full price I would need a lot more money than my pension allows. I want to find out what is the difference. So I plan to tally up what the full prices might be and then find the difference between the discounts found or/and saving made by $ stretching and frugal strategies. Naming the strategy used if possible.

2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally is the amount that I would need to find or earn extra to live at this level. My challenge is to find what my true cost of living would be, I will be using every frugal and saving tip or discount that is available to me! All will be in Australian dollars. (Exchange rate is around 75c to US dollar)

Example of my Tally list is:
Today’s Full price Tally $150
Today’s Savings - $80
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $80

“It's really 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 the amount is at the end of 12 months.