Well I got another 12 plants repotted and planted Lemon Grass in the ground. While I was at the supermarket today, I saw mother-in-law tongues that I have just repotted today selling for $20.45 just for one plant in ceramic pot. I have around six or more, which is a weed if you grow them in the ground around here.

I went to the supermarket to get some more pet food and few groceries items on my list. Saving $5.30

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Blue Vein Cheese Coffee
DINNER Salmon Patties and Vegetables Fruit coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $34.60
Today’s Savings - $ 5.30
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6650.51

We are in the middle of a drought here and we are going to the next level on 1st November.

Our state government along with some local councils are have a plumbing Waterwise service in which a plumber visits households for $20.00 (value @$150.00.) You get a AAA shower rose, air aerators fitted to you kitchen & bathroom taps plus 3 dripping taps fixed, you do have to invite them in to house by calling a special number. Along with my handyman doing all the others taps, I should be right for awhile. So I saved $130.00 here. My water bill is low to start with so it may go lower yet! I am at 46% below the amount used in an average single household and I do water my garden with 80% recycle water.

I also went for a walk and bought a bag of ‘MilkyWay’ ® again. Saving $1.50

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Soup & Toast Coffee apple
DINNER Poach Fish & Salad Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $152.98
Today’s Savings - $ 131.50
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6645.21

24th week’s Summary of $$$ Stretching challenge

Kitty’s Real Spending Total $5683.38
+ 2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6645.21
= Full Price (RRP) Income Challenge $12329.09

Opening CC Balance $0
Kitty’s Opening Balance Rollover $384.40 ($111.50 Bill A/C)
$$$Money in - $1316.00
= Total Income Balance. $1700.40
Bills Total $784.90
Other Spending & Groceries $348.96
$$$ Money out = $1133.86
Cash Banked in other A/C’s $625
Kitty’s Rollover Balance $241.54 ($0 Bill A/C)
CC Balance $300

It’s off to the Italian Deli Warehouse to buy Cheese as DF-M is going off to the country to visit her daughter this weekend. As the families there wanted some cheese a full blocks cost over around $100 each. She is getting a ride up to her daughter’s with our neighbor. While we were there a Rep came in and gave us some FREE Blue Vein Cheese 16 x 125g packets, I got 6 packs. Value at $5.35 each. I froze 3 packets as due date is next week. saving $32.10 on my share. I spent $10.00 at the deli saving $2.00 on pasta.

After I took DF-M home I went off to another supermarket that I visit rarely. It had meat on special that I thought would be charge from what I have being eating of late. As I like variety in my diet and for heath reason, I must not eat the same food every day if possible.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Blue Vein Cheese Coffee
DINNER Lamb chop & vegetables Fruit Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $85.54
Today’s Savings - $ 38.90
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6513.71

Bulk Food Replacement on 9/24($200.00) Fund - $177.22 - 19.00 =$158.22

Today he dropped by to pick up my ladder, as he plan to cut his front fig trees down. As his would not take me and the ladder, I drove up my self to help and watch take he doesn’t has an accident or so I could get help if did. Doing these kinds of jobs alone is not a good idea. We start around 9 am and by 11.30am we had all the trees cut down with a two small handsaws. We then went off to get a trailer to hire. I bought lunch at subway and we had this before we started to load the trailer for it first load to the dump. We have vouchers for the first 500kg each year for each household with our local council or its $7.50 per 100kg or part of. We didn’t know if we had enough vouchers so I came back home to pick up my vouchers and some pots to put over the trees stumps while DS took the first load to the dump 10km away. The load was 200kg so we still had vouchers left for next load. We got all rest of the trees on next loads, which came up to 300kg, and return the trailer with hour to spare on the hire time. They are hired in 4 hours lots.

He saved $350 by just hiring the trailer over the quote he got from the tree lopper and they were four small trees too! I got away with cost of lunch & gas, this time saving $2.30 on lunch with my senior card.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Omelette with Cheese
SNACK Yoghurt & LSA

Today’s Full price Tally $7.85*
Today’s Savings - $ 2.30
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6474.81

Why is it when I spend a day with him, I spend. Today was no different!

He just got a NEW car and it had to go in for its first service. My car was needed to pick him up for the morning. Then he wanted to go the Big Hardware store that I went to on Sunday but one near his place. So I got the sugar cane mulch and Zero weed killer applicator that I was looking for on Sunday. Saving $5.00 as the sugar cane mulch was on special.

After we went to his place so he could mower his lawn and clean his backyard up. I clean his tile floor area while I was there. Then his Labrador dog came over with mulberry juice all over him. His mulberry tree has ripe fruit, so I picked what I could of them. As he plan to cut it down to-morrow if his wife would let him. So FREE fruit.

Then it was back to the car service to pick his car up but we had to got McDonald’s for lunch on the way. Saving $1.50 on coffee senior discount.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Beef Bourguignon with Basmati Rice Fruit Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $49.21*
Today’s Savings - $ 6.50
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6472.51

This morning I went to the hardware store for some gardening supplies as I am starting next weekend and don’t what to go when I start. Just do it! I bought some orchid mix for my orchid. As I can’t use a hose now, I had to buy weed n feed lawn fertilizer in pellet form and a lot of water saving cones & wetting agents. I had a cappuccino & slice of cheese saving $1.00.

While I was there I went to DIY class on compost making & worn farm very interesting but a little expensive. I do have compost maker but I don’t have a worm farm. I may look in to it at a later date.

Fruit & Vegetable shopping in the afternoon, saving $4.40 on supermarket prices.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Grilled Cheese with Mustard Toasted Slices Apple Coffee
DINNER Fillet Steak, Egg, Onion & Tomatoes Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $98.00
Today’s Savings - $ 11.61
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6466.01

After working around house today. I needed a something sweet to eat. So I went up to the local shopping centre for a walk to by a packet of triple chocolate biscuit. I limit myself to only 2 biscuits per day so I get to eat them slowly. I bought a cake that was on special saving $1.70.
I also bought pet food that was on special. Saving $1.30

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Cream Cheese & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER Salmon Patties and Vegetable coffee

Today DF-M wanted to Groceries shopping at the shopping centre a Target store. so we had to go in didn’t we. When I go shopping with other I try not to buy much as both my friend are big shoppers when they do shop. Anyway I had a look a underwear that she wished to buy and got 3 pair. When she decided to have a look at shoes while we were there. I don’t carry a large range of flat heel shoes but as we looked, I notices that the shoes were 20% off and along with my extra 5% off would be a good buy if I found a pair. I wear a special type of sandal if I can find them I will buy them at anytime as I can go for a number of years between buy’s too! I did find a pair in the right size and DF-M bought a pair as well. We saved over $9.60 each on them.

I bought only 3 items at the supermarket that we that where were heading in the first place. All the items were on my shopping list to buy at next shop. Saved only .30 c this time and DF-M bill over $200.00. She bought a pizza for lunch so saved me $5.00 on my lunch and gave me gas money as well!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH ½ pizza (Free) *Fruit Coffee
DINNER Poached Fish with Salad coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $54.55
Today’s Savings - $ 14.90
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6454.40

I had a full schedule this morning with going the doctor for results on my blood test that I had last Friday. All is OK on that front. I had to catch the bus early this morning.

After I went to the bank so that I could pay half my car bill off my visa card so $350 off that bill and the same next month. Then I will pay no interest on the credit card at all. I am within the interest free time limit. The other amount is my debit bills on that CC. You may ask ‘Why do I still have Credit cards?’ Well it’s so that I can use them at time like this and carry no cash on me. I can’t close these cards and get new ones, as I am no longer in the workforce my income amount doesn’t allow me to reapply for any, if I do.

I went to lunch with ex-work friend at our usual restaurant, as it’s school holidays we had two of grandkids with us today. I saved $2.79 on my meal today. I only other item I bought today nail files at $2 store. I paid $2.00 for 4 metal nail files, the same nail files cost $4.95 each at the department store so saving $18.00 here.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out *
DINNER Omelette with Cheese Yogurt & LSA Coffee 40

Today’s Full price Tally $387.63
Today’s Savings - $ 20.79
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6439.50

October / November Goals & Planning Ahead
~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month.
~ Come under budget.
~ Deposit into the online account.
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days.
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks)
~ Known outings to budget for in October / November -lunch out 3, dinner 1
~ Live off my Bulk Food Assets (on going)
~ Make up another eight meals OAMC. Out of Bulk Food Assets.
~ Gardening Mowing & repotting all pot plants using water saving techniques.
~ Cleaning and painting garage before the tank is installed.
~ Downsizing storage and clean these areas (zones 1 & 3)

Review of the last two months.

August / September Goals & Planning Ahead

~ Have my credit card at Zero balance by end of the each month. (½ paid other ½ within %Free)
~ Come under budget. (But for Car it’s to come out of Bill A/C.)
~ Deposit into the online account. done
~ Lodge my tax claim before middle of August - done & Chq. Bank
~ Pay All Due Bills on pension days. - done
~ Have my car service and rust proofing installed ($600.00 plus service.) done
~ Chiro visit (one every 4 weeks) Done
~ Doctor Visit & 2 Hearing visits for August & September (done see blog)
~ Known outings too budget for in August / September (Trip to the Annual Show, Lunch 3, Dinners 2.) done
~ Live off my Bulk Food Assets (on going)
~ Make up another eight meals OAMC. Done Out of Bulk Food Assets. done
~ Downsizing storage and clean these areas (zones 4 & 5 ) done

I went to get my hair cut today, the price has gone up again by dollar each time that I go, or so it seams. Saving $9.00 on city prices. I dyed my own hair too! Saving $25.00

Went to the local supermarket while I was out bought a few things. Bought more 2nd books saving $22.00 on these.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Cream Cheese & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER Fillet Steak, Egg, Onion & Tomato Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $81.90
Today’s Savings - $ 56.00
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6418.71

Today was a quite day up until DF-D rang asked if I would like to go shopping with her. Going shopping with other people does have its perks and drawbacks too! I always end up buying something when I do go with shopping with them! Today I bought a few things today was no different biscuits, oat bran, tub of yogurt, & wool wash that was on special, saving $3.45. I got my pin money again too! When we came home DF-D invited me to have dinner with them. It was leftover come again chicken & rice dish baked with white sauce topping and a salad. My friend is very inventive and never cooks anything the same twice.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Cream Cheese & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER (Visiting eating out dining on Leftovers)

Today’s Full price Tally $8.93
Today’s Savings - $ 3.45
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6362.71

In this morning mail came credit card statement & my tax cheque refund $100, I am happy with that one. I don’t pay tax but I do have some shares which why I got a refund.

I checked my bank account to make sure that I had enough to pay the car service that order today as well as rust proofing on my car. I put my car in first thing this morning and pick it up at lunchtime today. Paying $103.95 for the service on my debit card and putting the rust proof on CC. Cost $595, which I will pay off before the end of October when the interest free days run out. This little job I did promised my self when I bought the car back in February. Bus fare of $1.10 saving $1.10 to go back to car dealer’s as they drove me home instead of waiting 3 hours for the car.

While I was out I went to the bank & supermarket nearby. I banked the Tax cheque and got another one for the another mail order that I am sending for this month costing $62.35 saving a lot (I will tally saving when it arrives.) Groceries & pet litter costing $11.40 saving $3.40.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Cream Cheese & Herbs, Fruit Coffee
DINNER Devilled Sausages with Garlic Focaccia Bread

Today’s Full price Tally $772.70
Today’s Savings - $104.40
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6359.26

First it’s was off to the Chiro which I have prepaid all my visits until next year, but I get my refund when I have the treatment each time. Refund of $19.40.

I had lunch at McDonald’s today, Thai chicken roll & coffee $5.45 saving $1.50 on the coffee with senior discount card.

Then off to see my doctor for a check up as it’s a while since I have seen him, and asked for half yearly blood checks to be done and blood pressure check as I have low blood pressure. I got names of Dermatologists to ring for appointment, which I will get a referral when I see him next week. I remembered to tell him that I have a hearing aid now. He has just come back from trip to Europe. As a pensioner I get this visit FREE too! Saving $30.00

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out *
DINNER Pumpkin & Lentil Stew with Garlic Focaccia Bread

Today’s Full price Tally $35.45*
Today’s Savings - $50.90
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6254.86

My handyman friend came to work on my odd jobs. The list was a bit long as I am having my plumbing checked by state government plumbing program for $20.00 in October. You do get 3 tap washer charged, tap water flow on taps in the bathroom & kitchen. Plus a free AAA shower rose fitting. Value $150. But I had more problems then that to worry about, as I have very old taps to start with a some taps never had washer changed as long I can remember I have lived here for 36 years. Two of the taps were hot water ones that I didn’t use much and haven’t been turn on in years, so they were frozen on off and I could move them. The other two were the hot water tank tap and toilet water inlet tap both frozen in on position, a big problem if something when wrong. So he fix these taps for me as he has gear to do it. Put up my Smoke Detector and fire blanket in the right places. Fixed my kitchen cupboard which need to be replaced in next few years. I made him lunch as well morning tea. He keeps telling me that I am the only woman he knows has all supply that he needed to these jobs. Only thing we run out was large tap washers so he went an got a supply of them for himself and some for me to restock my supply too! Cost for all these job $5.00 in plumbing washers & Gas. 3 hours work too! Oh my handyman is not just jack of all trades is a he a license builder who does small jobs when he has time free, he like to keep my place just right lucky me! I always pay for any materials used and gas. It’s part of barter system, as I am there when he needs help with his computer and budgeting advice.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Honey Mustard Chicken with Vegetables and Rice, Fruit, Coffee
DINNER .Omelette with Cheese Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $100.00
Today’s Savings - $95.00
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6203.96

All the males in my life came to visit today. First my DS came a spent the morning with me and got on my computer so he could look at the internet. We drove up to my car dealers and check in about the rust proofing that I ordered. So that’s a job for Thursday this week. After we went along to auto suppliers shop at the shopping strip near by. Bought nothing. So at lunch time I suggested that we go up to the Irish Pub for a counter lunch as he had never been there. I shouted both of us too! Two meals for $14.75 then he wanted a plate of hot chips cost $5.50 enough for 3 people, LOL afterward he went home.

This evening I have a visit from my handyman friend, he is the same age as I am too! After a lot of talking about a quote for a tank that I will need to do some work on the base if I go a head with it. He is working interstate at the moment and was having a few days at home. He said he would call in to-morrow to do any odd jobs before he goes back interstate for a few weeks more. It’s nice to have some friend will do little jobs for you. We will see what to-morrow brings and I may get my Smoke Alarm Detector up finger crossed

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Beef Bourguignon with Basmati Rice Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $20.25*
Today’s Savings - $ 0
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6203.96

I finally got the smoke alarm that I was looking for too! I bought it as so as I saw it @ $25.00 saving $5.00 on quoted price at hardware. Now to get some one to put it up for me. As coffee Nescafe was on special this week and lowest price in the past year so I used some of my Bulk Food Replacement Fund money to buy 1kg. (2 tins of it) saving $14.50 of RRP. Other items bought I saved $3.25 as well! I will need to include my Bulk Food Replacement Fund value again and watch as spend it. I stopped the tally at $200 now I see how long this will last.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Potato & Leek Soup and Crackers with Low-Fat Cream Cheese & Tomato Coffee
DINNER Honey Teriyaki Beef with Rice Noodles Apple Green Tea

Today’s Full price Tally $78.79
Today’s Savings - $22.75
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6181.21
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $200.00 – $22.78 = $177.22

Today is my shopping day. I am trying to do most of my car & shopping jobs on today.

I went into the thrift shop in the shopping centre and looked at they books, which are what I normally, do. Today I came across a Calligraphy Cookbook collector item for $3.00. The cover is by Donald Jackson and all the calligraphy inside too! The Book is in good condition too. ‘Entertaining with Cranks’ it’s a vegetarian cookbook and I do have another Cranks cookbook too! Part of my cookbook collection is these kinds of books. I did do calligraphy at one stage and had a class with Donald Jackson in 1985. I think this is why I am so happy. He was at the time of writing was the Queen’s Calligrapher in England. Save $13.50 on sale of 2nd book for sale at abebooks co uk today.

Then off to the supermarket that I get a discount from. To buy my potting mix as I have a rain check for this items saving $5.55, along some gardening items instead of buy groceries I buy gardening supplies. This is a pet shopping stock up for next 2 weeks or more. If I don’t buy pets items then I don’t go to the supermarket. Well they stuff up today twice in 7 days can you believe, not the same store but little old me. I bought & checked my docket just outside of the checkout, in this case I would have not been believed if I had left the area. The check out staff did a multi sale ring up on both lots of pet food cans. I wasn’t planning to spend that much so I was checking why, 15 cans & 13 cans of pet food I don’t think so. When I & the supervisor counted them, we only got 12 & 10 cans of each sort, so a refund $4.83 on that lot. So moral of this tale check your dockets please.

I had a snack at my favorite snack bar & cheapest in the area too! Hot dog on roll & milk shake for $2.40. If I bought the same at Wendy’s, it would have cost another $4.00 so saving there.

The price gas is going down from what it was, so I put more gas in the car. Just fill it up not much I haven’t used the car much ¼ of tank. Got 4c litre off .40c as I only put 10L in.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Macaroni & Cheese Apple Coffee
DINNER Beef Bourguignon, Ice Cream with Ginger Chocolate Sauce Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $80.32
Today’s Savings - $22.95
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6181.21

As it’s been raining in the last few weeks not enough to fill the dams etc! But enough to make the grass grow and a light water on the garden. The water saved may have put back the next level of water restriction by a few days.

I had a lot of weed flowers in my lawn when mowed so I couldn’t recycle it in my compost bin. I fill two rubbish bins full of grass and weeds today. It does look nice when it’s done. Saving here $35.00 on DIY job. As I am not mowing so much I may not need to buy a new lawn mower before next year. I am also looking into pricing a water tank etc so will need to keep fund for that job, if I go ahead with a water tank. I will get a refund but the pay back time is very long winded over 6 months when you are talking $1000’s here my cash flow is not that great.

I need to go up the street to the local supermarket in the afternoon for DF-M. I did buy something as well! I had an extra key cut so that I could get into my back door if the front door lock failed at any time. It’s very unreliable at times. I am planning to get a new lock soon! It would cost me over $100 if lock failed so I think I am saving money here around $96.00, by doing this strategy. I bought some Zero spray twin pack to kill some of those lawn weeds, saving $1.50

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Low-Fat Cream Cheese & Tomato Coffee
DINNER Pumpkin & Lentil Stew with Garlic Focaccia Bread
SNACK Toasted Raisin Bread

Today’s Full price Tally $48.55
Today’s Savings - $36.50
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6158.26

Went to the city today to have hearing aid final check on it too! While I was paying my phone bill which is next door to my health fund in the city. I dropped in to ask if I do get a refund on my share of the cost of the hearing aid. To my surprise the answer was yes, as I had the receipt with me. So I got a refund of $239.00 on what I had paid. Not bad since my share was $264.

I had lunch in the city, small burger and coffee save $1.50 here.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Grilled Cheese with Mustard Toasted Slices Apple Coffee
DINNER Devilled Sausages with Garlic Focaccia Bread Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $38.65
Today’s Savings - $240.50
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6121.76

Today I had to go up the street for a walk, as I was getting a bit housebound and as no one is home this weekend doesn’t help! After dropping in one thrift shop that had some pamphlets that I may have bought if the price was right, at the price they were asking for them I just put them back on the shelf and walked out. When I went over to the supermarket, outsides there was a street stall with any item in the box in packets too! For 50c each so I had a ball and bought two bags value about around $10.00 to $15.00 each. Two dishes one small ceramic tray & match heart shape dishes along with a hand crafted small butterfly and two tea lights. Value $12.00 Another one had chopping board and small make-up bag & tea towel and some samples in it. Value $12.00 All items were new too! Plus two novels value RRP $19.90. Along with a little bit of supermarket shopping.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Avocado & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER Macaroni & Cheese Apple Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $76.30
Today’s Savings - $67.00
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5881.26

As I am testing my hearing aid which is working ok for me to use. It just stopped this morning so I called the office and was told to come in today as well next Monday. A small part that I was cleaning wrong was replaced and all is fine again! Afterward I walk down to the city parkland near by which being watered with recycle water, to have the lunch that I bought with me from home. All I bought today was prepaid bus fares, and one bottle of water it came from Java too! Next time I will check where bottled spring water is from before I buy it.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Tuna & Cranberry Sauce on Bread Roll Apple Water
DINNER Pumpkin & Lentil Stew with Garlic Focaccia Bread coffee
SNACK Pancakes with Maple Syrup & Ice Cream

Today’s Full price Tally $1.20
Today’s Savings - $ .20
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5814.26

20th week’s Summary of $$$ Stretching challenge

Kitty’s Real Spending Total $4200.03
+ 2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5814.26
= Full Price (RRP) Income Challenge $10014.29

Opening CC Balance $0
Kitty’s Opening Balance Rollover $209.32 ($30Bill A/C)
$$$Money in - $1030
= Total Income Balance. $1239.32
Bills Total $ 418.50
Other Spending & Groceries $296.42
$$$ Money out = $714.92
Cash Banked in other A/C’s $140
Kitty’s Rollover Balance $384.40 ($111.50 Bill A/C)
CC Balance $0

Today was DF-M shopping day she goes only once month.

As I planned to go the bank today, we will shop at the supermarket near the bank and post my mail order shopping. With all my jobs being done, I meet DF-M in the supermarket. I just close my eyes when she shops and try not to buy too much while we shop, as I am the car driver for this shopping spree. My list had a few lines on it. It just came under $25.16 when I looked at my docket found that they had charged me full price for an item that I didn’t need if it was at full price never. So I returned to the store and checked the tag ticket on the counter that said I was right that it was on special. So I returned to the service desk for price check etc. The lady behind the counter was not happy with me asking for a price check, as this was item from ‘week before last week’s’ special on Thursday too! After a lot of running around I got my full refund and the tag ticket was removed. Saving $6.00 on that item as I got the item free as well! My groceries now costing $19.16, saving $5.45 as some were on special. Along with some 3 x prawns/shrimp kebabs which I had for lunch today. That made me a bit off colour too! On more prawns for a while, so I would say about Christmas time. DF-M gave me gas money* today too! So what I spent on groceries I got back in gas money. The only other thing I bought today is stamps $5.00 for 10. So where did I end up money wise today? I love word puzzles!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Cottage Cheese Chutney & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER Black Bean Beef with Noodles Mandarin Green Tea

Today’s Full price Tally $30.16
Today’s Savings - $31.45*
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5814.06

A catalogue arrived with something’s that I was looking for a time. Also it had competition that I am to collect a prize too! So today I sat down and filled in the order form so along with P&P it came to around $90.00. I don’t know if I save any money but I will see what I get in the way a freebies when it arrives. I will post saving on arrival.* It’s along time since I have order from a catalogue so we will see what happens, I will get the cheque and photocopy of my order in the morning.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Grilled Cheese with Mustard Toasted Slices Apple Coffee
DINNER Corn & Chicken Soup, Fried Rice, Black Bean Beef Water

Today’s Full price Tally $90.00
Today’s Savings - $0 *
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5782.61

I was getting housebound. I went to three op shops plus the bookshop along with supermarket. As well going over to fruit shop later in the day. Want did I buy? Well a mixed lot this time, as it has been rain this week I notice that I was getting water in my letterbox after it rained. So went looking for a cake rack/baking tray that would fit inside my letterbox, I got a perfect size one baking tray for 1.00. saving $4.00 No more wet mail. I found 2 cup steel vacuum flask for $5.00 (value $35.00) but it didn’t keep things hot but will do nicely for cold drinks in summer. I had one many years ago the brand was ‘Thermos’ and I had the same problem I will never learn. I have a Décor one and it stay hot for 24 hours. I bought some cookbooks for $3.50 the RRP $ 26.00 saving around $23.00. On the Groceries plus Fruit & Vegetable shopping as I bought some black olives for 50c packet (saving $23.50 kg) saving $5.20 on them.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Grilled Cheese with Mustard Toasted Slices Apple Coffee
DINNER Devilled Sausages with Garlic Focaccia Bread Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $79.00
Today’s Savings - $60.70
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $ 5782.61

I went for a drive with my DS over to his MIL business so she could go out for a half- hour or so. I went around to the Op Shop near by but it was closed today. So I went off to the newsagent and bought Calligraphy Set for $2.95. Value around $12.95 mark as it was a introductory offer. I have enough calligraphy items to sink the yacht. I don’t need anymore. So I will not be buying this set over 100 books and stuff in it etc. each book set will cost $7.95 each. Around $800.00 mark and counting. It’s not a good buy, don’t fall for such offers just buy the first one introductory offer only then stop. Buy only want you need to start and a simple textbook on the subject and you will come out better off. (Do the Maths Strategy)

I had appointment with my Financial Advisors I have two. Lucky me, as one is close to retirement so the another one is taking over smaller clients for now! All is well for the time being in that area. I look after my day to day stuff and they look after my Super, which is not a lot of money but it’s all that I will have. I went to the supermarket near by and bought some garlic bread that was markdown. Saving $2.50.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Salad Cheese with Crackers Apple Coffee
DINNER Pasta with Chilli Tuna Sauce
SNACK Pancakes with Maple Syrup Whipped Cream

Today’s Full price Tally $17.45
Today’s Savings - $12.50
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5721.91

One of my ex-workmates came back after 4 months visiting family and touring Southern States. It was good to see her after all this time. I think she had a good time spend time with families, in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and touring with each to Tasmania & south coast of NSW & Victoria.

Today I did a little shopping after our lunch with her. I bought some multi-vitamin tablets saving $7.95 off them. I pick up a two for one deal in room deodorizer with 50% that pack too! Saving $3.00. I got a few other items saving $3.00 on them too! So I had a good day as our lunch was an all you can eat salad bar & drinks $13.95 plus extra manger special for $2.00 value around $9.95 of two Kebabs of Prawns & Steak with Baked Potato with Mustard Sauce. Then we got 20% off for our senior card. They were eight for lunch today!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out *
DINNER Baked Potato* with Mango Chutney Coffee Apple
SNACK Muesli bar

Today’s Full price Tally $54.90
Today’s Savings - $23.90
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5709.41

Today I work on de-cluttering papers in my dining room, as I have habit of dumping them there.
I found only a few that needed to be files, others just I dumped.

I walked up the street to the local supermarket & newsagent. Buying a few groceries and my multi bus ticket, saving around $10.80 on bus ticket. On groceries etc, saving $4.30

Yesterday I had quite day at home. Working on the computer and listening to the radio about Steve Irwin dead. He pulled the string-ray barb out himself then he died. The small township near Australia Zoo is Beerwah in the Sunshine Coast Queensland. It’s up to the family if there will be a State Funeral for him.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Cottage Cheese Chutney & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER Omelette with Cheese Coffee
SNACK Muesli bar

Today’s Full price Tally $35.25
Today’s Savings - $15.10
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5658.51