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Archive for December, 2007

Free Pedicure

December 31st, 2007 at 08:14 am

My DS call in today, as it was his day off work. He works a 4 days on and 3 days off each week but doing 12 hour shifts walking around a shopping centre all day & night as security guard. This is not good for his feet so every month or so he will call by to have me do his feet. Have been doing free pedicures for my family and friends for years. I only wish is that someone would do mine at some time.

Weekly Main Meal Menu

Sunday ~ Easy Tuna Dish
Monday ~ Spaghetti Bolognese
Tuesday ~ Omelet with Shredded Cheese and Salad
Wednesday ~ Lunch out
Thursday ~ Steak, Onions and Egg with Mushroom Sauce
Friday ~ Pasta with Tuna & Tomato Sauce & Stone Fruit
Saturday ~ Chicken Salad & Stone Fruit

Happy New Year everyone

Taking stock of storage assets - Toiletries & Stationery.

December 30th, 2007 at 08:58 am

It’s about time I had a good look at what I have already squirreled away.
As ex Avon rep. my toiletries and makeup area are overflowing so that nothing is needed in that area. I did a quick tidy of that storage area and review what I have got. Only thing would need is shower gel but using the bath & shower wash instead will work the same.

Next area was the stationery as next week is the best time to buy it here at the Back to School Sales.

Nothing of the above areas will be bought next year. The thing that I may run short of is photo copy paper. I will buy some later in the year as this does come on special though the year also.
Other thing that I need is new paper shredder so I will need to keep an eye out for this, my Christmas voucher will cover half the cost of the paper shredder. I been buying the cheapest models, this is the second time I have broken them, so this next one will more up market one. I will wait until it goes on special then buy it.

So the verdict is that I don’t need to go the Back to School Sales this year!

No spending Day

No Spending Days

December 29th, 2007 at 09:18 am

In the past 16 days, I have had 11 no spending days. Three days were for Christmas shopping and paying bills, other two days grocery shopping for others as I do shop for my friend. So if I keep this up, I will have a very frugal year for 2008.

2008 My Year for a Frugal Challenge

December 28th, 2007 at 08:39 am


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.

Odd jobs today

December 27th, 2007 at 08:49 am

There is a bad weather on our coastline for the next few days, so this morning I got my mower out a mowed the lawn which needed to be done. If left for another week, I would have a hard job pushing the new mower. I got another few weeks before I will need to do it again. Saving $50.00 on paying someone to do it for me. I did water some of my plants with some tank water so the level would be lower too! I still have few pots around that don't watered when it rains. Next task will the freezer & fridge that needs a good clean but still to much food in them to do it at the moment. So I'm having the rest of the day off to work in the computer. I have run out of energy anyway! I did find a good article on wardrobe planning that was printed around 1973 in a book that costs 50c when new it's so old. It looks more do able than the other one. No spending day

My Christmas Day

December 26th, 2007 at 09:13 am

I had a fantastic Christmas Day, much better than I thought it would be, I did have a safe drive to my DS -SIL place over 60km away, plenty of traffic on the highway but I managed to pick the right lanes to be in, it has been a long while since I drove at that far in heavy traffic. I wouldn’t do it at night though not knowing which lanes to be in etc.

The weather was fine; Christmas Dinner was fantastic I do contribute this meal, handing over money to son’s MIL as I never took anything this year. On the menu was Turkey, Baked Ham, Chicken, King Prawns, 3 salads of Caesar, Pasta, Potatoes, Plum Pudding, Trifle & custard or fresh cream and all nuts, chocolates, chips and cherries you could eat. They had wine but I don’t drink it when driving at all. All my DIL sisters, mother and nieces were there. My son was the only male.

As for gifts I got a few good ones this year, shoes, handbag, scarf, some jewelry, cookbooks, chocolates along with nightwear.

And I thought I had all my shopping done!

December 24th, 2007 at 08:10 am

Not so, with all planned down to fine detail, so I thought. As I always go to some else place for Christmas Dinner, I take a small gift as thank you. This year I thought I was right, but my son said not so. I have to buy gifts for another three, Mother and two children 18 months & 13 year old girls and their Mother the hostess twin. As I have a limit budget and this group likes expensive gifts and nothing is good enough. So just bought lotto tickets and adding extra gift for the hostess, and girls puzzle & stuffed toy for little one, but nothing was good enough so my son said that I pick for older girl, so in end buying a picture frame and small matching jewel box for nearly for price for all other gifts combined. I hope they like them.

So it was I saved nothing today.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Last of my Christmas Shopping

December 23rd, 2007 at 08:34 am

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

On the other article.

December 23rd, 2007 at 08:27 am

"How to dress well on 2 pound per week". As this one is a very long article, I do think it's away out of date for the turnover of fashion today. It's based a three year plan of buying clothes, so for someone who is not worried about bring in-fashion and only wears basic styles or doesn't wear latest colors it would work for them. I will have to make a summary of it sometime in the future.

Spend a Little - Look Great - How to buy (Part 3)

December 22nd, 2007 at 07:33 am

How to buy - Three Beauty Budgets - (Single Woman) Pamela is prepared to slash out a bit on beauty She has a good job, lots of dates. But when we worked out what she spends she got a shock. *For that sum I should be able to afford some the more expensive cosmetics which still seem out off my reach! * Budget and they won't be, we told her. Suggested budget for Pamela Approx. - 1 per week - just over - 4 per calendar month. Fixed monthly buys Four shampoo and sets @ 8s-6d (Home *Polylock colour wave (8s) when needed, instead of salon set).....*1-14s.0d Cutting ***7s-6d 'Blue Grass' flower mist****..11s-9d Nail colour (Gala 'little Gem'in basis pink shade)***.2s-6d Variable buys On four rota - four -month supplies: a. Town& Country foundation (Helena Rubinstein)..14s-6d b. Large size Silk face powder *** 15s c. Refills for Helena Rubinstein lipsticks 7s-6d & silk minute make-up ***6s-6d d. Tissues, cottonwool, unscented baby powder, hand lotion by Vinolia refills, magic deodorant, & nail polish remover- average *****..14s-3d Alternate months - Theatrical remover..5s -average ***2s-6d Coty vitamin moisture balancer.. 9s-6d Every three months- average ****3s-2d Eye make-up (Max Factor) average ***5s Total :- ($8.16)***4-0-8 Using the above list let see what I would buy or change! This budget back then was just a dream on my wage. Looking at it now! It would depend on what money you have available to spend - your job and time you have to spend on beauty routines. I would be looking at wash n wear hair style as you would most likely be spending time in a gym too! So the salon sets would be out and limited to special occasions. Good style cut to keep the hair suitable for corporate world. But adding to this list a Sunblock SPF 30+, Tinted Moisturizer, Face mask, styling gel etc, Shampoo & Conditioner would need to be bought as the salon set covered this also looking for better prices on perfume, and deodorant and buying a hair styling blower. Buying all at lowest price you could fine. Switching to inexpensive salon for a good cut using a 'wash & wear' style and along with dropping the face powder and salon sets altogether. Many of you may have different ideas of want is necessary but I do like the way this budget was thought out and may be the best guide in planning our beauty budgets for the future. Finis ~I hope you found this article from yesteryear was helpful.

Spend a Little…Look Great - How to buy (Part 2)

December 21st, 2007 at 08:07 am

How to buy - Three Beauty Budgets - (Working Wife)

Hilary can spend more.

Although she is married, and helping to save for a house, she still goes out to work.

She buys only goes out to work. She buys only medium-priced cosmetics, but tells us her beauty money allowance just doesn’t seem to stretch far enough.

We suggest that a medium budget can come to grief if you pay medium price for everything.

It’s often better to splash out on some items; save on others.

Suggested budget for Hilary.

Fifteen shillings per week – just over £3 a calendar month. Half of this should go hair care until Hilary achives the dryer which will make home setting easier. Then she’ll re-budget, buying hand cream and skin food. ($1.50 / $6.00 per month 1959 prices)

Fixed Monthly buys
Cut, shampoo and set at good salon ……..17s -6d
Hair allowance
(to cover occasional bottles of
‘Hudnut’ bottles Egg shampoo
and of Tress setting lotion)
Home perm every three months (Toni 8s)
Rest saved for a hair dryer. …………………….12s-6d
Cleansing Cream (Ponds)……………………………5s
Tube of lanolin (for hands and
Occasional nightly facial use) ……………………2s-3d
Make-up foundation (Outdoor Girl) …………1s-6d
Variable Buys
Powder (two months supply, Max Factor)
Alternating with Lipstick refill 4s ………………4s-3d
Eye make-up items (pencil, mascara or
eye shadow) ………………………………………1s-6d
Nail polish (Cutex)
alternating with remover …………………………2s-6d
Yardley perfumed Spray Mist cologne 13s-9d
alternating with Large Freesia talcum powder
and Poise deodorant,6s-9d &6s-5d approx……13s-6d

Total ……………………………………………….($6.05)……£3-0-5

Using the above list let see what I would buy or change!

Times have changed? This example spends a lot of money hair and luxuries.
So I would just re-budget the whole lot.

But adding to this list a Sunblock 30+, Moisturizer, Tinted Moisturizer, Face mask, hair conditioner and style gel also looking for better prices on perfume, talc and deodorant and buying a hair styling blower. Buying all at lowest price you could fine. Switching to a cheaper salon for a good cut using a wash & wear hair style and along with dropping the face powder, tube of lanolin, perms & setting lotion altogether.

No Spending Day

Spend a Little … Look Great - How to buy (Part 1)

December 20th, 2007 at 08:43 am

How to buy - Three Beauty Budgets - (SAHM)

People in these example had different ideas on spending. We budget for them according to their means and moods. Why not copy on to suit your purse?

Janet can spend only a little …

Her husband’s wage has to keep a family of four, in fact she told us. “I can’t afford beauty!” But when we made her add up odd cosmetic and toilet buys she was surprised to find that they already amounted to about 5 shillings a week. We showed her how same sum could be better spent on professional hair-cutting, and on all the cosmetics she really needs.

Suggested budget for Janet
Five shillings per week (1959) just over £ 1 per calendar month.

Fixed monthly buys
Hair cut …………………………………….5s-6d
Cleansing Soothing Lotion - J&J Baby Lotion……………………………3s-6d
Hand cream large tube………………………………………2s-3d
Shampoo alternating with conditioner ……………………………………1s-8d
Variable buys
Powder(2 months supply bought months with Liquid make-up)…3s-6d
Lipstick (alternating with refill Anti-perspirant ……3s-6d
Small make-up buy–Eye shadow,mascara or small lipstick ..1s-6d
Total ………………………………………($2.15)…… £1-1s - 5d per month
Angel face or Rimmel ranges use above.

Here are my views on above text.
As all theses budgets are for only the mother of household.
Extra money would need to be found in these household for the other members of the household.

It’s a raw basic beauty budget for one person (SAHM), and if you worked it out today prices it would a minimum of $2 per week.

Using the above list let see what I could spend on the above raw basic beauty list and some.

Fixed monthly buys
Haircut ……@$16.00 (every 7 weeks)…………………$9.15
Moisturizer alternating with cleanser ………………$3.00
Hand cream large tube $2.00…... 50c
Shampoo alternating with conditioner …… $3.00
Variable buys
Tinted Moisturizer (6- month’s supply bought alternating with Liquid make-up)……….. $1.25
Lipstick alternating with
(& Sunblock 30 or Avon $1.50 100g) + (crystal stick block $12.00 once off buy) …….$5.00
Small make-up buy –Eye shadow, mascara or eyebrow pencil & liner…………………….$3.00
Total ……………………around……$24.40 per month or $6.10 per week.

I add to this list Sunblock 30+, Moisturizer & Tinted Moisturizer, Eyebrow Pencil & Liner, dropping the Face powder altogether. Buying all at lowest price you could fine.

You would be looking for bargains basement buys in some of these lines to get under this price now!

These are prices around my area.

No Spending today

Spend a Little … Look Great - Lesson Three

December 19th, 2007 at 08:35 am

Budget for Hair Beauty

If you hair looks pretty and well-groomed; you do.

Learn how to set your hair by watching the hairdresser. Practice with easy bristle rollers. Invest in a hair dryer to save time and give a professional look. One is about the price of eight salon sets (75s) [$7.50].

Get the most out of money spent on professional care, by studying the salon’s price list and always asking “Is there an extra charge?” when other treatments is suggested. Don’t waste expensive sets on hair that needs cutting or perming. Don’t economize by cutting you own hair.

Save money on perms, not by having cheap “cut-price” ones, but by finding a small, reliable , reasonable salon. The price of materials is less than some salon prices suggest. If you need light, frequent perms, make the effort to find someone who’ll wind up a home one for you.

Save money on hair colouring by choosing semi-permanent tint rather than a series of rinses (which prove more expensive). If you plan a drastic change of colour (by bleach or permanent tint) consider the expense of root re-touching. Highlights cost less on upkeep.

Here are my views on above text.

Learn how to set your hair Yes I did have all those fancy styles that needs rollers & hair dryer to keep looking good back then! Today I have good cut in a wash 'n' wear style that I need just to comb out and when dry looks great. I do use heat rollers to set my hair when I have special occasion to go too, with just not brushing out the curls but using my fingers instead to style my hair I can get the look that I want for the next 12 hours or so. Have you ever slept in rollers? Not a nice feeling so the new hair appliances are a lot cheaper and a lot easier to use now. Hair blower and heat rollers may be all you need now! I most times don’t even use them; I just have wash ‘n’ wear hair cut.

Save money on perms This is one area you can save money on by not having this done. But only you can know if a perm is necessary for you.

Get the most out of money spent on professional care Here are my strategies’ on hair cuts & dyeing hair.

I wrote this, In the

Text is Re-reading Tightwad Gazette and Link is http://www.savingadvice.com/forums/frugal-questions-answers/15302-re-reading-tightwad-gazette.html
Re-reading Tightwad Gazette
I have updated figures here.

No 51 - ‘Three ways to save ’ Vol 1 - p42 (CTG)
I love this article; it made me understand why I had more money than my friend who had to work twenty hours per week more than I do and still have to borrow off me, I was using this strategy. A one case in point, she has her hair styled and dyed every six weeks for $105 in a salon about 9 visits per year. I have my hair trim or a styled cut and dyed averaging about $20 per visit every six to seven weeks. Using the above strategy. How much a year are we each spending and what are my strategies, clue I am using all three. What do you think I am doing to Save Money?

My friend’s Hair Salon Style-cut and Dyeing cost $945 per year. This is her choice to do this!
My option is a combination of salon hair cut and home DIY dying.

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

Hair Cuts
1. I use a cheaper hair salon than my friend does. Style cut every six weeks @ $18 = $162
2. Have my hair cut every seven weeks then costs Style Cut @$18 = $126
3. Have one style cut to every two hair trims @ $16 each, that’s 3 style cut and 4 trims (7 hair cuts) per year equals $118

Dying Hair
1a. Doing my own DIY dying at home. Box of hair dye cost $16 per box retail. $16 x9 = $144
1b It’s possible to buy discount or discontinued stock for less than 50% off retail price.
Working on that the cost would be about $8 per box. $8 x9 = $72
2a Do the dying after each Hair cut every seven weeks $8 x 7 = $56
3a I divide the dye into two lots by keeping an old dye bottle and pouring ½ the mixture of each
into it and mixing the two formulas in this bottle Cost $4 x 7 = $28 (I have chin length hair.)

Strategies 1 & 1a = $306
Strategies 1 & 1b = $234
Strategies 2 & 1b = $198
Strategies 2 & 3a = $154
Strategies 3 & 3a = $146

Strategies 3 & 3a is a combination of strategies 1 plus 2 and 3 plus 1a plus 1b plus 2a and 3a.

So I am saving over $817 on what my friend is spending for the same service. I am still saving $160 on my own first option. Not only that if I shop around for hair dye, I still get it cheaper then $8.00 per box my last lot cost only $5.95 per box, buying a year’s supply when I find it at good price.

Save money on hair colouring As I’m in the grey hair group and don’t wish to be paler than am, I do choose to dye my hair as close its natural colour as possible. If in time, I choose to go totally grey, I may use this strategy. Allowing my hair to grow in length without dyeing for about 3 months over the winter months, and in late spring have my hair styled in shorter style than I normally have so that the entire dyed colour is cut out. Then wait for another 8 weeks have another style cut. By this time summer will be nearly over when I can start growing a it little longer if choose to do so.

Spend a Little … Look Great - Lesson Two

December 18th, 2007 at 08:54 am

Cut out all that waste

Realizing that the make-up that goes on ours faces costs very little.
It’s the half-used items at the back of the drawer that run away with the money.

Try before you buy. Purchase lipstick at counters which have testing stands(usually a larger chemists and stores) and by comparing powder and foundation with of the skin inside your wrist. Here the tone is similar to that of your face.

Use up oddments by remembering…. That two ‘old hat’ lipsticks, worn one on top of the other can give you two brand new shades… that using a light lipstick can soften a too- bright colour… that by mixing face powder oddments of similar texture on a huge sheet of paper you can blend a new shade to tone with your skin colour.

Apply make-up correctly …. Good for your budget and your looks. Use a little eye-make-up on one or two “perfecting your technique” sessions. Comes much less expensive in the long run than constant start-again mistakes. Use foundation as thinly as possible; slide it on over moisturizer and blend it well. Loose powder must be applied generously to stay put, so don’t try to economize here. But good initial application does cut out the use of any more powder for re-touching.

Start a swop group with your friends –getting together every now and then to exchange beauty gifts that aren’t quite you, or unsuccessful experiment buys. One girl’s cosmetic mistake can be another girl’s perfect buy!

Here are my views on above text.

Half-used items at the back of the drawer. Learn by your mistakes, and remember that today fashions are changing so fast that this will happen if you let latest fashion control your make-up drawer or bag. Something new is coming out daily. Try to find what’s best for you and update to the new trends very slowly.

Try before you buy. This is the best trick of all, use all those testers before you decide to buy. Even if it’s not at the store you are trying on the tester. Even try to a get a free make up done if it’s offered in your area. This will help you see if the new trends look good on you.

Use up oddments These tricks has been around are good if you do make a mistake or are given some free make-up items with you buy or spend $X with some cosmetic companies

Apply make-up correctly …. Look at some magazines for ideas and new tricks in applying make-up correctly.

Start a swop group with your friends. This one tip is the one would be worried about. It’s ok the swop items that have very been use, but not half used items are bacteria can grow on make-up and how old the make-up is in the first place.

Lesson Three to follow

No spending today.

Spend a Little … Look Great - Lesson One

December 17th, 2007 at 08:04 am

What is the cost of being a beauty? Can be as little as five shillings per week.

A pittance buys a wealth of beauty – If you spend it wisely.
Pounds-a - week buy very little – if they tossed around without a plan, and without a care.

Here is a three point course in clever spending; makes you a New Year gift of ready worked out budgets to suits your purse to follow.

Spend a Little … Look Great - Lesson One

Get to know which items are long-lasting, refillable or just simply wonderful value.

Learn when to buy big, when to buy small.

Look for huge economy sizes in day-in and day-out items which vanish alarmingly fast if you buy small, dainty versions.

Make-up ~ Make special effort to save up hard for the largest size in tried & tested foundation or lotions.

Shampoos & Conditioners ~ Those little ‘cushions’ and sachets are fine for a first time try-out or holidays but big bottles and jars usually work out at about half the price per shampoo.

Hair Care Items ~ Limit the amount products you use on your hair. Look for the largest size you can afford here.

Talcum powder etc. ~ Used to be cheap and nasty or nice and expensive. Now they are gaint tins to be had at around 3s soft, non-gritty, fresh smelling. Sample the one by Robert Windsor.

Cleanings Creams~ Ponds make a big pot for 9s. (I wish) Look for the largest size you can afford here.

Cotton wool ~ Instead of those tiny shilling packs, get a pound roll. Ask for “hospital quality” 4s 10d - seems to last for ever.

Look for tiny sizes when you are experimenting with new products; when you are buying special occasion eye make-up or nail polish and lipstick to match a special dress.

Look for refills not only for lipstick, solid powder, eye shadow sticks, but also for anti-perspirants roller (Mum Rollette) for squeeze bottle hair sprays and top –quality talcum powders and bath products.

The end of lesson one.
Note: 3s = three shillings and 4s 10d = 4 shillings & 10 pence

Here are my views on above text.

Today I use. Middle of the range beauty products and do read Avon Catalogues and buy some of their items on special only.

Cleanings Creams~ Of late I have started to use the new microfiber face clothes that we can buy here. I still use a liquid cleaner if I had make up to remove it.

As for anti-perspirant roller I don’t use much, but I bought a Crystal stick block. This will lasts a lifetime.

I use talcum powder rarely and they have changed the formula on this one now.

Much of the other tips and hints above, I still use when I remember to use the stuff.

I don’t go out as much these days so I wear very little make up daily.

Lesson two to follow

Spend a Little … Look Great

December 17th, 2007 at 07:14 am

This is extracts from an article written late 1950’s as part of this article was burnt many years ago, I have no idea the name magazine or author and thanks to them for me seeing the wisdom in their writing many years ago their words live on.

Note do remember prices & wages back then were pittance to what you can be earning today.

My own wage at this time for a 15 year old was one pound and eighteen shillings about $3.80Au and with paying my family board at one pound per week.

Spend a Little … Look Great

What is the cost of being a beauty? Can be as little as five shillings per week.

A pittance buys a wealth of beauty – If you spend it wisely.
Pounds-a - week buy very little – if they tossed around without a plan, and without a care.

Here is a three point course in clever spending; makes you a new year gift of ready worked out budgets to suits your purse to follow.


Another No spend day here

Four pieces of paper that is priceless.

December 16th, 2007 at 08:57 am

One thing that I did find in these boxes was the first magazine articles that I cut out on saving money over fifty years ago. It funny what you do keep, Spend a little - Look Great, it's on save on beauty products & how to use them in three lessons not much has changed but some brand names and Prices. The other one is "How to dress well on 2 pounds per week". Not that I had 2 pounds a week to spend then on clothes or 5 shillings on beauty products per week either. As 15 year old, I was lucky to have train fare to go to work and keep myself in shoes and pay board at that time but one could dream and plan. Once I did put them in the fire by accident as one has burnt corner on it but its still readable. I don't know which magazine they came out of or if it's still in print. They don't write articles like these any more. I will never be throwing these away now that I have kept them for so long and information still works for today.
Weekly Main Meal Menu Sunday ~ Omelet with Shredded Cheese and Salad Monday ~ Tuna Salad with Rice Crackers Tuesday ~ Steak & Vegetables Wednesday ~ Soup & Crackers Thursday ~ Spaghetti Bolognese Friday ~ Steamed Fish and Salad Saturday ~ Chicken Kebabs with Salad No spending today

My Declutter Paper Challenge

December 15th, 2007 at 08:59 am

Today I decide to de-clutter some of the papers & items that I have boxed in my dining room.

I have a wall that is behind the table that I have been putting plastic boxes against for a while now, last week I needed one for storage in another area instead of going out and buying another one.

It’s mostly paper that I collect for some reason at the time on my sideboard and when I get visitors it get put into these containers I’m not talking about small ones either 57 litres on rollers and stackable ones too!

So I have decided to cull these boxes big time, so my dining room table is full of items out of these boxes and the boxes have now been removed. I do keep papers & information for others, this has to stop. It’s just a small step one I will be happy to see the back of. So here is my challenge for next few weeks and list of questions for me to think about too!

Declutter Paper Challenge

• Is it out of date?
• Why have I kept it in the first place?
• Do I need this piece of information for ME?
• Do I want it now?
• Can I live with out it?
• Can I replace it with information on the net?
• Ask yourself will I miss this piece of paper or booklet.
• Does it have any value?
• If it’s a heritage document and do I keep it?

What to keep
• Is this item a Tax or budget data for my benefit?
• Past medical Information needs to be kept in a file.
• Keep all pension information for my benefit.
• Is this Information on general topics of interest for my benefit or has historical value? # Can I replace it with information on the net?

File all papers that you are keeping in filing cabinets that are in the house.

The last two days have been, No Spending days.

Review of My spending and goals for 2007

December 14th, 2007 at 09:05 am

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.