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 can get mad times with them. One moment they like it then they don’t. They do have they favorites but the contents are charged and range has being deleted of they favorites and you are back to square one yet again. I own two cats, which in fact they started out as my son’s cat. Yes female who had kittens about 10 years ago. I finish up with 3 cats at first the one that I was to keep got bitten by a snake when she was about 18 months old. From that day on other two cats have never gone very far from home.

The area that I live in has many more cats now than in the past. So if they don’t like some thing now after 24 hours, I now put it out on the driveway for the other cats and they will eat it. I like to give my cats clean plates with each meal. So I am washing up four to 6 plates per day when they I don’t like this or that and wont eat it! I’m told off too! I have one very vocal male. He will not allow you to pick him up but you can brush & stroke him as much you will do. If I am lying down then he will get on the bed, talk in my ear to get what he wants and pawing me also!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Toast & Jam Coffee 60c
LUNCH Pumpkin & Lentil Hotpot Crackers Coffee $1.00
DINNER Roasted Chicken & Tomato & Vegetable Medley $1.25

Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $28.40

Weight Control: Portion Control for Solo Cooking

My Motto:
Portion control of servings is the key to weight control and weight loss plus exercise. No second helpings, Thank you. Eat unflavored popcorn if hungry and to save money.


I have lost 9 kilos in the past year on portion control and with low-fat choices with losing 250-500g at a time. It’s the same way that I put on the weight so I am taking it off that way too! Want I was doing was eating the same 4 portions as if it was 2-3 portions.

How to get around this is by serving up the extra portions along with meals then put them straight into the refrigerator or freezer before you eat, is best way of not have extra around when cooking 4 servings in single person household.

Look at the serving size then divide by that or more. If the recipe says 500g meat put in 300g then add more vegetables or filler. You may get an extra serve as well!

If the can of buttered Mushrooms serve 4 then divide it up into 4 then freeze the extra servings. I would have bought the smaller can of mushroom then eat the lot! All 2 servings. Oh these little tricks that we learn.

My Mother once asked, “How do you get enough for lunch next day out of roasted chicken.” The reply was “I serve it up first or as if it’s another serving!”

We once put out 2kg of ham for eight people along with table full food. One person had the lot! He said “I like ham off the bone.” Guess who didn’t bring a plate along?

Got out some meat to defrost for next two days. One lot is just ready to heat up, other lot I will make a dish up for 4 meals plus a lunch for tomorrow. (Thinking Ahead Strategy)

One of my cookbooks with a menu planner for 14 days had this system in it. Menu & recipes planned for the whole 14 days and steps of what you need to do the day before. (Printed about the 1980.) I never did use the recipes but I have taken a liking to the ideas and strategies used in it. Once I even thought making a personal cookbook for one using the same ideas, then I found OAMC method and how to do this for singles.

Which is to cook for 4 then divide into 4 portions and freeze, normally I eat one portion then I would freeze other three portions. You need to make sure that you make the portions out to the right amount when you are serving them up or you will find that you only getting enough for three or two servings only and your waistline is getting bigger. If there isn’t enough of the main meal to you liking then you eat a piece of fruit as well or have one of your serving of bread with it or adding extra 1 serve of the filling with.

Cutting back on the meat in meat meals, is another method I use too! If recipe says 1 pound (500g) then I will use ¾ pound or 300g, mainly I cut back to three serves meat serve for four and add extra 1 cup vegetables to mixture or TVP if using ground beef.

Once every two weeks I may have a piece of steak if I can find a markdown ones. My favorite is steak with grill tomato, grill onions and egg, if I have some in the pantry can buttered mushrooms, as I live alone I now buy the 400g tins and portion then out in 3 serves and freeze want I don’t use for later.

I made up some menus for both summer & winter so that I would use up the frozen dinners that I have put aside & so that they are spaced out over two months or less. I am posting these menus and notes in “what is your menu for the week?” in Food & Recipes in the Saving Advice Forum. I have also posted some recipes in ‘I need cheap meals ideas’ in Food & Recipes.

As you can see, I do use portion control as a strategy to save money and stop gaining weight.

BREAKFAST 2 Boiled Eggs Toast & Jam Coffee 60c
LUNCH Crackers with Hummus & Chilli Tuna Apple Coffee 50c
DINNER Devilled Sausages Yogurt & LSA Coffee 75c

Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $25.55

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

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.

Today was a working in the garden day, cutting branches off my trees and next doors hedge as its falling into my yard. The gardener only cut they side and not the top of it or my side. When I crop it back, I cut it back to its original height. Which is 4 feet lower than it is now! It looks bare now but it will grow again by summer. If it’s not cut on my side you can’t use the carport. Had morning tea with my Greek neighbors across the road in the middle of doing the hedge. After I had coffee and a biscuit, I was sent home with plate of these biscuits also! Now I got two large piles of ‘Greenwaste’ on the footpath to be picked up next week by the local council. This happens once every two years and on the other year we have major bulk garage waste which a free for all, Dumpster Divers fun time.

I am starting my living off my bulk pantry this week and only buying perishables and pet food or other items for them. For lunch I had a salad & cheese and 3 crackers with Hummus. For dinner tonight, I had an omelette and ½ serve Tomato Vegetable Sauce that I made the other night. Yogurt and peaches for Dessert.

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

I made a meal out of my bulk storage assets today! I thawed four chicken drumsticks a day or so ago and need to use them today. I took 2 cups (mixed vegetables, beans, corn kernels, sweet peppers), bottle of Cacciatore Sauce that I have a lot of, a can diced tomato that needs using up and 1/2 teaspoon of chilli powder plus a few dried herbs. I place that lot in a microwave dish, defrost and then cooked for 3 minutes; I cooked the drumsticks on a browning tray in the microwave for 2 minute each side. I have cooked the chicken drumsticks and I have frozen the one's I didn't use which I will use soon! As for the Tomato Vegetables Sauce I serve it up with 2 of drumsticks and cover it with Tomato Vegetables Sauce. I got another 3 serves to freeze. I plan to have some over poached fish on Friday. One lot over Pasta lasts one with the chicken drumsticks again! My best meals come from my Creativity when I got to come up with something I got at hand. I will make this again too! No spending today!

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