I got to get an hearing aid as I am going deaf in my left ear and losing my hearing in right if don’t get that left hearing aid soon! I am luck that our government is subsidize it, I will only pay for the extras that will make wearing it easier I hope! I thought that something was wrong when I slept though the siege a few weeks back. I had to pay a $50.00 deposit today but will get it in about five weeks time. I will include my savings on my hearing aid when I pay for it.

I bought 2 new books but markdown, saving $17.90. Lunch out costing $2.50 ‘two for one deal’ with free coffee, saving $4.95. Multi -Trip Bus Ticket using my senior card yet again, so saving $10.40

I did some housework before I went to the city today. So I am on track to have my house up to scratch for my visitors.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Macaroni & Cheese, Paddle Pop Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $106.15*
Today’s Savings - $33.25
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $158.60
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $3427.84

As I am the driver for my friend M when her family are not available to take her anywhere. So today she is sick and medication that doctor gave her on Monday is not working. We went back to the doctor’s again! X-rays & blood test were taken and new medication given. We went the Hungry Jacks on the way back to the doctor’s for a fix of coffee then home. She’s not good. Saving $2.45

Later in the day I went for a walk and paid my phone bill and bought some avocados and some bread for my friend. Avocados were on special too! 4 for $2.00 or 69c at Woolworths next door were $1.25 each. Saving $3.00 here.

BREAKFAST - Oatmeal with Current & Milk, Toast & Jam Coffee
LUNCH – Egg Salad with Crackers & Cheese with Chutney, Coffee mandarin
DINNER - Steak & Onions Tomato baked beans Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $44.49
Today’s Savings - $5.00
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $145.45
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $2981.16

Well, it’s Lunch & Chiro day again! I went to Chiro first thing this morning when did shopping before I had lunch with my friends.

I have put some photos into to be developed last Friday and I didn’t pick them up until today. Saving $2.40 on other price quotes for the same job. I had morning tea using my senior card, saving $2.45. I saved $3.15 on lunch also. Spent $4.00 on lotto this month.

I went to Target and bought six vests that I needed for sometime, they were on special with the sale finishing today. RRP $45.05 saving $11.65

I dropped into ‘Priceline’ at chemist discount store here, and bought some more toothpaste @50% off again saving $3.86. I will not need to buy any toothpaste for a long time. It will have to be FREE for me to get some more now!

BREAKFAST – Oatmeal with Current & Milk Coffee 45c
LUNCH – Lunch out*
DINNER – Fish Cakes Salad Mandarin Coffee 60c

Today’s Full price Tally $87.44*
Today’s Savings - $23.51
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $128.05
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $2945.44

I walked up to the next shopping centre from my nearest one, around to 2km away. Then walked back to Hungry Jack’s. I bought a Hamburger $1.90 & got a free coffee with my senior card saving $2.45.

Shopped at the local supermarket as a habit I think, and found that they were no longer going to stocking my ‘Spicy Italian’ by McCormick, as it was on a clearance for $1.55 each, so like a good little hoarder that I am I bought the lot! Four bottles, best before dates were good too, two bottles had Dec 2007 and the other two had Dec 2008. Saving around $4.12 on the lot. Bought also a markdown to 99c Soup Pack of Vegetable too! So Soup is on the menu this menu, saving $1.45 here.

BREAKFAST Oatmeal & Currants, 2 Toast & Jam Coffee 45c
LUNCH Dine Out *
DINNER Fish Cakes and Salad Mandarin Coffee 80c

Today’s Full price Tally $16.92*
Today’s Savings - $8.02
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $104.20
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $2853.83

I went for a walk today to the shopping centre where I pay my phone bill. The newsagent that I go to the pay my phone bill was having a big problem with their Bpay machine but in the end got it to work (about hour.) Phone bill $46.03, it’s higher this month because of phoning overseas and interstate as well more local calls. If I didn’t pay it then it would have been over due.

At supermarket there, I just bought a fruit loaf markdown $1.30 saving $1.30

BREAKFAST Oatmeal & Currants 2 Toast & Jam Coffee 35c
LUNCH 2 Slices of Toast with Mustard Spread, Melted Cheese & Topped Paprika Coffee 50c
DINNER 2 Egg Cheese Omelette and Pasta Sauce & Grilled Peppers - 50c

Today’s Full price Tally $48.63
Today’s Savings - $1.30
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $88.15
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $2837.01

I got to Chiro this morning just in time for my appointment, as the bus was late today. I did put my annual Chiro bill of $421 for 12 visits onto CC, but it was at zero balance. That will be no problem, as I later went & got my refund for today’s visit of $19.40. Made a special visit to the bank to pay off what was left of my bill money plus the refund off my CC. Balance now is $261 plus DD Internet for this month. All this will be paid by the end of June, as there are three Pension paydays this month. Saving on $131.00 on regular single visit rate of $46.00.

I had to buy a bus ticket today, $10.00 that for 10 trips. Saving $14.00 on normal full price per single trip. (Senior Card Discount).

I did some shopping in the city today, 5 craft wooden signs @ 79c saving $35.00 found on a clearance table. Underwear was on special so got some things that I needed. Costing $17.85 saving $8.00.

Had my usual lunch with my friends, 8 of us today. ‘All You Can Eat Salad Bar’ $11.15 with drinks saving $2.80 with Senior Discount Card they have. My Lotto share with the group $2.00

It's an expensive week for dining out MMMMM!

BREAKFAST Oatmeal & Currants 2 Toast & Jam Coffee 35c
LUNCH Meal out *
DINNER Fruit & Coffee 40c

Today’s Full price Tally $656.95*
Today’s Savings - $190.80
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $80.65
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $2786.94

When I went for the hearing test I had lunch with DIL. We went to my favourite restaurant that has the ‘All You Can Eat Bar’. I had my usual meal of Soup, Large Salad, Apple Pie and Custard Coffee and Diet Coke. My salad is little of most salads served. Just what I can get on one plate, I do not go back for seconds like some people do. My waistline would be getting bigger if I did. Saving $2.85 on lunch. I had a FREE coffee , saving $2.45

I tried to go shopping today for items that I needed to buy but were out of stock. I will try again next time and keep looking elsewhere. I am looking for a photo-electric smoke detector, we have had a lot of fires of late with bar heaters. And this is the type of smoke detector you need for this kind of fire. I don’t use a heater as my house keeps its heat by 10 degrees above normal. If I am cold then I just put on extra clothes. I use my heater on my Air Con only if goes below 4 C and stayed below 10C all day, which is rare here or I am ill! I caught the bus today.

BREAKFAST Oatmeal & Currants with Milk Coffee 40c
LUNCH (Lunch Out) *
DINNER 2 Pancakes with Peanut Butter & Honey Coffee 30c

Today’s Full price Tally $16.45*
Today’s Savings - $5.30
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $79.90
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $2594.14

A few weeks ago, a hearing company rang & offered a FREE hearing test. I don’t think I am in needed of hearing aid yet! I found out later that our government is paying for these tests for all seniors. So I had my hearing test today, I will need further tests as well. I had to go to a doctor to sign the papers also, that was FREE on Medicare bulked billed. I know that I may have a problem in the future with my hearing. As I am a bit deaf in one ear now! So I was not alarmed about it! This has been the case for many years. I will get vouchers for these tests and now have them every two years. I am doing well with all the FREE medical tests that we have here! You name it and it’s FREE for Health Card Holder’s and even more when you past 75 years.

I will have to pay if I go into a private hospital, if I need operation done ASAP. Our public hospitals are over crowded and short on staff and funds but FREE. They had too many admin (pen pushers) and not enough medical staff. Like three to one in some hospitals. And closing some wards too make more office space. The top admin guys were lying and covering up too! Anyway it will take a good few years to right it again! That’s my view of what, I think the way it was going.

Today was the last day of my gas voucher 4c off to get fuel for my mower, using my FREE Gas Gift Card that I won the last month. Saving $4.15 Had Coffee and Ice cream cone at Hungry Jack’s. Saving $2.40 (Senior Discount Card.)

Then went to the local supermarket around the corner to buy biscuits. I bought 1 tray each of veal & pork steaks for 50% off markdown. Saving $10.94

Later I went shopping with DF-D to Office Works, I bought some stationary $3.90 Saving $7.00

Then on to supermarket where I bought some markdown jam $1.50. Saving $2.00

The fruit shop outside was having a 50% off all stock sale. So I got my weekly fruit & vegetable there. spent $13.20 Saving $13.20

Only one thing today was full price and they were store brand chocolate biscuits saving $1.20 on brand name one. So 50% off.

BREAKFAST Oatmeal With Currant & Milk Toast & Jam Coffee 60c
LUNCH 2 Grilled Cheese on Toast With Seed Mustard Spread on Toast & Sprinkle with Hot Paprika on Top 65c
DINNER Bacon & Egg, Tomatoes, Baked Bean, Coffee $1.00

Today’s Full price Tally $71.97
Today’s Savings - $40.89
Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $59.35
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $2442.39

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s time to see how much I still got left on that account. My shares dividend was deposited $124 that will need to transfer that over to the other account before I spend it. After transferring dividend I still have $340 left in my pension account. I will rollover this until I have paid all my bills due for next three pays and what’s is left then I will bank for future large bills at end of the year. $340 is not bad when I only had $85 in it to start off last pay. I only get $500 every two weeks. It’s has have been this way for years. I know that I am stretching my money as much as I can and I have saved money as well as the other bank account balance was down to $400 only 18 months ago. Now it looking more healthy that I will need to phone in my balance to Government pension office soon!

BREAKFAST Bacon, Egg, Steamed Mushrooms, & Tomatoes Coffee $1.00
Snacks Only ~ 5 Greek Honey Puffs (Free), 1 Slice Pagnotta Bread & Mortadella (Free), Yogurt & Tropical Fruits Salad, Coffee 60c (Eaten over 4 hours, snacks at neighbors houses)
DINNER ¼ roast chicken (free) & vegetables coffee 2 pancakes & whipped cream with maple syrup $1.00

Bulk Food Replacement Fund - $37.15

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

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

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

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