BE HAPPY THIS CHRISTMAS - SAVE MONEY! PLUS WEBSITES FOR SAVINGS

Once the festivities are over, are you left nursing a financial hangover?

Although this is the season to be joyful, the costs of Christmas can leave with with a hole in your savings, a painful stack of unpaid bills or a maxed out credit card. The average Australian parent spends an average of $235.18 on each of their children during Christmas. Add to that expenses for other gifts, food, alcohol and entertaining and the total can be very scary.

According to a Christmas Gift Survey conducted by MasterCard in 2009 the average Australian was expected to spend just over $1000 on Christmas food, travel and gifts. The figure may be even higher. SavingsGuide.com.au, conducted a survey earlier this year on spending, and anticipate that people will end up with a Christmas credit card debt of up to $3000. This is a debt they will have to service for the rest of the following year.

Why not make Christmas this year different and spend only what you can afford?

 

PLAN AHEAD

With only 2.5 weeks until Christmas - you can still save but you have to set yourself a strict budget. Write a list of gifts and allocate your funds before you shop.

GO ONLINE

If you want to escape the chaos of Christmas shopping, look online. Don't just accept the first price you see, though - shop around. Gower is a fan of websites such as http://www.catchoftheday.com.au/ "I saved $50 on a new-release PS3 game for my son", she says. While she doesn't recommend sites such as they all year round as they can lead to wasteful purchases, she says they can be a lifesaver at Christmas. Look at bargains from abroad to take advantage of the strong Aussie dollar.

Sites for savings

http://christmasorganizedhome.com/

http://www.oo.com.au/

http://www.whypayfullprice.com.au/

http://www.fishpond.com.au/

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/

http://www.lasoo.com.au/

http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/

http://www.ebay.com.au/

http://www.freecycle.org/

http://www.strawberrynet.com/

 http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.budgetspreadsheet.com.au/

Simple Savings Website

 

BE ORGANISED
If you are hosting the Christmas festivities write a list of food and drinks on the menu. You can stagger the expense over a few weeks. rather than one massive shop. Having a list to follow will help to protect you from costly impulse buys and you will still have time to shop around and pick up items on special. Our family are all bring a plate of cold meat or salad to share this Christmas so that the job & expense of cooking is shared around the family. Our house also gets Crisco Hampers delivered each year which takes off a huge expense on groceries this time of year.

 

NO CREDIT PLEASE

Most people really should not have credit cards - including me. I keep our spending under control with a Mastercard Debit card - which works exactly the same as a credit card but the money comes out of your bank account in real time, so if you don't have the funds, you can't spend it.

THE THOUGHT COUNTS

You can find the perfect gift by thinking outside the square - get browsing on ebay, check out op shops or make something. Eg make home sauce or jam jars and give as gifts - you could even design your own personalise label to put on them.

Themed hampers for a low-cost gift can work well too. You may have someone who loves to go to the movies, so you could get them a voucher, popcorn, lollies and a pair of 3D glasses and package it all up together in an attractive box or cellophane.

TREE TIP

Instead of covering your tree with expenses decorations how about a tree of happy memories? Scour your house for photos, then stick them on pieces of card, punch a hole through the top & hang them in the tree with curling ribbon.

Make your own gift tags, Christmas Cards & wrapping paper.

A FREE HOLIDAY

A house swap could save you thousands of dollars. To get started, register with Aussie House Swap (www.aussiehouseswap.com.au). You can view houses without having to join up, but for $65 a year you can list your house, view other houses and arrange swaps.

CHRISTMAS FUND 2012

If you are not one of those organised people who hit the Boxing Day or January sales and save a fortune on decorations/lights and gifts for next Christmas, the next-best option is to make a regular automatic payment into a separate account. Those with a home loan can add a little extra to their repayments. Keeping your savings in a home loan with a redraw facility is tax free, saves you interest and acts as a way to build a buffer without feeling out of pocket. Putting in just $20 a week in extra repayments is a great way to save more than $1000 for next Christmas.

What are you Christmas savings tips & gift ideas?

 

SEASON IS IDEAL FOR PLANTING VEGETABLES

Apologies for not blogging much lately - we have been busy gardening, spring cleaning and renovating. My family all pitched in and bought me a planter box for my birthday earlier this year so Mr K and I have been busy topping it up with soil and planting new punnets ready for summer. We planted Silver beet, tomatoes, strawberries, bok choy, Chinese cabbage & lettuce, celery, capsicum and lettuce punnets. Hopefully all goes well and we reap a lovely harvest. It is so rewarding being able to go out in your own garden and pick fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit and a great way to save money and produce your own organic plants.

Vegetable growers both commercially and residential are busy preparing their soil and garden beds for spring, the perfect time to plant a vast majority of popular vegetables, herbs and some trees and shrubs. Spring follows the dormant season of winter which is cool enough to allow plants to establish roots in the new location before the spring rains and summer heat.

Acting as a natural nursery environment, spring is traditionally the beginning of natures harvest and growth cycle, often associated with new life and fresh beginnings in many cultures. With the soil warming up, seeds and roots thrive on the temperature climate and begin to grow for the harsh summer months ahead, needing time to spread their roots and establish themselves.

In our region's temperate climate it is possible to seed or plant cabbage, beetroot, capsicum, carrots, chicory, cress, herbs of all types, lettuce, spring onions, parsnips, radish rhubarb, silver beet, tomato and celery.

To save money consider harvesting seeds from the previous year's plants such as pumpkin, tomato, eggplant, beans and peas. Keep them stored in an air-tight glass container and store at a low temperature until ready for germination.

For a handy calendar on what to plant & when click on the links (gardening Australia also has a map to where where you live and what suits your climate:

http://www.gardenate.com/

http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/vegieguide/

SAVING FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS & TRAVELLING WITH KIDS TIPS

TOP TIPS TO BEAT HOLIDAY BLOWOUTS - EASE HOLIDAY STRESS

School holidays often put pressure on Australian families seeing them juggle additional entertainment costs along with their usual financial commitments, particularly mortgages. Many parents rely on credit, but according to one expert, various home loans features can offer clever ways to stay on top of spending.

Borrowers can be unaware their mortgage may allow them to stash extra fund for cash-heavy periods such as holidays and save on interest owed.

Some still put funds away into a savings account instead, even if they are aware they can utilize this option.

A borrower  can contribute additional funds into their home loan to create a buffer, and redraw without penalty when money is needed for unexpected expenses, rather than storing funds into a savings account where the interest accrued is taxable. Every $1 above the minimum loan repayment reduces the principal amount that interest is calculated on. If kept in the account, this also reduces the loan term.

The same theory applies to fund help in an offset account attached to the home loan, which acts as a savings account of sorts that offsets, or uses, those funds to reduce the daily interest accumulated on the loan while still available to withdraw.

Of course, redraw and offset account usage charges must be considered. There may be set-up costs to activate redraw facilities, a monthly offset account fee, a cost per withdrawal of funds and some lenders set minimum and maximum redraw amounts and frequencies.

TIPS TO BEAT HOLIDAY BLOWOUTS

• Set a savings plan
• Use your home loan features as regularly as possible to build a "festivities" fund or deposit those dollars in a high-interest savings account. Review your fund strategy often.
• Involve the kids
• Get them involved in creating a holiday agenda with a budget and they may be more appreciative of what's involved.
• Keep costs down, excitement up
• With so many children armed with toys and game consoles, invite your children's friends over for a games night where everyone brings some food.
• Research discount offers
• If pre-purchasing tickets, ask for multi-park or ride passes as well as family or student discounts. Also monitor group buying sites for deals.
• Calculate what you want to spend
• Divide the total spending of your last holiday period by 12 if you are paid monthly and add a little "inflation" to help calculate how much you need to save for the next holiday.

TRAVELLING WITH THE KIDS TIPS

1. If you're driving to your vacation, chances are your little angels are going to ask "Are we there yet?" long before you hit the end of the road. Start your holiday immediately by stopping off at attractions along the way to your destination. Even the smallest towns often have parks, petting zoos or museums. Grab a map and plot your stops.

15 minute stop enjoying the hang gliders on the way to Port Douglas, Qld

2. Adjust your expectations. You're a parent, which means, unfortunately, you may not be able to fit in all the market shopping, pool lounging and fancy restaurant visits you once indulged in. It's your children's holiday too, so plan activities they'll enjoy also.

3. If you're going to travel with friends who also have children, make a list of essentials (such a formulas and wipes) and split it. It's pointless having two of everything if you can get by with one.

4. In the event that you or child needs to visit the emergency room while overseas, invest in a foreign language card detailing any medical conditions. It will save time and stress at a moment when you need swift decision-making. Select wisely.com creates tailor-made cards in any language (more then 60 available) which cover a range of diseases (such as diabetes and asthma) and allergies (from penicillin and nuts to lactose and gluten) starting from $US8.50 a card.

5. Delays can occur wherever you go, and if you don't want your children crawling around the floor of an airport or a train station for a few hours, pack a plastic sheet for them to play on. As well as being hygienic, it will encourage them to stay close by.

6. Planting the kids in front of the TV might be a no-no at home but on a long trip you might be sorry that you didn't invest in a portable DVD player. Not only will it keep them quiet (which could save your sanity as well as that of those sitting near you), it will also help pass the time.

7. You're never too young to be sun smart. Why not pack a Stingray swim and sun suit ($39.95) and a pair of Baby Banz Adventure Sunnies ($24.95) Both come in pink and blue and the sunnies have a handy strap that stops them sliding off. For these and more handy bits for bub visit http://www.babyonholiday.com.au/

Koby enjoying his Kids meals on Qantas (the staff are excellent with parents & kids)

8. If your're flying, don't forget to mention you're travelling with a child when you book your tickets. Virgin Atlantic not only offers childrens meals aimed at being fun as well as functional. but each child also receives a welcome pack. complete with book, baseball cap and treats. Visit http://www.virginatlantic.com.au/

Boarding the plane Uluru/Ayers Rock

9. Heading out of the country? Make sure your paperwork is in order. All children travelling overseas, including newborns, need to have their own passports (check they include at least six months validity after your return to Australia) Local customs and immigration offers may also ask you to produce documents to prove your're the children's parent or legal guardian, so remember to always carry the correct photographic ID, just in case.

10. New to planning a child friendly holiday and don't know where to begin? Consider contacting a travel company that specialises in family vacations. http://www.holidayswithkids.com.au/ lists local and overseas destinations, attractions and family deals.

Damien & Koby feeding the fish on Fitzroy Island, Queensland

For advice on travelling with kids visit

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

SPRING CLEANING GUIDE

The flowers are blooming, the birds are serenading, and our house still feels like it's stuck with winter blues. Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. What do you need help spring cleaning?

Set aside at least a week for a thorough spring cleaning. Work from one end of your house to the other.

1. Plan some easy meals for the days you will spend cleaning.  Consider using your slow cooker.  A crockpot full of stew at the end of a day of intense cleaning is a beautiful thing!
2. As you clean, keep a list of any jobs you notice that need to be done around the house: little paint touch-ups or a pillow that needs to be mended.  Don't get distracted by these chores during your cleaning, save them for when you are done.  (Or else you may never be done!)
3. Keep another list of things you notice you need.  Especially when you clean out your fridge and pantry, you will probably become aware of some supplies you are out of or running low on.
4. Take an empty laundry basket and pile in it anything you need your hubby to sort through (miscellaneous receipts you're not sure you need to keep, random bolts and screws you've found in his pocket a year ago but you're afraid to get rid of because if you do he's sure to come to you tomorrow asking if you've seen that little bolt that is vital for something or other, that singing Christmas tie you're really hoping he'll finally part with... you get the point!)  Ask him to sort through the basket when he has a chance. 

A VERY THOROUGH SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST
FOYER/ENTRY

1. Dust lighting fixtures.
2. Wash walls and trim
3. Wash doors, knobs and switch plates.
4. Wash bench or other furnishings.  Launder bench cushion, if applicable.
5. Empty out coat closet.  Wash walls and floor.  Sort items as you return them to the closet.  Store out of season items, donate unneeded items. 
6. Clean or replace entry mat.
7. Sweep and scrub floors.  
8. Reseal grout lines, if applicable.

BEDROOMS
Open windows

1. Dust furniture.
2. For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate Items you no longer need. 
3.  Remove everything from closets.  wash closet walls if necessary.  Sweep and wash closet floor. Put everything back neatly.  Donate items you no longer need.  Do not store things on closet floor.
4. Move Bed.  Sort and put away anything that was under bed.  Sweep or vacuum under bed.  Try not to store things under bed.
5. Put bed back.  Flip mattress. Vacuum both sides.
6. Launder bedding and curtains.  Wash pillows and duvet in hot water.  Air out mattress pad, if you have one.
7. Dust lights. Clean lamp shades.
8. Wash windows and window sills.  Take out and wash window screens.
9. Wash switch plates.  Wash walls and trim.
10. Wash mirrors or dust art.
11. Wash doors and doorknobs.
12. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
13. Sweep and wash floor or vacuum

BATHROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Empty all cabinets and vanity.  Wash inside, replace items neatly.  Discard expired medications and cosmetics.
3. Wash outside of cabinets and vanities
4. Clean tub. Wax if necessary. Clean drain.
5. Clean toilet, inside and out.  Remove seat and clean around seat bolts.
6. Clean sink and drain.
7. Shine faucets.
8. Clean mirror and frame .
9. Dust light fixtures. 
10. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
11. Wash switch plates.  wash walls and trim.  Wash doors and door knobs.
12. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
13.  Sweep and wash floors.  
14. Reseal grout lines.

KITCHEN

1. Open windows.
2. Remove and clean window coverings.  For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate unneeded items.
3. Wash and sanitize cutting boards
4. Sharpen knives
5. Wash cabinet doors and knobs
6. Clean and organize pantry.  Check food expiry dates.
7. Clean oven.
8. Clean stove top.  Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back.
9. Clean and organize fridge and freezer.  Defrost freezer, if necessary.  Check food expiry dates.
10. Clean under fridge and stove.
11. Vacuum refrigerator coils.
12. Clean microwave.
13. Clean crumbs out of toaster.
14. Clean and descale kettle.
15. Wipe down any other counter appliances
16. wash counters and back splash.
17. Wash and shine sink.  Shine faucet. Clean drain.
18. Dust light fixtures.
19. Wash windows and window sills.  Remove window screens and wash.
20. Wash switch plates.  
21. Wash walls and trim.
22. Wash doors and door knobs.
23. Wash floor registers and other vent covers
24. Sweep and wash floor.  
25. Reseal grout lines, if applicable.

DINING ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash curtains.
3. Wipe down table and chairs.
4. Wipe down or dust other furnishing.
5. clean chair pads, if applicable.
6. Polish table, if necessary
7. Create a pretty spring vignette on table!
8. Dust any displayed china or serving dishes.
9. Launder table linens.
10. Shine silverware.
11. Dust art.
12. Wash windows and window sills.  Take out and wash window screens.
13. Wash switch plates
14. Wash walls and trim.
15. Wash doors and door knobs
16. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
17. Clean floors.

 LIVING ROOM/ FAMILY ROOM/ PLAYROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Vacuum sofas.
3. Spot clean sofas, if applicable.
4. Launder throw pillows and blankets.
5. Dust shelves, furniture and decor.
6. Clean lamps and lampshades.
7. Wash windows and window sills.
8. Take out and wash window screens.
9. Clean television screen.
10. Carefully dust electronics.
11. Tidy electronics wires.  Tuck nicely out of sight.  Label them, if practical.
12. Sort through music and DVD collections.  Purge things that no longer suit your families interests.  Organize what is left in an attractive manner.
13. Sort books and magazines.  Donate or recycle ones that no longer suit your families interests.
14. Wash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry.  Launder stuffed toys.  Donate or store toys that your children have grown too old for.
15. Wash switch plates.
16. Wash walls and trim.
17. Wash doors and knobs.
18. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
19. Clean floors.

LAUNDRY ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash windows and window sills.
3. Take out and wash window screens.
4. Wash cabinet doors.
5. Wash inside cabinets.
6. Wash laundry sink.  Shine faucet.  Clean drains.
7. Wash outside of washer and dryer.
8. Wash inside of washing machine.
9. Wash lint trap.
10. Wash switch plates.
11. Wash walls and trim.
12. Wash doors and door knobs.
13. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
14. sweep and wash floors. 
15. Reseal grout lines, if applicable. 

STAIRWELLS

1. sweep/vacuum stairs
2. Spot clean walls.
3. Wipe down handrail.
4. Dust art and light fixtures.

OUTSIDE

1. Sweep porches and walkway.
2. Wash thresholds.
3. Wash exterior doors.  Give front door a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
4. Clean or replace welcome mat.
5. Wash siding.

REMEMBER TO:

• Clean blades of ceiling fans.
• Sort through and organize family photographs (digitally or into albums).
• Sort through paperwork and discard unneeded files.  Date and file important documents in an orderly manner.
• Sort and clean any extra zones such as linen closets, utility closets and office spaces.

Happy Cleaning!
Stay tuned for how to make your own cleaning products on a budget

HAPPY FATHERS DAY



Proud Dad with Shanay and Koby

Hope you had a special day with your loved ones today. What did you do to celebrate Fathers Day today?

Damien volunteered to do overtime at work for half a day today because no one else wanted to do it. So Mr K and I went and visited my pop this morning and then my other grandfather for lunch. This afternoon we had my father & mother in law over for afternoon tea. We are very lucky to have most of our family close by. Shanay, Damien, Mr K and I then went for a family walk this afternoon.

My first challenge into our Finance Fast was deciding what to make as gifts without going to the shops. I made all the Fathers/Grandfathers chocolate truffles and slices. I've never made truffles before, so it was a bit of fun learning. I googled truffle recipes and couldn't believe how many different types you can make - orange, Turkish delight, Christmas etc. The Turkish delight ones were a bit of a disaster so I had to make them into a slice. Cooking with chocolate is so messy!

Recipe for Chocolate Truffles

Makes 20

INGREDIENTS

225g good-quality dark chocolate, broken into small pieces

175ml double cream

Icing sugar, to dust

Cocoa powder, sifted, to roll

Place chocolate in a large mixing bowl. Place cream in a saucepan and bring to the boil, then immediately pour over chocolate. Mix until chocolate has melted. (This is called a ganache.) Set aside at room temperature, covered, for 1-1 1/2 hours to cool completely and until set. Use a teaspoon to spoon out bite-sized pieces. Dust your hands with a little icing sugar to prevent them sticking and roll mixture into balls in the palm of your hands. Roll in cocoa; serve with coffee.

I also made my Father in law a 2012 photo calendar as I love to scrapbook. Hopefully they enjoy their gifts.

Kids are our greatest teachers in making simple thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Shanay made Damien a beautiful poem laminated with motorbike pictures on the reverse and Mr K made him a car with all colourful bits glued on it - which acts like a smelly tree for his car.

What innovative gift ideas do you have your loved ones?

CLOTHES SWAP PARTY - IT'S FUN, IT'S FREE, IT'S GREEN

Only 1 month into our Finance Fast and it was time for some retail therapy - But I'm not allowed to buy anything new - so what is a girl to do when she wants some new clothes for the coming season? Hold a Clothes Swap Party.

So I went through my wardrobe and managed to part with 20 items - some dresses I've worn to weddings/balls a few times, a brand new pair of bikinis, trackie pants with tag still on I bought whilst on holidays in Cairns but couldn't be bothered trying on, tops that don't look right anymore (post baby body) and some accessories I don't use anymore. Created an event on facebook (no cost, it's free), sent reminder text messages 5 days prior and gave everyone the opportunity to preview before hand who couldn't make it on the day and lent a clothes rack from a friend.

Planet ark have an excellent site on how to host a swap party:

http://recyclingweek.planetark.org/involvement/swap.cfm

They even have stationary you can print out for the swap - swap tokens, display cards, signs, invites etc

The last 2 days have been absolutely overwhelming - generous people just wanting to have a clean out, a person who didn't have much luck trying to sell on facebook and couldn't be bothered doing the eBay thing. Some didn't even want to swap just happy to donate. We had almost 100 items and the swap hadn't even started. Brands galore .... Cooper St, Miss Shop, Bardot, Volcolm, Naked Art, Backstage, Roxy, Rusty, Insight, Ripcurl, Billabong, Picnic, Aztec Rose - just to name a few.

My cousin scored really well - a ball dress still with tags, that new bikini, a new summer dress she can wear on holiday to Bali soon, a dress she can wear to work and more!

We all left really happy with what we had swapped as they say 'one persons trash is another persons treasure'.

I'm so glad I've now experienced a swap party, I now have some beautiful items I can enjoy wearing through the coming summer months.

Left over items can be donated to charity or given to a family you may know that are doing it tough (single mums with teenagers etc).

There are other types of swap parties you can host as well - Kids toys/clothes, home wares etc.

Why don't you hold your own Swap Party? Go on an give it a go - you might really enjoy it!

Remember - It's Fun, It's Free, It's Green

SPRING HAS ALREADY SPRUNG IN NANNUP

Its been nearly 3 months since we've had a little adventure. Being an outdoor girl it was time to get rid of that cabin fever and set out to the great outdoors. So we packed the cooler bag, thermos, picnic basket and rug in hubby's car, because it runs on gas and is slightly cheaper to run and went on a scenic drive to the Nannup Flower & Garden Festival.

We hadn't even left our street and there was already some excitement for the day - the 2 year old across the road had been found by a lovely lady by the name of Laura Finlayson and the police were there. He had decided to go for a wonder towards the ocean, the feral tenants across the road obviously hadn't noticed him missing yet. Laura (a mother herself) was most distraught - we told them we were pretty sure he lives across the road. Hope fully he got home safely, its so lucky he wasn't run over.

Mr K enjoying the Alice In Wonderland Floral Display - $3 entry

No touch! Mr K ..... aw but it's so tempting

Visitors to Nannup today enjoyed watching the film Drift starring Sam Worthington being filmed while walking down the main street today - the seventies surf film is due to be released in 2012.

Some of the cool cars along the street - props for the film Drift

We had a beautiful picnic at Holberry House - Sculpture Walk &

Open Garden 14 Grange Road, Nannup. Pics below

The lovely setting we had our picnic lunch

Some of the sculpture work in the gardens

The one of the right is for you Kristy - it's called Sasha singing on a stump $275, $220 each for the others

Before heading home we stopped at Especially Tulips Dean Road (off Barrabup Road). A beautiful tulip farm situated on a plateau overlooking Nannup.

$3 entry fee

 

For more information see:

www.nannupgardens.org.au

With Spring just around the corner - go get some fresh clean air and enjoy God's marvellous creation - IT'S FREE

When was the last time you and your family did something together?

Have you any idea's or made any plans to do something together?