Finances

3 ways to save money today – volume 4

1. Become a library member.
It costs nothing but can save you thousands! Instead of buying magazines I borrow them. If I’m interested in a book I often “try it out” from the library to know whether it’s worth buying. Some are real gems but most I’m glad I didn’t shell out cash for. Oh, and don’t let your items get overdue and undo all your good savings by having to pay late fees.

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2. Find free activities for the kids.
There are so many free places to take your kids, the list is endless. Once again, our library has many activities that are free. Check your local council for events. Ask people for recommendations. Search online. And if you decide on a day trip, pack food and water so you don’t have to pay a fortune for unhealthy food.

3. Pay your mortgage fortnightly. You may have heard this before, but it really does save you more in the long run. When we had a mortgage I found it satisfying to know our debt was going down fortnightly rather than monthly too, plus it’s not so much to pay all in one hit so you’re not as likely to miss it.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway, which ends Friday!

3 ways to save money today – volume 3

by Kelly 4 Comments

1. Make your own deodorant:
I’ve been using this for 9 months and it’s absolutely fantastic. I was a total skeptic that this would work as I’ve always felt I “needed” an anti-perspirant. I’ve been very pleasantly surprised that the body odour I was masking with those freaky chemicals simply does not exist with the natural deodorant.

1/4 cup bicarb soda (baking soda)
1/4 cup cornflour
4 tablespoons organic virgin cold pressed coconut oil (I use the Melrose brand, available in the health food section at Coles).
10 drops essential oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients together until creamy. If the oil is solid it can be melted with heat to combine with the dry ingredients more readily. After your daily shower, just rub about a choc dot sized amount of paste onto the armpit area. In hot weather, your deodorant will melt unless kept in a cool spot, I keep mine at the bottom of the cupboard in the ensuite which is a very cool room so mine only melts on really hot days. If it does melt, it won’t affect the quality, just give it a stir and pop it in the fridge until solid again.

*A note about the coconut oil. The stuff ain’t cheap ($10) a jar. Don’t let that turn you off. One jar will make several quantities of deodorant and each quantity will last ages. Compared to roughly $6 a pop for a can of anti-perspirant (if I remember correctly!) you will definitely save money using natural deodorant not to mention the huge benefit to your health.

2. Shop around for insurance.
If you’ve been with one provider for some time see if they can do a better deal. When comparing companies, write figures down and present them to possible providers (who are keen to go one better than their competitors).

3. Give regularly to charity.
What? I hear you say – aren’t we talking about saving money? You can take or leave this advice but in my experience God will provide for those who provide for others.

My wool felt order has arrived and I hope to have the wool felt donut tutorial up within the next few days. Until then, God bless you 🙂

3 biggest money wasters

by Kelly 3 Comments

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People often ask me about our finances as we have a mortgage, 4 children and one main income. If someone is telling me they don’t have enough money I start with a checklist similar to this one.

1. Do you have a credit card/s?
If you really want to save money – get rid of it! If you have credit card debt make it your no. 1 financial priority to pay it off (and cut the card up immediately!)

2. Do you have pay T.V?
Not only a waste of time, a waste of money. With the money and time you would save by not having it you can invest in other things, the main one being yourself.

3. Do you smoke?
Not much to be said here. Do whatever you can to quit. Tobacco is an ongoing expense in every way – you become addicted to it, so repeat buying, your health will suffer whether you admit it or not and end up costing you not only money but quality of life. (For those who think I’m simplifying the problem – I’m an ex – smoker of 6 years. Quitting is one of the very best things I’ve ever done!)

If you change even one of these money wasters you will notice a big difference in your budget.
Happy saving!

Family Finance 3. Credit Cards

by Kelly 1 Comment

I’ve never owned a credit card. The only time I would like to use one is to simplify online purchases, but there are ways around that. I do not know anyone who does not have at least one credit card, and I do not know anyone who does not have credit card debt. Here is a very simple way to save money. Cut up your credit card/s.
Interest rates for mortgage loans may be falling to an all time low, but credit interest rates don’t change. How do you think the banks make all their money?
If you don’t want to give up the luxury/ headache of a credit card, focus on paying it off. Make more than the minimum repayments. Once you have paid it off ensure that it stays paid off.
Perhaps I sound a bit harsh in this post, but I really think it is up to the individual to be responsible with money. Part of that is not spending more than you earn and not spending money you don’t have (credit). Think about how much more that purchase is going to cost by the time you pay it off on your card. Is it worth it? Could you wait a bit longer and save the money, hence paying no interest?
I know that if I did get a credit card I would be constantly tempted to use it – its a temptation I don’t need.