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Newsletters 2009
January 13, 2009
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1. Cath's Corner
2.In the Tip Store - Music Downloads, Credit Card Rewards, Always Have Petrol Money
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Tracking for Retirement Security
4. Submit Your Tip
5. On the Menu - Easy BBQ Ideas
6. Last Weeks Question - Using all the deodorant
7. This Weeks Question - How to care for wooden blinds
8. Subscription Information
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Contact Details |
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January 6, 2009
1. Cath's Corner
2. From the Tip Store - Unique Lampshades, Spilled Oil, Easy Pour
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - "No Buying New" Challenge
4. Submit Your Tip
5. Money Saving Meals - Real men do eat quiche!
6. Last Weeks Question - Stop a silverfish plague
7. This Weeks Question - How to use up all the deodorant
8. Subscription Information
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Contact Details |
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Free Newsletter: May 12, 2009
Free Newsletter: May 12, 2009
Newsletter
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Pantry Staple Removes Blood Stains , Eco Friendly Tips for Sensitive Skin, Cleaning Up Oily Stains
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - A Little Reminder
4. Submit Your Tip
5. On the Menu - Curried Tuna Mornay, Corned Beef Pie, Cheesy Muffins
6. Last Weeks Question - Buying and renovating
7. This Weeks Question - Repairs to a kitchen cupboard
8. Subscription Information
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10.Contact Details
A
very short note from me this week as I'm off to Sydney tomorrow for the
Happiness & Its Causes Conference at Darling Harbour. The kids are
excited because they're coming too, and staying with Granny and Grandad
for a few days. Little do they know I've collected some school work
for them to do so they don't get too far behind. It's only a little
each day, shouldn't take them more than an hour to get through and then
they are free to have fun.
I am a panellist at the Conference
on Friday afternoon and then signing books from 5.30pm. I know there
are some Cheapskaters attending so if you have the time, please come
see me at the book shop on Friday evening, I'd love to meet you in
person and say hello.
Because the conference is called Happiness
& Its Causes and because Cheapskaters are happy people, we are
having a Happy Cheapskater sale. All Platinum Cheapskates Club
memberships are on sale for just $25 until 8pm, Sunday 17th May -
that's six whole days of sale! Click here to order your Happy
Cheapskate membership now or visit www.cheapskates.com.au and click on
the Join Now button.
Here are some emails from happy Cheapskaters:
"Hi
Cath, I have had your book for one week and have already deleted my
credit card details off Paypal (easy trap there) and will only use cash
to buy things! I have already got more bang for my buck with my first
shop bringing home more food and buying generic brand products to give
them a try, saving around $50. Your book is awesome, looking forward to
your next book!" Tanya Campigli
"Hi Cath, Today I made my first
batch of 'Lunchbox Cookies', one half choc chip and the other apricot.
I think a well highlighted note needs to be added to the bottom of the
recipe warning against eating these when just out of the oven...they
were delicious." Megan Kelly
"Hi Cath, thank you so much for
your wonderful website. I started this year in the worst situation I
have ever been, and had not known what it was like to not be able to
sleep over money worries until then. I was able to pay the pensioner
rate to subscribe, as it is just my beautiful girl and I, but even then
I felt sick putting it on the card for fear that I was wasting what
smidge of a space was left. Thank you - you've more than come up with
the goods. I wanted to share some exciting news - I've just slashed
over $70 off the electricity bill - yay!!! This is compared to the last
bill, and I think these 2 are pretty comparable, and it's only $5 more
than last year despite price hikes. Thank you to you and everyone who
has contributed tips to the site, I now religiously turn off
everything bar the fridge and phone at the wall, I question how
necessary it is to use the hot water before turning it on, or use the
bathroom taps which heat up instantly next to the hot water tank (the
property I am renting is not off-peak), and had to buy a new fridge
which has made a big difference. I completed the Origin audit as
recommended by one of your 'tipsters' and learnt HEAPS from doing this.
Most of all I am feeling like I can breathe in only a few short months.
I've used your ideas to pay off one card, and making great headway with
another. Now I feel like I have the headspace I am about to go way back
to the January Budget Reno, and start from scratch. Wish me luck, but
most of all thank you for all the hope, and for the space in my chest
that actually allows me to breathe!!!!!" Nicole
PS:
Love our site? We love referrals! Send a note to your favourite
newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, friends and
relatives, and tell them about us!
PPS: You can read this newsletter and past copies on the website in the Newsletter Archive.
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Pantry Staple Removes Blood Stains
Blood
Stains - hmmmm. My mother used a very dry paste of cornflour and put it
on the stain, let it dry then brush off. Not so good on cotton shirts
and shorts but mattresses, lounges, carpets.. fantastic. The paste
should be quite stiff not runny.
Contributed by Gill, Ovingham
Eco Friendly Tips for Sensitive Skin
1.
NS Gentle Foaming Wash or NS Sensitive Moisturising Wash (approx $16.95
a litre from www.cincottachemist.com.au) is great! It doesn't have any
SLS or petrochemicals etc in it like QV wash but is just as gentle. It
can be used on both the face and body. We are a family of sensitive
skins (I reacted badly to QV once so I have never used it again)and I
have found NS works a dream. I even wash the girls hair with it (their
cradle crap is finally clearing up but it is too moisturising for my
hair).
2. Melrose Everyday Shampoo Base ($10.95 a litre from
www.goldenglow.com.au). It is SLS free and made from coconuts. You can
water is down as it's quite concentrated and if you add a little olive
oil you will probably find you don't need conditioner either. It also
works well as a body wash.
3. As for moisturisers you can't go
past the NS-7 (again no petro chemicals or chemical nasties) it is
about $9.95 for 250mls. It can be used on the face or body.
4.Natures
Organics Sorbolene (about $4 for 600mls from Woolworths) is 97% natural
with no mineral oil and is great as a facial cleanser or body
moisturiser.
Between these 4 products your sensitive skin can be
clean, moisturised and conditioned head to toe. And it won't break the
bank or cost the earth.
Contributed by Karen, Frenchs Forest
Websites:
www.cincottachemist.com.au
www.goldenglow.com.au
Cleaning Up Oily Stains
I
love talcum powder for removing oily stains from clothing. This is best
done immediately after the stain has occurred, but is still beneficial
even if the stain is older. Ideally, sprinkle talc generously over the
oily mark straight away, and press it gently into the fabric with your
fingers. Leave on the stain until you are ready to wash the item. Just
before washing, brush off the excess powder, and apply some fresh
powder. Use a warm iron over the powdered area, and the heat will help
the oil transfer into the talc, and you can brush the oily talc off.
Continue to apply fresh talc, warm iron, and brush off until the talc
no longer seems oily, and then wash the item as usual. I find this
works exceptionally well. If the original oil stain was really bad, an
oily shadow may still remain even after washing, but don't despair and
throw the item away. Repeat the process with the iron and re-wash. This
method has always worked for me, so hopefully you'll have the same
results. I'm sure you'll find it very useful for keeping your young
children's clothing looking good!
Contributed by Deborah, Ormeau
There are 6,959 other great money, time and energy saving tips in the Tip Store. | | 3 | | Cheapskates Tip of the Week | This
week's winning tip is from Linda Carroll. Linda has won a one-year
membership to the Cheapskates Club for submitting a winning tip.
A Little Reminder
Approximate $ Savings: Unlimited
"After reading Debt Free, Cashed Up & Laughing I decided the best way to keep me from buying things that I really didn't need was to use my Dymo  Labeller.
I printed off multiple labels of STOP, THINK & SAVE, Is it
essential for survival? and If in doubt go without! I stuck STOP, THINK
& SAVE on all of my eftpos cards (credit cards too if you have
them, I've cut mine up). All sales assistants who see it think it's a
great idea. I also stuck STOP, THINK & SAVE near my notes section
in my purse. This idea has saved me from buying many items that I
really don't need. When I recognise the savings I have made at the
shops for e.g.: 2x can coke from machine at shop $3 (I now carry a
drink of water in my bag everywhere I go) I go home and transfer the
money straight onto my credit card using Internet banking. It may only
be as little as $3 but it all adds up and I've paid an extra $30 off my
credit card in one month. I've also placed these labels on my note book
I use to pay bills and write my shopping list. It really does work and
you can stick them anywhere you think it will help you to remember."
Editors Note:
I love this idea! We all need a little reminder every now and then,
especially when we are in a hurry or tired. Having a reminder when we
open our purse or go to use a card can bring us back into the saving
zone gently, much nicer than being jerked back when the bills arrive
and we are scurrying to find the money to pay them. And
congratulations Linda, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club
membership. Cath
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The
Cheapskate's Club website is over 2,000 pages of money saving hints,
tips and ideas. Let's get together and make the Cheapskates Club
Australia's largest online hint, tip and idea library. Share your
favourite money saving, time saving or energy saving hint and be in the
running to win a one-year membership to The Cheapskate Club. We publish
a Winning Tip each Tuesday, so enter your great money, time or energy
saving idea now!
| | Share
your favourite hint or tip that saves money, time and energy and be in
the running to win a one-year membership to the Cheapskates Club valued
at $29.20. Remember, you have to be in it to win it! Enter your tip here |
Curried Tuna Mornay
Ingredients:
185g can tuna in brine
410g can cream of chicken soup
1 large onion, diced
1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, corn & carrots)
¼ cup milk powder
½ cup water
1tsp curry powder (more or less according to taste)
2tsp butter
Method:
Melt
butter in a heavy based saucepan and add onion. Cook for 1 minute and
add curry powder. Cook a further minute, stirring to prevent curry
powder from burning. Add tuna and brine. Break up clumps and stir
through curry and onion. Add mixed vegetables and stir. Add soup, milk
powder and water and stir sauce until boiling. Turn down and simmer 2
minutes until thickened. Serve over hot steamed rice.
Corned Beef Pie
This was one of my favourite meals when I was growing up. Little did I know that it was made from leftovers.
Ingredients:
3 – 4 cups of cold corned beef, diced
½ cup sliced green beans
½ cup corn
½ cup pickles
4 cups mashed potato
2tsp butter, melted
Method:
Mix
diced corned beef, beans, corn and pickles. Place in a greased pie
dish. Mash the potatoes but don't add milk or butter. Spread over the
top of the mixture in the pie dish. Brush the top with melted butter.
Cook in a moderate oven (180 degrees) for 20 minutes until potato is
golden and it is warmed through.
Cheesy Muffins
These
muffins are great to eat with soup and they are perfect for lunchboxes
as an alternative to sandwiches or rolls. Bake them in Texas muffin
pans (the really big ones) and then split and spread with butter and
vegemite, Yummy!
Ingredients:
1 cup SR flour
1tsp baking powder
1 cup cheese (grated)
¼ cup powdered milk
¾ cup water
Method:
Sift
flour, powdered milk and baking powder. Add cheese and then mix in
water with a wooden spoon. Stir until just combined, don't over mix.
Drop into greased muffin tins and bake in a moderate oven (180 degrees)
for 20 minutes. Can be eaten warm or cold. Can also be frozen.
There are over 500 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
| Last week's question was from Nicole,asking for advice on purchasing and then renovating a home.
Kelli Both answered
Don't
use removalists if possible. Hire a horse trailer instead from your
local petrol station - these fit a heap more than a regular large
trailer so you won't need it for as long. With renovating, do as much
as you can yourselves, shop around, get quotes from different sources,
and remember that with things such as tiling and painting it can
actually save you money paying an expert - you will lose money on the
value of the property if you do the 'finishing' jobs yourself and
they're not up to standard, so if you're doing whole rooms I'd
recommend an expert! One way of gaining cheap assistance with both
moving and renovating is your friends and family....have a working bee
and supply a BBQ tea at the end of the day for everyone!
Julie McFie answered
Congratulations
Nicole. I have been buying and renovating homes for the past 20 years
(just about to finish No 7) and here are some of my hints. Have a
budget and then add 10%. Be careful not to over capitalise and don't
borrow to renovate - save up the cash. Always get 3-4 quotes, itemised,
so that you can see how much each section costs (you may even be able
to do some of the work yourself). Chose your colour pallet and stick to
it. Buy all the paint in one hit so that it will be the same colour.
(Watch for specials). Visit auction houses for revamping your kitchen,
laundry and bathrooms as well as display showrooms as they turn over
displays regularly and at times have seconds (sometimes you don't even
know where the dent or scratch is). Do all demolition yourselves to
save $$'s (if you feel confident). Complete one room at a time and
always have a quick meal in the freezer for these working weekends,
because you really won't feel like cooking or even going out for
takeaway. Good luck with your project and remember there will be fights
and arguments so don't forget a kiss for each other at the end of a
long day.
Jo Sharpe answered
Hi
Nicole, as property valuer I would recommend avoiding homes with render
and timber windows. Look for a property that has something
unique...views, overlooking a park, a large block that could be
subdivided later maybe. Get Archicentre to inspect construction. Keep
in mind the most expensive rooms to renovate are the kitchen and
bathroom, look for houses where these are already renovated or an easy
design you could pull out and buy a second-hand kitchen...yes, you can
buy fully constructed kitchens. As for moving - pack everything
yourself-packing companies double pack EVERYTHING! More boxes, more
money. Contact courier companies and ask if any of their employees
(often subcontractors) do weekend work for cash. Speak to your local
supermarket manager, ask him to save boxes for you which you collect
daily. If you're buying by auction, set your budget and get someone
else bid...remain distant and don't get emotional. Check council for
zoning, read Vendors Statement VERY CAREFULLY, check for easements
(which you can't build over). There's so much more...I'm happy to
assist further. Good luck!!
Anita Morgan answered
Firstly,
to save a huge amount, make sure that the property you have in mind is
just daggy- rather than needing new structural work. It's one thing to
replace things like toilets, kitchen cabinets and lino, yet another to
have to strip back and re-build anything. Ask around and find friends
of friends or family who are tradies (plumbers, builders, electricians)
to find good deals, and for an even better deal, ask them if they would
reduce the price in return for a service or favour you can do for them-
i.e., if you're an accountant, offer to do their tax. When renovating,
always check the tip - people throw away some crazy things, and often
it's perfect for what you want and you can save hundreds on single
items!
Bernadette Thorley answered
Ask
McDonald's restaurants for their fries boxes (go just before lunch and
ask them to save them . Saturdays are busiest (therefore more boxes).
They are free and an excellent size for packaging and carrying.
Renovating: Remove old wallpaper / borders with a 70c sachet of fabric
softener. Put in a spray bottle 1:1 water to fabric softener. Rip off
the top layer of wallpaper or border leaving the cardboard raw paper
effect, then spray (wet completely)with fabric softener mix, leave for
10-15 minutes and scrape of excess carefully. Saves a fortune in
steaming it off, and just as quick! And don't forget recycled building
material yards, or even building sites which often throw away good
offcuts of wood and cement sheeting.
|
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
Send us your question and receive the combined knowledge of your fellow Cheapskates to solve your problem!
Ask a question
|
Darryl asks
"I
have a kitchen cupboard door which has come away with screws from wall,
which is chipboard, so it cannot be screwed back in securely. Can you
someone suggest how to fix it so it will be back to its original state?
Thank you."
|
Do you have the answer?
If
you have a suggestion or idea for Darryl let us know, and we'll publish
your answers in our next newsletter. You'll also be automatically
entered into our Tip of the Week competition, with a one-year
membership to the Cheapskates Club, valued at $29.20, as the prize.
Click here to send your answer
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| | Join the Cheapskates Club
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Join the Cheapskates Club for just $29.20 for
the first year ($18.25 to renew) and get exclusive access to the
Cheapskate Journal, the monthly e-journal that shows you how to cut the
costs of everyday living and still have fun.
Joining the Cheapskates Club gives you 24/7 access to the Members Centre with 1000's of money saving tips and articles.
Join the Cheapskates Club today
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| | Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I change my email address?
This
one is easy. If you area Platinum member login and click on the Edit
Profile button, then on Change Password. If you are a Silver member use
the Change Your Address form (under Customer Service in the menu) and
fill it out. Once you've filled it in click the send button and we'll
do the rest. Please remember to include your old email address so we
can find it in the list as well as the new one.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
When
you login to the Member's Centre you will be told how many days of
membership you have left once you have 30 days left. Just click on the
link to renew and your membership will just continue on, uninterrupted.
What will you do with my email address?
We
never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone for any reason
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result of joining this list.
How Did You Get on Our List?
You
signed up to receive our Free Newsletter at our Cheapskates Journal Web
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The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life debt free,
cashed up and laughing!
Cheapskates Club
PO Box 4232
Ringwood Vic 3134
www.cheapskates.com.au
info@cheapskates.com.au
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