Government & Politics

How do you cut the cost of living?

Government & Politics

Posted by: looklively

7th Apr 2014 12:11pm

With the budget looming and the high chance that we will have less money than before, how will you cut your everyday spending? Give me your top tips. What luxuries will go?

Comments 180

nome0171
  • 18th Jul 2017 06:54pm

Cut extras , then look at shopping. Cutting down on power usage.. sitting in one room with blankets

Goulah
  • 14th Jul 2017 08:26pm

As much as I hate doing it, Day one I have the heater on in the evening, day two I have the heater off in the evening and sit under a rug instead. My electricity bill is much higher than it was this time last year and I cannot afford the heater every day.

Sometimes I only eat once or twice a day instead of three meals.

Gerry1945
  • 25th May 2017 03:59pm

I stock up....peanut butter is 57c 100 then I buy 2 or 3. Canned salmon or tuna 1.00 or 1.50 a can buy 8 0r more. They last for years so smart buying I do a lot.

wendel
  • 25th Mar 2017 12:46pm

Shop at Aldi. Do not go on holiday much, once a year as our annual anniversary treat for a week on the Hervey Bay Coast.

Bazz
  • 7th Mar 2017 09:38pm

Oh? The government want us to accept their austerity policies? Ha ha! Go for more, buy the best you can & brand new from a local physical small business & give more to charity! Austerity is clearly a policy of genocide. None deserve to be in want nor lack. I for one will never support such an agenda, won't vote for it & won't live by it!

Moongold
  • 14th Dec 2016 12:25am

Having been a pensioner now for a few years I've learned just how much money I was wasting when I was earning a wage. I've learned to use my car (i.e. more petrol cost) less - combine several needs to shop or make visits into just one or two all-round trips each week. I've cut back electricity usage by making myself remember to turn off lights when moving through the house and use lamps wherever possible. Although a nuisance, it certainly helps the cost when the energy bills come in! Most nights I have just one small lamp on in my office for computer use. I also use my installed overhead small stove lightbulb rather than turn on the overhead kitchen downlights, which I'm told really burn up energy. I keep a bucket in the shower for wasted cold water that comes through the taps at first when you turn the hot water knob and am finding I actually am enjoying eating more raw salads and fruit and cutting down on using the oven for cooking. In Summer that's not so difficult and the health benefits are of course abundant! Ovens also use more energy than say a sandwich press or toaster, so I try not to use the oven griller much. I don't have luxuries apart from the odd chocolate bar or takeaway pizza, but even chocolate and other bars can be found at the local Salvation Army food outlet each week quite often, come from the supermarkets anyway, and cost nothing. I watch for good-value bargains in everything from food to clothes, but won't buy out-dated food as there's no nutrition left as a rule: I'm now using more vegan recipes and find my health is improving also. In Winter, putting on more clothing layers helps, and sprinkling cayenne pepper into your socks gets the circulation going and heats up the feet very nicely! Sitting in the sun in a wind-protected space also helps keep the blood warm on a sunny day, and is far better than wasting money on heating through the day. I also discovered that buying the 'best' brands of everything is unnecessary - I've found some really good cleaners that replace the costly commercial ones - e.g. I now use cleaning vinegar instead of more expensive (and more chemically unhealthy) products - the vinegar is a great cleaner that you can use on most surfaces (great on car windows, but check that vinegar is okay on tinted ones). It also cuts down on my allergy and asthma attacks! It's all not great, nor easy, but cutting back in any way you can does give you satisfaction to know you're doing your best to live wisely, and it makes you realise how very wasteful "life at its best" can be!

Rabbits1
  • 12th Dec 2016 12:01pm

I always check bargain sites for deals in case I have not seen them and see they are good - ozbargain.com.au and also post deals on there I see first :)

Rabbits1
  • 12th Dec 2016 12:01pm

I always check bargain sites for deals in case I have not seen them and see they are good - ozbargain.com.au and also post deals on there I see first :)

Rabbits1
  • 12th Dec 2016 11:58am

I check all catalogs and junk mail and aim to buy the specials - especially the ones I can see are great value (ie 50% and more off) especially at supermarkets as I like brands.

Mishaman
  • 2nd Dec 2016 09:47am

I find that with the cost of living going up all the time here in Australia, you just cannot afford "any" luxury items and so i only buy what we really need and nothing more as we dont smoke or drink anymore, we stay home most of the time when my wife is not working as we cant afford to go out.

Anonymous
  • 28th Nov 2016 11:11pm

Use piggy banks. And conserve food. Reduce wastes.

CWG
  • 23rd Oct 2016 10:58am

One of the biggest ticket items on weekly expenditure is on foods. To cope with ther rising cost, I reduce eating at restaurant, start more home cooking. Lunch I also started to pack from home and same goes to breakfast. Always included on the chopping board is cutting down movies and live performance.

Mishaman
  • 2nd Oct 2016 06:30am

Hopefully too many items wont go up in price as it is getting harder and harder to buy groceries and they never raise our pension incomes.

jacquiSmith91
  • 30th Jun 2016 11:17am

I stick to a budget of $80 for 2 people n a kitten.
Aldi is best place to shop as the products are awesome n that middle aisle is amazing every week. Lol both partner n I are skinny people so we don't really go without .. We don't drink so that's a massive saving there.

Rabbits1
  • 12th Dec 2016 12:00pm
I stick to a budget of $80 for 2 people n a kitten.
Aldi is best place to shop as the products are awesome n that middle aisle is amazing every week. Lol both partner n I are skinny people so...

Its great being slim and not drinking hey :)

Kisagi
  • 31st May 2016 03:04pm

I aleays buy groceries that are on special. I buy fresh produce and meat at the market. It's a lot cheaper and everything is so much better quality. I use the library instead of buying books and dvds. I go to the movies on cheap Mondays. I don't eat much - good for my health and my budget! I walk a lot, which also helps with health and budget. I rarely eat out.

Tony
  • 28th Aug 2015 02:54pm

Living to a budget would not contribute to the philosophy of 'carpe diem'. Yet how many of us do live for the day? Scrimping here and tucking there with finances is the way low paid workers, pensioners and the unemployed can apply to live these days. If a politician you could dig into the 'travel allowance' allocation or submit claims as an entitlement.

stevet
  • 21st Aug 2015 08:25pm

beer mostly

Zelda
  • 12th Aug 2015 09:33pm

We live in a small unit, which does not get as cold as larger places. We rarely use the heater. Instead, we just put on extra layers of clothing, which works quite well. This saves us heaps on our gas bill.

Hazie
  • 3rd Jul 2015 03:32pm

Depends on the type of lifestyle you lead. First of all,save water and electricity and gas. There is no need to go full on cave man mode and turn everything off, unless you want to. Turn off what you don't need.
Secondly, buy necessities in bulk during sale - I can't remember the last time Mom bought boxes of tissue, toilet paper, shampoos, detergent etc. Baking staples like flour and sugar can be bought in bulk and stored - it'll last a while. With perishable items, buy only what you need but will last you the week.
When shopping, don't use card (I don't, only because I'm not comfortable with them.) Set a budget and only withdraw a set amount for a week or two. Any leftover money by the end of that week can be put away in savings account, or you rollover to the next withdrawal - it will discourage impulse buys. I don't really have much luxuries to let go because I lead a conservative lifestyle with my parents and siblings. We rarely eat out, and when we do it's once every couple of months. When we want to watch a film, we go on the cheaper days when we can, and save for more special occasions - or we go during special occasions. We have treats as well like chocolate and nice candy, but what we do is we keep a stock of them when they're on sale but bring out only one packet when everyone wants one, which is something like once every couple of weeks.

Crapper
  • 16th Apr 2015 06:25pm

Well, under some circumstances, dispensing with a car might be possible, and would be a huge saving.

super88
  • 16th Apr 2015 02:26pm

My resolution for this year was to have a look at my regular bills gas, electricity, health insurance etc when they fall due and then see if I can reduce them by changing supplier.
There are a few websites like iSelect that will do the comparison thing for me, and I have changed electricity and gas suppliers.
Health insurance is a bit of a trick for me to change as I would prefer to deal with a company that has a physical office, this limits my choices (call me old fashioned). So, I've been putting that change off, but health insurance is getting expensive and I'll have to bite the bullet eventually.

aedna
  • 8th Feb 2015 03:06pm

On questions and answers a young man suggested that politicians cut their salaries. It was immediately passed over as "not solving the problem'. But it begs the question why is it all the lower income people have to bear the cost and politicians are exempt. Surely they should play their part also. Why should they be exempt?

aedna
  • 8th Feb 2015 03:00pm

Australia has a small population compared to it's size. Aren't we over-governed. Why don't we just have a federal government and leave the councils to do their job in the local area? That surely would have to have an impact on the budget blowout?

bossn
  • 27th Oct 2014 07:49pm

For the everyday amenities like food, I look for sales. Installed a timer for my electrical appliances so it turns off at a certain time. Shower a whole heap less but do more within that time frame. Grooming products I simply use on important days. Luxuries cut back has been massive and really only do things like clothes shopping on boxing day(shopping sale day)taken up transport instead of taking my car.

kimmaree84
  • 27th Oct 2014 10:18am

We are trying to eat more at home - eating out is a luxury these days so we limit that where we can.
I pack hubby a lunch for work whenever possible so that he doesn't have to buy an expensive lunch out.
We are expecting a baby in January and we plan to use cloth nappies for the baby - both for the environmental impact as well as the cost savings.
I like to do things like this online to earn a bit of extra pocket money too!

krystals1
  • 5th Sep 2014 11:07pm

Lower Taxes to 10% and Reinstate Tarrifs for Australian Businesses and Industries to florish once more.

jjdrer
  • 10th Sep 2014 08:12am
yes, but if you lower taxes to 10% and allow people early access to their superanuation, the money would flow through the economy and we would all have the money to puchase more things and it would...

I don't know if the system still exists but if you have the right type of super a/c,(you can roll it over to one) after you reach 55 y.o. for females (sorry I don't know the age for men) you can get a regular income from it even if you are still working. I don't know if it depends what income you are getting from other sources.

krystals1
  • 9th Sep 2014 07:35pm
The trouble is if we impose tarriffs again a lot of countries will either reduce or stop buying our products. It is only a matter of time before all our motor vehicles will be made overseas....

yes, but if you lower taxes to 10% and allow people early access to their superanuation, the money would flow through the economy and we would all have the money to puchase more things and it would instantly create more jobs in australia - instead of overseas for large conglomerates

jjdrer
  • 9th Sep 2014 09:44am
Lower Taxes to 10% and Reinstate Tarrifs for Australian Businesses and Industries to florish once more.

The trouble is if we impose tarriffs again a lot of countries will either reduce or stop buying our products. It is only a matter of time before all our motor vehicles will be made overseas. Mitsubishi has already gone. Holden, Ford and Toyota have also made their intentions known.
I know of a small business that installs small sheds. It is cheaper for them to import containers of Australian made steel from India including paying the freight etc. than it is to buy it from Australian Distributor. They are able to reduce their prices they charge to the local customers in SA. One of my supervisors from work married the owner and left work a few months later.

kit
  • 31st Aug 2014 03:12pm

Now that I am on aged pension I have so much to consider, I cannot visit my family who are all in other states - letter or emails take place of phone; I purchase almost everything on the specials only; go to a bulk distributor (lots if you go to the commercial ones) and share with friends; limit my car travel (I cannot go on public transport for a variety of physical & mental issues) and put $$ aside each fortnight for all utilities. I do not smoke or drink -except for the odd cider or unless someone buys for me!! I freeze larger meals into small foil containers of 2-4 meals, that I get from Coles or Woolies-with lids to write on. Buy bulk chicken of pork or mince on special and do more bu;k meals. And am a regular shopper at Lifeline, and other secondhand stores....they have so much, a lot is brand new. I even got curtains and new doonas. The only thing I cannot get is shoes - being tall & typical Aussie feet I cannot afford $150+ for any shoes. We are putting a potted garden and an old bath out the back for herbs and veges and compost for this all the time. I take in those less fortunate who are without jobs low income or pensioners and we share it all equally with friends and other family. If you want to you can do anything with very little if you really want to.

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 01:04pm
Now that I am on aged pension I have so much to consider, I cannot visit my family who are all in other states - letter or emails take place of phone; I purchase almost everything on the specials...

I don't know what type of shoes you wear, where you live and the availablity of shops. I used to wear Hush Puppies called Body Shoe or Walker(exactly the same shoe but different name) which are now RRP $150.00. Harris Scarfe sometimes have them on special for $89.00 or $99.00. My problem now is that the latest style Ladies' Shoes including those have narrower toes than they used to and the cramp my toes too close together. I used to wear them to work before I retired. They have changed the style of all Ladies' shoes since then. A friend of mine is having the same problem and managed to find some Mens walkers for casual wear that look as good as Ladies...and the toes are wider....at Spendless Shoes . The Brand is Raider. You can get them with laces or velcro. My friends live in a very stony area (some of them you couldn't see following a bushfire so she was walking on rocks) and she didn't expect the shoes to last long. They are now 8 months old and not showing much sign of wear. She paid about $25.00 for them.They have various brands including their own. I have got Hush Puppies there a few years ago. Another brand of shoe that is very good but it is expensive is New Balance. Apparently they last a long time which means they don't end up being as expensive. Some of the cheaper ones don't last long so over-all you end up spending more on shoes.

connie
  • 6th Aug 2014 02:24pm

buying budget things which are still very good in the supermarket bread is $1 at the supermarkets now

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 12:24pm
buying budget things which are still very good in the supermarket bread is $1 at the supermarkets now

At Coles but where else is there any? Not all people have easy access to a Coles store, especially those who don't drive and the bus that goes near them is a long way from where you live.

jules06
  • 8th Jul 2014 06:35pm

I have nothing extravagant in my life, i do have my beloved animals and i am a very low income earner with very high health needs. I have come to halving my medications that i require so i can cut my $400/mnth medication bill to half. some meds i have had to cease as i cant afford them. I have had to stop a lot of physical therapy to help me get through the day with necrosis in both hips and requiring 2 hip replacements at 45. Myu hips are being dealt with in the private system
I am also going to have to cancel all my insurances the one i will have to keep is medical. I already shop from the special catalogues getting my groceries from 3 different supermarkets. I will also have to begin using the bus to get to the city for hospital appts and o.t for my hand disability and ongoing plastic surgeon appts ready for next reconstructive surgery. This means walking 30mins to the bus with severe hip pain and difficulty walking then the bus in itself is a long and uncomfortable 55min trip to city from home. I am needing to pull the purse strings a lot more so that my animals dont suffer from the budget. at least i may be able to get some food from a charity every now and again if i need to. Have a huge fight on my hands with work cover deciding not to get the required reports agreed at the last case conference. i have at no point been fit for work and they decided on the information in 1 report from their chosen Dr i was apparantly seen as able to work equivalent of 1 days work over a few days each week. I have not been given a chance to work with my rehab worker to attempt to gain this work and out of the blue a letter arrives to say i no longer will receive payments after 13 weeks. with the budget it is doubtful i will even qualify now for disability support pension despite numerous physical disabilities, an aquired brain injury and ptsd from workplace bullying for 5 yrs. What do you do if you are facing the prospects of being unemployable but the government wont support you and you have your income coming to an end because work cover have not fulfilled the agreed processes before reviewing my case.. not much you can do

simla
  • 22nd May 2015 12:54am
I have nothing extravagant in my life, i do have my beloved animals and i am a very low income earner with very high health needs. I have come to halving my medications that i require so i can cut...

Hi Jewels, by the sounds of your condition, you should apply NOW for the Disability Pension. They like to monitor your condition for a period, for me , it was 2 years, to see if treatments they suggest, are working, eg , psychologist. The latest rules seem to me, to be even more fare than previously, where there now is an unbiased doctor assessing your case. See if you can look up the Human Services (CentreLink) Website and look up New Rules For People With Disabilities. You need a report from your specialist, as well as the forms both you and your GP need to fill out. I would get started as soon as you can.

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 12:42pm
I have nothing extravagant in my life, i do have my beloved animals and i am a very low income earner with very high health needs. I have come to halving my medications that i require so i can cut...

Animals are said to be good for your health. Exercising with them helps to reduce your blood pressure, keeps your brain active (or helps). Feeding them healthy food so they don't get sick (watch fat level in them) and immunisations are the expensive parts - but cheaper than bills for illnesses. You need to weigh up which supermarket which has the best specials on goods you normally use. It you have to drive far between them you may be spending in on petrol and wear & tear on your vehicle.
If you do become unemployable get a comprehensive letter from your GP or specialists treating you. Centrelink may help you fight Workcover if you see the right person. Do you have a good relationship with a Case Manager at all in connection to the prsd? Perhaps approach your Member of Parliament for help.

tytenkev
  • 1st Jul 2014 06:48pm

Every one downs tools and march on the parliments and make the changes happen.

lesley
  • 18th Jun 2014 02:07pm

I am on a very tight budget and as a pensioner it is very hard some week's to buy food after all the other things that you have to pay RENTThe one thing that makes me so so angry when i moved to Coffs Harbour i came from Orange as this is where the housing for Mission Australia Housing was built i pay $145.00 a week plus all the other things but i had to pay for moving my stuff have everything put on and NOT ONE PLACE THE SALVOS,ST VINNIES NO ONE would help me with any money or food and i went without for 2 weeks and got sick from it as i only had water to drink and I DO NOT HAVE FAMILY OR FRIENDS my kids live in other states so i would not dear ask my kids to help me out but since living here i have seen the people that walk into these places and get every thing so when you tell me you are doing things tough and may have to give your wine up be blesses that you have it in the first place as i do not drink and do not know how people think that having one drink is not bad well to me i think not the way you do

jjdrer
  • 22nd May 2015 12:08pm
Advance payment is available for all Government Pensioners of up to $1,200 each 6 months. You pay it back at around $95 per fortnight, automatically deducted from your fortnightly pension. New...

You can save a lot of money bvy stocking up on specials and not paying full price unnecessarily. What really peeves me is when you buy something ahead on special and they reduce it even more when you go to do your normal shopping the next time.

simla
  • 22nd May 2015 12:35am
I would have written to my children and explained the situation. They would be horrified to find out how you suffered. Was the expense involved worth the moving?? I know of a couple in SA who pay...

The Centre Link self service line is where i applied for, and was approved for one of the Advance Payment of the maximum $1,200. The self service phone number is 1362400. Very easy and quick service, if you have a CentreLink Customer Number, have it ready when you ring.

simla
  • 22nd May 2015 12:19am
I am on a very tight budget and as a pensioner it is very hard some week's to buy food after all the other things that you have to pay RENTPosted by lesley

Advance payment is available for all Government Pensioners of up to $1,200 each 6 months. You pay it back at around $95 per fortnight, automatically deducted from your fortnightly pension. New Start people can get $500 once a year, on a similar scheme. This helps us all budget, as we then can afford to stock up on essentials that are on special, and take advantage of great savings on things like cooking oil, washing powder, packet and dry food, eg rice, pasta, coffee, tea, milk powder and longlife milk in quantities to last 6 months. Specials saving is around $300 with that $1,200. And you never have a fortnight with nothing to eat, even if it is a bit bland! I keep some of the $1,200 in a separate account for emergencies.

jjdrer
  • 20th Jun 2014 09:45am
I am on a very tight budget and as a pensioner it is very hard some week's to buy food after all the other things that you have to pay RENTPosted by lesley

I would have written to my children and explained the situation. They would be horrified to find out how you suffered. Was the expense involved worth the moving?? I know of a couple in SA who pay their rent and food but take their electricity and gas bills to charities and say they can't afford to pay them. In fact they have the peoples names registered on their books as they know they will come again. Their son who lives with them has an addiction and they actually drive him to the place where he collects them. Did you apply to centrelink for a small advance to buy food? Some churches in country areas help people with food that has been donated. You don't have to be a member or attend their church at all.

maryl1
  • 14th Jun 2014 06:54pm

I live on a bare minimal as it is, so I don't know what Id cut. Probably will just mean even less food in the house and on the table. I don't get any luxuries that I could cut out. Most weeks I have to decide between paying rent, electricity and buying some food to have in the house.

skiiicat2
  • 12th Jun 2014 04:38pm

I buy most things on special in supermarkets and store. I don't smoke, drink or gamble. I only buy clothes or shoes on special or at charity shops. I do my own nails. I don't pay for TV, there is all I need on free to air.

Geiza
  • 11th Jun 2014 10:01pm

Movies, Live Theatre Performances, Eating out, meeting friends in cafés for coffee.

Anonymous
  • 8th Jun 2014 06:24pm

no

Di65
  • 5th Jun 2014 09:24am

With money already being very tight the only thing I can do is cut down on consumables such as food and energy consumption. Forget about going out or going to the doctors, $7 better being spent on food. I thought this was suppose to be the land of plenty!

Anonymous
  • 2nd Jun 2014 06:26pm

I will use left over food more, hair cut will be on my own, less going out and finally say good night to most of the bad habbits.

Brad
  • 28th May 2014 10:44am

Fortunately, the budget won't affect us directly at all. It will impact very negatively on relatives and friends, including my 93 year old mother. Some strategies we have employed, prior to retirement, are still used to keep living costs down. Several you won't be in a position to use. One or two may help:

Use 5% off discount cards at Coles and Woolworths. The RAC and the Entertainment Book will provide access. The savings really add up... .

Double-check your supermarket receipt. At least once each month we find an error... and request and receive the item at no cost. Most supermarkets oblige.

Combine your 5% discounts with 4c Dockets to buy your fuel.
Inflate your tyres to correct pressures while you’re there. You’ll save fuel and tyre wear.

Grow your own veges in tubs, with a drainhole to collect liquid fertiliser below. During winter excess liquid manure can be bottled in plastic containers for summer use.

Use 1.4W LED lights with sensors in hallways and near steps and stairs. Not only do they save money, but they provide security and they operate hands-free... .

If space/zoning permit, keep a couple of chooks. Fresh eggs are bliss... .

Compost all green waste, or feed it to the chooks..

A lemon tree provides some zing to drinking water... and extra protection through winter.

Walk, whenever it’s safe/practical. Cycle paths nearby? Use ‘em.

Buy fruit and veges in season from a Farmers Market. Cheaper and better for you and the environment.

Offer to keep gardens very well-maintained, in exchange for flat rent. Wise lessors will listen and consider your offer... .

Buy an Entertainment Book... and cut many of your outings' cost by 25% - 50%.

Support Good Sammies, Lions and Saint Vinnies. Not only is recycling worthwhile, but bargain-hunting is fun.

Repair items when it’s safe and practical. We still use an electric frypan two decades after its plastic stand snapped off. Its replacement wooden ‘feet’ are an improvement(!)

Buy a battery tester. It has saved us a fortune over the years.

Scan receipts and warranties. Till receipts fade very quickly these days. (Many thanks to the Bunnings employee who gave us that valuable tip!)

Use Skype for all but local calls. We save hundreds of dollars annually using Skype.

If you must use a mobile phone, check out Amaysim’s offers. Again, we save hundreds annually, using their pay-as-you-go offer.

If any of your travel is tax claimable, gmail the details to yourself the same day, using the header ‘Tax Travel # 5’ (or 6, etc.) When it’s time to claim, simply type Tax Travel into search... and your dated journal entries will all be there instantly, to copy-and-paste into one record.

Enjoy wine? So do we... but for the good of your health, have a glass or two every _second_ day. Find you have to drink wine every day? Seek help from your doctor now.

Wine? Sip it _slowly_ (like it's holy... .)

You'll also help protect your liver with a couple of cups of ginger/lemon tea daily. (Wish we could grow ginger in our cool south-west climate!)

_Defend_ the less fortunate in our society. Those of us who have been lucky enough to never need welfare or support shouldn't turn our backs on our less fortunate friends, relatives or neighbours.

simla
  • 21st May 2015 11:54pm
Are the sensor lights you are referring to plugged into the electricity or battery operated. I tried a couple of different ones with LED globes in them that go into a power point. They shut off too...

Garden solar lights are good to bring into the house at night. Also good as night lights in kids / adults bedrooms. Unless there is a need to read or sew or some such, they are enough to see by. They can be placed in such a position during the day to face the sun in the morning, then turned around to the sun again in the afternoon. This way they usually last the whole night.

Brad
  • 8th Sep 2014 01:16pm
Are the sensor lights you are referring to plugged into the electricity or battery operated. I tried a couple of different ones with LED globes in them that go into a power point. They shut off too...

Hi Blossom, these are globes which screw directly into the light socket itself. If you have bayonet fittings, there's a converter (bayonet-to-screw). The sensor globes we use are LED Intelligent Motion Sensor Lamps. I was wrong about the wattage; they're 1.6W. We now have twelve of them in use... by stairs and steps, in the garage, at front and rear entries... and another seven in hallways. We've only had one failure... and Zazz (the supplier) replaced it. We do also have one of the 'power point' types, at the base of a set of steps. It's OK, but not as efficient or cheap-to-run as the Zazz-supplied models. No idea how long these lights will last, but our power bills have dropped considerably. Even better, they allow hands-free movement, when carrying things (including firewood) at night... . Littlies (guests' children) love them. They think they're magic!~ :)

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 12:47pm
Fortunately, the budget won't affect us directly at all. It will impact very negatively on relatives and friends, including my 93 year old mother. Some strategies we have employed, prior to...

Are the sensor lights you are referring to plugged into the electricity or battery operated. I tried a couple of different ones with LED globes in them that go into a power point. They shut off too soon and I don't have enough power points in the right positions to be of assistance. I have a bed lamp that takes 1.4w LED globe that I can put on if necessary. It is in a good position for me to go from my bedroom to the toilet/bathroom, out to the kitchen and check the little ones in the other bedroom.

jjdrer
  • 17th Jun 2014 10:17pm
Fortunately, the budget won't affect us directly at all. It will impact very negatively on relatives and friends, including my 93 year old mother. Some strategies we have employed, prior to...

Beware, some cyclists don't ring their bell to warn you are going to pass. It can give you quite a fright.
Friends of our grew ginger in a jar on an interior bench that gets plenty of light. I don't know if it was in water or what I was.

jjdrer
  • 17th Jun 2014 10:11pm
I wasn't aware of COTA, Blossom. They have quite an impressive site... and I've added their insurance URL to those on our get-a-quote list. Thanks!~

My insurance is with APIA. I got better cover for less cost.

Brad
  • 17th Jun 2014 11:41am
If you are a member of Council of the Aging (COTA) you can purchase come branded gift cards at discounted prices.

I wasn't aware of COTA, Blossom. They have quite an impressive site... and I've added their insurance URL to those on our get-a-quote list. Thanks!~

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 09:01pm
Fortunately, the budget won't affect us directly at all. It will impact very negatively on relatives and friends, including my 93 year old mother. Some strategies we have employed, prior to...

If you are a member of Council of the Aging (COTA) you can purchase come branded gift cards at discounted prices.

natnaemama
  • 24th May 2014 08:20am

Single mother so already on a tight budget.. So thinking I'm going to have to redo a new budget.. A even tighter ( which I never thought could be possible) but with two young children to support going to have to cut in to something.. I already buy all my clothes second hand.. The only ideas I have on the top of my head to try and cut costs is to go over my meal plans and try and make them cheaper and reduce costs with electricity but using things not always needed and turning everything else off at the wall!

chemosa
  • 16th May 2014 03:23pm

Unnecessary luxuries, pleasures substituted with mediocrity.

chemosa
  • 16th May 2014 03:20pm

Travel, extravagances, the normal things.

socker
  • 5th May 2014 08:13am

Sovereign debt crises are invariably the result of private sector credit booms turning to bust. The global financial crisis had little to do with public sector profligacy per se, even if historically high levels of public-sector debt subsequently acted to compromise the fiscal policy response to it.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 08:43pm
Sovereign debt crises are invariably the result of private sector credit booms turning to bust. The global financial crisis had little to do with public sector profligacy per se, even if...

Members of Parliament canteen below cost food and alcohol.
Expensive cars with drivers on stand-by. They should only be used for official Govt. business. That applies to all Govt. cars - not for private use on weekends. You don't expect to have one go "flying" past you when you are driving on the speed limit on a country road - so quick you can't even get part of the rego number. Yes, it happened to somebody I know. You would have needed a powerful Police car to catch up with it.
There is no reason why members of Parliament can't share cars if going to the same place; also going to and from Parlaiment if they live in the same or adjoining areas even if the don't belong to thr same Party.

tytenkev
  • 29th Apr 2014 06:12pm

get rid of thieving lying politicians and public servents

JIBIE
  • 28th Apr 2014 12:48pm

sorry I don't know what budget your referring to as I am on a D.S.P and I am on a stricked budget, hardly unable to afford good food, besides that how dare the government to pay less to those like me who payed there taxes, secondly was it not so that the retired was to allow the young take over as its been that way for decades, abbet needs to try living on the pension so that he gets to know how difficult it really is, in this country that is not a 3erd world country, yet the poor starve , once again the libs get rid of our work force many wioll loose there jobs , my advise to all is start wrighting to our government to show what its doing is WRONG.

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 06:40pm
not so sure to which poor you are referring to, as I don't smoke drink, most of my expense goes into, house maintenance, insurance, public transport which is a joke here, and to cut cost is to buy...

I do but I won't name them for legal reasons. They have 4 children. I know for a fact there was money owing on water rates at one stage because I saw one of the accounts. Their gas was eventually disconnected as they didn't pay their bills.

JIBIE
  • 20th Jun 2014 09:18am
How many of the poor or homeless drink considerable amounts of alcohol ? or smoke ? I know one woman on a disability pension who cries poverty, doesn't pay her bills on time but smokes and goes to...

not so sure to which poor you are referring to, as I don't smoke drink, most of my expense goes into, house maintenance, insurance, public transport which is a joke here, and to cut cost is to buy cheap toilet paper, 2 meals a day at small proportions, yet I see those who say there in poverty buy drugs drink smoke, however I can understand those who smoke as to the edition is very strong, how ever this is not a debate on what we do with our money, its what we do to budget.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 08:30pm
sorry I don't know what budget your referring to as I am on a D.S.P and I am on a stricked budget, hardly unable to afford good food, besides that how dare the government to pay less to those like...

How many of the poor or homeless drink considerable amounts of alcohol ? or smoke ? I know one woman on a disability pension who cries poverty, doesn't pay her bills on time but smokes and goes to bingo every week at a Sports Club every week. Apparently their food is cheap - some meals you can't buy a schnitzel to cook yourself cheaper than a serve of schnitzel, chips and salad or vegetables.
But you can eat at the club as a treat without playing bingo.

Jmac118
  • 27th Apr 2014 11:14am

Living with the necessities mainly with a slight dip into the luxurious side of life. I believe it's all about the balance and how you handle it all. In the end it's all up to yourself.

heeleen
  • 23rd Apr 2014 02:30pm

Gosh I just cant even think what to do as I have already cut down on so much this past year, I have gone from working full time and due to ill health have had to go onto a pension, I hardly drive anywhere, I only eat steak once a fortnight, might go out to dinner somewhere once every few months, buy one or two bottles of wine and make them last two weeks, don't turn my gas heater or air con on unless I am ready to die, buy the cheapest cuts of everything, look for specials everywhere, started growing some of my own veges, I get take away once a month as a splurge, cant remember the last time I brought new clothes or shoes, I do these surveys to get a little extra now and then, don't buy books anymore I go to the library, big presents for family a thing of the past they all get something little now, so the government is going to take even more money off of us, how about they take a pay cut and give some back. Don't know what else I can cut back.

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 06:35pm
Gosh I just cant even think what to do as I have already cut down on so much this past year, I have gone from working full time and due to ill health have had to go onto a pension, I hardly drive...

I have heard two MPs comment about their excessive pay increases. One applied to not get the increase but was refused. He responded by donating part of it to a worthwhile charity - I can't remember which one. Their increases are set by a renumeration tribunal (Govt. run of course) . Another Public Servant (I can't remember whether he was an MP or Judge at the time) was offered a new car. He never drove a car, he rode his bicycle everywhere. He asked for a new bicycle and was refused. I think he may also have been one who donated part of his salary increase to charity. I know he definitely participated in some sponsored fun runs to raise money for charities. One of them was SPELD.

Anonymous
  • 22nd Apr 2014 11:41am

First to go was takeaway when I finished working I December. I just try to but whats on special when doin groceries and try get it delivered so I stay away from shops lol.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 08:23pm
Gosh I just cant even think what to do as I have already cut down on so much this past year, I have gone from working full time and due to ill health have had to go onto a pension, I hardly drive...

How much does it cost for delivery ?

Anonymous
  • 21st Apr 2014 10:31am

In the supermarket I take full advantage of the "unit price" information that is on the shelves below each product. This enables the shopper to make informed decisions as to the price of each product.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 08:57pm
Gosh I just cant even think what to do as I have already cut down on so much this past year, I have gone from working full time and due to ill health have had to go onto a pension, I hardly drive...

Good choice. Often "specials" have higher unit prices than some of the normal brands. Some generic products can save you a lot of money. Some of them also surprisingly have better nutritional values than the more expensive brands. The generic brands are made by companies that make their own label. Some have a different ratio of the same ingredients. e.g. Coles canned beetroot has a lower sugar level than some of the other brands.

Ashar
  • 21st Apr 2014 10:24am

Be frugal and don't spend unnecessarily.

marlu
  • 17th Apr 2014 11:18am

I have cut back on holidays, Spend less on food and groceries, Only consume what we need and throw out less, Try to grow some herbs and vegetables which is healthier, I bulk buy and only go shopping once a fortnight.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 08:18pm
I have cut back on holidays, Spend less on food and groceries, Only consume what we need and throw out less, Try to grow some herbs and vegetables which is healthier, I bulk buy and only go...

I haven't been on a holiday since I had a 2 night stay to go to a wedding 3 1/2 years ago. I stayed at the cheapest motel and took my own breakfast provisions.

sunti
  • 17th Apr 2014 08:50am

1 :by not smoking you save $112 per week ($16 pack *7day)
2 :modern drinking can save $19 PW ( average $31- 12) average beer $40 cartoon/ 24 bottle =$1.6 per bottle *7days= $12
3 :Drive hybrid car save = $34.5 PW (MY TOYOTA Prius 42L -45 last 900 KM 1L=20KM ) AVG KM per week 270KM /20= 13.5L per week : average passenger car 13.5 L per 100KM S0 (13.5/100)*270KM =36.45L per week . 36.44L - 13.5L = 23L ( I save 23L PW) 23L * $1.50 = $34.5

112+19+34.5 == $165.5 PW for NON SMOKING
19+34.5== $53.5 PW for SMOKING

my opinion is reduce takeaway food + soft drink and take way coffee could save $$$ for month. calculate the saving figure and think what can you reward yourself with that amount. oversea Trip every year.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 08:15pm
1 :by not smoking you save $112 per week ($16 pack *7day)
2 :modern drinking can save $19 PW ( average $31- 12) average beer $40 cartoon/ 24 bottle =$1.6 per bottle *7days= $12
3...

I know a lady save for the trip by giving up smoking.
My nephew had a Toyota Prius. He is very tall and had to put the driver's seat almost right back, leaving very little room for a rear passenger's legs. Not suitable for a young family on unemployment if your children are also tall. Fuel Economy was good though. It also had a small boot. Weekly budget shopping and bub's small stroller almost filled the boot. Groceries were packed around gaps in around the stroller.

MAC
  • 16th Apr 2014 02:33pm

I quit smoking 'cold turkey' so that will save me from $25-50 per week.

SStC
  • 16th Apr 2014 08:48am

Meeting friends out for a coffee - have it at each others homes instead.
Think about jumping in the car to go get one item from the shop, get a list instead.
Buy cards from the 'cheap' shops instead of newsagency.

marcus
  • 16th Apr 2014 07:39am

the abbott govt has cut my cost of living already.having an injury which will require surgery with no prospect of getting better puts you in the position of living on newstart with no newstart.luxuries for me are a bottle of coke to watch tv.the budget what a joke i have no budget,i would like to see mr.abbott and mr.hockey living on less than $500 a fortnite.but as always attack the people doing it hard in the plus 50yr old sector and make it harder than it already is,great prospect for the future.i only wish that abbott gvot could supply me with a top your self off pill to get out of this life which is not a life.

Sil sil
  • 15th Apr 2014 10:34pm

We basically do without things we think are essential like, lower mobile plan, no foxtel, make most food at home, don't buy much prepacked food, check more specials & shop from Aldi, sell stuff in good condition on eBay or gumtree, cut back on how freely I use water & electricity, hire a DVD vs going to the cinema, just spending more time out at parks & bike rides, free entertainment with the kids, I just realise how easily an outing can become expensive. You wouldn't think a basic lunch & coffe over 5 days could cost you $75...

b head
  • 15th Apr 2014 10:30pm

Don't eat outside, cook all meals at home.

PGS
  • 15th Apr 2014 06:51pm

Mrs was away for 6 months last year. The electric bill only dropped $40/quarter. Food bill dropped to about $100/month. Still ate well, just not as often.

Dropping the driving speed to 90/kmh or under saves fuel/increases distance per tank.

I stopped buying books years ago, now it is mostly ebooks of the free kind, or I fill in time working on websites or doing free courses online.

Bellajoy
  • 15th Apr 2014 06:23pm

Very interesting question. I've never lived lavishly. The last thing I did was placed a solar roof. Hope of saving electricity.

jillbriar
  • 15th Apr 2014 05:37pm

cost of petrol is high so need to get a smaller car, insurance premiums are rising will go without takeaway food

Lesliei19
  • 15th Apr 2014 04:47pm

Keeping eye on electricity and water consumptions and also cutting down on luxury items including petrol and Diesel.

Anonymous
  • 15th Apr 2014 04:21pm

Catch public transport to work or shopping. Cut down on family outings like movies, picnics, etc.

mazzab2003
  • 14th Apr 2014 02:44pm

We are both aged pensioners, in a rented house, for which the rent comes out of hubby's pension. Every Pension Day, we each pay $25.00 on our electricity account, $25.00 on our Phone / Internet account and $15.00 on our individual mobile phone accounts.. We have not had to pay any of these bills for the past few years, as every time they are due, they have already been paid. We fill the car with petrol, do our grocery shopping, a lot of which is "Generic" brands, go to the butcher for our meat (it's cheaper and better then the supermarkets), then the local fruit market for fruit and veg (again, cheaper and better). We have lunch out 1 day per week at our local club (Seniors discount is more that club discount on certain days).. What money is left, if any, is a bonus that we save for Birthdays, Christmas etc.

ozziedigger
  • 15th Apr 2014 05:13pm
We are both aged pensioners, in a rented house, for which the rent comes out of hubby's pension. Every Pension Day, we each pay $25.00 on our electricity account, $25.00 on our Phone / Internet...

My wife and i are with you Mazzab,pretty much the same, I can`t see an end to it either .The powers that be seem intent on keeping it this way too . Methusela said,some thousands of years ago "the rich get richer and the poor get to die earlier" or something like that . Was it Cromwell said "enough of this crap, i`m going to do something about it "
I don`t think i`ll see it happen again--,but my son will.

Mandalee
  • 13th Apr 2014 02:50pm

Look for cheap stuff stay smart about electrisaty basicly do everything posses able to stay up with the prices as the harder we work we never seem to go anywhere what is wrong with our system

Wayne Tai
  • 12th Apr 2014 04:54pm

I intent to cut down the number of visit to sport complex/week, save a fair amount on petrol

lesley
  • 11th Apr 2014 03:35pm

As i live on a Dissabilaty Pension it is all ready hard to live when you pay rent and i live in Gov Housing and i still pay $180.00 per week then you have elec,water,mobile phone i do not have a home phone and my intarnet is a usb stick that is pre paid so then after all this i have my medic things like pills and getting to and from the Doctors with Taxi's as i have no family and no friends to ask then when you buy your food you have nothing left till it goes to 2 weeks and the same thing again so may be the people that run this place walk in our shoes for just one day they would not sit and judge us

fergan59
  • 7th Jul 2016 08:08pm
Have you spoken to your Dr. about applying for the service where you get Govt,subsidised taxi fares. I can't remember the name of it. Depending on the severity of your disability you may qualify....

If you dont use your mobile much for calls you could switch to PAYG(pay as you go) that way you only pay for the calls you make. If your home phone is with telsttra, you can get a $3 credit for calls every month too.

jjdrer
  • 22nd May 2015 11:58am
As i live on a Dissabilaty Pension it is all ready hard to live when you pay rent and i live in Gov Housing and i still pay $180.00 per week then you have elec,water,mobile phone i do not have a...

Did the Dr. help you apply for discounted taxi fares? I agree with you that medication is expensive if you have a lot. I know a person with several disabilities who is allergic to a lot of medications. A few months ago the only effective medication they thought she wasn't allergic to wasn't on the PBS. It was aver $60.00 for a month's supply. It upset her stomach so much that she was really ill and had to go to hospital.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 08:01pm
As i live on a Dissabilaty Pension it is all ready hard to live when you pay rent and i live in Gov Housing and i still pay $180.00 per week then you have elec,water,mobile phone i do not have a...

Have you spoken to your Dr. about applying for the service where you get Govt,subsidised taxi fares. I can't remember the name of it. Depending on the severity of your disability you may qualify. That way you pay half fare. You obviously have a mobile phone to call a taxi - or do you have another method. My internet and landline combined costs me $50.00 a month + calls. The highest bill I have had is $52.00 and that included an STD call in an emergency situation. I put $30.00 in my Mobile Phone every 2 months. If I recharge just before the 60 days whatever balance I have is rolled over. A couple of times I have cxontacted them and only put $20.00 in it. I get quite a few free calls and texts to people using the same network. Or I can change to a different option and pay a mininum amount, get no freebies, and only re-charge within 365 days or sooner if I need to.

ezraly101
  • 11th Apr 2014 08:55am

Unfortunatly most luxuries will go as I have 4 kids and slot of expenses. Holidays and childcare will have to be cut back . Buying food in bulkis always good . And buying cloths on sales .

squijeelulu
  • 11th Apr 2014 06:20am

Luxuries!!!!????? What are they?! I've already sacrificed food so that I can pay my electricity, water, gas, telephone, water rates, concil rates and petrol, all of which, BTW are TAXED!!!! WTH are our taxes paying for under THIS government?!!!!!!
Does anyone here pay off their motgage in full, meanwhile going without anything else in life just so they can boast that they no longer are in debt?! This government has provided a falacious argument to justify cutting costs which BTW are an expenditure for services that Mr. And Mrs. average could NOT afford to pay for on an individual basis, such as HOSPITALS and SCHOOLS, for instance, let alone the military or a police service or the courts to name a few!!!

squijeelulu
  • 10th Sep 2014 06:12am
Where do they spend it? They don't help Royal Society for the Blind, Guide Dogs SA/NT and a good many medical based organizations yet they refer members of general public to them for help and...

The Government does not help the deaf either, and in fact the deaf school is in real need of assistance.

jjdrer
  • 9th Sep 2014 05:39pm
Luxuries!!!!????? What are they?! I've already sacrificed food so that I can pay my electricity, water, gas, telephone, water rates, concil rates and petrol, all of which, BTW are TAXED!!!! WTH are...

Where do they spend it? They don't help Royal Society for the Blind, Guide Dogs SA/NT and a good many medical based organizations yet they refer members of general public to them for help and advice. They rely solely on corporate sponsorship + donations of goods and cash from companies and the general public.
There are plenty of luxury interests etc. that should stand on their own two feet so that worthwhile charitable organizations can do the work they need to benefit those who genuinely need it. A Guide Dog costs approx $25,000 by the time it is ready to match with a suitable person bearing in mind that dogs have their own personalities too. Companies supply food, dog beds, grooming gear and lots of other necessities. The dogs are constantly vet checked, vaccinated, wormed etc. They are also Xrayed to make sure there is no risk of hip dysplacia or of any pups inheriting the problem. To avoid interbreeding records are kept on all litters of pups including all "relatives". Sometimes the only safe way is to send a dog insterstate. For about 12 months a puppy lives with a voluntary trainer called a puppy educator. It is hard work and very time consuming. They have to cared for by them. taken to work with them, taught to do their toileting on command, trained how to get in and out of cars - on the front floor on the passenger's side - that is the safest place for them. If a driver has to brake suddenly they cannot suddenly be a "flying" missile. A dog has to learn that when he/she has the special coat on that they are working, not just doing what they feel like doing or going. It is very important that other people do not pat or make too much fuss of a dog wearing its coat so as not to cause distraction. I personally know a family that are puppy educators. At the next stage of training they have to be taught how to get on and off public transport, adjust to wearing a harness, not just a coat, collar and lead.

Pellier
  • 10th Apr 2014 03:24pm

I do not think that I am able to cut back as I have been pretty thrifty since the company I worked for went into receivership .

astarte50
  • 10th Apr 2014 03:22pm

I have already cut my budget by dropping some insurance and rearranging other debts. The only area I have any room to make more cuts is my food budget so I guess I will have to eat less.

ivory
  • 10th Apr 2014 12:26pm

I budget. I am on a super pension and know what will come in each fortnight. So I know I can't spend more than I have coming in. When it's gone I need to stop spending until my pension comes in again. It's as simple as that! Luxuries that may need some curtailing are: cinema outings, petrol consumption, eating out, overseas holidays, other holidays, museum visits, Xmas gifts, birthday gifts, heating may have to give way to wearing an extra jumper, shower in place of long baths, turning lights and power points off if not in use. I am already using power saver lighting. Staying home more saves a lot of money too as you are not tempted to buy things you don't really need. Don't waste any food is another great way of saving or try growing some of your own food! A few chickens in your back yard will keep you in eggs too.

ivory
  • 10th Sep 2014 01:21pm
I live in the metro area and we had hens. They could go in their large yard during the day but we had a large garden shed we locked them in at night because of predators.
The shed had proper...

How interesting to hear all of this! The cannibal hens are a mystery. We collect cuttlefish bones and dad washes these and grinds it as well as washing and grinding their eggs shells to powder to add back into their food to keep their shells hard. He buys organic grains for them to eat. He has had two lots before this and they did not have this problem. All were treated the same. He puts Epsom salts into the water too. I think that helps to keep any diseases at bay. They are let out of their coops early each morning into a run and are freed every afternoon to eat bugs, worms and have sand baths etc. I looked it up on the net and they think it is because they aren't raised by their mothers. So they are missing some of the teachings from mum. Dad rehoused one pecked one with the two that were left but it and one of the others killed the third one. I wouldn't know how to keep ants out of fruit, they have the advantage of being so small. The trick is growing what animals don't really go for. Wallabies, possums,, birds, fruit bats etc all get very desperate if the weather has been dry for a long time or in Winter.Rhubarb and rocket they seem to leave in peace. Even my choco didn't do well as tiny little birds just ate whatever part of the vine passed the top of the fence. Not one choco! Another thing I do at times is actually eat edible weeds. You can look up what is edible on the net. Make sure it hasn't been sprayed! It's also fun foraging for weeds and soon you will know what is available in the different seasons. The blue flowers from the borage plants liven up the look of any salad.

jjdrer
  • 9th Sep 2014 05:14pm
For sure! No roosters here. We live in a rural area. I do hear a rooster in the distance at times but that is what rural living is all about. Unfortunately the hens have become cannibal and there's...

I live in the metro area and we had hens. They could go in their large yard during the day but we had a large garden shed we locked them in at night because of predators.
The shed had proper roosts, and nests and the door was open all day regardless of the weather to allow them freedom and to eat grasses etc. they would eat if wild.
A neighbour spotted a crow flying over the side fence with an egg in its mouth. Mum thought to herself that the neighbour until she saw it herself. We have no idea how many eggs the crow stole on a daily basis but the supply in the nest seemed to be more missing on some days than others......We actually had 2 sheds and 2 yards. Dad discovered that one of the sheds got the hot afternoon sun in for too long in Summer which was too hot for the hens to go into to lay their eggs. It also gave them dfifferent soil to scratch about in. Our sheds were cleaned out at least once every week and the shellgrit in their nests changed. If your hens have become cannibal I wonder if they have a defficiency of something.
Ants actually ate tiny holes in our stone fruit before it was ripe. We would pick one and suddenly our hands would be covered in ants. They did the same with tomatoes. They "stole" our carrot seeds from in the soil. Yes, we knelt on the cement path next to where they were planted and watched them. Fruit Rats attacked our Citrus Fruit and tomatoes. They never ate a whole one -we knew exactly whow many were on the tree when the supply dwindled to just a few - they just bit big pieces out of them.

ivory
  • 9th Sep 2014 03:26pm
If you have any extra blankets (even if they are thin) or sheets put one of them over you when you are sitting down. They help you to retain your body heat. You can put a T-shirt (short sleeved or...

What clever ideas! I used to have a spencer! I do often layer upon layer of clothing. More layers as it gets cold and these can easily be taken off layer by layer as it warms up. I've found that socks really keep me warm on my feet and a coat is great for the top half! When I do yoga I put a blanket over me in the relaxation part! It really works well for me. Second hand clothes shops are great for getting T shirts and a lot of them are new too!

jjdrer
  • 9th Sep 2014 09:31am
I budget. I am on a super pension and know what will come in each fortnight. So I know I can't spend more than I have coming in. When it's gone I need to stop spending until my pension comes in...

If you have any extra blankets (even if they are thin) or sheets put one of them over you when you are sitting down. They help you to retain your body heat. You can put a T-shirt (short sleeved or long) under your other clothes too. They occasionlly have them on special for about $8.00 but you will feel better healthwise. Some ladies wear spencers which from memory are dearer than T-Shirts and they are a lot shorter so you get less warmth from them.

ivory
  • 9th Sep 2014 08:07am
When buyin g them make sure they don't sell you any roosters. Not only will there be no eggs, in some council areas they are banned. I have to admit we are glad about that. A few years ago we had a...

For sure! No roosters here. We live in a rural area. I do hear a rooster in the distance at times but that is what rural living is all about. Unfortunately the hens have become cannibal and there's not too many left. That reduces the egg supply too! Luckily we have a friend who sends us some! We like to grow some things but the bush creatures seem hungry for them too! There is a lot of competition out there! Especially cockatoos will wreck all your citrus fruits just before they are ripe just to pick the seeds out of them. Netting is a must!

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 06:17pm
I budget. I am on a super pension and know what will come in each fortnight. So I know I can't spend more than I have coming in. When it's gone I need to stop spending until my pension comes in...

When buyin g them make sure they don't sell you any roosters. Not only will there be no eggs, in some council areas they are banned. I have to admit we are glad about that. A few years ago we had a neighbour who had not one but three roosters. In the warm weather they would sometimes start crowing in the middle of the night. Somebody in the next street must had reported it to the council because they seemed to gradually stop.

lyne
  • 10th Apr 2014 10:24am

We are lucky enough to have a garden so we grow our own vegetables. This means we always have something from the garden to eat. I make soups with the vegetables, buy cheaper cuts of meats to slow cook caseroles. Any left overs from the caseroles are made into meat pies in my pie maker. I just use bought puff pastry to make it easier. These pies freeze well too. I tend to do a big cook up of main meals once a week and freeze most of it. Saves on electricity and is a real bonus when you are time poor to pull a meal out of the freezer.

cazzie
  • 10th Apr 2014 08:08am

To cut the cost of living I bring my solar lights inside of a night its just enough light for the night I have one in the kitchen, lounge and bedroom no lights on of a night.Also have an open fire which I collect from factory off cuts of hardwood also collect wood (logs) from where ever and whenever I can. I don"t shower every day just every 2nd day and then just a short one. When baking I do this all in one day so the oven just gets heated up once. Luxuries to go there are none I live a very simple life.

clarkey05
  • 10th Apr 2014 07:59am

I have already noticed that the shopping trolley is not getting as full for $150 as it used to, now costing $160 to $170 for the same/similar stuff.
So for basics like meat and veg's I go to Aldi. The other things Aldi don't have I get from Safeway or Coles. Can save $20 to $30 per shop.
Shop around for car and home insurance all so medical insurance. Surprising what you can find cheaper. If you have time.
I also buy razor blades and small things like that online. Kogan is good for cheap online stuff.
Chocolate etc has now become a treat like when I was a kid. Only buy every now and then. On long trips in the car I put the cruise control on and set it 5 k below the speed limit, makes a big difference and you never get busted for speeding. Vinnies get some good used clothing as well if you aren't in the fashion stakes.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 07:44pm
I have already noticed that the shopping trolley is not getting as full for $150 as it used to, now costing $160 to $170 for the same/similar stuff.
So for basics like meat and veg's I go to...

Some Red Cross Op Shops have excellent quality pre-loved clothing, books etc.
I have actually found clothes with the original retail store ticket on them and bought them at a fracton of the new price. They have clothing for all age groups. A lot of it looks as it is new, If it's not it definitely hasn't had much wear. One shopping centre in metro Adelaide has both a Vinnies and a Red Cross. They both had excellent quality clothing. One of my neighbours where I used to live wanted a new outfit for a special occasion for one of her daughters. For the price of the dress at a Retail Discount Store she got the same dress for one girl, and outfits for the other 2 girls, all in as new condition.

jjdrer
  • 14th Apr 2014 01:36pm
I also grow my own herbs and some veggies.

When we lived on a large block I grew our own vegetables.
Carrots, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Broccoli in the cool months. I tried to grow peas but they attacked by "pests" and nothing grew large enough to pick - sometimes didn't reach height to do so.
Tomatoes, another batch of cabbages, zucchini and beans in the warmer months
Over the the space of 50 + years we had 2 apricot trees, 2 peach trees (a bad storm ruined one tree beyond "repair" but we did manage to save some of the current crop that was not quite ripe and put them on wooden trays with airholes in the bottom to ripen inside), 1 white flesh nectarine tree, 2 orange trees and 2 almond trees (1 was self sown). The fruit on one branch of the nectarine tree had a "fizzy" taste - everybody noticed. Dad cut that branch off in case it had a disease in it. The rest of the fruit was perfect. It had an abundance of fruit one year and very little the next. Pruning made no difference. My Auntie had a plum tree the same. My Uncle was sick for a couple of years before he passed away and the tree didn't get pruned at all. You couldn't reach the bulk of the fruit. My Auntie had the tree pruned back hard so the fruit was reachable by ladder in safety and was warned it may not produce any or maybe have very little fruit on it that year. Wrong!! It was loaded. Surplus fruit and vegetables were "exchanged"
Our parents helped each other make jam, sauce and chutney in bulk. The jam was 12 lb. fruit to 9 lb of sugar not equal parts. You don't need more sugar than that. Some fruit such as figs need less as they are very sweet.
Our neighbours grew different vegetables to us and we always shared the surplus. I had success with carrots and cauliflowers. He had success with broccoli and capsicums.

clarkey05
  • 10th Apr 2014 08:04am
I have already noticed that the shopping trolley is not getting as full for $150 as it used to, now costing $160 to $170 for the same/similar stuff.
So for basics like meat and veg's I go to...

I also grow my own herbs and some veggies.

brett
  • 9th Apr 2014 10:33pm

Very good question just need to look at all things starting with maybe locking in some contracts phone, electricity, gas etc

GAK
  • 9th Apr 2014 10:30pm

I am always in a situation where I have to look at living cost cuts. It"s hard to do at times but I believe and it does work, if you pay your bills first, eat second you will be able to work out what you are then able to cut down on.

victory
  • 9th Apr 2014 09:29pm

Not able to save very much being on a disability pens I will probably give up my coffee outing and take a thermos instead a saving of $4.50

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 06:11pm
Not able to save very much being on a disability pens I will probably give up my coffee outing and take a thermos instead a saving of $4.50

I save pop-top bottles that other people's kids leave here, wash them thoroughly put a line through the barcode with a marker so I can't be accused of stealing it, (best is a waterproof one), re-fill it with water and keep it in the fridge. It is small enough to put in your handbag if it is big enough or a jacket pocket. You don't have to look for a shop and join a queue.

Shennae
  • 17th Apr 2014 01:48am
Not able to save very much being on a disability pens I will probably give up my coffee outing and take a thermos instead a saving of $4.50

i don't drink coffee very often, only if i go shopping for a few hours, i can't lug a thermos with me given I'm so clumsy I'll drop it.

a1
  • 9th Apr 2014 05:24pm

treats for the grands as on a pension and less money with increased costs

jjdrer
  • 9th Apr 2014 09:18pm
treats for the grands as on a pension and less money with increased costs

My treats are more practical than many give. They both love Yoghurt so I always buy extra when I know they are coming especially if they are having a sleepover or a couple of days holiday with me. They drink water.....milk if they ask for it. They both prefer weetbix for breakfast, occasionally they ask for toast. The little one also loves bananas and apples. Over-ripe bananas can be peeled and frozen, then slghtly thawed. It tastes like banana icecream. They can also be used for banana cake when completely thawed.

Rustypup
  • 9th Apr 2014 05:01pm

We have started going to the local market for fruit & veges and the savings are very good, plus the produce is better. Should have gone years ago

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 07:33pm
We have started going to the local market for fruit & veges and the savings are very good, plus the produce is better. Should have gone years ago

We recently got a market with F&V. I missed the opening but I was told by several neighbours, each at different times and locations that the food was no fresher that the shops and was more expensive too.

koko
  • 9th Apr 2014 04:48pm

I would stick on my budget of the shopping list , less eating out and cut down the entertainment.

Hartmut
  • 9th Apr 2014 04:40pm

Well, for one thing ( to cut energy costs) there is no need to shower every day.
In general, just limit your 'normal' behavior, like instead of going to to the Cinema two times a month, go only one time.

Shennae
  • 17th Apr 2014 01:43am
You go to the cinema twice a month? Cinemas are lucky if I see the inside once in 3 years. There really aren't that many movies worth spending that much on.

i haven't been to the cinema since Walking With Dinosaurs was showing. I missed Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 :( I don't want to miss the Lego Movie or Mr Peabody and Sherman though!

Hartmut
  • 15th Apr 2014 07:59pm
You go to the cinema twice a month? Cinemas are lucky if I see the inside once in 3 years. There really aren't that many movies worth spending that much on.

No,I do not go to the Cinema twice a month.
I used it merely to say that you do not have to cut out anything, only to modify your actions to save.

PGS
  • 15th Apr 2014 06:44pm
Well, for one thing ( to cut energy costs) there is no need to shower every day.
In general, just limit your 'normal' behavior, like instead of going to to the Cinema two times a month, go...

You go to the cinema twice a month? Cinemas are lucky if I see the inside once in 3 years. There really aren't that many movies worth spending that much on.

Hartmut
  • 14th Apr 2014 12:36pm
Well said. The only time I shower every day is in the very hot weather when I have had to go out food shopping (on Community Bus I don't drive for medical reasons) or to an appt., got too hot and...

Well Blossom you seem to have everything well and truly under control.
Soldier On ! :-)

jjdrer
  • 14th Apr 2014 09:46am
Well, for one thing ( to cut energy costs) there is no need to shower every day.
In general, just limit your 'normal' behavior, like instead of going to to the Cinema two times a month, go...

Well said. The only time I shower every day is in the very hot weather when I have had to go out food shopping (on Community Bus I don't drive for medical reasons) or to an appt., got too hot and need to cool down or I get very lightheaded for 2-3 hours. I just sponge wash "hygiene areas" every day.
I very rarely ever go to the Cinema. I think I have been twice in about 40 years.
I only eat out once a month with the Village Social Club and I mostly choose from the Seniors menu. That is my one luxury and I enjoy it. It encourages us to meet up with residents who don't attend some of the in-house activities

Ziah
  • 9th Apr 2014 04:31pm

Just over a year ago we changed our hot water from gas to gas boosted solar and went from barely covering the cost putting $30/ftn into the account to having a massive credit and only paying in $10/ftn. I am about to drop it to $10 a month. All our lights are now LED and saving us a small amount (about $100/year). With looming increases and cuts to tax rebates and the like, we just tighten the belt a notch by making one large chicken breast do two people, not buying steak except on special occasions, going meat free twice a week or more, making every meal at home except for really special occasions once or twice a year, and using survey rewards to get supermarket gift cards instead of more frivolous rewards. We don't drink alcohol, we've never smoked, we don't buy soft drink or many snack foods at all. I shop at the local growers' market and get the not-so-pretty-but-still-healthy fruit and veg cheaper and fresher than any supermarket. I plan menus around what is cheap and in season locally, and no imported produce. Every little bit helps

jjdrer
  • 9th Apr 2014 08:55pm
Just over a year ago we changed our hot water from gas to gas boosted solar and went from barely covering the cost putting $30/ftn into the account to having a massive credit and only paying in...

I pay more for my Gas Supply fee than I ever pay for my Gas Usage. That happened even before I moved house from one that had gas hot water and stove.
My electricity bill was higher as the stove is entirely electric and due to long heatwaves hotter than previous years I did use my airconditioner more. THe hot weather makes me feel light headed so I do need to use it. The sun hits the back wall from mid morning until sunset and is attached to the back fence with no buildings behind at the moment. It is also brick veneer which heats quicker than solid brick. I run it at 25 or 26 degrees centigrade which means less electricity used than a lot of people do. I never leave TVs etc. on standby.

Padhu
  • 9th Apr 2014 04:14pm

I cut of the unnecessary things which is meant for high standard of living and high life style

Francesgarnham
  • 8th Apr 2014 08:21am

Being a dental hygienist I would imagine health and education wil go first.

jjdrer
  • 14th Apr 2014 01:59pm
Being a dental hygienist I would imagine health and education wil go first.

Dental has already been removed from the treatment entitlement list of General Practice Management Plan for patients for multiple illnesses. It was removed in 2012. They will cut health by closing wards, postponing outpatient appts. and elective surgery. Some private hospitals have empty wards. One had a whole floor empty in the early stages. Medical cuts often means less Medicare % of increased Dr's fees so patients don't go until they are desperate. That often results in extra medication needed or hospital stays. Some can't afford the nedication and suffer instead.
Education - class are gradually increasing in numbers again to what they used to be in the late 1950s and 1960s - up to 40 in a class. They are also combining 2 grades in 1 classroom. e.g. a group of year 2 students may be in with a group of year 3. It is hard to concentrate for your year 2 work when the teacher is talking to year 3 students (then your child may lacks concentration written in report card)

breakingsad
  • 8th Apr 2014 05:16am

I buy food in bulk and turn off switches at the wall.
saves a fair amount, but I also don't buy clothes locally, I buy online with sales ect.

Shennae
  • 14th Apr 2014 02:57am
How do you get on if the clothes don't fit when you get them?? You can buy to different brands which should be the same / right size. We once bought 2 pairs of trackpants. The "smaller size"...

I try clothes on in store then buy them cheaper online.

jjdrer
  • 9th Apr 2014 08:42pm
I buy food in bulk and turn off switches at the wall.
saves a fair amount, but I also don't buy clothes locally, I buy online with sales ect.

How do you get on if the clothes don't fit when you get them?? You can buy to different brands which should be the same / right size. We once bought 2 pairs of trackpants. The "smaller size" according to the size label was in fact longer than the "larger size" label. Are they really cheaper and as a good quality (often from overseas) after you have paid freight?

Shennae
  • 7th Apr 2014 10:02pm

I use my sister's Coles discount card when buying groceries and when I buy clothing from Target. I don't buy magazines, sweets, etc very often these days. Instead of wasting money on magazines for the toilet (Ihave bowel issues that means I spend a lot of time in there) that will not be read again after a while, I go to the travel agency and collect travel brochures. they are free so it doesn't matter if i get bored with them or they suck, they just go in the recycle box anyway. I buy from op shops wherever I can, I buy the more expensive fruits like blueberries and raspberries in tins if possible, half a watermelon is cheaper than a container of watermelon pieces and I switched from prepaid phone and internet service to fixed. I'pay $97 a month, where I used to pay over $200 because I was buying $100 credit a fortnight.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 07:21pm
I use my sister's Coles discount card when buying groceries and when I buy clothing from Target. I don't buy magazines, sweets, etc very often these days. Instead of wasting money on magazines for...

You must have been using your mobile phone a lot and not been with the same provider as any of your relatives or friends. I use the same provider as relatives of mine and that keeps my bill down considerably. On average I recharge mine every 60 days (as per choice of plan I chose) with $30.00.
My landline and Internet combined is $50.00 a month. The bill often is no more than $52.00 a month even if I make a couple of STD calls to a relative who has been sick. You either use the internet a lot or your provider, like many of them is pretty expensive.

Shennae
  • 17th Apr 2014 01:40am
Consider a cheap android tablet. There are plenty of sites you can get free e-books from, along with the free games. Anything to fill that time.

I already have a tablet but I am not taking that in to the loo with me! Knowing my luck it'll end up in a pile of poop.

PGS
  • 15th Apr 2014 06:40pm
I use my sister's Coles discount card when buying groceries and when I buy clothing from Target. I don't buy magazines, sweets, etc very often these days. Instead of wasting money on magazines for...

Consider a cheap android tablet. There are plenty of sites you can get free e-books from, along with the free games. Anything to fill that time.

Shennae
  • 14th Apr 2014 02:55am
I pay $65.00 month for internet, landline and phone calls. I have eldery relatives in the country area , one of whom has health issues and I ring them one a month during off peak rate time.. I...

I found that prepaid was too expensive for me, cheaper to pay a fixed sum than freak out that I need $30 credit when I can't afford it. I do not buy animal products at all. Fresh food is often cheaper than frozen or canned but sometimes canned or frozen is the best option. You should sign up for YarnSwap on reddit, you can trade yarn you don't like for stuff other people don't like but you might. I knit whenever there's a baby on the way for a family friend or relative or there's a birthday coming up.

jjdrer
  • 9th Apr 2014 08:37pm
I use my sister's Coles discount card when buying groceries and when I buy clothing from Target. I don't buy magazines, sweets, etc very often these days. Instead of wasting money on magazines for...

I pay $65.00 month for internet, landline and phone calls. I have eldery relatives in the country area , one of whom has health issues and I ring them one a month during off peak rate time.. I pay $30.00 very 60days for my prepaid mobile. If I have any credit left it rolls over provided it top it up just before the due date. I borrow books from a library and read a magazine while waiting for a GP appt. Cakes and Lollies are a rare treat. I buy meat, most chicken breast or thigh (by the time you remove the bones of cheaper per kg. is no cheaper, sometimes even more expensive). I usually combine it and vegetables as a stew or casserole. I buy generic brand grain bread and freeze it., sometimes low date, I often toast it anyway. I buy sliced meat for sandwiches, usually one of the cheaper ones that I know always tasted very nice. I get it cut a different thickness. That way I know It hasn't been cut late the previous day. Properly refrigerated it is still good in 5 - 6 days. Food and clothing I watch for specials. I go to the local Op. shop but I can rarely find what I need. I inherited long arms and legs, making it difficult to get clothes long enough without being too wide.
A few years ago Mum and I bought a lot if knitting yarn. I am knitting trauma teddies to donate to the South Australian Ambulance Service and the Womens and Childrens Hospital. They use them to pacify babies/toddlers whose parents didn't have time to grab toys for their little one to cuddle. They also keep little fingers busy, making it easier for them to give treatment.
.

Anonymous
  • 7th Apr 2014 07:28pm

I don't cut any more waste I am on a limited imcome

kfactor
  • 7th Apr 2014 07:03pm

My husband and I only live on one income due to my health issues. With tougher budget cuts, we try to save on things like only going out to dinner for an occasion, we haven't been to the movies in years, and seriously keeping an eye on what we spend. The one luxury I wish he could give up is smoking - $108 a week!!! What I could do with that.

Yellow-sun
  • 18th Aug 2016 09:51am
My husband and I only live on one income due to my health issues. With tougher budget cuts, we try to save on things like only going out to dinner for an occasion, we haven't been to the movies in...

We are also on one income with two teenagers. I found a budget app and have been using that for the past year.
I have also changed the way we pay our bills. They are direct debited and this helps with the monthly budgeting as you know what is coming out. Even our council has offered monthly rates payments. With you health issues you may be entitled to a companion card. I have one and it allows my companion to get into events for free. Check it out. This enables us to go to the movies once ever two months.

archer
  • 28th Apr 2016 03:27pm
If you have a concession it helps reduce the cost With a concession at Wallis Cinemas then they offer concessions>Tuesdays is cheap day for all. I only live one income too and it is hard It must...

I always look for specials what I will be cutting back on is clothes.MY husband and I have just recently started going out to dinner occasionally due to my illness reply from archer

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 07:15pm
My husband and I only live on one income due to my health issues. With tougher budget cuts, we try to save on things like only going out to dinner for an occasion, we haven't been to the movies in...

Until recently I hadn't been to the movies for about 35 years when Mum and I went to see Benji at a cinema that was within walking distance. It is cheaper in many cases to wait a few months until it comes out on DVD. There are very few homes that don't have a TV and a cheap DVD player.
A friend of ours was a heavy smoker but her husband didn't. The money she had previously spent on cigarettes she put aside. They were able to have a bidget priced weekend away, the first in many years.

marlu
  • 17th Apr 2014 11:38am
My husband and I only live on one income due to my health issues. With tougher budget cuts, we try to save on things like only going out to dinner for an occasion, we haven't been to the movies in...

If you have a concession it helps reduce the cost With a concession at Wallis Cinemas then they offer concessions>Tuesdays is cheap day for all. I only live one income too and it is hard It must be hard to give up smoking Have you tried to tell your husband how much money you could save and how many years he can add on to his life if he gave up smoking

jneen
  • 7th Apr 2014 06:44pm

Be smart about your shopping.The big supermarkets regularly thoughout the day/week reduce their prices, especially on fresh meat/vege. Be aware of the cycle and you can really save. Last week I got a tray of 6 pieces of scotch fillet reduced from almost $30.00 to $6.00. Worth it even if you have to go to the shops a bit later in the evening.

jjdrer
  • 22nd May 2015 11:41am
My husband and I only live on one income due to my health issues. With tougher budget cuts, we try to save on things like only going out to dinner for an occasion, we haven't been to the movies in...

I shop at Coles as it is withing walking distance. Their cheap meat is usually on top or a different stack. Often there I can save over $2.00 depending on the weight and original price. However I still check the original price as some cuts are expensive even at lower price.

Anonymous
  • 16th Jun 2014 05:29pm
They also reduce bakery items. They have specials that aren't advertised.
When you spot advertised specials some shops don't continue to advertise them so check to see if they have dates in...

I lift up the meat in Woolworths and dont take from the top- you can saver even up to $1 cheaper by getting one underneath the pile. I am unemployed but need meat b/c of my iron, so every dollar counts- event cent counts. There used to be a saying"look after the cents and the dollars will take care of themselves"'. It still applies as far as I am concerned. Trying to survive on unemployment benefits has made me very thrifty and careful with the money- every cent counts.

jjdrer
  • 14th Apr 2014 12:47pm
Be smart about your shopping.The big supermarkets regularly thoughout the day/week reduce their prices, especially on fresh meat/vege. Be aware of the cycle and you can really save. Last week I got...

They also reduce bakery items. They have specials that aren't advertised.
When you spot advertised specials some shops don't continue to advertise them so check to see if they have dates in small print on the bottom of the tag. It may be that you can get one and another the following week if it is something you use a lot of without straining the budget too much.

Robyn
  • 7th Apr 2014 06:23pm

There are presently few luxuries in my life and to save those, I will be cutting back on supermarket goods, buying, where possible sale items and using my freezer more.

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 07:04pm
There are presently few luxuries in my life and to save those, I will be cutting back on supermarket goods, buying, where possible sale items and using my freezer more.

You have got the right idea. I often buy extra supplies of sale items that I use all the time, then I don't need to buy any for a few weeks. I am glad you have a freezer. You can make extra meals by cooking extra and freezing meal size packs. Be sure to rotate them as they go icy after awhile.We were advised not to pack ours too full or the cold air can't circulate through it properly and it uses a lot more electricity. It also causes more wear in its motor. I concentrate on fruit and vegetables, yoghurt for calcium and Vitamin D tablets so I can absorb the calcium. My fair skin burns very easily. Even clothing I buy on sale.

niccy
  • 7th Apr 2014 04:39pm

When we know our budget and earnings criteria then we should think we can get all desirable things in low price and in low budget, like take only compulsory and needy things, which is imprtant for our lifes, food, rents, petrol, vegetable, milk, we should reduce extra desirable things like waste money on phone calls, clubs, movies etc etc. means what we should spent money only needful things not extra things.

jjdrer
  • 14th Apr 2014 10:08am
When we know our budget and earnings criteria then we should think we can get all desirable things in low price and in low budget, like take only compulsory and needy things, which is imprtant for...

I make very few phone calls, usually to make medical appts. or cancel Community Bus for shopping. I occasionally ring a relative who lives in the country who has been very sick and is still recovering. I always ring during off-peak rates.
I don't rent DVDs. I buy them on special (when they have been out for awhile) and can watch them more than once, several times over a space of time if I want to. I know people who reckon they can't wait that long so they go to the Cinema then moan because they are "broke" and try to scrounge money from others.....or make a surprise visit to a relative then have the "cheek" to ask for money because they reckon they may not have enough petrol to get to work the next day. A quick phone call would rather been appreciated anyway. The relative wouldn't have had to listen to criticism about her parents and his which is common practise.

annie
  • 7th Apr 2014 04:37pm

my husband and I just now buy the necessary groceries that we need and we do not go out very much.With 4 adult children ages 23,21,20 and 18 I charge board of !00 dollars to the two eldest and that is for food and towards water,gas and electricity.The younger two are not paying board at this stage but will later down the track

mo
  • 24th Mar 2015 04:49pm
I have a 20 year old and when she starts earning money she will have to contribute to household expenses. Have been trying to figure out what is fair. I am on a disability pension. Do you think...

That is very fair . but it depends on her income .

jjdrer
  • 16th Jun 2014 06:53pm
I have a 20 year old and when she starts earning money she will have to contribute to household expenses. Have been trying to figure out what is fair. I am on a disability pension. Do you think...

Dedending on her wages , how much she is home, how much food she eats from home, electricity etc. you may even be undercharging her

marlu
  • 17th Apr 2014 11:25am
my husband and I just now buy the necessary groceries that we need and we do not go out very much.With 4 adult children ages 23,21,20 and 18 I charge board of !00 dollars to the two eldest and that...

I have a 20 year old and when she starts earning money she will have to contribute to household expenses. Have been trying to figure out what is fair. I am on a disability pension. Do you think 100 dollars a fortnight is fair?

margie6
  • 7th Apr 2014 04:36pm

I intend to cut my intake of wine to save money. Also my health will probably benefit as well

manson
  • 11th Jul 2014 01:33am
Agree about the health benefits of red wine and chocolate. I only intend to give up the wine for 2 nights a week

The doctor told me not to drink any more red wine
so I don't drink any more or any less

margie6
  • 10th Apr 2014 08:27pm
Oh Margie don't give up the small pleasures of life!
Anyway a glass of good red wine and a little good dark chocolate is good for our health. Enjoy life is too short to deprive ourselves!

Agree about the health benefits of red wine and chocolate. I only intend to give up the wine for 2 nights a week

margie6
  • 10th Apr 2014 08:25pm
my wife and love our evening drop... there r great bargains round ....under $AUD 4.00. Go to big wine stores...look at "end of line" "stock clearance" "2 4 1",...or cleanskins....no need to...

I do not intend to give up my glass of wine with my meal each night but I do intend to refrain from drinking at least 2 nights a week. I agree with you, red wine and dark chocolate in moderation is regarded as being great for your health. Love both!

CAT17
  • 10th Apr 2014 07:05pm
I intend to cut my intake of wine to save money. Also my health will probably benefit as well

Oh Margie don't give up the small pleasures of life!
Anyway a glass of good red wine and a little good dark chocolate is good for our health. Enjoy life is too short to deprive ourselves!

riq
  • 10th Apr 2014 09:55am
I intend to cut my intake of wine to save money. Also my health will probably benefit as well

my wife and love our evening drop... there r great bargains round ....under $AUD 4.00. Go to big wine stores...look at "end of line" "stock clearance" "2 4 1",...or cleanskins....no need to sacrifice quality or resort to BBQ reds.

Try mixing with soda water or diet lemonade,

also check out ebay or onlinewines.com.au..postage is often free.
If i told my wife to reduce her intake (3/4 glasses every evening) my health would suffer......believe medical reports a little red is beneficial

Amdor9
  • 7th Apr 2014 04:29pm

I won't be changing anything as I don't lead an extravagant lifestyle and I don't rely on credit.

seamuscork
  • 12th Oct 2014 02:02pm
I won't be changing anything as I don't lead an extravagant lifestyle and I don't rely on credit.

Spot on

riq
  • 7th Apr 2014 04:28pm

we have 5 acres in a semi-rural area...the back three i mow to keep neat.

recently i saw an ad for agistment space...we now get an extra $AUD 100 per month, free garden manure, an save time and fuel for mowing, plus 3 friends.

Yellow-sun
  • 18th Aug 2016 09:43am
Sorry what is agistment space?

It is for Horses. People pay you to keep their horse on your land.

keitho
  • 14th Jan 2016 09:42am
we have 5 acres in a semi-rural area...the back three i mow to keep neat.

recently i saw an ad for agistment space...we now get an extra $AUD 100 per month, free garden manure, an save...

growing vegies in backyard is very relaxing

Keith64
  • 4th Jul 2014 01:47pm
Sorry what is agistment space?

A place where herbivores are placed to obtain their food.

jjdrer
  • 14th Apr 2014 09:54am
It is land used for horses to feed on. Horse people bring their horses to your property and pay you to leave them there and feed on the grass.
That's what I believe agistment to be.

Yes, you are right. I know of a couple of people who have horses and place them in adjistment. They live nearby so then can go and check their horses are OK every day. In cold frosty weather one lass was putting a blanket on her horse overnight.
It was stolen off the horse's back.

clarkey05
  • 10th Apr 2014 07:49am
Sorry what is agistment space?

It is land used for horses to feed on. Horse people bring their horses to your property and pay you to leave them there and feed on the grass.
That's what I believe agistment to be.

brett
  • 9th Apr 2014 10:33pm
we have 5 acres in a semi-rural area...the back three i mow to keep neat.

recently i saw an ad for agistment space...we now get an extra $AUD 100 per month, free garden manure, an save...

Sorry what is agistment space?

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