Tools / Downloads

Calendar 2023

Calendar 2023

Here is your printable Simple Savings calendar for 2023.

6Mb

Chocolate Sauce

Chocolate Sauce

The only thing more loved than an absolutely devine tasting home made gift, is a devine tasting home-made gift that also gets you laughing. Which is exactly what these gifts do.

447Kb

Quarantine Supply List

Quarantine Supply List

Here is a list of supplies you will need for a two to three week home quarantine.

84Kb

Simple Savings Calendar 2020

Simple Savings Calendar 2020

To help finish off the year on a high note and go into 2020 feeling strong, positive and excited. We have made you a printable Simple Savings calendar, to say thank you and help you to save money every day of next year.

2Mb
Members Only

Big Savings Poster

Big Savings Poster

To help you learn the 'big picture' cost of little items in your life, we have made a poster to print out and stick on your fridge. I hope it inspires you to become a smarter shopper and save loads of money. (It is also great for other family members who, no matter how much you ask them to kerb their spending, struggle to embrace the idea.) Print it out; pop it on your fridge and SAVE!

1Mb (members only)
Members Only

Emergency Prep: Important numbers and URL's

Emergency Prep: Important numbers and URL's

When the emergency is right on your door. It is too late to get prepared. It is not the time to be starting your research. That time is now.

Now is the time to make sure you know what to do, where to go and who to call. To help you organise a list of important phone numbers and URL's. We made you this printable. Download it, fill it and then place it on your fridge.

67Kb (members only)
Members Only

Saving Money: The Easy Way

Saving Money: The Easy Way

As a Christmas gift we have made you a printable calendar to help you save money. The theme of the calendar is “Saving Money: The Easy Way”. Next year we will follow the calendar and cover a different topic every month.

2Mb (members only)
Members Only

Savings Triggers

Savings Triggers

Nobody is immune from advertising all of the time. But once you open your eyes to some of the impossible promises they make, you are a lot less likely to be fooled. To help you stay strong and to remind you to stop and think, we have made you some Savings Triggers for your wallet.

86Kb (members only)

$21 Challenge

A Dash of Soy and a Splash of Lemon

A Dash of Soy and a Splash of Lemon

This free frugal recipe book will show you how to make a little bit of nothing taste quite good.

376Kb

Penny's $21 Challenge Survival Guide

Penny's $21 Challenge Survival Guide

Can you feed YOUR family for a whole week with just $21? The Survival Guide contains tips and recipes to help you beat the $21 Challenge.

93Kb

The $21 Challenge: Sample Chapters

The $21 Challenge: Sample Chapters

You can download and read the first and second chapters of the $21 Challenge book here:

First chapter

Second chapter

To give you an idea of what is in the book here are sample pages from each chapter:

Sample pages

Members Only

100+ Things to do With a Pound of Mince Beef

100+ Things to do With a Pound of Mince Beef

What do you do with a pound of mince beef? Cook one of the 100+ recipes from this book, of course! The clever members in the Forum have contributed their tried and true recipes so that you will never be stuck again. Thanks to Bumble Bee and Claire M. for compiling this booklet.

2Mb (members only)
Members Only

Collection of Choko Recipes

Collection of Choko Recipes

Not many sites can boast they have two cookbooks devoted to chokos! Claire M. has compiled this fantastic resource which is sure to come in very handy.

411Kb (members only)
Members Only

Samantha's Mega Menu Planner

Samantha's Mega Menu Planner

Samantha has created a brilliant one page menu planner which helps you cook, shop and avoid waste all on one simple A4 page.

216Kb (members only)
Members Only

Waste Not, Want Not Recipes

Waste Not, Want Not Recipes

The title says it all! This recipe book is jam packed with recipes that will help you use up ingredients you already have. Compiled by Claire M. from recipes posted in the 'Waste not, want not' and 'I will last a month without a grocery shop!' threads.

1Mb (members only)

Books

Members Only

Beauty Queen on a Budget

Beauty Queen on a Budget

These beauty secrets from the experts are worth their weight in gold. Use them to pamper yourself or give a copy to someone you care about. We hope you enjoy every one!

375Kb (members only)
Members Only

The Simple Savings Bumper Book of Cleaning Clues

The Simple Savings Bumper Book of Cleaning Clues

We have a massive collection of cleaning hints and recipes in the Vault but as the Vault grows it gets harder and harder to print them all. So we have put together a great collection for Vault members to download, print and start using immediately.

330Kb (members only)

Calendar

Calendar 2023

Calendar 2023

Here is your printable Simple Savings calendar for 2023.

6Mb

Simple Savings Calendar 2020

Simple Savings Calendar 2020

To help finish off the year on a high note and go into 2020 feeling strong, positive and excited. We have made you a printable Simple Savings calendar, to say thank you and help you to save money every day of next year.

2Mb
Members Only

Saving Money: The Easy Way

Saving Money: The Easy Way

As a Christmas gift we have made you a printable calendar to help you save money. The theme of the calendar is “Saving Money: The Easy Way”. Next year we will follow the calendar and cover a different topic every month.

2Mb (members only)

Cookbooks

A Dash of Soy and a Splash of Lemon

A Dash of Soy and a Splash of Lemon

This free frugal recipe book will show you how to make a little bit of nothing taste quite good.

376Kb
Members Only

100+ Things to do With a Pound of Mince Beef

100+ Things to do With a Pound of Mince Beef

What do you do with a pound of mince beef? Cook one of the 100+ recipes from this book, of course! The clever members in the Forum have contributed their tried and true recipes so that you will never be stuck again. Thanks to Bumble Bee and Claire M. for compiling this booklet.

2Mb (members only)
Members Only

Baking This Week NZ Volume 1

Baking This Week NZ Volume 1

Claire M. has collected all the recipes and ideas for what members have been baking each week in New Zealand. Listed in alphabetical order, you will never have to search for baking ideas again!

258Kb (members only)
Members Only

Baking This Week NZ Volume 2

Baking This Week NZ Volume 2

Claire M. has collected all the recipes and ideas for what members have been baking each week in New Zealand. Listed in alphabetical order, you will never have to search for baking ideas again!

246Kb (members only)
Members Only

Camping Cookbook

Camping Cookbook

If you thought camp cooking consisted of just baked beans and marshmallows, think again! Lesley has compiled a recipe book that will have you cooking 4 star meals in the bush. You'll never want to return home!

312Kb (members only)
Members Only

Choko Cookbook

Choko Cookbook

Chokos are super easy to grow and run rampant in many gardens – but what on earth are you supposed to do with them? Belinda has all the answers in this collection of delicious recipes. Make the most of this versatile vegetable!

162Kb (members only)
Members Only

Collection of Choko Recipes

Collection of Choko Recipes

Not many sites can boast they have two cookbooks devoted to chokos! Claire M. has compiled this fantastic resource which is sure to come in very handy.

411Kb (members only)
Members Only

Favourite Preserves Recipe Book

Favourite Preserves Recipe Book

Carol H (Poppet) has done it again! This is a collection of our members’ favourite preserves recipes and is bulging with contributions. Try your hand at preserving anything from apples to zucchini.

372Kb (members only)
Members Only

Figs & Panna Cotta Cookbook

Figs & Panna Cotta Cookbook

Claire from Tasmania has compiled this cookbook from a group of dedicated foodies on the Forum.

 

794Kb (members only)
Members Only

GO Crazy Cookbook

GO Crazy Cookbook

**GO = Get Organised! Carol H. has collated a super brilliant cookbook of recipes collected over 18 months of Getting Organised threads from the GO Crazy clan. Not only great for your own use but perfect as a gift for friends and family too.

438Kb (members only)
Members Only

K.I.S.S. Cookbook

K.I.S.S. Cookbook

Keep it Simple Savings Cookbook was one of our earliest compilations of members' recipes compiled by Ron Joyce-Fry. Ron has been an inspiration raising his teenage daughters and loves to cook! From entrees, starters, mains and desserts it is all covered in this mouth watering selection.

388Kb (members only)
Members Only

Lentils Cookbook - Book 1

Lentils Cookbook - Book 1

Does the very word 'lentil' strike fear into the heart of your carnivorous family members? Now is your chance to convert them with this terrific selection of recipes compiled by Claire M. Cheap, quick to cook and so good for you too!

368Kb (members only)
Members Only

Magic Microwave Slice

Magic Microwave Slice

Years ago Antonia was given a recipe for microwave chocolate crunch. Over time she has adapted and perfected this recipe into 25 different variations - but it gets better! She has kindly compiled them all into a printable book to share with members. Each home-cooked slice is beautifully photographed. This book will make your mouth water and the recipes are ideal for a $21 Challenge.

682Kb (members only)
Members Only

Mimi's Memorable Munchies V1

Mimi's Memorable Munchies V1

Here is the first volume of Mimi's recipes as put together by Linda H.

423Kb (members only)
Members Only

Mimi's Memorable Munchies V2

Mimi's Memorable Munchies V2

Here is the second volume of Mimi's recipes as put together by Linda H.

4Mb (members only)
Members Only

Mimi's Memorable Munchies V3

Mimi's Memorable Munchies V3

Here is the third volume of Mimi's recipes as put together by Linda H.

605Kb (members only)
Members Only

More Lentil Recipes

More Lentil Recipes

Even more lentil recipes, compiled by Claire M. Check out the second book for Chocolate Lentil Cake!

338Kb (members only)
Members Only

Samantha's Mega Menu Planner

Samantha's Mega Menu Planner

Samantha has created a brilliant one page menu planner which helps you cook, shop and avoid waste all on one simple A4 page.

216Kb (members only)
Members Only

Shelley's 470 Crockpot Recipes

Shelley's 470 Crockpot Recipes

With fabulous recipes like these available free from the Members Download area, you may never need to buy another cookbook again! The trusty crockpot is a favourite time and money saving gadget for Simple Savers and with 470 recipes right here, you'll never run out of ways to use it!

914Kb (members only)
Members Only

Slice Recipes

Slice Recipes

The demise of the humble slice has not been forgotten by our clever members. You'll love these recipes that leave desserts for dead. Thanks to Pat for compiling all the recipes into this mouth watering download.

403Kb (members only)
Members Only

Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow Cooker Recipes

A wonderful collection of the Simple Savings Forum members' favourite slow cooker recipes. Compiled by Carol H, it's a brilliant way to make the most of your slow cooker with these tried and tested meals. With everything from breakfasts to desserts covered, you'll wonder how you ever did without it!

554Kb (members only)
Members Only

Slow Cooker Recipes Book 2

Slow Cooker Recipes Book 2

Members just can’t seem to get enough slow cooker recipes. Carol H (Poppet) has compiled a second book with recipes contributed from the resourceful Forum members.

382Kb (members only)
Members Only

Take a Can of Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce

Take a Can of Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce

You would not believe all the dishes you can make with a can of baked beans! Claire M does though, and has put them all together in this handy recipe book. If you are one of the many of us guilty of using them for nothing but beans on toast, this is for you. Perfect for $21 Challenge weeks too!

314Kb (members only)
Members Only

Take a Can of Sardines Recipes

Take a Can of Sardines Recipes

You can make everything from party snacks to main meals with a single tin of sardines. Check out this wide range of recipes from Claire M. for all sorts of ways to make an economical meal.

 

295Kb (members only)
Members Only

Waste Not, Want Not Recipes

Waste Not, Want Not Recipes

The title says it all! This recipe book is jam packed with recipes that will help you use up ingredients you already have. Compiled by Claire M. from recipes posted in the 'Waste not, want not' and 'I will last a month without a grocery shop!' threads.

1Mb (members only)

Emergencies

Quarantine Supply List

Quarantine Supply List

Here is a list of supplies you will need for a two to three week home quarantine.

84Kb
Members Only

Emergency Prep: Important numbers and URL's

Emergency Prep: Important numbers and URL's

When the emergency is right on your door. It is too late to get prepared. It is not the time to be starting your research. That time is now.

Now is the time to make sure you know what to do, where to go and who to call. To help you organise a list of important phone numbers and URL's. We made you this printable. Download it, fill it and then place it on your fridge.

67Kb (members only)

Gifts

Chocolate Sauce

Chocolate Sauce

The only thing more loved than an absolutely devine tasting home made gift, is a devine tasting home-made gift that also gets you laughing. Which is exactly what these gifts do.

447Kb
Members Only

Gift of Memories

Gift of Memories

Sometimes, the best gift you can possibly give someone costs next to nothing at all. Whether it's an extra special someone, or that 'hard to buy for' person, Claire M. has come up with a gift idea they will treasure forever. A Gift of Memories!

34Kb (members only)
Members Only

Ultimate Gift Planner

Ultimate Gift Planner

Christmas is supposed to be a happy and relaxed time, but there is so much to do in December that some years I spend Christmas Eve huddled in my room wrapping presents till 1am. Well, not this year. This year I have a plan, this year I am going to be super organised and it starts with a printer and a cup of tea. Would you like to join me?

807Kb (members only)

Media

Choose a Simple Life

Choose a Simple Life

Alix Clark of Virgin Blue's Inflight magazine, Voyeur is a long time Simple Saver and wrote this great article about us. Thank you Alix :-)

1Mb

Good Weekend Cover Story

Good Weekend Cover Story

Here is the story the Good Weekend magazine did on the Lippey family and Simple Savings.

2Mb

Planner

Members Only

Save $10,000 in 12 months

Save $10,000 in 12 months

Learn how to save money by swapping your poor habits for wealthy ones.

1,001Kb (members only)
Members Only

Weekly planner

Weekly planner

Here is a simple planner you can print out and place on the fridge to plan your meals and activities for the week.

14Kb (members only)

Tipsheets

Camping on the Cheap

Camping on the Cheap

Camping is one way you can get away for a family holiday without paying for expensive accommodation. Our tip sheet will show you how your family can enjoy a cheap getaway.

217Kb

Freezer Tips

Freezer Tips

We have prepared a free tip sheet on freezing all kinds of foods, including a quick reference 'shelf life' guide and some great tips from the Vault.

348Kb

Hand-made Gifts for Christmas

Hand-made Gifts for Christmas

You can give fantastic and cheap gifts to your friends by making them yourself. Here are a couple of great ideas to get you started.

304Kb

Low Cost Cleaning

Low Cost Cleaning

Think twice before buying expensive cleaners. There are tips for buying in bulk, home-made recipes, and general cleaning tips for the entire house!

191Kb

Tools

Bill Management System

Bill Management System

Paying your bills promptly will help you avoid late fees and interest charges. We can show you how to keep your finances in good order with simple steps and equipment. You don't need fancy supplies, spreadsheets or costly pre-programmed packages. With the help of a few standard office supplies, you can have your bill payment system ready to go.

All the details...

Kids' Clothing Drawer Labels

Kids' Clothing Drawer Labels

I love these labels because they have trained my children into putting away their own clothes. Even tiny Tristan puts his clothes away. I put a label on the front of the drawer and another inside the drawer. This way, even when the drawer is empty he can still follow the system!

205Kb

Kids' Toy Box Labels

Kids' Toy Box Labels

Each label show pictures of the items to go in the drawer as well as the corresponding words. This is because while children as young as 12 months are able to clean up after themselves, it is many years till they can read.

473Kb

Menu Planner

Menu Planner

To help you lower your food bills we created a stylish menu planner and ingredients list to inspire you and help you avoid impulse buys. I hope it helps you guard your wallet and save even more money on food!

238Kb

Power Expense Calculator

Power Expense Calculator

A great way to lower your power bill is to keep track of how much power you are using each week. This way you will be able to see your progress and find out which minor changes in your habits gave you the biggest power savings.

125Kb

Purchasing Planner

Purchasing Planner

Use the Purchasing Planner to resist impulse spending. To find out how it works, check out the December Newsletter.

175Kb
Members Only

Big Savings Poster

Big Savings Poster

To help you learn the 'big picture' cost of little items in your life, we have made a poster to print out and stick on your fridge. I hope it inspires you to become a smarter shopper and save loads of money. (It is also great for other family members who, no matter how much you ask them to kerb their spending, struggle to embrace the idea.) Print it out; pop it on your fridge and SAVE!

1Mb (members only)
Members Only

Cashflow Budget

Cashflow Budget

Protect yourself against overspending for good! With this comprehensive budget from Amanda, you can set your sights firmly on your savings goal. It even provides you with a two-year guide to keep you on track as you achieve your dreams!

Amanda has also written a handy User's Manual to her budget spreadsheet, which you can get here:

PDFUser Manual

PDFWork Sheet

81Kb (members only)
Members Only

Christine's Budget Worksheet

Christine's Budget Worksheet

If you never want to be caught out short when a bill arrives and track your spending with simple formulas doing the hard work for you, this is for you! Christine May has included a whole page of notes to help you through a fortnightly budget.

69Kb (members only)
Members Only

Failsafe Menu Plan

Failsafe Menu Plan

Juskas has put together this great Failsafe menu plan that will help you with your journey along the Failsafe diet.

16Kb (members only)
Members Only

Household Budget - With Graphs!

Household Budget - With Graphs!

With Maths Nerd's household budget spreadsheet you can keep track of your income and your spending. There are even graphs to show your fortnightly spending and your balance - very impressive!

33Kb (members only)
Members Only

Lunch Question - To Buy or Take From Home?

Lunch Question - To Buy or Take From Home?

Have you ever stopped to think how much bought work lunches really cost you? If you are working five days a week, you could be buying lunch, drinks and snacks for a whopping 260 days per year! Claire M. has worked out the hard math for you, so you can compare the savings.

28Kb (members only)
Members Only

Mortgage Extra Repayments Calculator - Version 2

Mortgage Extra Repayments Calculator - Version 2

Milia has made a fantastic Extra Repayments Calculator, so you will be able to work out in detail how much money you will save by making extra early repayments. Version 2 is even easier to use. It is absolutely brilliant!

189Kb (members only)
Members Only

Pantry Labels

Pantry Labels

Here is the labelling system I am using to reduce the time I spend in the kitchen.

It takes a few hours to set up, but once it is in place you will get that time back tenfold.

There are a few things you will need in order to make your labels: a colour printer, craft knife, steel ruler, cutting mat and/or paper trimmer, and a laminator.

289Kb (members only)
Members Only

Quantities for Entertaining a Crowd

Quantities for Entertaining a Crowd

Feeding a large number of people can be a daunting task. How much will they eat? How much should you spend? Worry no longer! Claire M has compiled this smart guide to keeping the hordes well fed without blowing your budget.

33Kb (members only)
Members Only

Rebecca's Cleaning Plan

Rebecca's Cleaning Plan

If you struggle to keep your home from looking like a bombsite, or would simply like to be more organised and spend less time cleaning, this popular cleaning plan from Rebecca could be just right for you!

36Kb (members only)
Members Only

Savings Triggers

Savings Triggers

Nobody is immune from advertising all of the time. But once you open your eyes to some of the impossible promises they make, you are a lot less likely to be fooled. To help you stay strong and to remind you to stop and think, we have made you some Savings Triggers for your wallet.

86Kb (members only)
Members Only

Stephen's Credit Card Comparison

Stephen's Credit Card Comparison

Deciding whether to continue with your current credit card or move to a new card with an attractive low introductory rate can be difficult. Stephen Lake has prepared a spreadsheet to help you decide which will be better for you.

15Kb (members only)
Members Only

Stephen's Electricity Rates Comparison Spreadsheet

Stephen's Electricity Rates Comparison Spreadsheet

Stephen Lake's Electricity Rates Comparison Spreadsheet will allow you to compare different electricity providers and choose the provider that is right for you.

PDFManual

PDFSpreadsheet

17Kb (members only)
Members Only

Stephen's Financial Principles and Ideas

Stephen's Financial Principles and Ideas

These notes by Stephen Lake will certainly give you food for thought. Stephen has also compiled three spreadsheets to help you with your home expenses, property purchasing and smoking expenses.

16Kb (members only)
Members Only

Stephen's Home Expenses Spreadsheet

Stephen's Home Expenses Spreadsheet

**Stephen Lake has put together three terrific spreadsheets to help you with your expenses. This spreadsheet will help you with your home expenses. Also see Stephen's property purchase and smoking expenditure spreadsheets, as well as his Financial Principles and Ideas.

5Kb (members only)
Members Only

Stephen's Property Purchase Spreadsheet

Stephen's Property Purchase Spreadsheet

Stephen Lake has put together three terrific spreadsheets to help you with your expenses. This spreadsheet will help you with your property purchase expenses. To assist you use this spreadsheet, see Stephen's Notes for Property Purchase Spreadsheet. Also see Stephen's home expenses and smoking expenditure spreadsheets, as well as his Financial Principles and Ideas.

PDFManual

PDFSpreadsheet

5Kb (members only)
Members Only

Stephen's Smoking Spreadsheet

Stephen's Smoking Spreadsheet

Stephen Lake has put together three terrific spreadsheets to help you with your expenses. This spreadsheet will help you see just how much is spent on smoking and food! Also see Stephen's property purchase and home expenses spreadsheets, as well as his Financial Principles and Ideas.

80Kb (members only)
Members Only

Stephen's Superannuation & Bank Savings Comparison

Stephen's Superannuation & Bank Savings Comparison

The wonderful Stephen Lake has put together a spreadsheet so you can decide whether to make extra superannuation payments and receive the government's co-contribution or whether you would be better to leave your money in a savings account.

48Kb (members only)
Members Only

Stephen's Tax Return Spreadsheet

Stephen's Tax Return Spreadsheet

Stephen Lake has put together a spreadsheet to help you prepare your own tax return. It is not advice, rather a way to conveniently record your information so you can lodge your tax return to gain the best possible outcome. If you have any questions, please visit the Forum thread at http://www.simplesavings.com.au/fora/3387437

183Kb (members only)
Members Only

Table fun

Table fun

To help you enjoy more time at the table we have put together some game ideas, conversation starters and knock-knock jokes.

85Kb (members only)
Members Only

Weekly Average Grocery Spend

Weekly Average Grocery Spend

A helpful tool, created by Candice, to help you keep track of your grocery spending. Simply enter the amounts spent at each shop and the weekly and monthly averages will be calculated for you. You’ll be amazed at how much you are spending!

48Kb (members only)
Members Only

Weekly planner

Weekly planner

Here is a simple planner you can print out and place on the fridge to plan your meals and activities for the week.

14Kb (members only)

Waste not, want not

Members Only

Waste Not, Want Not Recipes

Waste Not, Want Not Recipes

The title says it all! This recipe book is jam packed with recipes that will help you use up ingredients you already have. Compiled by Claire M. from recipes posted in the 'Waste not, want not' and 'I will last a month without a grocery shop!' threads.

1Mb (members only)