'Gentle reminder' can lead to a lifetime of saving

Often all it takes is the smallest reminder to make a huge difference. Having just turned 65 and now "eligible" to retire, I am not ready to do so either physically, emotionally or socially. I'm also frequently with younger people, who don't necessarily have the same basic foundation of budgeting that I was brought up with. With that in mind, I have taken to carrying around a subtle reminder of the cost of living which not only works for me, but will hopefully rub off on those around me.

My card wallet has a 'sticker' reminder, which says "$20? Is it worth one hour of work?" It's small and discreet, but effective! It also serves as a talking point when I am out and about with some of the younger ones and buying coffee or lunch. It's simple to make the label on the computer or by hand, then clear tape to the card wallet. Here's to some improved lifestyle options as I age further!

Replace nail biting with horsetail herbal capsules

A tried and true way to prevent nail biting is to take horsetail herb capsules. Nail biters seek silicone and this herb supplies it. I am a naughty nail biter from way back (and still do because I am hopeless at taking pills!). However I swear horsetail capsules work and my nails grow like wildfire whenever I remember to take them!

A wonderful way to say goodbye

My husband was dying of lung cancer. He wanted his ashes scattered at sea and, being a practical man, discussed other details. He did not think much of church services and a eulogy delivered by a person he did not know.

He died in my arms at home and the next morning he was picked up by Sommerville Funerals. (Most people are unaware that they may have some time with their loved one before the body is collected.) A private cremation was arranged and I collected my husband's ashes for his 'celebration of life' at our home. All our friends arrived, charged their glasses, sat or stood on our front lawn and listened to his story that I had written a few days before. We played his favourite music and people stayed all day. My husband loved a great party and this was no exception. Everyone said this was the best service they had ever attended and they were going to do the same.

Incidentally, the only cost was the private cremation fee. Nothing like some of the very high fees I was quoted.

Polar fleece for streak free cleaning

I use polar fleece squares for face washers as they foam up well and are very soft. Recently, the kids had just hopped out of the bath and I noticed that there was a lot of foam on the glass doors (we have a bath/shower combo) so I gave them a quick wipe and noticed that the window came away clean with no streaks. My mother has a shower screen that we have tried every product known to cleaning on over the past ten years with no great success. She tried this and was absolutely amazed at the result! Clean, clear and streak free.

Please try it - just polar fleece and warm water. You will save a fortune as polar fleece is only about $6.00 per metre (buy good quality as it will work better) and you will not need to use any more toxic chemicals. I also use polar fleece as nappy liners, general cleaning cloths, and dusting and dishwashing cloths. Great for cleaning and polishing stainless steel also!