Recent Hints

Different name, different attitude to saving!

A simple change of tactic can make the world of difference when it comes to getting the family on board with saving! Our family recently did a $21 Challenge. To begin with, I was talking with my daughter, when the children started carrying on about the challenge, (the eldest child in that household in 21!). The other adult in the house said nothing, but his expression said everything. What was I going to do to get them on board? I had a lightbulb moment and told them that I was playing SURVIVOR, with help from my fridge, my freezer and my garden. Did I get any more criticism? No way. What I got was discussions on which family member would be able to survive with what is available at home, and for how long. This discussion went on for a week or more. I heard no more complaints and we spent just $2.99 over a fortnight! Next goal is a $41.00 challenge for a whole month. I just need to set a date, and get my support team going again!

By: Gusta T 3 responses in the members' forum

Tap into the answer to no nail biting

If you are a nail biter, you may find the solution to quitting the habit by working on the sub-conscious mind. 'Tapping' is also known as the Emotional Freedom Technique. More information is available at www.thetappingsolution.com They are the best I have found. They have some free videos you can watch and follow along online, as well as books which you may find at your local library. Worth checking out!

By: Sasha Prien

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Hottest Hints

Storage not hard with spectacles case

Hard glasses cases are a great, cheap storage solution. I was looking for something to carry my make-up in for the holidays and my old hard case was perfect. It fitted everything I needed and the hard cover prevented any breakages. You also avoid the hassle of tipping out a soft make-up bag to find what you need! I then put the loose things in my glove box (screwdriver, scissors and pen) in another hard case and made myself a travelling tool kit. You could use them to store miniature sewing kits when travelling and much more. These cases are cheap to buy in second hand shops, and many are nicely decorated or you could do this yourself.

By: Sheral Stubbs` 4 responses in the members' forum

Crockpot party feeds the crowds in winter

I came up with a great low cost, low stress way to feed the crowds at my son's 21st birthday party. With the weather being chillier, the food needed to be warming and more robust than usual. I came up with the idea of a crockpot party! I am borrowing family members' and friends' crockpots and am filling them in the morning with different dishes, then I can 'forget' about them until the evening! When it's time for everyone to eat, I can then just plug them all into a power board and put them on the table. This is a triple whammy saver for me! It saves time as I don't have to spend all day in the kitchen and can get other things ready for the party instead. It saves money as I can use cheaper cuts of meat to achieve tender dishes and - as I don't have to use serving dishes, it even saves on washing up!

By: Linda C 14 responses in the members' forum

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