Eight money saving tips to help you entertain at home

Entertaining or having fun at home is a great way to save money. One of the major benefits is that you have less temptations to spend money, than if you were out on the town. Listed below are eight ways to have fun at home, no matter what your budget.

• Tip 1: Parties: You don't have to go over the top with your party food. Simple snacks, such as dips, biscuits and chips will do just fine. In other words, don't feel obligated to cook a seven course meal with lobster.
  
  
• Tip 2: Always consider a take away: Taking away from restaurants will save you around 10 percent on the bill. You still get the same great food, although not the atmosphere of the restaurant. Personal choice, but it is always an option.
  
  
• Tip 3: Download music: There are a variety of legitimate websites that allow you to down load music from the Internet, for a fraction of the price you would pay in a music store. Worth considering.
  
  
• Tip 4: Have a game night: Game nights are a great inexpensive night in with friends and family. Do this instead of going for a night out on the town.
  
  
• Tip 5: Have a movie night at your house: Same rules apply as for the game night tip. Definitely a cheap night in and a way to catch up with friends or family.
  
  
• Tip 6: Get to know your partner again: What is more fun that cuddling up with your partner. Spending some quality time snuggling will help keep your relationship on track or help get it back on track.
  
  
• Tip 7: Spend time getting your finances in order: While it may not seem like a fun activity to start with, over the long term it will give you significant piece of mind. As we have recommended in other tips using software, to do this is a good place to start. To view a good financial software program Click Here!
  
  
• Tip 8: Learn to juggle: This is a hobby that many money savers recommend. For us it means a lot. We learnt to juggle (and do magic) at university. Since then we have followed it as a hobby and enjoy juggling fire and the like. So grab some juggling balls (or fruit) and enjoy. Great party trick as well!

So there you have it, eight tips to help you save money at home. Follow them and your wallet will thank you. If you want to learn how to save $1000s a year then check out our 1011 money saving tips e-book!

Cheers

Rusty O'Connor

14 ways to save money on entertainment

Entertainment is a must if you want to stay sane. However, we don't want you to break the bank on your entertainment costs. Listed below are 14 tips to help you have fun, no matter what your budget.

• Tip 1: Two words: Market Research: Check out newspapers to see if there is any market research you can undertake. You will get to try free products and will – generally - have a great time.
  
  
• Tip 2: Tip only when you want too: Tip wisely and when deserved. Remember; if a service charge is applied then don't feel obligated to tip. If you like the person and they give you good service then tip. Vice versa, they don't treat you well, then no tip!
  
  
• Tip 3: Be wary of splitting bills: In most cases you will end up spending more than what you would have if you paid yourself. Especially true when alcohol is included! Avoid it if you can. Don’t be the poor bugger who scrimped on a salad to find you’re subsidising the guys that had 3 steaks and a keg. To save arguments establish the method of payment at the beginning of the meal.
  
  
• Tip 4: Say no if you can't afford it: If you can't afford to go to an expensive restaurant just say no. Chances are a few of your other friends going don't want to pay for an expensive meal either. Better to save money than go and feel guilty. Note, if it is a wedding anniversary or the like then pay the extra. There are certain times when you should splurge.
  
  
• Tip 5: Cocktails blow the budget: Cocktails in most restaurants are hugely over priced (often 250 percent more than making one at home). If you are drinking when going out stick to beer or house wines.
  
  
• Tip 6: Two words "senior citizen": You have worked hard all of your life, enjoy the 10 percent discount that many restaurants offer.
  
  
• Tip 7: One word "student": You are society's future! Many restaurants in university towns offer a five to 10 percent discount to reward you for your studies.
  
  
• Tip 8: Use a credit card if it offers cash back: Some credit cards offer cash back at restaurants. If it makes sense then use it. However, make sure you pay it off by the end of the month; otherwise you could end up paying a lot more for your meal.
  
  
• Tip 9: Use cash as a bargaining tool: Often you can negotiate a slightly cheaper price if you pay cash. In our opinion it is always worth asking.
  
  
• Tip 10: Discounts based on your associations: Theme parks and restaurants often give certain clubs (eg Lions Club) a discount. If you are a member of an association it's always worth asking if you can get a discount.
  
  
• Tip 11: Limit the lotto tickets: The odds of winning the lottery are incredibly low (winning the mega millions is a 1 in 135,145,920 chance, normal lotteries are around 1 in 3 million. To put this into perspective your chance of being struck by lighting is 1 in 244,000!). However, as it is a form of entertainment, limit yourself to only a few dollars a week. Alternatively save up the money for an annual visit to a casino or a race day. The odds are better, and you will have more fun. It is as they say an ‘idiot tax’.
  
  
• Tip 12: Don't underestimate your Christmas costs: Many people just think about presents, but the total cost is a lot higher. Think of all of your wrapping paper, cards, food and drink and travel costs…it definitely all adds up. The idea of this tip is to plan ahead and not put a lot of "unexpected items" on credit.
  
  
  
• Tip 13: Buy used sporting equipment: If you are participating in a few sports then consider second hand equipment. It will save you a packet compared to buying the items new.
  
  
• Tip 14: Check local newspapers for free activities: Local newspapers are great ways to find free or very cheap activities. Search every week to see if there is an event or activity that looks enjoyable.

So there you have, 14 ways to save money on your entertainment costs, no matter what your budget. Want to learn how to save $1000s a year? Then check out our 1011 money saving tip ebook.
Cheers
Rusty O'Connor

7 Tips to save money when eating out

Eating out is fun and enjoyable, and helps keep you sane. In our view you need to spoil yourself a bit to keep working hard and productively. That said, we want you to save as much money as you can when going out...all without compromising your eating out experience of course. Listed below are seven money saving tips to help keep your spending under control.

• Tip 1: Eat out for lunch instead of dinner: Lunch is generally cheaper than dinner when you eat out. If you can do this then you will save yourself some money.
  
  
• Tip 2: Have your kids share a meal: Our kids are 6, 5 and 3, and even the oldest doesn't eat a whole kid's meal at a restaurant. We buy two meals and then ask for an extra plate. This works especially well in restaurants that have free drink refills.
  
  
• Tip 3: Go out on "kids eat for free night": Like with movies, many restaurants have a day each week (in our area it is Tuesday) where the kids eat for free. Go out on these days and you will save money by ordering fewer meals.
  
  
• Tip 4: Drink water with your meal: Drinks are expensive in restaurants, if you want to save some money, then just drink water. Sometimes you will get charged high prices even for water, in those cases ask for tap water, which in most countries is just as good as the bottled stuff anyway.
  
  
• Tip 5: Drink the house wine: The house wine is generally an ok selection. If you are having a drink with your meal then this should be more than adequate. Unless you are serious wine buff, and lets be honest there aren’t that many – if you’re like me you can’t taste the difference between a $150 bottle of sav blanc and something out of a box. Forget the pretensions and save the dollars. You’re not a toff anyway otherwise you wouldn’t be reading these tips!
  
  
• Tip 6: Just eat side orders: Side orders are relatively cheap, and to be honest often tastier than the mains.. Order two or three instead of a main and you will be completely full!
  
  
• Tip 7: Eat at buffets: Buffets have two main benefits. One, your children often eat free, and two, you can stave yourself for the day and then eat heaps when you get there! Buffets are quite economically at many restaurants, and make for a great interactive meal with the kids. Avoid the ones where the food has changed colour around the edges and the place is empty!

So there you have it, seven money saving tips to help you save money while still having a great time eating out. If you want to learn how to save $1000s a year then check out our e-book 1011 money saving tips.
Cheers
Rusty O'Connor

8 money saving tips for eating out

We love eating out. The joy of culinary delights, with the added benefit of not having to cook are almost irrestable. However, we don't always like getting the bill at the end. The view of resturant costs when you are hungry and when you are full seems to change quite dramatically. If you also enjoy eating out, but don't want to break the bank, then the eight tips below will help.

• Tip 1: Limit eating out to once a week: It is always tempting to eat out more often, but unless you are a millionaire, it will eat in to - pardon the pun - your budget!
  
  
• Tip 2: Choose carefully from the menu: If you are big on steaks, remember that there is a big difference in price between sirloins and rib eyes. If you are on a budget go with the cheaper steaks and save yourself some money.
  
  
• Tip 3: Buy wine by the bottle: If you are planning to have a few glasses of wine with your dinner companion(s), it is often cheaper to buy by the bottle rather than by the glass. Alternatively, bring your own and pay the corkage fee (average fee is around$4). We quite like bringing our own wine; you get to choose a bottle that you like.
  
  
• Tip 4: Don't forget about the pub: Pub's offer great value counter meals and drinks at good prices. Many have a great atmosphere, especially when "the big game" is on. So don't rule out pubs as a great place to eat.
  
  
• Tip 5: Choose a favourite restaurant to patron frequently: The main benefit is that as the owner gets to know you, they are more likely to give you a discount (generally between 5 and 10 percent). You also get better service even during busy times. KFC and McDonalds don’t fall into this category!

• Tip 6: Try different restaurants: Opposite to the tip above we know! But when new restaurants first open up they often have discounts to attract new customers. Take advantage of this. You will get a cheaper meal (often 10 - 20 percent cheaper), and will get to try a new place that you may become one of your favourites.
  
  
• Tip 7: Skip dessert when you are eating out: The dessert menu at many restaurants is over priced. Enjoy a great shared entree and a main course, and grab an ice-cream cone from McDonalds or a tub of ice cream on the way home. Do this, and you will save $10 to $20 each time you visit a restaurant.
  
  
• Tip 8: Set a eating out amount: When going to a restaurant and looking at the menu, it is easy to get carried away and spend a large amount of money. Next time you go out for dinner, before you walk into the restaurant, set a price that you and your partner or family are happy to spend. Once in the restaurant choose your dishes around this price. 5 bucks for the lot of you narrows the choice, and probably means you should get some greasies instead. Or try the salvation army.

So there you have it, eight ways you can save money when eating out. If you want to learn how to save $1000s a year then check out our 1011 Money Saving Tips Ebook!
Cheers
Rusty O'Connor

17 money saving tips for the garden

For all of you with green thumbs out there, this post is for you! Gardening can be a lot of fun, and can save you a lot of money. So get the most out of your little corner of the world and follow the tips below.

• Tip 1: Plant shade trees: Don't over look the benefits of trees on cooling your home. Planting a "safe tree" (eg one that is unlikely to fall on your house) is a great way to keep your cooling costs down.
  
• Tip 2: Share tools with your neighbours and friends: Buy only good quality tools (the cheap ones don't last) and then ask your neighbours if you can share. This way you don't have to buy all the tools yourself. Set up a central ‘library’ for tools in your neighbourhood.

• Tip 3: Cheap or even free plants: Yes...it is possible to get plants for free! Check out Craigs List in your local area and you will see that people are willing to give away plants (if they are moving) or if you are willing to do the removal for them. Search around and you will eventually find what you are looking for.
  
• Tip 4: Plant trees that are local to your area: Do some research into visually pleasing species that grow locally in your area. Because these trees are indigenous you will save a lot of money on watering and feeding. As an added bonus they are much more likely to survive. Marijuana plants are only native to Central America, so don’t count.
  
• Tip 5: Water your garden in the morning: If you live in a warmer area, water your garden in the morning. This way your plants require less water as the water doesn't evaporate as quickly.
  
• Tip 6: Remove tree stumps yourself: Removing a tree stump can add between 10 to 15 percent to a tree removal job. With a bit of elbow grease you can do it yourself. What's more you will be getting some good exercise. If you want a laugh check out the shovel-glove website! It shows basic exercises you can do with a mallet! Use the ute. Even failure will ensure great u-tube videos!
  
• Tip 7: Plant perennial flowers instead of annuals: This way you only have a one off cost and you get to enjoy the flowers for years to come.
  
• Tip 8: Share a garden: Growing your own produce as detailed above is great for you, your health and your wallet. If you lack the space, see if you can share gardening with neighbours. You can all grow different things and share them. In some areas people have started taking down their rear fences to create a larger common garden. With economies of scale you can get much more out of gardening this way.
  
• Tip 9: Plant your own vegetable or herb garden: If you have a small garden area, or have room for some pot plants, then set up your own vegetable garden. There are so many benefits, you have an inexpensive hobby, you get to eat really healthy foods and you also save money on buying vegetables.
  
• Tip 10: Collect your vegetable and herb garden seeds: Rather than buying new seeds or seedlings each season let some of your vegetables or herbs go to seed and collect the seeds.
  
• Tip 11: Go hydroponic: Hydroponics is a great way to grow vegetables and herbs cost effectively, even when you don't have much space. Do a quick search on the Internet and see what options there are for your particular needs.
  
• Tip 12: Cut your own lawn and do your own gardening: Gardening is a fun activity and helps keep you fit and active. Why outsource it! Do these activities yourself, have fun and save money.
  
• Tip 13: Repaint your garden furniture rather than replace: Enamel paint isn't that expensive when compared to replacing your garden furniture. A quick sand and a repaint may be all that is required to make your garden furniture look like new again.
  
• Tip 14: Composting: Composting minimises your house hold waste while providing you with very fertile soil for you to grow your vegetables in. You save money on soil, and you will also minimise the amount of waste you throw out which can reduce your rubbish costs (extra bins cost around $10 a week). Get a wormery as well will enhance the productivity of your garden.
  
• Tip 15: Share plants: It is relatively easy to take prunings, shootings, or parts of different grasses and regrow them. See if you can get together with your neighbours and swap some of the different plants that you have. This will save you a lot more money than going down to the garden store for all of your purchases.
  
• Tip 16: Use hand held hoses (with trigger heads on them) to water the lawn or garden: It is a lot more water efficient than the old sprinkler systems.
  
• Tip 17: Use grey water to water your garden: Grey water (eg water from your washing machine) is ok for the garden. Collect the water in buckets, and then water your garden to your heart's content.

So there you have it 17 tips to help you save money when gardening. If you want to learn how to save $1000s a year then check out our 1011 Money Saving Tips Ebook! But hurry, it is only on special for the next 50 customers.
Cheers
Rusty O'Connor

8 purchases that will save you money

Sometimes you need to spend money to save money! Yes, you heard right it does work like that sometimes! The good news is most of us like spending so this shouldn't be a problem! Enjoy and start saving money.

• Tip 1: Buy a Swiss Army Pocket Knife: While buying something may seem counter-productive to saving money, a Swiss Army Pocket Knife will save you money. You can fix things around the house, and it also saves you buying other tools. And you will instantly have more street cred when you pull that one out at parties or the local ATM.
  
  
• Tip 2: Buy items that are multi-functional: This is a relatively simple tip. If you buy a good quality product that serves four functions, you don't need to buy four separate items. For example a combined food processor, a wok with a steamer and a multi use remote control would all be considered to be multi functioning items, as would a Swiss Army Knife (yes we are fans of them!).
  
  
• Tip 3: Buy a tap aerator: Adding an aerator to your tap will reduce the flow by around 50 percent while still making the water feel like it is coming out quickly.
  
  
• Tip 4: Buy rechargeable batteries: Let's face it batteries cost a fortune, especially if you have a lot of kid's toys or digital cameras. Invest in some “high quality” “high power” rechargeable batteries that you can use over and over again. Note: Make sure that you run the batteries completely down before recharging, otherwise your batteries won't have enough power (read the internet for the reasons why!)
  
  
• Tip 5: Buy a safety Deposit Box: While not saving you money directly, if an accident happens etc, all of your important documents and information are safe.

• Tip 6: Buy an induction cook top: If you are in the market for a new oven or cook top then consider an induction one. They are around 80 percent more efficient than standard electric cookers and even more efficient than gas.
  
  
• Tip 7: Have an expert teach you to be a home handy person: Rather than paying for a home handy man every time something breaks, hire a home handy man to teach you how to fix this. You pay for the service once, and then you will be able to fix it every time.
  
  
• Tip 8: Arrange your own flowers: Let's face it, as nice as flowers are they are an expensive item for your budget. Grab a book or DVD from your library on flower arranging, and then either go to farmers markets, or grow your own, and make beautiful flower arrangements in your home.

Some added recycling tips! Recycling. It is so in and cool! Enough said!

• Tip 9: Cut open containers: Toothpaste containers and shampoo containers which appear empty can still be used if you cut open the containers. You can then use these containers (especially the shampoo to store stuff). A trick learnt from our University days.

• Tip 10: Reuse your take away containers: Take away containers can be reused for almost anything. If you are using them to reheat food make sure they are microwave safe.

So there you have it, eight products you can buy that will save you money, and two bonus recycling tips that will make you respected by all the Greenies out there (myself included!). If you want to learn how to save $1000s a year, then check out our 1011 Money Saving Tips Ebook! But hurry, it is only on special for the next 50 customers.
Cheers
Rusty O'Connor

21 money saving tips for your appliances

Below are some simple tips to help you save the most when using/buying your appliances. You are using the appliances anyway, so making some little changes should be pretty easy! As always, start with the tips that are the easiest first and then go from there...Enjoy!

• Tip 1: Only run the dishwasher when it is full: While we are sure most people know this tip, many don't follow it. If you do you will save around 50 cents per load. It all adds up.
  
  
• Tip 2: Move the refrigerator away from the stove or hot air vents: Also make sure that the seals are working well. You don't want the fridge to have to cool more than it needs to.
  
  
• Tip 3: Right size pots for the stove: Make sure that you use pots and pans that are the right size for the stove top burners. You can also use the lids so you can cook at a lower temperature.
  
  
• Tip 4: Match the water level to the size of your washing load: Always match the water level to the size of the washing load you are washing.
  
  
• Tip 5: Buy a deep freezer: Buying in bulk saves you money. If you have a deep freezer you have a place to store all those bargains. There are some really efficient ones out there at the moment that don’t take much to defrost. Makes sure food doesn’t get ‘buried’ in there. I was cleaning out mum’s recently and found pastry in there from 1977!
  
  
• Tip 6: Buy energy efficient globes: Energy efficient globes are good for the environment and if you live in an average size home, will help save you around $50 a year. Again it all adds up.
  
  
• Tip 7: Turn off the lights before you leave the house: This tip only takes a few seconds to do, and will not only help the environment, but can also save you around $50 a year. If you’re going away on holiday and worried about security get a timer. Or put a few fake skulls on poles out the front.
  
  
• Tip 8: Let the sun shine in: Using sun light to heat your house in winter. Open up the curtains and you will save around 5 percent on your heating bills.
  
  
• Tip 9: The kettle: Kettles are a large user of electricity, especially if you are boiling the whole 1.5 or 2 litres of water every time you turn it on. Cut your electricity costs by only filling up the jug with a small amount of water. It will be quicker. As an even cheaper option consider using a stove top kettle (even more efficient if you have a gas stove).
  
  
• Tip 10: Set your water heater to “normal”: Go out to your water heater and see what temperature it is set at. To use the least amount of power, ensure that the setting is on "normal" or around 120F. This one little change will save you around $5 a month. Remember: Don't go below 120F unless you want some funky water born diseases spreading in your water tank.
  
  
• Tip 11: unplug your household items: Each individual household item that you have plugged in, may not use much power. However, when you add all of these together they use more power than your average fridge or freezer. Do this and you will save around $4 a month.

• Tip 12: Use the microwave instead of the oven: Microwaves are cheaper to run than ovens. Once or twice a week see if you can get away with using the Microwave instead.
  
  
• Tip 13: Cut back on the clothes dryer: Dry all smaller items on clothes rack or clothes line, and reserve the dryer for only the bigger items when the weather is bad.
  
  
• Tip 14: Buy energy efficient appliances: Most appliances these days have an energy star rating included on their box. The more stars the better. If you buy appliances that have more stars, you will save on your energy consumption over time.

• Tip 15: Convert to a gas hot water system: Gas hot water systems are much more economical and will save you around 20 percent in costs compared to an electric hot water system.

• Tip 16: Wash your clothes in cold water: Cold water is just as good as hot water for washing clothes, and will save you around $5 a month. Note: For bed sheets it is still best to use hot water as hot water kills dust mite.
  
  
• Tip 17: Purchase a water heater blanket: These blankets keep your hot water system nice and toasty and mean that you spend less electricity heating it up as it stays warm. Make sure you buy one that is certified and safety tested! Also clean the water regularly. I remember hearing about a two foot white worm that was pulled out of one that hadn’t been cleaned!
  
  
• Tip 18: Clean your refrigerator coils: The cleaner they are the more efficient your refrigerator will be, and the less money you will spend on electricity. Remember to turn the refrigerator off first.
  
  
• Tip 19: Adjust the brightness of your television set: Did you know that you can adjust the brightness of your TV to "home". Do this and you will reduce the energy consumption of your television by 30%.
  
  
  
• Tip 20: Use a slow cooker: A slow cooker is a great tool for your kitchen. It makes you instantly a master chef, it is energy efficient, and means you only have to use one pot. Also you can throw almost anything from your fridge in. The added bonus of course is it frees up your time. Scan the Internet for recipes and start saving up to $20 a month.
  
  
• Tip 21: Turn your pilot lights off over summer: If you don't need your gas heater of fake log fire over summer then turn the pilot light off. This will save your around $15 - $20 over the three months of summer (as we keep saying…ever light bit helps!)

So there you have it! 21 ways to save money when buying or using appliances. If you want to learn how to save $000s a year then check out our 1011 Money Saving Tips Ebook! But hurry, it is only on special for the next 50 customers!
Cheers
Rusty O'Connor

8 ways to reduce your next utility bill

Have you ever received a utility bill, opened it and gone “what the???” Don't worry, most of us have. Costs of utilities are on the increase, and we don't want you to pay more than you have to. So...listed below are a variety of tips to help you reduce your services and utility bills.

• Tip 1: Ask for a “actual” water reading: Often water companies do “estimates” rather than an “actual” reading. If you live in a large house, it is worth checking this as you may be paying for more water than you are actually using.
  
  
• Tip 2:Don't settle for your current utility provider: Gone are the days when there was only one utility provider which was government run. These days there are a choice of privatised suppliers who are all competing for your business. Take advantage of this and shop around.
  
  
• Tip 3: Pay as you go mobile phones: If you are an infrequent uses of your mobile phone, and past your contract period so you don't have to pay any extra fees, then consider changing to a pre paid package.
  
  
• Tip 4: Combine your phone, Internet and mobile phone packages: Phone and Internet Companies reward you for using more than one service. If you combine your services you will save around 10 percent on two of your packages.
  
  
• Tip 5: Do you really need all those cable channels? Reduce your cable package to remove some of your less watched channels and you will save yourself around $20 a month. No you don’t really need THAT channel!
  
  
• Tip 6: Combine your car and home insurance: Insurance companies provide discounts of between 5 and 10 percent when you combine your car, home and contents insurance. Capitalise on this and you will save between $100 and $200 a year.
  
  
• Tip 7: Use Skype for your calls: Skype is cheap, and you can talk to friends or family all over the world. Encourage your friends to use Skype as well. We have known people who have done this and save around $30 a month on calls. We save about $20 a month.
  
  
• Tip 8: Get rid of the cell phone services you don't use: Mobile phones are a great convenience, and have revolutionized communication. However, all of the added services can add up. Go through your phone bill and ascertain which services you don't use, or don't really need (eg news information or mobile browsing etc). Ring your phone company and get these taken off your bill. Do this and you could save $10 a month.

So there you have it. Eight ways to reduce your utility costs. If you want to learn how to save $1000s a year, then check out our 1011 Money Saving Tips Ebook! (It is on special for the next 50 customers so hurry!)
Cheers
Rusty O'Connor

21 ways to save money at home

Saving money at home doesn't have to be hard. In fact as these 21 money saving tips show, you can save $100s with only minimal effort. Sure some tips require a few handy man/women skills, but hey...thats all part of the fun! Enjoy!

• Tip 1: Install a solar roof fan: These fans work by getting the hot air out of the roof, meaning you don't have to spend as much on cooling. It is estimated that they save around $120 a year in terms of cooling costs.
  
• Tip 2: Don't set your air-conditioner to low: Set the temperature at 24 instead of 18 and you will save between $5 - $10 a month.
  
• Tip 3: Dry your clothes the old fashioned way: In our modern lifestyles, we seem to have forgotten just how easy it is to dry clothes either outside, or on a clothes line inside (this still works well in winter when you have your heating on to keep yourselves warm). This will save you around $5 a month.
  
• Tip 4: Use less laundry detergent: Firstly you don't need as much as the label describes. Go for around two thirds of the amount and see if that works for you. Also consider concentrated detergent as well. This can save you money over time.
  
• Tip 5: Dish washing detergent: Same as for the tip above. You generally don't need as much as the label says. Start out with a small amount and then find out what works for you.
  
• Tip 6: Buy the best value dish-washing detergent: Remember that the cheapest detergent isn't always the most economically. Do some research and find out which detergent you can use the least of.
  
• Tip 7: Repaint your doors and shutters instead of replacing them: A quick sand and a coat of enamel paint may be all that your doors and shutters need to look brand new again. Definitely a cheaper option than replacing these items.
  
• Tip 8: Keep blinds and curtains closed: During the very hot days of the year – it gets to 50c where we currently live so we know about them! – close your blinds and curtains during the day. This will stop a lot of heat getting in, and save you money in cooling costs. Keeps the neighbours guessing as well. Start digging holes in the back yard at 3am and it will make sure they never complain about your stereo again!
  
• Tip 9: Ensure air conditioning units have as much shade as possible: The shadier the environment, the more effective and efficient they will be.
  
• Tip 10: Ensure good air flow for air conditioning and heating units: Every few months check the air intakes, and make sure that there are no weeds or shrubs blocking the air coming into the unit. The better the air flow the more efficient it is.
  
• Tip 11: Energy efficient windows: If you can afford the initial investment double glazed windows are definitely a lot more energy efficient than the old single glazed or pane windows. If you can’t afford the whole house prioritize on the rooms that need it most/where you spend most of your time. For example, don’t do the dog kennel before you do the lounge.
  
• Tip 12: Choose the right size air conditioner or heater for your house: If the unit is to small it will have to work too hard, too large, and you will be wasting electricity.
  
• Tip 13: Change or clean the air conditioning and heating filters: The more efficient the system is running, the less it will cost you. The build-up of dust on filters in air conditioning and heating units lowers its efficiency and also lowers your air quality. Try changing or cleaning them every season.
  
• Tip 14: Hand wash and dry dishes: If you only have a few dishes then quickly wash and dry them rather than putting on the dish washer.
  
• Tip 15: Keep showers to less than five minutes: Yes we know this is often hard to do. Grab an egg timer and see if you can make it out of the shower in less than five minutes.
  
• Tip 16: Shower with your partner: You save water…..no need to mention the other benefits!
  
• Tip 17: Turn the taps off: When you are cleaning your teeth or washing dishes, always turn the tap to save water, and to reduce your water bill.
  
• Tip 18: Store water: create a storage system for rainwater to use on the garden/ the car etc.
  
• Tip 19: Use your windows to cool your house in summer: Natural air is a good start to cool down your house. Definitely more cost effective than the air conditioner. Alternatively live in New Zealand.
  
• Tip 20: Have light colored walls: Light colored walls means you need less light to light your house. A fair bit of work we know, but if you are planning on repainting then consider lighter colors.
  
• Tip 21: Use heavy curtains: Heavy curtains keep the heat in during winter. Definitely worth considering if you are planning on upgrading.

Want to learn how to save $1000s a year? Then check out our 1011 Money Saving Tips E-book!
Cheers
Rusty

17 money saving tips for your home

Your house, while it is your biggest asset, can cost you a lot more than you think. This is especially true if it isn't insulated or set up properly. Below we provide tips to help make your home as cost effective as you can. A lot of the tips relate to reducing energy consumption...so you can sleep soundly in the knowledge that you are helping the environment as well.

• Tip 1: Check your insulation: If your house was built by a mainstream builder, chances are you won't have high quality insulation. Consider upgrading. While it is an upfront cost, your savings in heating and cooling bills will offset this cost. You may be eligible for a government grant.
  
  
• Tip 2: Double glaze your windows: Double glazing or even triple glazing your windows will also help to offset your energy costs. Remember to find a fully qualified installer and make sure they use quality products.
  
  
• Tip 3: Consider down grading your house: A big house costs more to heat and cool. If you are an empty-nester or a couple you could consider downgrading.
  
  
• Tip 4: Close heater vents in rooms you don't use: Central heating costs can be lowered by shutting off the vents in rooms that you are not using. Go around your house and shut off the vents in these rooms, and enjoy spending a few less dollars each month on your heating bills.
  
  
• Tip 5: Use Carpet squares instead of carpet: Carpet squares are high quality (often builders' quality) carpet that is left over from big residential or commercial projects. Instead of paying top dollar you can often cover a whole room for around $200. The good news is that you can also have these cut to size.
  
  
• Tip 6: Change your showerhead to a water saving one: The good news here is that many water companies give water-saving showerheads away for free when you return your old shower head. A water-saving showerhead can save you 4 litres of water a minute. This adds up over time, and can save you around $40 over a year.
  
  
• Tip 7: Home energy audit: While these can cost you $200 or so, if your energy bills are huge then it may be worth it. We have heard of people who have found lights in their attic that have been on for years without knowing about it. They also found a couple of refugees living up there at the same time. They’re still there but the light is now off!
  
  
• Tip 8: Consider taking on a house boarder: If you are really short on money, and have a house that would allow for a boarder, then consider it. A lot of thought should go into this decision, but it will help you save money, especially if you need to get back on track. Probably not a good option to go for the 21 yr old dancer with the low cut top…the wife may not like this option.
  
  
• Tip 9: Air proof your home: Every 12 months or so go around your house and fix up and block off any air that is coming in. You don't want cold air coming in winter, or hot air coming in summer.
  
  
• Tip 10: Endorse the one light per person policy: If you have four people in the house have one light on for each person. This helps to reduce your electricity costs over the year.
  
  
• Tip 11: Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat enables you to set the temperature for times when you will be out of the house or when you are home (eg you can set it to turn on 15 minutes before you come home). Doing this can save you around 5 percent on your power bills over a year.
  
  
• Tip 12: Switch to cloth napkins: Cloth napkins add a bit of class to your dinner table and are also reusable. They also save you money in the long time. Get cloth serviettes and you know you’ve made the big time baby!

• Tip 13: Fix leaking taps: A leaky tap can cost you around $3 a month. Check out all the taps around your home and see if any are leaking. If so fix them. A simple shifting spanner – and a washer - will do the job.
  
  
• Tip 14: Install a low flush toilet: There is a lot of hype over water reducing shower heads, but not so much over low flush toilets. For pennies in the dollar you can install a low flush function on your toilet and save up to 70 percent on water usage. To take this further we quote Meet the Fockers; "If its yellow let it mellow if it's brown flush it down!"
  
  
• Tip 15: Undertake home improvements yourself: Painting the inside of your house could cost you around $2000 if you get a professional painter to do it. If you do it yourself it will cost you around $350 in supplies. Research painting on Google and you will learn all the tricks of the trade. Be careful about what you do as this could end up costing you more in the long run. If you think its beyond you get in someone qualified. Tradesmen make a lot of money out of DIY’ers that have messed it up.
  
  
• Tip 16: Get multiple quotes for improvements or repairs: If you can't do the job yourself (eg an electrical job) and there are no family friends who are electricians, then obtain at least three quotes before you get the work down. We know this is an obvious one, but there are a surprisingly large number of people who don't do this.
  
  
• Tip 17: Clean your heating or air conditioners filters: Heating and cooling systems naturally attract dust which gets caught in the air filter. Similar to a car, this makes the system less efficient. Clean out the air filter regularly and you will save money in heating and cooling costs.

Do you want to learn how to save $1000s a year? Then check out our 1011 Money Saving Tips E-book!

Cheers

Rusty O'Connor

15 ways to save money on yourself

Saving money on yourself becomes a lot easier, when you don't have to make major changes to your lifestyle. Listed below are 15 ways you can save money on yourself, and at home, with minimal discomfort or change. Enjoy!

• Tip 1: Cut your Family's hair: This is a really easy tip, particularly for men, who often just shave their head or have a simple hair style. Ok I can hear you now wailing about your bowl cut that mum used to give you on Sunday night, so that you’d be dreading the next day at school. Get over it, bowl cuts are so 2009. Only joking, bowl cuts will only ever be cool for monks. But practice will make you better. The kids will suffer for a few months but it will build their character. Otherwise just do no. 1’s, gulag style. The average set of clippers and scissors with set you back around $10-15. The average hair cut is $20. Most people get a haircut at least every two months. If you cut your own hair you will save around $10 a month.
  
  
• Tip 2: Find parents to share the baby sitting with: Share babysitting services with your friends and neighbours (those you trust of course!) If you enjoy one night out a month you will save yourself $40 in babysitting fees. There are babysitting clubs on the internet, be cautious as always though.
  
  
• Tip 3: Eat breakfast every day: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and will help to keep you healthy and happy. It also helps to reduce the number of snacks that you buy during the day. Porridge is a good one that keeps giving out energy well into the morning.

• Tip 4: Stop getting the paper delivered: Do you still get the paper delivered? Do you have the Internet? If so make use of your Internet costs and read the news. Or flog the neighbour’s!
  
• Tip 5: Limit your alcohol: Alcohol in most countries is heavily taxed. Do yourself and your body a favour and cut back on the amount you drink. Limit yourself to three or four times at week at the most. If you are an average drinker you could save yourself up to $50 a month. Alcohol is basically a toxin, they don’t ask you ‘what’s your poison’ for nothing. You’re better off without it, but the odd session waking up in the open countryside, not knowing where you are never hurt anyone…much!.
  
• Tip 6: Have a “spend no money” weekend: Often we need a few days break from a routine to get our spending under control. Have a weekend where you spend no money at all. Do some gardening, go for a walk, go to the park and cook nice dinners as well as watch a DVD and have some wine that is always at home. You will be amazed at how relaxed you will feel. Alternatively you could have a spend $10 weekend where you can still get two coffees on a Sunday etc.
  
  
• Tip 7: Clean out the lint in your clothes dryer after every load: The build up of lint makes your clothes dryer have to work harder and your clothes take longer to dry. If you clean out the lint filter after every load you will save money on electricity.
  
  
• Tip 8: Finish all food and house hold products before buying used ones: Do you have a bathroom full of almost empty shampoo containers. Make sure you get every last ounce of product out of containers before you buy new ones. You will save money, have less clutter and know that you are helping the environment.
  
  
• Tip 9: Quit the cigarettes: We all know that smoking is addictive and that it can be hard to break, but there are huge health and financial benefits if you do. Depending on where you live, and how much you smoke, you could be spending up to $2000 a year! Think of the huge savings you can make by cutting back or quitting completely. This is probably the most important of the lot if you’re a smoker, but we’re not telling you something you didn’t already know. But believe me this will be the best thing you ever do.
  
• Tip 10: Watch TV shows online: Many TV shows on cable or satellite can be viewed online for free. Rather than pay for additional channels in your cable package make the best use out of the Internet services you have paid for and view them online. Remember broadcast TV only exists as a vehicle to make you watch ads.
  
  
• Tip 11: Write down all of the cheap/free activities you can do at home or near home: Get the family together and write down all of the things you like to do that don't cost much money. It could be walking in the park, playing in the park, fishing, cycling etc. Massages with your partner may take up the first 5 on the list! Keep this list near your diary, and every time you are bored or looking for something to do, refer to the list
  
  
• Tip 12: Increase the length of your eyebrow wax: Plucking at home in between salon visits will increase the length of waxing. If you don't mind a bit of pain then consider plucking all the time.
  
  
• Tip 13: Do your leg waxing at home: Its cheaper.
  
  
• Tip 14: Grow your natural nails: Acrylic nails can cost you a heap of money over the course of a year. Grow your own natural nails and then look after them. Definitely a better option.
  
  
• Tip 15: Do pedicures and manicures at home: Its cheaper and you can go at your own pace.
  

Want to learn how to save $1000s a year? Then check out our 1011 money saving tips e-book. Click here!

Cheers

Rusty O'Connor

17 ways to save money on yourself

Let's give you some personal money saving tips...why? Because these should be the easiest tips to implement. If you can make the changes yourself, and it isn't too much effort, it will be easy to stick to! Listed below are tips ranging from colouring your own hair, to cheap activities you can undertake. Enjoy!

• Tip 1: Colour your own hair or do your own highlights: With some practice you can easily colour or highlight your own, or your family's hair. Do this and you stand to save several hundred a year.
  
  
• Tip 2: Limit your number of baths to once a week: Baths use more water than showers so help your pocket and the environment by limiting the number of baths that you take. When we say this we mean you have to substitute for showers. You can’t turn into some grogan who no one will want to go near.
  
  
• Tip 3: Play board games or game consoles as a great night in: Monopoly is still a great game. Enjoy it with the company of your family or a few friends, and it will be a cheap evening's entertainment. Though spirits can be dampened when little Johnny gets browned off he’s losing and packs a sad.
  
  
• Tip 4: Rent a DVD for a great night in: Its cheap and a fun way to spend time with family and friends.
  
  
• Tip 5: Cancel your health club membership: Most people purchase health club memberships in the New Year and stop using them by February. There are so many places to exercise, you are better off walking with friends, doing push up and sit ups or running through obstacle courses or even playgrounds at schools. You can even make it a New Years resolution with your friends. We personally like the WII Fit! Savings $60 a month. Swimming is a great all over, low impact exercise and is often cheap down at the local council pool. Try building walking into your everyday routine such as walking to work or taking the stairs instead of the lift.
  
  
• Tip 6: Set up a running or sport group with your friends and neighbours: It is cheap, it's a great way to stay fit, and catch up socially. If you meet once a week you could arrange to have snacks or drinks afterwards at someone's house. Burgers and coke would kind of defeat the purpose though.
  
  
• Tip 7: Make your own high quality coffee at home: Invest in a cheap coffee machine or buy good quality coffee, and bring it with you. You will save hundreds of dollars over the year on bought coffee.
  
  
• Tip 8: Meat as a side dish: Meat is generally the most expensive item on the menu for dinner or lunch. If you are trying to cut back on costs, then consider making the meet the side dish and something else (eg mashed potato) as the main. You will be amazed how much money this can save. Alternatively if you like your meat approach a local farmer. I know a couple of cockies and this can save us a fortune over the year.
  
  
• Tip 9: Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator: Rather than using the microwave to defrost food, use the refrigerator. You are already paying for the power so you might as well take advantage of it.
  
  
• Tip 10: Use toilet tissue instead of tissues: Let's face it they both feel the same and look almost the same. The only real difference you will notice is in your hip pocket. BTW toilet tissue still fits inside a normal tissue box cover, so you can still make it look ok in your lounge room or kitchen.
  
  
• Tip 11: Use a Handkerchief instead of tissues: Unless you have a really bad cold or flu the old Hankie will do the job. You will be saving money and also helping the environment as well.
  
  
• Tip 12: Use tea-towels instead of paper towels to clean: Again as with the tip above you will be saving money and also helping the environment...win win! Better still just let the dishes air dry.
  
  
• Tip 13: Read magazines online: How much of a magazine to do you actual look at? My guess is it is just the main articles, not the pages of advertising that are included within it. Instead of buying your magazines why not look at them online. The major stories will be there, and you can print these out to read at your leisure. Do this and you will save around $10 for each magazine. Watch this space though as more magazines and newspapers start charging for on line content.

• Tip 14: Make your own cleaning products: Did you know that you can use normal household products as cleaning products? Check out the Internet for ideas and start saving some money.

• Tip 15: Vinegar is your friend: Seriously…you can use it to clean just about any thing, including benches and baths. It is cheap and effective, always keep some in your cupboard. Also good for keeping colds at bay – a teaspoon a day (apple cider vinegar).
  
  
• Tip 16: Iron your own clothes: The average cost of having a shirt pressed is $3 and for trousers $5. If you press five shirts and one pair of trousers a week you will be spending $20 a week. Ironing is easy and you can do it while watching television. Do this and you will save $80 a month.

• Tip 17: How many cleaners do you need: You probably have hundreds of household cleaners. The truth is you don't need that many. Jiff, Windex, a sponge and possible some type of oven cleaner should be all you need.
  

Want to learn how to save $1000s a year? Then check out our 1011 money saving tips e-book! Click here!

Cheers

Rusty O'Connor

18 Bargain Shopper tips

We are huge fans of bargain shopping. If you can get a product for cheaper than in a retail store, we are happy. In this tone, you will find below some bargain shopping tips. Again, as we keep repeating, choose the ones that are relevant to your lifestyle and that are going to work for you! Enjoy!

• Tip 1: Buy fruit and vegetables wholesale: If you have a retail or wholesale market near by, start buying your fruit and vegetables there. Most retail markets still allow you to buy fruit and vegetables by the box at a heavily discounted price. See if any of your friends are interest in buying with you and then you can split up the boxes. Your potential savings are up to $100 a month.
  
  
  
• Tip 2: Shop at garage sales: Garage sales are great; you can buy stuff that you need at a large discount (often 80 or 90 percent). Work out what items you are looking for and then go garage sale shopping on a Saturday morning.
  
  
• Tip 3: Buy second hand books: Reading is a great past time, and you should try and read as many books as you can. Unfortunately the cost of new books can add up over time. Luckily there are 1000s of second hand bookshops around where you can pick up new and classic books at discounted prices.
  
  
• Tip 4: Buy higher dosage prescription drugs: Check with your doctor if there is a higher dose you can buy and then cut the tablets in half...This can save almost 40 percent. Remember to check with your Doctor first….very important to do check first!
  
  
• Tip 5: Buy generic prescription drugs: Buying generic prescription drugs will save you around 10 to 15 percent. These generic companies have to stick to the same procedures as other drug companies so the standard is always the same.
  
  
• Tip 6: Shop Duty Free: Why pay tax unless you have too! If you or a friend are planning an overseas trip, save up your pennies and buy items that you require duty free. The range of duty free products is great, especially for alcohol, electronics and perfume.
  
• Tip 7: Buy tyres wholesale: There are many wholesale tyre companies around that sell all the well known tyres at a least 10 percent discount.
  
• Tip 8: Get your hair cut at a beauty school: Beauty schools (where students are training to be professionals) cost you less money as the students get to practice on you. Don't worry there is a qualified person supervising!
  
  
• Tip 9: Buy your contact lenses on-line: There are a variety of places to buy your contact lens on line. You will have the convenience of shopping at home and will save some money in the process. Monthly disposables are a better option than daily disposables.
  
  
• Tip 10: Buy eye glasses on-line: Sites Like Zenni Optical can save you hundreds of dollars on your prescription glasses.
  
  
• Tip 11: Massages from a massage school: If you like massages, but don't like the price then consider a massage school. Like a beauty school, students get to learn and practice on you, and you get a cheaper price. The school where you get a ‘happy ending’ at the end of it is the wrong kind of school. But more fun.
  
  
• Tip 12: Buy an electronic massager: This one off purchase of a “good” electronic massager will save you money over the long run as you don't need to pay for massages as often.
  
  
• Tip 13: Negotiate hard on furniture: Furniture generally has a large mark up so there is a good opportunity to negotiate on price. Don't be afraid to negotiate hard.
  
  
• Tip 14: Shop at K-mart for running shoes: The quality isn't that different between brand name shoes and those at K-mart or Wal-mart. Shop around and find a cheap pair of shoes that are comfortable for you.
  
  
• Tip 15: Print out promotion codes off the Internet: There are literally 1000s of promotional codes on the Internet you can print out (eg 10 percent off products in a hard ware store). Take advantage of these, and save money every time you shop.
  
  
• Tip 16: Shop at the dollar store: You can find some great bargains, as well as some not so great bargains, in these stores. We recommend a bit of testing in the store before you commit to buy an item. At the end of the day the products are cheap but generally of ok quality.
  
  
• Tip 17: Buy bread at the bakery: Bakery bread is cheaper and better for you than bread in the supermarkets. Look around in papers for discount vouchers (most local papers have them for bakeries) and you stand to save even more money.
  
  
• Tip 18: Shop at Amazon: Their website is great and goes far beyond just selling books. The prices on some items are also very heavily discounted.

Want to learn how to save $1000s a year? Then check out our 1011 Money Saving Tips E-book! Click here!

7 money saving tips for buying clothes

We all need clothes...well most of us anyway...maybe not the 21 yr old dancer next door! There are a few different types of people out there! But just because we have to buy clothes, it doesn't mean we have to break the bank doing it!

Now I know what you are going to say “but I need to buy good quality clothes for work or going out”. Well don't worry we support buying good quality clothes. The tips provided look at how you can get good quality clothes at a good price.

We recognise that we have to wear good quality clothes into work...I have an Oxford suit...while it cost a bit of money it has lasted for ages, and is still as comfortable as when I first bought it seven years ago. I also only buy Hardy Amies Shirts. Again, they cost a bit of money, but they last forever and keep you cool in the high temperatures (the mercury goes over 50 degrees celicus where we live and the humidity is often around 80 percent...any shirt that can last through sweating in these temperatures has my vote!) So lets get into it!

• Tip 1: Consider buying separate items that coordinate: If the majority of your wardrobe coordinates you can develop up a range of combinations. You really don't need that many clothes. A few jackets and pants and a variety of shirts can make a variety of outfits. Its create a large wardrobe with a limited number of items. If you have or like anything from the 70’s, this rule is never going to apply. The 70’s were a lost decade for fashion.
  
  
• Tip 2: Buy clothes at the end of the end of the season: Take advantage of the end of season sale to buy next seasons clothes. The savings can be quite substantial.
  
  
• Tip 3: Buy quality clothes: For most clothing, quality is more important than price. If you spend an extra $20 on a shirt but it last you an extra few years, then you have saved yourself money in the long run. This is also true for shoes.
  
  
• Tip 4: Buy clothes at factories or clearance shops: These shops sell the same items as the department stores, but at a fraction of the price. So visit these stores and pick up some bargains.
  
  
• Tip 5: Shop at charity shops or op shops: These shops are even cheaper than factories or clearance shops. Granted, you won't find everything there, but there are sometimes some great hidden bargains. You might also find some interesting stuff in the pockets, like the 0.5kg of cocaine I found in one suit. It explained the bullet hole in the back of the jacket.
  
  
• Tip 6: Take back purchases that don't fit straight away: If something doesn't fit right take it back right away. Many stores have a seven day return policy, if you don't return it in this time it will become a waste of money.
  
  
• Tip 7: Designer and high end stores still have sales: Don't avoid the top end stores completely. These stores have sales to, and sometimes you can pick up a real bargain.
  

Want to learn how to save $1000s a year? Then check out our 1011 money saving tips e-book! Click here!

4 tips to help you make your groceries go further

In the previous blog article we showed you how to save money on groceries. If you follow some of the above tips you will be saving yourself $100s a month! Now we take these tips further. We look at how to make your groceries go further. These tips are not for the faint hearted, but definitely worth considering if you really have to cut back. As an added bonus, your should become a lot healthier as well!


Tip 1: Cut back on the portion sizes: Cut back on the portions that you eat (normally you will have food left over on your plate) and you will save money. For each meal try and have the major item as vegetables or rice, and meat as a supplement. If you do this you will over $15 month.


Tip 2: Go meatless one day a week: Meat is an expensive item on your shopping list. Don't worry, there are 1000s of great vegetarian recipes around that will excite your taste buds. If you go without meat one day a week you will save yourself around $20-$30 a month.

Tip 3: Buy meat by the hoof: This tip is not for the faint hearted, and to be honest not something that we would do, but it can result in saving a lot of money. Your savings will be in the vicinity of 40-50 percent when compared to buying meat at a normal butcher or in a supermarket.

Tip 4: Start eating a stone age diet: First question…what is a stone-age diet? It is basically a natural diet, where you eliminate as much packet foods, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives as you can. Instead of eating packet foods, you stick to very natural ingredients, and try to make most things yourself. You save money because you are not paying for packaging, as an added bonus you will be a lot healthier. Potentially savings are around $30 a month.

Would you like to learn how to save $1000s a year? Then check out our 1011 money saving tips ebook! Click here!

Cheers

Rusty O'Connor