Rampant Consumerism
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=7973
Printed Date: 23 February 2025 at 4:47pm
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Topic: Rampant Consumerism
Posted By: Maya
Subject: Rampant Consumerism
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:32am
OK, so those of you who know me IRL (and probably most of you who don't) know that I am a bit of a rampant consumer  . I have a really, really bad case of see it, want it, gotta have it and as a result my kids have far too many clothes, and I won't even go there with toys and nappies (can anyone say "excessive"  ). I can't go anywhere without $10 or $20 "falling" out of my wallet, and altho at the time it seems like a small amount, it all adds up. For example, yesterday it was $4 at Starbucks, $19 at St Pierres for sushi for lunch, then $19 at Jesters on frozen pies for dinner, even tho we already have a freezer full of meat.
I saw in the Canvas section of the Weekend Herald yesterday an interesting article in which one of their journalists went without 'spending' for a month with the exception of neccessities like groceries. I've been pondering on it, and I've decided that it's not such a bad idea. The question is,can I go a month without spending? I've already decided I'm not going to take it as far as the Canvas lady did - she cut out meals out etc. - as we already have plans to go out pretty much every weekend this month, but I am not going to buy anything uneccessary (think toys, clothes etc.), no takeaways, no stopping at the bakery to buy Maya a biscuit for her preschool lunch when there is plenty of food at home, no trips to Lynnmall just to get coffee from Starbucks, and worst of all - no more daily Sugarfree V drinks .
At the end of the month I'm hoping my bank balance will be a little healthier, and that I will find a little more self control when it comes to shopping. So wish me luck! And anyone else who wants to take the challenge, feel free to leap in! I did consider asking Ginger but....  -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Replies:
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:37am
what about those new nappies????
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:42am
Oh bugger, the trip to the Snazzipants shop  Oh well, will have to drool over nappies and dream about when I'll be able to buy them again.
I'm contemplating a Phil n Teds Sport buggy and getting rid of the two I have, so a month of not spending will be a fair bit of $$$ towards one. Haven't decided yet tho, as the toddler seat only takes up to 15kg so not sure how long it will be before a gremlin outgrows it. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:43am
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OMG does Botany meet up fall within that month!!!
Good luck - Ill let you know bout all the sales I come across to see if temptation gets too much...least i can do LMAO!!! Oh and take a video of you telling Maya she cant have a cookie etc ok...that should be hysterical!!! Ill buy her a fluffy at months end
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Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:44am
| BTW let me know how much weight you lose...you may become inspirational.... |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:47am
LMFAO - that gave me a giggle, perhaps weight loss may be an unexpected bonus
And yep Botany falls in teh next month, but it's a prior commitment so I can spring for a hot chocolate or two - but no cake  ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Bombshell wrote:Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:55am
| and what about the wool...and the trip to spotlight?? |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:58am
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you do realise that all your efforts will be wasted when that unexpected bill comes in to wipe your savings....at least thats what happens when I try to be good.
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:58am
The wool doesn't count - I had already committed to buy it And in a roundabout way it's not consumerism coz it's so someone else can make me something. The bedroom letters will have to wait...
Argh, I'm already trying to justify spending. Bad, bad Emma! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 10:59am
I know - I had quite a healthy looking savings account - then my car got stolen and I had to foot the $450 excess  ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 11:03am
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Never happens when you arent saving though does it
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Posted By: CRS
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 11:03am
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LOL! Good on you! Maybe you're a little more brave then me... every month I say "NO TAKEAWAYS, NO COKE!" Every month I fail! Maybe we should make it an OHbaby "challenge" so that we can be held accountable to the website if we fail ;) LOL! ------------- Bonnie, Mum to a 1 1/2 year old & a 3 year old - still RF in their Brio Zento's CPST & Safe2Go Technician www.childrestraintsafety.com 
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 11:29am
No way baby - I'm in  
In fact, just yesterday, I realised that I'd run out of my expensive moisturiser, and in an effort to cut back etc and achieve more out of my budget, I'm trialling a moisturiser and skin care set which costs about a third of my current one. I think we need to go public with this and be super dooper honest about spending, and see how we go ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 11:31am
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I do however reserve the right to go to the movies this afternoon (we have one of those cards where you get 1 ticket free), go to a musical which I've already booked tickets for next Sunday, and buy a coffee at the next Botany meet and greet. ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 12:32pm
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GOODLUCK LADIES!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 12:37pm
| we just don't have the money for that kinda thing. And I'm trying to lose weight and have no takeaways nearby, so the last time we had takeaways was........begining of the year maybe? (she says smugly), but I do ave a tendency to buy the boys a book each weekend, and they insist on reading in the pushchair...and then we have to retrace our steps to find Taine's book - which we never do. he's lost three so far |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 12:38pm
please do tell about this moisturiser...i too have just run out of the expensive stuff the "kids" got me for xmas... |
Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 1:28pm
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You haven't been reading about this on TNN have you Emma? I have been trying to cut down on buying "stuff" lately and have found the easiest way is to just not go near the shops! Plan and only go up town once or twice a week and do all your jobs in one go. Try not to go to the supermarket all the time - I have surprised myself on this one and have been using everything in the cupboards instead so we had scones and soup for lunch, and have a casserole cooking on the fire now! Good luck! ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 2:05pm
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I think I need to jump onto something like this too!! Cor it would be nice to see a healthy bank account.
I have been very restrained with wool and sewing purchases though!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 2:20pm
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Ginger, have you tried http://www.strawberrynet.com - www.strawberrynet.com .
I found my expensive exfoliator ($70 a pop) that I havent bought for ages as I cant justify. They sell it for $35!!!! and free delivery. It arrived within a week and was gift wrapped. comes out of Hong Kong. Very impressive. |
Posted By: Rackhell
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 2:24pm
I've been very virtuous this week ... not spent a cent on anything unnecessary. 
However, I was crook at home with a cold that hubby brought home with him though, so was unwillingly good. We already have a budget that I try to adhere to, but admit that i do end up saying things like 'well, I need this for the sprog so I'll just take it out of your money', payday can't come round fast enough! I don't think that I can do the challenge, as what about all the cool movies that are coming out in the next month ? |
Posted By: miss
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 5:03pm
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That was such a good article, I really thought it was interesting how it made you think about spending. i won't be joining you ladies as we are rally good at sticking to our budget already, but I will follow your progress with interest! -------------  
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 6:52pm
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Thank you for that nzpiper! I have looked on Strawberrynet before and it hasn't been that economical ...but they seem to have expanded the range (I use Dermalogica) and the savings with the salon sized products brings the cost down quite a bit. Cool!
What is the article of which you guys speak ...? I usually find that if I am spending a bit much I read 'Save Karyn' and it scares me out of buying anything for a wee while
My thing is not so much about sticking to budget, but sitting down with the figures re IVF, it's a lot of money to come up with in a short time! And the shorter the better ... ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 8:24pm
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Nope Aimee, I didn't see it on TNN, but it sounds like something that lot would be into
Ginger, it was in the Canvas magazine with yesterdays Herald, I'll see if I can find an online version. Great to have you with me! I've also conned my sister (yes, she who ran up $7k on my dad's credit card while she was in London a few months ago - I think she's even worse that me!) to give it a go, altho I have my doubts with her... So far so good! Ok so it has only been one day but still... I did the groceries and fruit and veg. Didn't buy any canned baby food at all - apples were 99c a bag and pears wer 99c a kg so figured I should stop being so lazy and make a whole lot more to replace my dwindling freewer stock. Managed to get the weeks groceries plus fuit and veg for $180 (I know that probably sounds like a lot to some of you, but Maya and Willie eat thru $60 worth of fruit in a week, sometimes even faster than that).
Then this afternoon I took Maya and the gremlins out for a loooong (as in 5km  ) walk and left my wallet at home som I couldn't be tempted to stop and buy icecream/V/uneccesary things at the $2 shop we walked past.
I've been thinking too - with the OHbaby! mums night out coming up I will set myself a $$$ limit before I go and take only cash so I'm not tempted to spend more, and with the zoo trip I can take a picnic (poor, poor deprived Maya ). And at the Botany meet I will have one hot chocolate - and it better be a bloody good one!
I've also been thinking about all the junk that is cluttering up my house and tomorrow I am going to list some of it on TM. I *need* to get rid of some stuff, it's getting ridiculous. So how often are we going to check in? Daily until the withdrawal symptoms start to subside? ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: thunderwolves
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 8:33pm
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I'm in, I need to stop spending money on stuff I don't really need, (but really want) I did this once before and each time I was tempted to spend some money I transferred that amout to my savings account, I was pretty surprised how much I had at the end of the month, time to stop the coffee addiction.... ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: Bubbaloo
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 8:35pm
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Good luck ladies ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  Was danni-chick Mum to James My Angel 28/07/08 |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 9:13pm
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Erm ...can we start tomorrow ...?
Our trip to the movies admittedly only cost $10 each, and although we refrained from buying over-priced movie snacks, we got a cheesymite scroll each at Bakers Delight because we were hungry ...and while we were out walking the dogs DH decided that he really wanted Fish & Chips ... Uh Oh. Although, I was really good all last week - I have stopped buying my morning coffee at Luscious on my way to work which in turn means that I don't end up buying something to go with my morning coffee  but I saved quite a bit of money
I should really got the TM route as well Emma ...I have a HUGE bag of clothes and things in my wardrobe waiting to be turfed or whatever ...and among other things in the not-to-be-turfed-although-I-never-use-them pile I also have a leather handbag sitting there that I paid $425 for (I know!!  ) at Kate Sylvester and only used for a couple of months until something else came along ... I really should list them all and get something back out of it.------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 9:21pm
WTG! If I was a coffee drinker, I'm sure that would be the hardest thing to give up! I'm terrified of giving up V and bought hot chocolates - might up and make me a good ole homemade one with marshmallows now ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 9:29pm
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I only have one a day, and I said to DH, it's not so much the coffee, it's the little ritual that I miss. Still, I have a new ritual now, and I make my coffee at home so, instead of paying $4 for a coffee and $3.50-$4 for something yummy, I buy $100gms of coffee beans for $5.50 which last a week, and raid the milk bottle in the fridge! Oh, and bake a batch of brownies or a cake or something ...so I have something yummy, but it costs a lot less.
Really though, I'd prefer to just win lotto ... Oh! I also refrained from buying any scratchies at the supermarket on Friday. Instant kiwis are such a habit for me ...I keep thinking $10,000 is an IVF cycle, and buy an instant kiwi (or, you know ...five) ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 03 June 2007 at 9:30pm
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For hot chockies ...get a milk frother, and use the Cadburys hot chocolate. It's divine! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 9:09am
| Right. Will have to join. Starting now. I do need new moisturiser tho... will just get cheap stuff me thinks. |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 10:29am
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Ooo! Nikki! Check out strawberrynet like nzpiper suggested ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 11:43am
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As much as DH would love for me to join this challenge he can get lost! I'm buying "little things" for Caitlin's 1st B'day and my 30th for next month
P.S TM has someone (am frantically hunting now) that have auctions of Oil of Olay (or whatever it is called this week lol), last time I bought 2 of the Total effects moisturiser for the price of less than 1 in the shops. So I am TRYING to spend less
FOUND THEM! http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=1624327&mcat=4798-4810- - Face creams with $1 reserve ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
 
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 1:55pm
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I've just listed some of my clothes, the handbag and a baby bag on TM. Even if I get $10 back on the whole lot, it'll go straight into the IVF fund, and I'll have clawed a little wee bit of my spending back!
If nothing else, I'd just like to find a home for the baby bag! (Oh, and if you're interested, linky in the buy/sell board) I bought my moisturiser on Strawberrynet - when I broke the cost down, it worked out to be as cheap as the cheap stuff I was going to buy! My moisturiser is normally $77 for 30ml, and I got a 119ml salon size for $142.50 ...which works out to about half the cost. I hope. I'm a bit sh*te with fractions. Don't tell me if I've cocked it up - I was trying sooo hard!!------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 2:17pm
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Welllll I was going so well until SOMEONE listed a cool top on TradeMe. Fortunately I have will power.
May have to go and buy Han some new shoes tho... she's getting sore feet from the oversized ones that are all she's got to wear at present! |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 4:19pm
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'Fortunately' for who?
Poor Hanny kid ... Ginger is also exercising will power
Oooo ...I think I got moderated on my last post - sorry!!!! I don't remember putting that asterisk in there myself.------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: meow
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 7:42pm
What size is she again Nikki? I know she's smaller than Ella, who is a size 8 now. And I'm also going to list some of our stuff that continuously clutters our house!
I don't know if I can join in on this lol.. we always spend too much.. just bought a new mattress today (well, we did need one, ours is gross ).
I will try! (but I love hot chocolates too )------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 8:13pm
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Ok so, I have reluctantly dragged myself into this thread, as I too could probably behave a bit better in the spending department. We're not doing too badly budget wise, but for the sake of my health / fitness as well there are probably a few things I could cut back on! Plus we have Erin's first birthday coming up too, which I imagine will eat up a bit of our allocated "surplus" cash for the month [:-S] I like the de-cluttering idea too, I tried to get rid of some of my books a while ago but had next to no luck - might just cart them off to Devonport and offload at one of the secondhand bookstores.
One thing I wish they'd do here in NZ / Auckland is rebates on cans and bottles etc like they do in Canada, we had soooo much fun collecting them when I was growing up, and then trundling down to the refund centre. |
Posted By: meow
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 8:33pm
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Jax, we used to have that here, BP petrol stations did it. You used to win prizes and discounts on petrol etc, stickers and all sorts of things.. it was heaps of fun as a kid. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 9:09pm
They do recycle aluminium cans here, you don't get much for them but Willie collects them and gets a few $$$ back (not nearly as much now tho as he used to when we were both heavy beer drinkers!) I had another good day. Stayed home all day except to take Maya to Western Springs to ride her bike around the lake. Again left my wallet at home to avoid temptation (one of these days I'm going to do that and end up running out of petrol with no wallet to fill it up ) So two whole days with no spending down, and only 28 more to go!------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 9:45pm
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I've managed ...uh ... none
Yesterday there was the husband's lack of self control vis a vis takeaways, and today I bought my moisturiser. Although, I achieved long-term savings with that one, so can I possibly write it off ...?
Am trying to sell stuff, and I should be successful with everything, as there are loads of watchers on all my auctions (well, 3-6 anyway whcih is not bad since they've only been up this afternoon). So, that's a positive step. I'll be quite happy to shuffle a few dollars across to savings!  to you though Emma! The most self-controlled of the un-self-controlled ones so far ...although a bit of and at your petrol thing Perhaps check the petrol gauge before going out anywhere? I'm not pushing your car home from the Botany meet at the end of the month ... ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 10:00pm
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I'm rubbing my hands in glee at the $700+ Southern Cross refund that should come thru next week
Altho it is going to be the ultimate in temptation. Do you *know* what $700 can buy you? ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 11:23pm
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LOL I have a fair idea Emma
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 8:21am
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Don't. Do. It. (they really need a using-the-force smiley face icon with wide eyes ...)
Or, you know, do it (the push chair) and continue with your savings afterwards ... What I mean is, don't fritter!
I have 9 watchers on one of my auctions ... yay! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Faraway
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 8:45am
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Well done ladies! I am going to try and join in with you so that I can afford to buy some more nappies at end of month.
Emma re petrol - you could buy a $10 petrol voucher to leave in your car then if you don't have your wallet you will be able to get gas if you run out. One thing we try to do is get x amount out each week/fortnight to keep in our wallets and then leave eftpos card at home - means you can only spend what you have and it is amazing how quickly you start prioritising! |
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 8:47am
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make sure you take your licence with you Emma, don't want to get a ticket for not carrying it when you are doing so well not spending ------------- "> 
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 9:16am
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That's a brilliant idea Faraway! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: thunderwolves
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 9:17am
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I just don't think that its fair to start up this great save money train....then have the special offer on the egg thermometers.....grrrr. ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: nuttymama
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 10:24am
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Ok I'm not really here, but you guys have inspired me. I am such an impulse buyer and have a full explanation for everything I buy, and can justify it all. So inspired by those of you that are going cold turkey I have decided to give it a go! I love the idea of the petrol voucher and I'm sure my eftpos card would love to be left home to rest (Dh would love that too!)
So I am resolving to start my no spending (can't say unnecessary as I am fantastic at making up very good excuses as to why I need something)today. Here's hoping I can stay away from trade me better than OhBaby ------------- Abigail 06/01/2005 Jayden 21/11/2001 Micheal 03/04/1997 |
Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 10:24am
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If you ladies want to seriously save money, move somewhere like Ohakune where there aren't any shops to spend money in!
On second thought, that won't work... because you'll probably become like Nat and I - and spend all your money online instead! ------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 10:41am
thats prob a good idea...a cashless society only works for the retailers...not us. 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 11:10am
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I love the eftpos card idea too. Maybe I'll just leave that at home instead of my whole wallet.
LOL Sarah Beth - I don't actually have a drivers license at the moment, haven't gotten around to replacing it after it got stolen a few months ago. I really must get onto it tho, or I do risk getting a nasty fine ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 2:44pm
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Emma! Smack! You'll get spanked if you get caught without a licence! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 2:45pm
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OK, so technicially, I only posted that so that I could say ...
WOOOOPPPPEEEEEEEEEEE !!! 1000 posts !! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 5:15pm
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Well, I reckon I did pretty well today ! Went out to fill up the car, and here's hoping it lasts us a whole fortnight this time. Although I was a *little* naughty and bought a cookie time cookie and a can of sugarfree V at the petrol station... Off to the supermarket after that, and got a box of nappy liners since we forgot them yesterday. Also picked up some of those Avent handles for bottles, but they don't fit on mine (dumb, I know) ! So will either return them if I can find the receipt or on-sell them as they are still brand-new.
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 7:05pm
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I've been good too, altho the leaving the wallet at home thing backfired on me when I arrived late for my doctors appt (gremlins slept in) and realised I hadn't thrown my wallet in the nappy bag. Luckily they know where I live, so if I don't pay my bill...
No spending today tho But I keep thinking of things to buy Kelly, our legendary admin lady, had her 18 week scan today and found out her wee bub is a girl, and I was thinking "ooh, I could buy her some little pink booties". Or not. Maybe I'll just make her some fudge instead  ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 8:32pm
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Ok..now that I have hit buy now on Ginger's skirt I guess that means I can join you guys right??
I think it will be a lean fortnight for us though with almost no overtime from B...no naughty buying for us!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 05 June 2007 at 10:10pm
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We're the same at the mo Paws - DH hasn't had any overtime for a while now, and it's a bit of a shock that although you don't budget on it, you do get used to it ...eek! Still, I'm learning to behave and control my consumerism which is a good lesson for when it's even tighter on one income! (especially since our fertility treatment this year is going to work! )
Oh, and, errr ... I'm vaguely sorry for leading you astray! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Anna
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 5:24am
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Seeing as I have had my splurge yesterday I will join this today! I am usually not such a impulse buyer, I tend to obsess over everything. I am still not used to the Andys money being 'our' money thing and still feel bad if I spend his money.
When I was younger my mum always used to say to me "can you live without it?" and if the answer was yes then I was sposed to come away, think about it for a day adn then if I still neeeeeeded it then i would go back. This used to work well for me cause really I don't NEED anything and was always far too lazy to go back the next day! I do buy things for the kids tho, and often stop off at the supermarket. But no more of any of that for me. Starting NOW! ------------- Anna http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Faraway
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 8:42am
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Well I didn't spend a thing yesterday WOOHOO! But explored all the nappy websites and have a list of things I need to get (will tell DH I can buy the pockets/inserts etc. with all the money I am not spending on drinks/sweets/magazines!)
Today I have coffee group though and since it is a prior commitment I am allowed to have a hot chokkie but am resolving to take a muesli bar in car for way home so I don't buy a bit of cake - that $4/5 is half an insert!
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Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 10:10am
I think you girls are doing great. Wont be joining as we will be buying lots of stuff the next two months. Hopefully one of those things is my new bed that we want.  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 1:48pm
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Well this morning was a challenge - the gremlins had swimming lessons, and I always buy a hot chocolate after we're all dry and dressed but I was well behaved and didn't! Tomorrow will be tougher as Maya has her swimming lesson and I don't get in the water so I'll have a whole half hour sitting there dreaming of hot chocolate in a paper cup. Why oh why does it always taste better from a paper cup?
I did a big batch of baby food today too. From 99c worth of pears I got 6 meals worth, and for 99c worth of apples I got 10 meals worth, plus I pureed up a bag of frozen broccoli that I bought for us but goes mushy and yuck when you cook it so decided they could have it, and some peas, and kumara. So that should last us a while. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 3:15pm
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Take a paper cup with milo and sugar in it and ask them for a bit of hot water ------------- |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 3:26pm
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I was having this exact argument with the husband the other day ... it does taste better from a paper cup!
Good idea busymum ... when you ask for the hot water, get them to fill one of the gremlins bottles up - they'll never know!
------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 3:31pm
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I should have put a disclaimer with my message. Ginger, I didn't expect you to take me seriously!
------------- |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 4:05pm
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Eh? What? I thought it was a great idea!
------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 4:45pm
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Didn't spend on anything un-necessary today, I don't think. What happened was that Erin took an hour and a half to get to sleep for her morning nap, the trouble being that she couldn't breathe properly for the rivers of snot running from her nose poor muppet. So rang the nurse at the GP's office, and got her to write us a script for some more Dimetapp - we'd run out and I thought we'd be OK without, but I guess not just yet. I also got her to prescribe us some Otrivine Jr, and filled a repeat for Erin's anti-fungal bum cream. Add some more iron tabs for me and some more teethmed spray, and it totaled $47 That's *not* including the doctor's fee for writing the prescription *sigh* Have been good though with eating and drinking, had a decent breakfast, morning tea, and lunch, and have probably clocked up about 2L of water by now.
Bring on tomorrow ! |
Posted By: Chovynz
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 7:47pm
I used to be a rampant consumerist, that is until i got married. I'd buy a computer game every week/month. It took Teresa about 1 year to final lay the smaxck down on me about my spending. 
Actually I think I was impressed by her example of the budgeting thing. So I asked her about it and we've never looked back. Now we can just, go out and buy me a jacket or the girls a tandem trike, because we've saved for it. She's a ------------- Defending the male species since 1980
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 7:49pm
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...and he's a flatterer ------------- |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 06 June 2007 at 8:15pm
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I've been well behaved, I'd *almost* go so far as to say I'm enjoying taming the rampant consumer in me - it's pretty satisfying seeing the freezer full of baby food that I made
I need to make another trip to Countdown tomorrow for more ham, bread and milk, but Willie gets paid tomorrow and gives me his housekeeping money in cash and I'm hoping I can pay the cleaner with that and make the rest last for any incidentals like groceries etc. for the fortnight till he gets paid again. Then all I have to do is pay the bills out of my pay and save the rest
I think I'm going to need the savings tho - our dehumidifier overflowed today and I suspect it is about to go to dehumidifier heaven ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 9:37am
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Argh! I forgot my lunch box today ... bollocks!!
Bummer on the dehumidifier Emma ... isn't it always the way? You're saving and something goes kaput? We saved and did our bathroom, ran over budget a bit, but we weren't too worried because we could catch it up the following month ... except one week later the car did it's (ba)nana and put us $3,500 in the can. Argh!
This week, I'm being really good ... and then the night before last DH tells me that some important piece of our fireplace has broken, and we need a new one! Bollocks! Teresa - if you feel inclined to share your budgeting secrets, I'd be inclined to listen ... I have my own system, but sometimes someone else's ideas can help you refine said system!
Chovy - I am never letting you anywhere near my DH. I swear that his xbox controller is actually now some kind of Darwinised extension to his arm ... ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 9:54am
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LOL - no Xbox in our house, it's hard enough getting Willie away from the TV as it is...
Today is going to be a tough one - have been invited to CHipmunks with some of the girls from The Lost Ones forums. Maya has a free voucher from her birthday party so we won't have to pay an entry fee, but the temptation of coffee, and lunch and..... ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 10:30am
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Tell me about it! I just went and did a run to the Post Office, and felt very sorry for myself driving past the lunchbar. I keep a loaf of bread in the freezer here at work, so I'm not going to starve with no lunch, but I keep thinking about my banana cake, mandarins, and OSM bar sitting in my lunch box at home, on the kitchen table
But, I will save about $10 if I don't have lunch, so I am embracing my inner strong Ginger!
------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 11:24am
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Go Ginger, you can do it !!!
Emma - why don't you just take a lunch box with you to Chipmunks?
I'm debating whether or not to go to the post office to mail some cloth wipes that I made, or trek over to Royal Oak and just drop them off in person... not sure which 'saving' would outweigh the other (postage vs petrol). |
Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 1:49pm
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Hey Jax, do you have to get a prescription for otrivine JNR and dimetap? or is it cheaper? I just buy them off the shelf?
My skite now (I have to help with the final $3500 for the wedding) I took $65 to the supermarket last night to do the shopping, and a calculator, we didn't need meat and veg and I spent $65!! Wooohoo!! haveb't spent that little in aGES, and that included cheap nappies for Jake during the day (giggles) and it was mainly cleaning stuff, it always seems to run out at the same time (Jif -I use that for everything instead of buying 400 sprays, Frend for stains, white vinegar, dishwasher powder, plus tinfoil, gladwrap) ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 4:21pm
| Annie, you need a script for them now apparently, if you have a tot under two. It is cheaper for me to get a script anyway, even for things like bum cream and Pamol. Mind you, I actually don't think the Otrivine Jr needs a script - but check with your own GP and they'll know for sure. |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 08 June 2007 at 10:13pm
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I was surprisingly well behaved at Chipmunks, bought one hot chocolate and one lot of chips for Maya, and had lunch when we got home. I felt obligated to get the chips coz everyone else was eating and they won't let you take your own food in.
Even bigger temptation is the housekeeping cash that Willie gave me yesterday - cash is sooo not my friend! I'm hoping to make it last a whole fortnight, but I have to pick up the gremlins formula at $120 which will make a serious dent in it. How are my fellow consumers going? ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 08 June 2007 at 10:15pm
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Ooh, I forgot to say - I got goodies without guilt today - my Baby Legs that I ordered a while ago arrived and last night I got the Bobux boots I also ordered a wee while ago - new things to play with but I haven't broken my anti-consumer promise ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 08 June 2007 at 10:33pm
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Cash is so not my friend either, which is why I try not to have any around - ever!
Kind of fell down a bit today Needed to get out of the house for some fresh air after some super-whiffy ammonia scented nappies went through the wash, and ended up cruising all the way up to Albany to get some root beer (which is reeeeeeeeeally hard to get around here)... but it was SO worth it. What makes it really bad though is the giant bag of Maltesers I bought to go with it Haven't opened the bag yet though, as my headache had come back by the time we got home and didn't feel like eating - I think my body is having major issues with sugar atm.
Anyway, since we're running a bit below normal in the "spending money" portion of our fortnightly budget, it will have to be a quiet weekend - hopefully the weather holds out so we can go feed the ducks or something like that. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 08 June 2007 at 10:33pm
| PS - Emma, the girls' formula is a neccesity isn't it? |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 8:51am
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my husband thinks i should be curbing my spending...grrr he told me lat night he wants me to ask him before i spend...whatever.!!!! it was alright for him to sign us up for some diff phone deal, so he could call my mobile for 40c cheaper...just dont call me from the land line...duh!
so have decided to teach him...will give him an allowance and me too - but i get double cause will no doubt need supplies like milk etc from mine...and if he goes over then tough for him...no takeaways for him, no oh i'll just put it on the visa... he made me sooo angry i dont think i am talking to him even yet still. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 9:13am
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Right.....it's time for me too officially join you guys.....oh boy this seems daunting!!!! Mind you the next couple of weeks are going to be tight anyway so that should help! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 9:26am
Yep, but I hate shelling out for it just the same! WTG Annie with your "budget shopping". I'm a bit of a cheat with the groceries, I go to the supermarket probably 3-4 times a week, mostly coz the gremlins love sitting up in the trolley. I really only do a 'big' shop once every 2-3 weeks sometimes longer. Welcome to the club Paws ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 9:27am
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PS. Gandt - loving your allowance idea, wonder how long your DH will survive ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 10:28am
| Our spending money portion of the budget is kinda like an allowance, but once it's gone it's gone - most of it seems to disappear on day to day stuff like extra snacks, food, coffees, you get the drift... Think today should be a lot better than yesterday, seeing as how I don't think I will be going out anywhere. |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 10:49am
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We have minor progress and a major set back yesterday.
Minor progress - we went and did the groceries, and instead of doing what we normally do, which is get some dinner on the way to the store (usually something like kebabs, but still $20-$30), I defrosted some yummy sausies (courtesy of the Clevedon market the other week) and we had a quick dinner when we got home. So, spent nothing! Well, other than the large grogery tab
Major setback - our TV blew up. I think it must be the stress of the FA appointment coming up this week, but so far the mere thought of the TV blowing up has had me in tears half a dozen times I can't believe the year we're having! (remember $3500 on the car about a month ago!) Both cars have to go in for their WOFs this week and I'm completely terrified But, it's ideal circumstances for happy-credit shopping, and I haven't done any!
Still, instead of flagging it and buying a new TV which we would have done even a couple of months ago, it's gone in to see if it can be fixed (hopefully it can be! and for not too much). The only problem with that is that Tisco are sooo slow, and DH is already 'itchy' without a TV. Me? I'm kinda enjoying the peace to be honest ...
Other than that, no spending. I managed to bring my grocery shop down a bit from normal, and I have taken out $40 cash for the market on Sunday (about half what I'd normally spend) and didn't go to Luscious (which is next to the cash machine!) for a coffee when I stopped off to get the cash out. It looks like I'll probably sell all my TM stuff too which is cool. ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 1:10pm
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I have been really good and spent no money on extras in 2 weeks. I am reading a book at the moment called 'Not Buying It: My year without spending' and its reallyinteresting. She talks a bit about their challenges etc but also a lot of research into why we buy and the psychology.
We also have a few pretty effective systems for our budgeting. All our bills are direct debit now and I write them up on a calendar so I know. Once a week we both get our 'allowance' automatically transferred to our personal accounts. Technically this is our only extra money but it hasnt always worked, so now I try to leave our joint eftpos card at home. Groceries I get $400 cash out for the month - do a huge monthly shop, then weekly fruit and vege shop (not from supermarket tho, too tempting!). I keep the cash and that months receipts in a little plastic bag so I keep track and dont use the cash for other things. I used to go to the supermarket to get one thing I needed for a recipe or cos I wanted it, now I substitute or make from scratch and it makes me feel really proud of myself! It all seems to be going well, and I have a bonus incentive with the groceries - I get to keep any leftover money that month! ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 2:29pm
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I've heard that that book is meant to be really good. Might need to track down a copy. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 3:14pm
Buy one you mean?
Hopefully the library has a copy here |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 4:19pm
| No $$ spent today, whew. Still need to update the budget though, and am procrastinating in a big way... |
Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 4:23pm
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I did lots of baking this arvo - afghans and marshmellow slice (yum!) - and didnt have to go buy anything extra! Woo hoo. Saves me buying biscuits this week.
The copy of that book I have is from the library! ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 4:28pm
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Will have to go look it up!!
I should do some baking this afternoon but I'm feeling totally shattered....might have a bath instead. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 4:29pm
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Oh yeah and the only money spent is on firewood...but surely that counts as essiential right? I mean it's that or the heater so still costs..... ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 4:41pm
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aimee, can you share your marshmellow slice recpie ------------- ">
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Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 4:42pm
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ok will post it in the recipe section now ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 4:42pm
I'm going to make Anzac biscuits 
I just realised I didn't get anything for Han for creche then thought - hold on! I'll make it! |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 5:06pm
| Nikki - I have a really yummo recipe for Anzacs if you want it... |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 5:09pm
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Oh yes please!
I just made a batch but got about 10 biscuits out of it will make another one when these are done.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 6:10pm
| I will post it later tonight when Miss Mischief is in bed. |
Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 7:40pm
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I had a spend today,a bout another $40 at supermarket, BUT $27 was a months worth of nappies for the terrors, I am using a mixture of cloth and disposibles, and countdpown had treasures ultras for $7.97, so i got 4 packets (2 each) also extra milk, bread.. Stuff Iknew I would have to get anyhow. I still spent about $80 less than usual, though. On the down side, I need new clothes as I am now too small for all mine, and am down to one pair of 3/4 pants and 1 pair of jeans with a busted dome, and I need a pair of shoes for winter... might go the ezibuy way... ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |