School Holidays-What to do?

I was hoping to go away for a few days in the school holidays but I was dreaming. Then again I think it is good to dream. If we don't have dreams, what do we have?
So I have browsed the websites to see what is on in our area.
I have found quite a few freebies plus some not so expensive activities to do.
Also I found a buy 1 get 1 free voucher to Lollipops Playlands in Penrith. Click here to print coupon.
There is also a buy 1 get 1 free at Unreal Mini Golf in Penrith. Click here to print the voucher.
I have found quiet a few more, buy 1 get 1 free so I will put a separate Tab on my blog so you can easily print these.
I am looking forward to sleep ins in the school holidays, but then again my children normally get up earlier when they don't have to go to school.
Have fun in the school holidays.
Anthea

A long time coming

Wow it has been so long since I have updated and more than even we need to save money.

Bag those bargains

It's time to head to the shops and get next winter's clothes. All the shops have their clearance sales on and there are many bargains to be had.
Yesterday I went to Kmart and got the girls some long sleeve tops and leggings for next winter, some brand names like Hi 5 and I didn't pay over $6 for anything.
Today I went to Best and Less and I found clothing racks for $4.97 an item, I got 23 things for $115. Great stuff as well.
I then went to Big W and they had $5 and $6 racks so I got clothes for myself and the girls and also my husband.
When I got home I did a count and I had 45 items and only paid $220 and that included 3 pair of jeans for hubby that I got on sale for $10 a pair.
I have packed the clothes away in the girls wardrobes for next winter. They were a little disappointed they could not wear them yet but I know they will get a nice surprise next year when I pull out all their new stuff to wear.
Most items were 75% off original price so I have saved myself so much money and kept everyone happy.
Do yourself a favour and bag a bargain while they are there.

Retail Therapy on a budget

There comes a time every few weeks where we all crave a good dose of retail therapy. I tend to avoid the shops as I never have an extra money to spare but that doesn't mean I don't love to buy myself stuff.Browsing generally just depresses me as it only reiterates that I just don't have enough money.
So to make sure I still get my dose I go op-shop browsing. I love it. There is about 6 op-shops in Penrith. I generally allow myself $20 (which is 1 night of Macca's, hey they can go without). I take cash as most op-shops don't have eftpos or only above a certain amount.
It is great, don't get me wrong I would love new stuff any day but this still allows me to get my fix without the guilt and makes my day.
Op-shop tips.

• Park somewhere central to all op-shops so you are not wasting your money on petrol driving around.
• Try not to take the kids. Most op-shops are open Saturday mornings. If you need to take the kids, agree to buy them something small. $1 goes along way in an op-shop.
• Try the clothes on. Op-shops will not refund but some with exchange.
• Look for specials, Op-shops also have sales.
• Take your time, it improves the experience and there are always hidden surprises.
• Try to put together a whole outfit, it will seem you have achieved so much more if you can wear the whole thing or model it when you get home for the family.
• Don't be put of by smells, creased or clothes that may have a button missing or clothes that need a good wash. These clothes will come up great with a good wash and a little bit of a repair and you may get a discount.
• Also look in the bargain bins.
• Don't be embarrassed by looking in op-shops, even celebrities shop there and I often get comments about clothes I'm wearing, and I love to boast that it only cost me $?. Remember the 1st owner would of paid full price.

Remember someone else's trash can be your treasure.

Have fun.

Getting sick is for the rich.

I remember reading somewhere just before the birth of my first child that I should pay all the household income to the chemist as that is where most of our disposable income would end up. I laughed at this but of course it has come true.

So for a week I have been putting up with a niggling ear ache (ignoring it actually, hoping it would go away). I kept getting visions in my head of costly root canal, or maybe a brain tumour so of course I avoided the doctor.
This morning hubby would not take my persistent sighing and whinging anymore and insisted I go to the doctor.

These days of course you need the whole day to go to the doctor as that is how long you wait.

I phoned and got an appointment, what pot luck! But there was a catch. It would cost me $53 and I would get back $28 from medicare (another costly trip). Ok, I am now paying to not waste my day.

I turn up on time, well early actually, but the Doctor was running late. "could I have a discount for him running late"? No of course I couldn't.

I finally get in and am then told I have an ear infection and given a script.

Off to the chemist I go, "yes I will have the cheaper brand please", "no I do not have a pension card" (I only wish I did).

So another $20 later I am armed with anti-biotics and painkillers, so all in all I am out of pocket $48 + petrol + time.

Would of much rather gone and had a lovely full body massage.

Oh well I can only dream.

I do recommend though going to ozepharmacy for scripts, it is worth the drive as I can save up to $10 on some scripts than if I went to my local chemist.
They also have good deals on other things as well.

Hmmm I wonder if they will start paying interest on my husbands wage!!!

Welcome to Budget Busters

With the rising cost of fuel and just about every house hold service it is virtually impossible to fund those special outings that we all love to do.
I was getting frustrated with trying to plan weekends and school holidays with not alot of money so I have decided to start this blog and find all the things that are on in our area that are free or offering discounts.
If you see anything in your local newspaper that is not listed on here please email me at budgetbusters@live.com.au and I will add it on for others