Say What you Really mean...

You say "battler" like its a bad thing *grins*

Bit of a thinking process going on about those who are "strugglers" and those who are "Battlers" ~ whether there is a difference in the two? Do strugglers really just like to brag under the guise of complaining about how they couldn't really afford the new $149 shoes, marked down from $200 at least, but managed to buy them any way and now its going to be a struggle to find an outfit that matches that shade of mauve.

Is there a class which is really in a position to do well, just has this silly habit of over extending and believing if they think they deserve it then they really should have it ignoring the fact they cannot in fact afford it? There are some who can afford to spend in whimsy, knowing the bills will still be paid and debt reduced. I hope some are reading and willing to contribute to the Spare Change Jar on the left as confirmation there are actually some who can afford to spend on whimsy for real and not just in our imaginations, dreams and wishes...

Seriously, I think there is a type who bemoan their lot when wanting to share an ill-afforded extravagance ~ in some ways I consider myself a battler, but the difference is probably in the region of getting $50k a year less than the "average struggler". Plus I see ourselves as being clever, frugal and powering through with what we have, rather than what we have not but must get regardless of the possible future detriment. The whinging battler is one often wanting to change but sees only the half empty glass, not feeling that happy tiddly feeling the first half put in your head...   I'd just tell her that we don't do takeaway, don't buy new, love fossicking opshops, use no-name and bake my own biscuits and pies. Why hold back - being in control and having control is something to be proud of.

It's like it is someone else's fault they are put in the position of feeling guilty for making a purchase (most likely via credit) which wasn't really needed but desired enough to actually hand over the plastic and cast aside that little voice asking 'but how long can you push that purchase payment out' for that extra dose of guilt on the side ~ and see others on half as much seemingly do twice as well as themselves with some jealousy. Guilt and jealousy ~ the "average struggler". 

Just as some love to say they enjoyed dinner out at that new trendy eatery, spending around $50 a head plus the drinks, I love being able to say I fed all three of us the type of meal you'd expect at a new trendy eatery for under $10 including a nice clean skin sparkling wine. 

Today was even more exciting and rewarding as we ate our own produce in tonight's evening meal. Using $4 of marked down steak, half the red onion from yesterday's salad, left over bean shoots, boiled brown rice and from our garden: bok/pak choy, snow peas, parsley, basil and ginger, I made the yummiest stir fry meal for less than $2 per person ~ easily as good as main from that trendy place others go....

Whose Fault Was It Anyway? 

If you think it was mine (and those goes for anything you think I may have been the one in the wrong from my early teens right through to tomorrow mornings' offerings) ~ fine ~ blame me. Don't care if I am not taking the problem on as my own ~ I do that well enough for myself alone. So knock yourself out ~ not my problem. Bridge, built - over it...

If you are a teacher however, or one who 'looks after' other people's children, or one who understands the concept of 'you kinda need to be responsible for your kids yourself too you know' ~ enjoy the following article:  What Teachers Really Want to Tell Parents.

Until the next time ~ do feel free to toss any spare change into the Spare Change Jar or Treasure Chest ~ it all goes on our debt and hopefully is indicative of the fact you find the blog informative, entertaining, education or you can tell we need all the help we can get *grins*

Looking for the Good Stuff

I love a good 'find'...

And I'd love to say I had a day with no spending but with the chiropractic session (or should that have been waste of an hour being spoken to like I have no idea how the spine works and the issues I am facing) at a cost of $90 ~ sadly not. What a waste of time and money - not even a little bit of relief provided yet is cost a bomb. If someone would like to reimburse me for that, we'll gratefully accept any contributions.

Especially as I have now the need to return to my doctor and get another referral for further 'work'. I might just get the x-rays for reference to show another therapist what is the current status of my back and work with issues and tensions as I know them to be. OK ~ maybe he is being over-efficient, over-cautious - but to charge a non-refundable on information being provided just seems a little rich for me...

So it is off to the 'Purple Door' to see an Osteopath about a Care Plan and a Reiki practitioner about some acupuncture. It's never easy to find the right person who 'fits' with your body, mind and soul quickly ~ but we will get there *smiles*

It's been another beautiful day ~ we 'Mexicans' (as we Victorians from 'south of the other border) get called are being very careful in the sun, making sure SmallBoy has sunscreen on each morning and a roll-on bottle which he as proved he is using because I've had to fill it up already. *cheers* Both Husband and I also put on our sunscreen ~ although I do try to get 10-15mins in the morning sun before covering up to keep up the Vitamin D and ensure my skin is not too fragile when the sun gets hotter over the spring/summer months.

SmallBoy loves pie ~ we love this one used the leftovers

Must scoot ~ writing tonight and I've got the mojo for poetry again.  Keep safe, eat well and enter our UukyBearub competition soon. Details are available on the previous posts. 

Toddling on...

New day ~ took it slow and admired my surroundings.

Having been on Centrelink payments exclusively for the past six months, I am  amazed anyone can have a positive, fulfilling life or lifestyle for a long period of time. Perhaps 12-24 months as a stop-gap necessity due to loss of employment or illness, and in the beginning with my loss of income we had savings at hand to draw from. When Husband's hours were reduced as part of the financial crisis we could still manage comfortably and continue some additional payments on the mortgage and additional expense repayments. On benefit payments alone it is a struggle *understatement*

So Less Is Best ~ we can attest to this statement! Not just on the expenditure side of life, but also the clutter. Oh it is starting to look a little more respectable and you can see the floor - and its vacuum'd!! It will never ever be featured in Better Homes and Gardens but gee it might just be welcoming...


Lessons Learnt So Far

I guess the biggest lesson learned was to have income protection or some form of insurance on both income earners salaries ~ even if one is 'just doing admin'. Especially if you have just taken out a mortgage and not finished paying off a $25k credit card and started a personal loan for $15k.

It's wrong to say we've been without $250k salary income over the past five years ~ but using the 'if' statement of "if this hadn't happened" that's four years of my income and one year (pro-rata) of Husband's that we've not had.

Weather any storm with planning

~Mands Top Ten tips to get your finances in order

1. Don't ignore the problem

2. List and prioritise your debts

3. Design a personal budget

4. Live within your personal budget

5. Stop using a credit card ~ If you must use a credit card, avoid luxury/impulse items

6. Learn to negotiate ~ 9% interest on the credit card is better than 21%

7. If you can't pay the bill or lower the debt in (2), contact your provider - ask for a payment plan

8. Learn to save ~ $10 a week is $520 saved annually

9. Check if you are eligible for government advice, assistance or payments

10. If you are threatened with legal action, get advice

Whatever you do ~ number one is up the top for a reason. If there a problem and you ignore it, let it continue to build up or pretend it isn't important, the end result is an even bigger problem with less negotiating ability at your end. Over the years I've asked for (and received) extra time to pay an account, an interest freeze on the credit card for six months, a payment plan to suit my budget (not their preferences) and removal of fees and charges to enable the original amount to be paid. I have read it costs a telephone company $100-$200 to solicit a new customer so removing a $5-$50 late fee or penalty  and to keep you as a customer is beneficial for the company as much as it is for you.

At the start of November last year, I provided the spiel I use to talk to our credit card provider when requesting a rate reduction.  You can check out the Financial Challenge dialogue and try it for yourself. I know one reader let me know she had success ~ would love to know if anyone else does.

I noticed the BareFoot Investor had something similar this week to help people get fees or late charges reversed ~ I let Scott know I haggle on everything possible. I wonder if he is following Our Mission?  Hey Scottie, Dude *chuckles, inside joke* if you do ~ please throw a few dollars into the Treasure Chest! You can use one of my saving tips in return. Greatly appreciated!! 

And a quick note ~ the stormy photo above was taken by me this morning looking out over the back paddock. Apparently this dark, stormy, humid weather is an effect of both Cyclones Anthony and Yasi moving inland. Yasi has been large enough to run its 'tail' into Victoria and I've taken some sensational photos as the weather has been moving through. Just a wee brag because I think my storm pics are better than my floral, fauna and foodie pictures. *blushes*

As Prince Dastan ~ brilliant

Must go ~ bed time. And having spent the last 111 mins watching Jake Gyllenhaal in the Disney movie 'Prince of Persia: Sands of Time' I am hoping for some very sweet dreams. If you've not seen it - do yourself the proverbial favour and get it out from the video store and watch it. Sure, Jake is well worth the look but the movie is visually stunning, the performances are brilliant and, having never seen or played the video game it is based on, such an exciting and adventurous movie. Twists and turns and acrobatics that will stun and amaze!

Got some cheap, easy and healthy recipes to share this weekend ~ I hope you will join our journey as we reduce our debt slowly but steadily and get back to saving some money!!  And remember ~ any spare change you can donate to help will be gratefully accepted - just pop it in the Spare Change Jar or use the bank account listed on the Q+A page.

Night everyone ~ thanks again for reading, liking and sending your messages through *cheers*

So far so good ~ the wallet is shut...

Christmas Dragonflies ~ the one's that come with love 

Wonderful lunch with Dad today ~ 

We hadn't yet had the chance to catch up with the old man and his lovely lady ~ as happens with separated families, extended families, in-laws and out-laws, everybody catches up - eventually. Dad's a good sort - he is happy to make the trek up to us, especially while I've been recovering and now while we are rather 'poor' or lacking in the funds to bring us to Melbourne frequently. So he brought a roast chook, rolls, salad bits and enough left over for a chicken pasta sauce ~ so that's dinner sorted! 

Bit of onion, garlic, flour, sour cream, the last of the mustard (swished up with water) and voila ~ a brilliant sauce to cover the .65c packet of pasta spirals.  All full and happy!!  Plus there is still a thigh, a drumstick and a wing ~ more than enough to make a pie later in the week!  Brilliant - and oh so low cost (no cost actually!)

No spending at all today ~ and there should be no spending tomorrow either. Today was spent tidying and going through the 'No Screens for January' rules ~ we felt SmallBoy should be able to earn screen time to be used during the heat of the day when staying out of the sun. He earned 2hours screen time today and was a brilliant help. Very pleased to have a spotless bathroom again for the first time in a long time! Wrecked me tho' ~ I must remember small steps... 

So what do the horrorscopes say tomorrow will bring : 

SCORPIO (03 January NZ/Australia) 

As much as you may be looking ahead to your new professional year, you can not only afford to step back and take some time out, but you probably need to. There is no doubt that things are going to become busier on the work front, but not for another few weeks, with Venus’ final days in your sign and Jupiter and Uranus’ alignment in your romantic and creative sector urging you to embrace the spirit of romance and to follow your heart.

Sounds good to me! That romantic and creative sector could do with some attention. *grins* I am pretty sure I do need to take it easy and slowly get back into working - even if it is only around the house. Seriously, loving the way the house is coming together and I need to remember to take before shots as well as the after shots for the compare.  

I've been doing some 'volunteer' work ~ well, it is community service in lieu of a few traffic infringements incurred many years ago, quite possibly as Husband was using the car and Mr LeadFoot has finally worked out what a speedometer is so I expect no more. It's only a few hours a week as I still can't sit at a desk for any great period of time ~ and I am lovin' it.

I really hope it can continue ~ maybe into a paid position, but the refreshing of my skills and the experience is so rewarding. It hardly seems like a 'punishment' and in February I hope to be able to increase the time over two days. As beneficial for the children's respite centre as for me I think.

The Dinner Menu for the Week

Sunday:  Pasta with creamy chicken sauce

Monday: Sausages and Waldorf salad

Tuesday: Lamb Shanks in red wine casserole

Wednesday: Beef stir fry

Thursday: BBQ with friends

Friday: Hamburgers (home made of course)

Saturday: Chicken and vegetable Pie

Sunday: Gado Gado or a cous cous salad (weather dependent) 

Hope everyone will enter the competition ~ you can comment here or on FaceBook and contributions of 10c into Mands Treasure Chest (on the right) or the Spare Change Jar (on the left) are perfectly acceptable to help toward the postage. If this goes well, we have some other items to give away valued at over $100 ~ if it doesn't, then we will sell them on eBay on MandsMission.

Speaking of eBay ~ new items are up tomorrow. Yes, more Tupperware and some kids clothing 'lots' ~ this is probably easier than having clothes up one at a time.  I will probably do the same with some of my good clothes. That, or the Ballarat Buy Swap Sell or Frugal Friends on Yahoo. We really need to get cash on to those debts ~ on with Our Mission.

Until tomorrow, I'd like to share a piece I wrote for friends to get ready for 2011...

Getting Ready for 2011 ~ by Mands

As another year moves on to its end

The time has come for reflection again

For all the changes reaching your shores

In the end, truth & true love always endures

Through the toughest of seasons

The harrows of worry & pain

Know in this new year

Life will not be the same

The chilled snow's always melting

The warm sun rises each day

And the good friends around you

Will push dark clouds away

Making wishes, giving kisses, 

Happiness in the air

True friends need no sure reason

To tell you they care

As the year comes to closing

We wait for the new one to start

I must say that through this year

You've been so close to my heart

Thus I thank you with smiles

From a heart so sincere

May these last days be full of

Friends, fun, laughter and cheer

So we bid now farewell

It's been a long year for some

When we look back there no doubt

We have had heaps of fun

❀Bყ ~ℳ∢η₫☡ ❀ 

Dec 2010

✿ ℒΦϑє, ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ ✿

A really quick note

For those not on FaceBook, Simple Savings or any other network ~ there is a documentary on SBS tonight which I have a rather substantial involvement.

The House of Food Obsessives ~ or 'Happy House' as I call it on Mands Meanderings ~ starts this evening at 830pm.  Those in Australia will be able to see it ~ not sure about the rest of the world as yet, although I believe it will be viewable on the SBS website from Thursday and will confirm this once known.

That's really all we wanted to share. 

Goodness knows if it is sensationalised, edited out of context or an absolutely brilliant portrayal of the events and learnings as they occurred... We shall all find out together *grins*

Regardless ~ it was a very positive experience for me, certainly has helped in many ways and while very much steered to the overweight, over eaters it is an area I am continuing to explore, develop and follow. 

OK ~ on with the show....

Catching up on 'things'

With no technology ~ sometimes there is only the time to stop... 

Gee there is quite a bit to catch you all up on...

No car for 8 days, coinciding in part with no comms for 10 days makes for a very frugal period of time ~ creative making do and knowing only so much can be carried on a push bike! Fifteen days of prehistoric survival. No phone or internet, only mobile which changes to a 'plan' with free internet . . . on 24/11 . . . so there you have it. Cut off from the world ~ at the least the lawnmower was repaired at some point in there. We were fine with the mower ~ the repairer called us to advise how going, when going, collected and going.

Let's get the whole recap started with the car ~ the initial quote was $625, although this changed the day before Husband took it in as the wrong engine details had been provided. Now the quote was $700 ~ no sweat, better than $1000! That was Tuesday night, 9 November, organised SmallBoy to be taken to and from school, with the possibility of needing the next day (better safe than sorry). Husband was running a little behind schedule to get to the mechanic by 5pm using the deadly treddlie and called to say he'd be there no later than half past.  No point mate ~ she's not ready...

Ten minutes to collection time arranged and cool as 'it ain't gonna happen'.  Foine ~ not really ~ but what can we do?? Even though Friday here was a public holiday for Show Day, the mechanics would be and we'd have a car for the weekend. *phew* It's my birthday that weekend ~ and Show weekend ~ we could watch the Saturday fireworks from outside, enjoy a picnic at the side of the road even and avoid the expense and crowds. Not renown for reliable, safe, timetabled buses on the weekend ~ the only other (non) option is taxi and that isn't going to happen either!

Saturday came ~ so did the mechanic - to pick me up and drive me to a doctor appointment which had only been put back three times and I really did need the medication by Saturday. Friday even when said 'car for the weekend' was still on the 'wonder if it will be our car, a loan car or no car' level, we could have gone in after hours for prescriptions only and tried for Monday when, surely our car would be ready. Cap it off ~ didn't get to the Show, so that was a savings win; plus the weather was disgustingly bad and fireworks got cancelled so missed out on nothing there. 

It was a beautiful day on Wednesday 17 November when finally the car, set to be ready any time from the previous Wednesday, was actually there for retrieval, driving, to have the new registration paid for awaiting adhesion to the windscreen since Thursday 11 November, to avoid driving unregistered as of Sunday 14 November ~ a very auspicious day in the big scheme of things ~ my birthday. We did get a discount on the final bill, to cover my taxi home from the supermarket across from the doctor on Saturday - we were now expecting visitors up on Sunday as we were car-less (still) and unable to travel! 

All up, we were charged $600 ~ the original quote, less taxi fare ~ and having fared us well for the local, about town run *thinks*  ~ let's just say the longer journey of Melbourne and back was substantially more eventful that the usual trip, resulting in a lot more country-side seen, a lot less people visited and yet another family semi-inconvenienced with the need to bring the SmallBoy home to us... again!!  Saving $100 on the bill was good - but might be needing that to check all is actually running properly after the weekend drive.

Budget Re-done; Out-goings Reduced ~  

When we started our Mission, our financial status as at the end September / start October is listed on the Financial Report page.  We shall leave that as is, to show a starting point and this entry will show our financial status as at the end November / start December ~ the journey over the past two months. 

Our income has increased slightly - Husband and I each receive an additional 50c to our main payments, there is also a nominal increase in one of those family payments. We now receive $1340pf. *party*

The VISA interest rate has been reduced from 20.9% to 9.2%, the minimum repayment is down from $336pm to $100pm however we've kept paying $150fn (min), plus extra when under budget as mentioned in the Weekly Updates and your gifts.  All this has reduced the amount owing from $5836.33 to $4962.64 with $500 to be put on this week from the ATO :P

The Mortgage repayments have been kept up to date and (relatively) on time. While not forming part of the 'debt' we are striving to eliminate, it does form part of our regular outgoings and stress levels, we've reduced that from $165,900 end of Sept to being $164,300 end of Nov with $245 in redraw! All those little $5 deposited each Monday and Friday automatically is such a good practice! 

The Mortgage is the good side of our home loan package ~ time to hear the adventures relating to the evil twin, The Line of Credit... 

When we started, the Line of Credit was $21,764 - pushing the final few cents of its $22k limit (excluding the NIVA which we refer to later) ~ today the Line of Credit sits at $23,309 in debit. Just prior to Hellstra unleashing its evil communication-severing service 'magic' ~ we had been talking to our lovely lender about ways we could ease our financial stress and burdens without losing the house, or fear of losing the house, paying but not necessarily all the 'due' totals. On 12 December, documentation was emailed to us, thankfully downloaded and saved that day because that was the end of phones and the sudden limiting of Internet access.

Earlier in the month, we posted the outcome of a reader 'dare' ~ finally getting in touch and doing something about the never-reducing Line of Credit. We might not have been able to send anything using the convenient electronic/Internet connected methods accustomed to when our Internet provider InterNode has the ability to use the wholesaler (Hellstra) on a line connected to our place ~ no, not going there...

We did the math and checked it thrice ~ and have asked the NIVA part of our $25k LOC be reduced to $1k from $3k as we are not using it and is better there as a buffer of just in case we need cash, it is there. This 'pushes' $2k back into the LOC without trying to 'balance' a $3k-NIVA, and back under $22k (just). We are in the process of arranging to effectively 'freeze' the mortgage side of the account for three months, meaning $520pf is free'd up for 3 months ($3200ish) which can be paid against the LOC and bring it down to $19-$20k, during this same time. 

There have been reductions made to our usual outgoings, shopping visits are able to stretch further especially now we can actually see items in the pantry ~ gee it is brighter in there with the wall gone! Must get those curtains up! Using 'new found' specials in the cupboard as made the menu planning easier and requires less from the supermarkets.  We are getting under the $150pf mark most fortnights now, $100 spent 'rich' week and as much under $50 the 'poor' week as possible.  The summary is now:

The Normal Outgoings 

$ 200.00 pf  ($522.13 pf) ~ Mortgage (min) ** if auth'd by 4 Dec, next due

$ 150.00 pf  ($200.00 pf ) ~ Food, groceries and sundries

$   90.00 pf  ($117.92 pf) ~ Internet, land line, mobiles 

$ 100.00 pf ~ Gas + Electricity payment plan 

$   57.07 pf ~ Insurance – House, contents, life

$   75.00 pf ~ Council rates, water rates, registration

$   20.00 pf  ($90.00 pf) ~ Doc (now public, was private); Meds

$ 5.00 pf ~ Microsoft Gold fees – connects XBox, Wii for me, Skype

$   20.00 pf  ($50.00 pf) ~ Savings

$ 100.00 pf ~ Fuel – petrol

$ 847.07 pf   ($1317.12 pf) Total per fortnight outgoings

We've stayed up to date, some with changes, on:

The Struggled Goings

$   33.00 pf ($44.00 pf) ~ Refrigerator rental - yoemans

$ 197.90 pf ~ Personal loan – wyndham

$   75.00 pf ($91.40 pf) ~ VISA (min)

$ 100.00 pf ($150.00 pf) ~ $5 - $10 to bills, water, home care, mortgage, bills collect 

$ 375.90 pf  ($482.40 pf)

Incoming pf:  $ 1342.90  ($1256.94)

Outgoing pf:  $ 1262.97  ($1800.42)

Outstanding Accounts

$ 836.00 ($870.00) - HomeCare Services

$   36.00 ($106.00) - School fees

$ 370.00 ($390.00) - Dental account

$ 249.90 - Magazine subs

$ 590.00 ($800.00) - Electricity and Gas - payment plan costs set

$   43.33 ($192.28) - Water arrears 

$1301.40 ($1421.40) - Collections

(reduced total by $570)

We have reduced our out-goings to free up almost $80 cash a fortnight, removing the struggle to try and find an additional $600 on top of our incomings each fortnight and continue to pay down the balance on overdue/outstanding bills. eBay has helped, as has reader gifts. But most of the action has been from Husband and myself, and a heap of understanding, tolerance and contribution by SmallBoy. Every canteen order not ordered is $5 we don't need to 'find as automatic' twice a week. The mortgage amount budgeted above most likely is to the LOC, it still going to be made within our budget and not beyond. In-roads have been made on bills outstanding - everything has a lower outstanding amount. We see that as a positively positive negative...

 ~ Action Stations ~  

As soon as the car was back, it was off to the library with ready, printed, finally signed and dated printed and hand written forms, letters, statements and guff to get the application in progress. Sure, cost $9.90 to send an eight page fax from a library, but its an investment in obtaining relief and reduction.  Chalk it up to experience because with the phone back on for the weekend (!?), yesterday I called our Salvos Centre and found this next set of requested papers can be sent for free from the Salvation Army Community Support office. Taking that as having saved $10 to get the medical reports and other guff required in addition to the first fax... *arrgghh*

Learn from our experience people ~ if you ask the right worded questions to the right person at the right service you will get an answer you can obtain help without it being for food or bills. Saving $10 to send a fax is huge - half a $21 Challenge week!  

The outcome of the Hellstra debacle did mean the line our Internode account was 'connected to' ceased to exist to our land-line ~ oh, and seriously, when you get the recording 'the number you are calling has been disconnected' think phone company cock-up not late bill payment, please :D ~ to get the Internet and VOIP we had to reconnect. We did need to come up with $120 immediately for that ~ we do have a credit on our land-line account for that same amount, it will pay the line rental for 5-6 months so that frees up $17 for a few months!

 ~  A Little Income-Tax Boost  ~  

And we've been rather wise ~ well, we think so ;D

With a little under $3500 in refunds being received (off course while with no car to go sign and collect, then no Internet to use/move the funds once paid into our account) ~ we decided on Friday we will put $500 onto the VISA, $500 onto the Mortgage, $1000 into the high interest savings for the LOC once the NIVA limit is reset, the final $1000 was used to secure solar panels with the maximum rebate and RECs higher than our outgoing electricity charges before changes to the limits end of the month. We've got a year to have the roof ready for panels that will be needed, but it secures all the rebates to $10k. The remainder of the refund is towards SmallBoy's birthday, my sisters' birthdays and Christmas...

Currently searching for any methods to get the roof fixed and stabilised for a 3kw system - even though we have not purchased that big, it can be expanded upon over the years and best have it roof ready now don't you think. As we expect to get the family tax payment reconciled and balanced with Centrelink, this might throw a few hundred of outstanding entitlements to top up the Christmas cheer, New Year merriments and some over for the LOC which should have been sorted by the time that is calculated. Fingers Crossed!

More to get ready for the Weekly Update tomorrow ~ so we shall leave the re-cap there for now. We are really pleased with our efforts, changes and boy is there heaps to get onto eBay this weekend.  Yes Tupperware fans ~ there will be some awesome items including a full original Back2Basics set, still in the box. Maybe two...

The Menu Plan and week schedule will be out on 'Mands on a Mission' on FaceBook later tonight ~ a small shop is expected this week (it is big shop week, but we might make it under budget as we use the pantry supplies). Feel free to 'like' or 'follow' or whatever there is to click and stay up to date!

Shall catch up tomorrow night 

Cheap eats ~ and a fun day out

Bloomin' amazing Ballarat Botanicals' Atrium 

I have the best mother-in-law!


Yes ~ the notoriously bagged relation in most marriages is a god-send in mine!  Up for the weekend and we enjoyed Fish n Chips on Friday (with champagne, from France, so it can be called champagne) and then spareribs with steamed vegetables and roasted potatoes.  Again, with champagne!

Some people have expense accounts, some people have restaurant tabs ~ we have a mother-in-law who comes up and spoils us rotten :D  If you've got a great mother or mother-in-law ~ let her know!!

Sunday we went and checked out the Bonsai Exhibition at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and will be going back to the Gardens over summer to enjoy the flowers, the beauty and a couple of picnic dinners - just to change the scenery without spending the money on a take out or eat out dinner.  Hopefully we'll be able to rope in a few friends and even try a few pot-luck platters!  Sharing food, the meals and the preparation, makes life so much more gratifying!  Speaking of sharing ~ just had to share some of the pictures we took ~ SmallBoy thought the outing was going to be 'lame' - he wants a bonsai for his birthday now... *grins*

SOME MAGNIFICENT BONSAI

 

Mega Meals for Minimal Money

We all know fish is good for us ~ but knowing that MIL spent over $30 to feed us on Friday, its not going to be one of those meals we can have too often.  But for the cost of a large tin of no-name tuna in brine ($2.19) this meal will feed 4-6 people and you can add extra bits & bobs to suit your own taste and budget ~ or tailor it to what you have in the pantry and freezer! This costs us about $1 per head for 4 people with left overs for lunch.

Tuna Mornay - cheap, healthy and very yummy. Anything with an asterisk is optional.

Serve with rice or noodles (spirals, macaroni)

1 onion, diced*
1-2 cloves garlic*
20-30g butter
3-4 tbsp plain flour
1-2 cups milk (or 1/2 milk, 1/2 water)
425g tin tuna
1 cup froz veg (eg. peas, corn, mixed chopped veg, pineapple & corn is nice too)*
1-2 tsp mustard*
A little salt & pepper

A squeeze of lemon or lime (fresh or bottled)*

Melt a little of the butter to saute the onions & garlic
Add remaining butter and melt
Add flour, blend with butter & cook for a minute or two
Slowly add milk to make a roux (like a white sauce)
Add the tuna and mix through (until smooth, no chunks left)
Add the veggies and mix through
Add the mustard and mix through
Salt & pepper to your liking

Put on top of cooked rice or pasta

Eat...

Easy as, little mess, yum...

You can do all the extra of adding it into a casserole dish and baking it ~ but it's only extra washing up to do and this is a tasty variation of several different recipes you can find.  If you put your rice into a rice cooker, that takes about 20mins and your tuna mornay will be ready at the same time as the rice.  Left overs make a delicious toasted sandwich filling and if you've got a Breville maker make sure you let it cool or you'll burn your mouth ~ experienced tongue burner warning!

Until tomorrow ~ keep telling your friends ~ buying those eBay items ~ throwing that spare change our way. Desperate pre-Christmas panic is starting to grow ~ we've still got birthdays before then and all the news on mortgage foreclosure auctions with only $3000 in arrears is terribly scary...

Don't want to beg - but when the news says beggars are getting $200-$300 per day - it's an option...

The Fourth Wednesday of our Mission

Poor little Maggie fell from its nest ~ mum and dad came back and they walked home 

This has been quite an interesting week...

There's been the yummiest snacks and dinners made out of the crummiest cereal crumbs and limp leftover veggies ~ seriously delicious.  If you have a look back, the muesli slices/bites, pikelets and pies have been a hit! We've eaten more veggies that usual and SmallBoy has enjoyed these new home-made treats.

The best pro-active effort was negotiating an interest rate reduction on our credit card.  And it was *easy*.

One phone call and the interest rate on our VISA was slashed from 20.9% to 9.2%.

Now we challenge every single reader to find out what their interest rate is, call their provider and get 5% or more taken off the amount ~ let us know how you go.  If you've got a $5k credit card and bring your rate down from the "average" 21% to 15% ~ that's a saving of over $1000 in interest repayments each year.  That is ENORMOUS!!

We received some great donations into the Treasure Chest and hopefully we can update our ThankYou page especially thanks to a big clutter of Support (10c) to the amount of $20! WOW ~ thrilled and straight toward bills!!

Then we received a rebate from medical bills ($30) and the coins from the car, house came to $16.20. So all have been banked and will be moved onto the Line Of Credit once cleared.  Oooo ~ It's a real thrill.  AND of course you know we spoke to the drastic plastic credit card company with HUGE success!!  Did we mention we've also got no annual fee ($90) ever again??

There's more but it has been a day of walking around while the car was being serviced ~ and that was a bitter outcome with the mechanic saving us $170 (sort of) saying no point servicing this car, it needs a new engine... Damn. Double Damn.  We shall deal with that next week.  

Husband has picked up a day's work tomorrow which will probably need to go towards a new engine otherwise we are back to wondering how do we get SmallBoy to school and home again.  Oh it never stops...

Below is the week in rewind ~ remember, please get your friends, family, work mates on board and following and perhaps popping a few coins into the Treasure Chest as we make our debt a thing of the past!!

Wishing you all a great week!
~Mands, Husband, SmallBoy and Mudguts
and the chooks, the cats and Skippy the rooster *bok bok*


Wednesday 20 October 2010
The start of the third week and we have made a weeny dent into the debt. Not looking forward to our contributions next Wednesday. *gulp*
Used all the left over crumblings from various packets of cereal and muesli and made the most delicious muesli bites and slices. The recipe and makings will be up to share tomorrow.
We have a few more items up on eBay - there is Tupperware & Avon. Ideally we will have 2-3 items up each day. That's going to be fun.

A day without spending - *our Mission*
The small gift from others - *the Plug*

Thursday 21 October 2010
Gosh it is a lovely day. We cleared out clutter and rearranged the spare room and SmallBoy's room.  SmallBoy has a big box of toys to sort through.  The recipe for the muesli bites has been posted. We are extremely grateful to have received a wonderful 'hand-full' of 10c coins in the Treasure Chest ~ and we are thinking our gifter would have had fun imaging the clatter as we have.  It would have sounded awesome in real like to hear 200 10c silver coins dropping into a wooden chest. *cheers*
There are two people playing the auction on eBay for the new Tupperware Illusions jug - this is rather exciting because we've never seen that before. The water filter is being collected tomorrow too.

Another day without spending - *our Mission*
A clutter of 10c coins falling into the Treasure Chest - *the Plug*

Friday 22 October 2010
Nothing spent today. Happy about that. Got paid our family payment of $203 this week. Woo Hoo - its gone on the mortgage. Nothing else paid, no money to pay any thing else. But there's food in the fridge, pantry and the chooks lay their googies.
Might sell the eggs and get an extra $10 per week for them. That will put petrol in the car.

No spending - *our Mission*
Needing a little to stay afloat - *the Plug*


Saturday 23 October 2010
Nothing spent today. It is such a relief SmallBoy does not see how 'tight' the purse is. He had a mate over for dinner last night (spag bog from the freezer), played happily outside or on board games. We've got his birthday in a few months - but not sure what we might be looking at gift wise and he has been hoping to have a few mates over to go to LazerForce. This might be off the cards now.

Not spending anything - *the Mission*
Wishing for a little help - *the Plug*


Sunday 24 October 2010
Milk and water ~ $8.50.  OK - the milk is understandable but, in case you've not read previously, we buy our drinking water because the water in our regional town is quite disgusting. Ran SmallBoy a bath tonight and phew-wee - stinks like chlorine when you run the water. Hence buying water because from the tap, we can't drink it.  Even the ice-blocks are tainted by the taste of something grungy.  Need to get meds, actually put it off because we didn't have the finances to pay for the meds but money transferred in on Saturday so it will be a wait to been seen appointment on Monday. Yeah-haw (not)

Only the basics are needed as the debt drops - *the Mission*
It would be nice to have a few extra dollars freed up - *the Plug*


Monday 25 October 2010
Medication ~ $8.90.  It's one of many prescriptions that come up each fortnight. At least they usually stagger so as not to be a huge burden. Nothing sold on eBay but we've not got any extra items up so it seems fair. *grins* Only three eggs from the gerls so they are laying somewhere in the grass which is almost knee high ~ but hiring the mower is out of the question at the moment. Hopefully we can borrow one . . . any offers?? *chuckles* Heading to Freecycle to see what is available.

Keeping the main bills paid - *the Mission*
Hoping readers will put spare change into the Treasure Chest  - *the Plug*


Tuesday 26 October 2010
Nothing spent ~ but we did book the car in for a service. Plus we had the unexpected 'bonus' of a cheque for $35.18 from our old power company. Considering we've not been their customer for over two years - we have no idea what it is for but its $35 to go onto the credit card. We have an appointment with the accountant tomorrow to get our tax fixed and up to date ~ nothing like the last minute to get things done! Using left over veggies, making buttermilk (milk & lemon juice) and self raising wholemeal flour (plain with baking powder), we made vegetable pikelets and they were as delicious as they were filling. Last day on the eBay Tupperware ~ and its looking good.

Staying ahead of the collectors - *the Mission*
Tell your friends about our Mission - *the Plug*

~ Welcome to the Front Page ~

Hi there – my name is Mands and I am hoping you can help get me and my family out of a bind with debt.  Yes, we are asking total strangers for the gift of few dollars, even a few cents to help pay off our debt, stop the interest accruing, building and getting further out of control.

This debt did not come about due to lavish spending, over-indulging or financial mismanagement. Most was incurred due to medical expenses, assisted living charges, travel costs while I waited for and now rehabilitating from spinal surgery at the same time the single incoming wage under went restructure, reductions due to the financial crisis' impact on Husband's employer.

We are not asking for you to pay it for us ~ rather help contribute to pay it down with us.

*smiles*

Please... 

Back in 1997, after my first and only attempt at aerobic fitness, I was in this almighty car accident – another driver decided to cut across a six lane highway and collected me along the way (and a few poles, signage, a fence and a letterbox).  Watching the world through the windows of a spinning car is quite surreal ~ more so when the darn thing catches on fire while rain buckets down.  Luckily, I didn’t seem to be too badly injured.

A knight in a long brown dri-as-a-bone coat stopped, donned his akubra hat to keep his head dry before taking his trusty fire extinguisher from the back of his Jeep, kicking up the bonnet of my still running vehicle and slather it with white foam.   Sure did the trick on the fire, although the motor kept running without keys in the ignition.  She was a fighter to the end.

My BushMan knight hero hung his extinguisher back on his Jeep, tipped his hat to the small gathering of sopping, shaken survivors, jumped in his vehicle and drove off into the torrential storm, leaving me with a smouldering car and an excellent tale to tell.  There's more about this in Meanderings here.

The next day at work, my poor body went into shock and spasm thus starting the long journey to find for a decade I'd got about with spinal fractures.  I'd soldiered on to the point of no more with pain and leg numbness ~ 2007 started with a series of events heading a down hill slope.  More on that, starting with reference to 'that' MRI is here in Meanderings.

Unable to sit, barely able to walk and not remembering what it was like to stand up straight – that was the end of work for me.  An operation in September 2008 had the surgeon declare it was a ‘real dog’s breakfast’ in there but pins, screws, plates and all things gory were inserted for the slow road to recovery to begin.   The surgeon wasn’t wrong when he said to expect nothing for the first year, some improvement in the second year but plan on taking the next 5 years off.  You can read a little about the op here, I'll see if I've got some 'back' shots for those who just must have evidence this is real

Three months ago, my husband ceased paid employment to be my full time carer, reducing our income by $550 a week.  It ends 25years in a single industry with business relationships as strong at the end as the start. The gaining the time previously spent away from home working, we have productive home time, reliable help and physical changes for the better - physically, mentally and aesthetically.  No longer feeling we were doing it alone, now we enjoy a simple(!!) life on $628 a week from government payments.  Why no compensation you ask?  Because the other driver’s husband was a solicitor and the knight in dri-as-a-bone drove off into the night. The court awarded 50/50 no fault; TAC covered 13wks income in 1997, blah blah, legal stuff and that was that - all over red rover.  Darn it!!  Life goes on...

Today, October 6 2010, I sat down 
Actually I lay down - with the budget ~ and worked out what we have, what we owe and boy, we are on such a tight deal. Our mortgage is $276pw and we've not missed a payment.  This is not going to help clear our current debt if we still plan to eat, stay warm, put petrol in the car to get SmallBoy to school (not that he would be complaining). The repayment rates increase with the interest rate rises, the interest accrues ~ oh why can't we put all the interest/revenue raising/life expense increases on hold for a year or so and let us catch up, get things back to zero!?!?!

So, thinking outside the square and hoping to make this as entertaining as it is rewarding.  Be warned from the on-set : I tend to waffle, change thought mid-way, discuss our options 'aloud' to see how it looks. I will try to keep that process on ~Mands Meanderings. It's my personal blog, started while waiting for surgery. Please forgive me in advance for over-flow...

On a Mission to Find Change      

Aside from the mortgage, which is not part of the mounting debt we want to clear, we owe the following:

The VISA credit card (drastic plastic) ~ $5,836.33  (was $18k in 2005)

Outstanding Bills ~ $3,930.63 so far – sadly there may be more

Personal Loan (Wyndham) ~ $4,057.94 (was $11k in 2008)

Line of Credit (attached to the mortgage ~ $21,764.21 (was $16k with $7k available end 2008)

Frighteningly Scary GRAND TOTAL : $ 35,369.49

Hold on a tick ~ just need to scoop my stomach up off the floor and put my poor heart back in place.

I guess that's $1 from 35,370 people with $1 to gift to us ~ if you can't make the dollar, perhaps the 49cents then??

We've included where accounts were at the maximums and looking at the reductions already made - we think we have done a terrific job bringing that down on the reduced single income (plus ridiculous transport costs due to distance) Husband earned.  The personal loan is less than 2years old and we'd almost got that cleared. With some outstanding monies paid and Husband's tax sorted, this could be gone – completely – finalised. Or perhaps it is best in the LOC to keep interest down while keeping the mortgage paid with our benefits. While we are no longer using the drastic plastic VISA credit card ~ we reduce the limit each time we get $2000 down and plan to have it with a $3000 limit within 18mths with your help... 

Some of our debt has already had no interest applied, or been reduced down and bill repayment amounts are arranged or in the process of being so.  Our home line was averaging $45 per month, most in line rental fees – we had this lowered to $20 and use the mobile phone on contract for out-going calls, or email, or text. I'm about to find out if the home line be reduced if we make it an incoming only line. My mobile is incoming and will go onto recharge and not account now the contract is up. Husband is locked in for another 12 months.  Internet is under $50 and with more family and friends doing the Skype thing, we'll look at getting into that perhaps.

Had we not had income low enough to meet the threshold to receive government payments for the next 6-12 months, this shout-out probably would never have come to fruition.  I don't think we would have thought to ask for help through the kindness of strangers, especially when others might see as a crass grab for cash ~ but be assured the intention is not to have kind people pay all our debt for us.  Not at all ~ you can help by throwing your spare change our way; purchasing from the eBay shop or 'treating us' to a cafe latte  ~ and feel good knowing you have helped the Mission maintain momentum!!

We are hoping to achieve a few things while on our Mission:

• Clear the clutter we have gathered over the past 10 years 
• Provide new homes for items by selling on eBay 
• Stop wasteful spending on chemical cleaners, fancy footwear and pre-package pantry delights - - this might have to include chocolate *sobs*
• Simplify life so it is not such a stressful, unstable roller-coaster ride
• Show and explain what we do to reduce debt, make-do, become less wasteful, lower financial stresses, find happiness *blissful sigh* We can make something wonderful happen! 
• Encourage others to organise themselves so they never become 'that poor family you heard about who...' personally! 
• Become frugal with money and aim for our goal of semi self-sufficiency and environmentally friendly living

And primarily; reduce the debt to zero and maintain a lifestyle fitting within our means.

Thus ~ the journey begins.