6 Ways You Could Be Wasting Money

Far too many of us are wasting money that could go towards better things. Here are a few ways you could be throwing money away.

1. Paying too much for your home phone and internet. We don't use our home phone but since we live in an area where it is difficult to get wireless, satellite or naked internet at a decent price, we are required to have a land line in order to have internet. Some companies will bundle your services and offer you a discount or it may be cheaper to use two separate providers. But either way it is worth checking to make sure you are getting the best deal you can
2. Paying too much for your mobile (cell) phone or not being aware of what inclusions are a part of your plan. My current plan does not include 13 or 1800 numbers here in Australia, so I pay regular rate for these calls. The plan I am switching to includes them as a part of the basic plan.
3. Paying too much for your insurance because you just automatically renew each year with the same company without shopping around or asking them if they can give you a better deal. It's also a good idea to check your policy and make sure you are not paying to insure items you no longer own.
4. Not receiving any discounts you are entitled to. If you hold a pensioner or health care card you may be entitled to a discount on some of your household bills and travel costs. It's always a good idea to ask whether discounts are available and whether you are receiving them. You can also receive discounts on products and services through memberships, so be sure to check what you are entitled to.
5. Paying too much for your gas and electricity. Now that there are several providers available, these companies need to offer discounts in order to convince customers to sign with them. So with rising energy costs it's worth ringing around to see whether you are getting the best deal.
6. Paying late fee's because you forgot to return a DVD or library book, or because you were late paying a bill. Some companies even offer a discount if you pay your bills early or on time.

5 Ways to Save Money at the Supermarket

The grocery budget is often the only place you can cut back on your spending in times of need like an unexpected bill or other emergency, as most other expenses are fixed and can't be altered. So how can you trim back the budget without compromising on your families health?

1. Know Your Store - Each store has certain times of the day and week that it does markdowns on prices. So if you are aware of these you can often save yourself quite a few dollars on bakery, produce, deli, meat and dairy items. It's also good to know the layout of your store, as this can help you avoid those aisles that are a temptation to you.
   
2. Check Your Catalogue - It helps to know what is on sale, so you can adjust your menu plan to suit the specials and save some money.
   
3. Menu Plan - I know, I know this one isn't actually at the Supermarket, but having a menu plan can help you to stick to your budget. Work out what meals you need to provide for your shopping period (weekly, fortnightly, monthly etc) and then make a list of ingredients you will need to make them. You can then work out a rough estimate of the cost using the stores online shopping feature or online shopping list in Aldi's case. If the cost is above your budget, then rethink the meals you've chosen and opt for cheaper meals. Consider meals that allow you to use the leftovers for another night, like Spaghetti Bolognaise can be turned into Chilli or Savoury Mince.
   
4. Make a List and Stick To It - It's easy to undo all the hard work by not sticking to your list and buying other items. So avoid the temptations and just get what you really need.
   
5. Online Shopping - If grocery shopping really is too much of a temptation and you know you will blow your budget, then consider using the online shopping option if your store has it. It may cost you a little extra in delivery but will save you from blowing your budget on items that were not on your list.

Kids Business Communications Blogger BBQ and TLC for Kids

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the Kids Business Communications Blogger BBQ in Sydney.

It was the first time I'd attended a blogging event of any kind and quite honestly, I was nervous as all get out. But that soon changed when I walked through the doors.

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with brands like Dyson, Russell Hobbs, NADS, Remington and Steggles (You can check out all the brands that were involved on the Kids Business Communications website) as well as to finally meet up with some of my favourite bloggers.

I got the chance (after 7yrs of online friendship) to finally meet Kylie from KylieOfiu.com, Trish from My Little Drummer Boys, Jodi from Mummyhood 101, Becky from BeckyandJames.com, Mums Take Five and Boy Eats World just to name a few.

Kids Business Communications hosts the Bloggers BBQ^TM and Bloggers Brunch^TM series of events where bloggers and brands meet and mingle. These events also raise awareness and funds for different charities. For more information www.kidsbusiness.com.au

The charity of choice for the Blogger BBQ was TLC For Kids which is an amazing charity. 

TLC For Kids is Australia’s sole provider of immediate distraction and urgent relief for all children in hospitals and their families, nation-wide.

Kids Business Communications

TLC For Kids support sick children who have fallen through the gaps of the existing healthcare network – subsequently being used in over 400 hospitals across Australia, and in over 650,000 medical examinations and procedures, annually.

Being in hospital can be a scary time for kids and can leave them with emotional scars. TLC For Kids provide a distraction and some fun for these kids, making their hospital stay less frightening and traumatic by providing them with a Distraction Box filled with toys, which have been chosen by healthcare professionals for their therapeutic benefits. Playing with these toys has been shown to reduce the need for pain relievers and sedation as well as reduce stress for both the children and their parents.

If you'd like to help out this fantastic charity you can get involved, make a donation or take part in one of their fundraising events. For more information, you can check out their website or Facebook page.

And the winner is......

Emma Axtel, because the kids all agree that that is pretty much how things work in our house too.

Congrats Emma, I will shoot you an email and organise to get the craft supplies sent out to you :)

A Crafty Giveaway

So to go along with the super cool Ultimate Guide to 50 Craft Materials link up, I thought I'd have a giveaway of some craft materials.

All you have to do for your chance to win is leave a comment below letting me know what your favourite kids craft activity is and don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Here's what you'll win:

• a pack of pipe cleaners
• a pack of feathers
• a pack of googly eyes
• a pack of pom poms
• a pack of foam craft sticks
• a mini paint tray, roller and applicators

Crafty goodness

The competition is a game of skill and the best answer will be chosen by The Clan, so be creative in your response.

Competition is open to all Australian residents, excluding ACT, over the age of 18.

It begins at 8pm (NSW time) 9th January 2014 and ends at 8pm (NSW time) 23rd January 2014.

Winners will be announced on the blog and contacted via email.

Winners will have 3 days to make contact before the competition will be redrawn.

Postage within Australia is included.

Good luck.