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Note from the Editor:

This article was kindly written for the SDC by member @Deejay11.


Introducing the author:

I’m @Deejay11, a mostly retired worker and member of SDC who strives to enjoy life yet live frugally (so I can spend my money on what I want rather than on overpriced groceries!).

I’m sharing some of my recession-busters that may be of assistance. To quote The Barefoot Investor Scott Pape: ‘Tread your own path.’

My ideas are just that: my ideas for making meaningful changes regarding my finances. Feel free to adapt them in any way that suits you!

Competitions:

For years, I have entered competitions. Some I win, many I don’t.

I will give some tips I have learned along the way (more tips and links to competitions to come later ).

Deb is ready to help you with all the best free and frugal finds. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Always read the Terms & Conditions

Is it strictly one entry or multiple entries?

I once won an interstate trip for 2 to a P!NK concert, airfares included. The T&C’s stated 'unlimited entries', so that’s what I did. I banged in another entry every time I thought of it!

Are you eligible to enter?

Check for any restrictions for states/territories that cannot enter.

Do you need to buy a product, and which outlets are acceptable?

Sometimes, it’s anywhere; other times (maybe) Coles, Woolies, Chemist Warehouse, Independent Retailers (IGA, Foodworks …), or a mixture of a few outlets.

Always get a receipt!

How much is the product to purchase, and is it worth purchasing?

My rule of thumb is that I’ll (mostly) only buy products I normally purchase. Recent wins: I won a $250 Visa Card, two deodorants were required for an entry, I bought 12 deodorants* (6 entries with separate receipts, I won 1 prize), and I’ll definitely use the products. In contrast, I bought one jar of Nescafe coffee* (a bit costly to enter) and won a $250 Visa Card (200 prizes on offer). I bought one bottle of Coke* and won a Weber BBQ + $250 Coles Voucher (100 prizes on offer). I watched the catalogues in all the above examples, which are indicated with an * and bought ½ price items on special (which is a bit cheeky, but within the rules).

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[Skydiver]

When my husband was in hospital I decided to have some fun with cooking, and started by buying a cooked chook from the supermarket. My title (should it ever get into print) was "Cooking for 1 can be fun, or how to live on a cooked chook for a week!' And I did, apart from 1 lapse... I was passing KFC and couldn't resist the call of hot and spicy. My justification? At least it was chicken!! I was planning a 'How to live on a kg of mince for a week" but hubby was discharged, so I never got to do it, but there is always next time???

 

[Teddy is my boy]

It’s amazing how many meals l can make with 1 kilo of mince.
Spaghetti sauce
Rissoles
Pasties.
Meatballs
All of these freeze well in single portions

 

[GrannyJA!]

Well done, though some things are a little time consuming.

 

[Deejay11]

Well done, though some things are a little time consuming.

Surveys can be time-consuming, but I set myself a goal and/or a time limit, then put my phone down and do something else! I certainly didn’t have much time for surveys when I was still working. But now, I’d rather sacrifice some of my reading time, and save money at the till!

 

[Luckyus]

Well done, though some things are a little time consuming.

If you are retired? then you might not, have anything better to do.

 

[Deejay11]

If you are retired? then you might not, have anything better to do.

Exactly! I cook, sew, garden, do voluntary work, enter comps, complete surveys, sometimes work one day a week, read, Bookclub, walk the dog, support the local craft brewery (lol) … for me there’s retirement time to fill, and winning/earning shopping vouchers is fun! But it’s all about prioritising time, which is different for everyone. “Tread your own path”

 

[Jest]

6 meals for 2, one for a dog, it had to be a dinosaur.

 

[Jest]

Exactly! I cook, sew, garden, do voluntary work, enter comps, complete surveys, sometimes work one day a week, read, Bookclub, walk the dog, support the local craft brewery (lol) … for me there’s retirement time to fill, and winning/earning shopping vouchers is fun! But it’s all about prioritising time, which is different for everyone. “Tread your own path”

i am worn out.

 

[bluetang]

I buy the biggest chook i can, 25 or larger. Cut it up , 2 breasts, sliced in half, schnitzel style, 2 tenderloins removed from the breasts and added to 2 drumsticks and 2 wings, thighs boned out = 8 serves plus the bones for soup. The cost of the chook approx. $12 = $1.50 per serve

 

[Luckyus]

I must admit, that (although some may say that there's something wrong with me?) That the best description of a cooked Chicken is that. the Breast was so tender that the legs fell apart.