Budget Advice

I was checking out the Student Magazines Website and with my extremely rough math, was able to figure out that the prices on there aren’t always a saving.

FASHION MAGAZINES:

In Style is available through this site for $75.00. Through I-subscribe its $79. Last Christmas, the price went down to $59. Student Magazines price remained at $79. Also, if you have an Ambassador Card (as many Student Union members do) you may be entitled to a %10 discount which offers a greater saving. Vogue Magazine, is $12 less through Student Magazines. The 10% still renders SM cheaper.

ENTERTAINMENT:

Film INK is $15 cheaper through Student Magazines. Through I subscribe however, you get a DVD worth $25+. Encore Magazine is less than half price Rolling stones is $5 less. Inside Film is $20+ less

LIFESTYLE:

Who is less than $10 difference. Delicious has $14 difference. Australian Property Investor is $10 difference.

Trust me to choose the one magazine which had a special on at that time! Before making any decision, decide if your campus or local library stocks this item. If it does, consider reading it that way. If you still choose to purchase a magazine, ensure your getting the best deal. If you decided your not getting your moneys worth cancel the subscription and request a refund.

Branding Yourself: How to Look, Sound & Behave Your Way to Success

This book is a fascinating read that I’d recommend to anyone at any stage of their career.

Firstly, for the students. One interesting idea regarding young people was that:
- They pursue success on their own terms
- Their adaptability misunderstood as apathy by anyone over 40

Essentially, these skills come most handing when it comes to personal branding!

The book contains so many ideas and tips. I was at my radio course on Monday and thought I looked respectable yet was portraying a shoddy brand. Spillane covers all forms of conveying the brilliance that exists within you. Its applicable to both sexes regardless of the formality of your position.

One crucial thing she emphasises is make up. This is something I’ve been trying to avoid for some time yet despite being feminist - make up does convey a higher form of perfection.

‘Branding Yourself’ covers everything including Sex and how you convey meaning with your body. The sex chapter could have been longer, but the content could have easily covered another book.

The body language section was a wake up call. The rare, yet always relevant, case study emphasised all points she was trying to make.

Student or otherwise, get this book from your library. It will make you reassess YOU.

There have been discussions on savings sites on how to be prepared in an emergency. I recall a relative joking about this preparation, saying you don’t have anything to lose in a fire.

Regardless, upon moving in I was rather quick to get both of these:

Post Office - $10

Extinguisher - Free

It was so cheap and easy to get both of these which now prepare me to protect my home.

I first read about Soapnuts while reading the SimpleSavings website. I was search for an altnerate solution to laundry powder that was safe for the grass as well as the kitties. Many people had tried this:

I think I paid $40 for a kilograms worth. I believe it will last me two years.

The clothes themselves aren’t any cleaner than before but it isn’t as hard on my clothes. Its easier to store and results in less trips to the shops. The product I had used previously had already left my clothes quite clean.

I have noticed some staining on items when the nuts got out of their bag, which didn’t happen previously. Its also a struggle to remember exactly how many uses are left in a particular nut.

I recommend you get a test sample and if it works for your family, buy a bulk pack.

The camp stove was brought from K-mart for $23. Since then, it is possible to pick them up for $15 at various sales. I picked up the gas cartridges during an Aldi sale for $5-6. This is mostly for use in a short term emergency such as a power outage. Should a greater emergency occur, other plans will have to be in place.

This solar shower was less than $10. It hasn’t been used, yet is there in an emergency. I have been toying with using just this rather than my regular shower and possibly turning the gas off. I wouldn’t do that however due to the severe frosts we get in the middle of winter. I’m not sure its worth the $30 saving a year in gas, but is there.

Edwina from Simple Savings recently started a thread about emergency preparation. Many questions were raised about Wind Up Torches. This is mine:

It is probably remiss of me not to own another torch, yet this is suitable. I do a quick wind up and get stable light. If you want it to remain constant, or strong, you have to keep winding.

The distance itself isn’t that great should you be looking for a cat in the middle of the night. However it suits the purpose for which it was bought. This was to be able to find my other emergency supplies (matches or mobile) during a power blackout.

I got it from Rays Tent City. It was normally $20 but I got one of those huge sales. You can get ones from kmart that can also charge some mobiles. I’ve also seen some at Coles.

Do you have any emergency kit tips or recommendations? Comment or email me

These green bags aren’t the cheapest at 3 for $10. I only bought to identify other members; forgetting Geelong is a small town. However they were worth the money.

When shopping you feel lke you are being identified. Knowing that another member (lurker or shy) could possibly see my purchases makes me reluctant to impulse buy or purchase junk.

I also Stop and think before making any purchases. I do all my shopping at Aldi. Many times I add a few extra items because having just the one item doesn’t feel enough. I am on a healthy eating plan and think of buying extra of one thing to satisfy cravings.

I stop and think before putting anything in the green bag. The bag itself is nothing special. The constant reminder makes it all worthwhile.

This may not look appetising, but is my favourite snack. It is quite cheap and really satisfying after a cold winters day. I give thee Vegemite broth

In case you can’t work out how to make it.
1. Turn on the kettle
2. Spread vegemite on two pieces of Aldi toasted bread.
3. Add Salt and pepper to taste
4. Poor water over it.

:Be careful you don’t spill it on yourself, as its quite hot.