Hi Kelba,
If you can, try to do your shopping fortnightly and buy in bulk. It is cheaper this way. I used to spend about $150 - $200 per week on groceries, meat and fresh fruit and vegies. By buying non perishables in bulk, and just getting my fruit and vegies each week, I now spend around $200-$250 per fortnight. A saving of $100 - $150 per fortnight.
Also, try to put at least $5.00 a week, into a container to save for xmas. $5.00 a week for 52 weeks, will give you an extra $260 for xmas. You can also buy Chrisco or Castle hampers throughout the year, then at xmas time, you don't have to worry about buying food, and you will have more for presents.
Instead of buying those expensive cleaners for you floors, try using 10 litres of plain hot tap water, and 1/2 cup of bleach. This will clean any stains, while also killing any germs. You can even add 1/4 cup of disinfectant if you like. The cheaper homebrands are just as good as the more dearer ones, when it comes to your floors.
If you go out to a theme park or zoo etc, and you have more than 1 paying child, look at the family passes first. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy a family pass, rather then 2 adults and a child.
Hope these help you all save some money. We could all use a few extra dollars!!
Tracey
Mother of 3, Qld