Reuse the Wrapping

Just not to the same person!

Any time you are gifted something, carefully take off the wrapping paper and keep it for another time. If it’s a little crumpled, simply put a thin tea towel over the top of it, and iron. It'll come out looking new. Just be careful to remember who you got the wrapping from! You don't want to re-gift it to the same person! Do the same with your upcoming Christmas wrap and you can re-use next year!

Buy Rechargeable Batteries

Higher costs now;, lower costs later.

With Christmas coming up and so many toys and appliances that are battery-operated, we all know how expensive batteries are to replace! You're much better off buying rechargeable batteries. Although they are more expensive to buy initially, you'll get years of use, making them far better value than standard batteries.

And as long as you always charge them and have one set as backup, you’ll have comfort knowing you're organised and that all you have to do is reach inside your cupboard to get spares. Besides which, it is a far more environmentally friendly way to do it.

Make Your Own Cards

It's far more personal and cost less.

A birthday or Christmas card in a newsagent can easily set you back $4-$5. It's much better to save this money and put it towards the gift. How? Make your own card. Take a piece of coloured paper or a small piece of cardboard, and attach things to the card that mean something to your family member or friend. You can cut things out of a magazine, or attach a photo of them to the front and simply draw a hat above their head! You’ll save money, have a lot more fun creating the card and be far more appreciated!

And for your children's friends, get them to make a card. Creativity extends to all ages!

Try Martha Stewart's site for some ideas.

http://www.marthastewart.com/275046/christmas-cards/@center/276974/card-making-center

Shop Without the Kids

Easier, simpler and less costly.

It's not always possible to shop without your children, but where it is possible, do so. Grocery shopping can always be done online and it's a great way to monitor exactly how much you're spending. The thing you want to avoid is spontaneous purchases.

There is a reason why the chocolates and children magazines are at the checkouts. While you're in queue, the kids eyes are bulging and it's a disagreement waiting to happen. So avoid the hassle and shop in your pyjamas while they’re asleep at night.

Turn off Your Power Points and Save

Good for the environment and for your pocket

Before you go to bed at night, turn off electrical equipment at the PowerPoint: TV, computers, microwaves, toaster, kettle, washing machine etc. It is amazing how many items are still using electricity while you sleep!

It may not save you a sizeable amount, but isn't it better that the money stays in your pocket rather than the electricity company’s? And you are certainly doing your bit to reduce greenhouse emissions. Make it a ritual with your kids that they turn off any electrical equipment they have used. It's good to encourage their environmental & cost awareness at an early age.

Buy Generic

You can save hundreds!

Did you know that most of the generic brands are actually made by the brand manufacturers? The same company that makes your favourite tomato sauce, is the same company that makes the home brand for the big supermarkets. It’s also the philosophy behind Aldi.

Obviously the swap to generic depends on the product. Some things you simply wouldn't swap. But when it comes to paper products, spices, cleaning products, even biscuits, you’d be amazed at just how close they come to the branded item, but at a much cheaper price. Think about it next time you shop the aisle; you can save yourself a lot of money.

Do a Home Swap!

Holiday for free and in style!

If you own your own home (even if the bank owns the majority!), why not consider a Home swap during the holidays? For a small joining fee, you can list your property and swap with others who want to stay in your home town while you'd like to stay in theirs! It's a fantastic way to see not only more of Australia, but the rest of the world. And as you know you'll be staying in each other's homes, you can feel fairly sure that they look after your place as it was their own. Why not start planning your Summer holidays now! Here are some sites worth visiting:

www.lovehomeswap.com

http://www.homeforexchange.com

Compost Your Green Waste

Re-Use and Recycle

There are so many things that you can reuse and recycle to create a rich compost for your garden: weeds, grass cuttings, fruit and vegetables scraps; leftover ground coffee or tea leaves, even teabags, just remember to remove the staple!

If you have a little bit of spare cash, a compost bin is a good investment. You can buy them from any major hardware store such as Bunnings. But if you're strapped for cash, it's fairly easy to create your own composting space.  http://www.wikihow.com/Compost

Walk Instead of Drive

Save money and get fit at the same time!

When was the last time you walked to the local shops? Instead of always hopping in the car and driving, instead, stop and ask yourself, ‘could I walk there?’  We never seem to find the time to exercise, yet it is a really easy way to get 20 min of walking into your daily life. It is also something that you can do with the kids after they come home from school. You can all pop on your walking shoes, chat about the school day and head to the shops.

Make a Meal Out Of Leftovers

Two meals for the price of one!

Have a little bit of chicken leftover from the night before? Simply boil up some rice and peas, toss the chicken in, and you have tonight’s dinner or something tasty and different for you children's lunch box! Have leftover boiled rice from the night before? Cold rice is exactly what you need to make fried rice for the next night! Leftover casserole? Divide it into portions and make toasted sandwiches for the kids! Get the idea?

You will always have leftovers, so be creative and think what else you can add to it to create a second meal. You’ll surprise yourself with great meals and feel great knowing you're also saving money!