101 Ways to save money

watsonc · 12 August 2006

visual said:
Stop,by the time you get to 65 and thats about 33 years away,by your last calculation,you could be dead or even suffer alzhemiar(?) what good is your money then?

Alzhemiar's will not be a problem soon! Prana Biotech (PBT) has developed a very effective treatment.

Remember:

Money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you a better form of unhappiness!!!!

Smurf1976 · 12 August 2006

I'm not at all stingy with money but I refuse to buy things that are poor value or an outright waste for no benefit.

So I don't buy brand x when brand y is one third the price and just as good. My ego isn't so fragile as to need a brand attached to it.

Living in the suburbs and since there's only two of us anyway, we don't see any reason to drive around in a huge petrol guzzler. If nothing else, I'm opposed to drilling on the Barrier Reef, in Antarctica etc and sending my money to fund various questionable activities in the Middle East. That I save a small fortune and can actually find a place to park the car is a bonus.

Not being a big fan of either house fires or global warming, I don't leave electrical appliances on stand-by unnecessarily. It's hard to know exactly how much this wastes nationally, but it's likely somewhere in the order of the entire average output of the Snowy hydro scheme.

Since I would like to remain alive for quite a few years yet, I don't bother with processed junk food. This saves a relative fortune - fresh food costs us about $80 a week for two people. Saves all that time and money wasted driving to take-away places too.

I don't buy new things like fridges or tables just for the sake of it. The ones we have now aren't new but they do the job perfectly well and just don't need to be replaced. So I just can't see the point in getting new ones.

I maintain machinery etc properly so it lasts longer. The cars are serviced regularly and the tyres are regularly checked for correct pressure (saves fuel and wear), I check the anode in the water heater every 5 years, change the oil in the mower every year, keep the filter on the air-conditioner clean etc. Saves a fortune in repairs and replacement, not to mention the hassle of having a broken down car or a burst hot water cylinder.

To me, it's more about being sensible than saving money as such. For example, whilst I have all the water I want with no meters, I still don't see the point of leaving the tap running whilst brushing teeth etc. It does cost the council money to pump the water and treat waste water (not that I'm overly keen on councils, but that's another story) so I don't see the point in wasting. Turning off a tap isn't exactly hard. For those places where there are meters and you pay by the litre, it will save money too.

watsonc · 12 August 2006

The saying "a penny saved, is a penny earnt" is so true!

If a guy is earning 60K a year, but is unthrifty with his money, the next guy on 50K a year who haggles, sacrifices, and saves, ends out being the winner: actually saving more (and thus earning more than the 60K pa guy).

Happy · 13 August 2006

Smurf1976 said:
I check the anode in the water heater every 5 years

Does gas hot water system have anode too?

Ageo · 13 August 2006

watsonc said:
The saying "a penny saved, is a penny earnt" is so true!

If a guy is earning 60K a year, but is unthrifty with his money, the next guy on 50K a year who haggles, sacrifices, and saves, ends out being the winner: actually saving more (and thus earning more than the 60K pa guy).

Theres a difference between money management and a tight A.R.S.E

And i believe this thread is referring to the latter

Big Jim · 14 August 2006

I read an article in the paper about dumpster diving. Apparently lots of food from the supermarkets gets tossed. Perhaps stop the clock should try that.

Realist said:
I'd rather die. :bad:

Besides, Homebrand do not resell the food essentials like Foie Gras, Caviar, Truffles, Lobster or Wagyu.

Bomba · 16 August 2006

I read an article in the paper about dumpster diving. Apparently lots of food from the supermarkets gets tossed. Perhaps stop the clock should try that.

I used to work for a supermarket and we used to get this - people scrummaging around for 1 day old bread or fruit, etc.

As a result locks were placed on the bins. Only the supervisors had keys to open them. So it was pretty controlled.

Bomba · 16 August 2006

what about when you go to the supermarket, you pay for your grocery in $30 lots. This way you get multiple petrol discount vouchers, lol.

Smurf1976 · 16 August 2006

Happy said:
Does gas hot water system have anode too?

It depends on the type. Some do, some don't.

Any gas water heater without a storage tank does not have an anode that needs to be replaced so no need to worry if you have one of those. Same with electric instant water heaters (no tank) although they are not common in residential use.

For storage tank water heaters, it depends on the type of tank.

If it is a low pressure type made of copper (not common these days) then it does not have an anode since the copper tank doesn't need one. Saxon tanks with a heat exchange coil inside (reasonably common in Queensland and have been sold elsewhere) also do not have an anode. Neither do stainless steel mains pressure (or low pressure) tanks - these are mostly used on some types of solar hot water system.

But if you have one of the popular "Rheem", "Dux" or similar tanks (including Quantum and most SolaHart tanks) then it DOES have an anode. The tank itself is made of steel and coated with enamel. Steel is cheap and strong but rusts easily in water so a sacrificial anode is fitted to provide protection against this.

Without being too technical, it sets up a small electrical current (literally like a battery) to prevent corrosion. It is NOT a chemical additive to the water as many wrongly assume so nothing to panic about there. However, the principle of operation is to transfer the point of corrosion from the tank itself to the replaceable anode. This means that the anode will be gradually eaten away until there is none left. Once it's gone, the tank rapidly corrodes and in due course you end up with it bursting.

The same principle is commonly used to protect bridges, oil rigs, pipelines etc against corrosion. Indeed around some cities you'll see little plates on the ground showing the location of anodes protecting water and gas pipes etc.

Strictly speaking, it is a job for a plumber to replace it but I'll post the details of how to do it if anyone wants to know. Cost is about $50 for the anode plus labour.

Physically, the anode is a long rod about the same thickness as a broom handle and nearly as long as the tank's height. You'll need space above the tank roughly equal to the height of the tank itself since the anode will NOT bend and can NOT be taken out at an angle (a small hole in the ceiling will do if the tank is installed in a cupboard and you don't need to enter the roof - I'll post the details if anyone wants to DIY- takes about 15 minutes).

Changing the anode greatly prolonges the life of a water heater that has one. Mine is 28 years old and still going fine whereas it's common for them to fail after 7 - 10 years if the anode is not replaced. Since it costs you $1000 or so and causes considerable inconvenience when the tank fails, maintenance is worthwhile.

Another point on water heaters, if possible you should drain and flush the tank every year or so to remove sediment. Most new ones have no facility for doing this but on older units there is often a bolt that unscrews on the side near the bottom. This is simple DIY as long it's not inside (you'll be draining ALL the water out). I'll post details if anyone wants to know how. The point is to remove sediment which is corrosive (applies regardless of what type of tank it is). You'll be truly amazed at just how much filty brown water comes out if it is a few years old and has never been flushed.

For mains pressure tanks (Rheem, Dux, Quantum etc) you could just turn the power / gas off and turn a few hot taps up full until you've flushed about 3 times the volume of the tank through. Assume a flow rate of about 15 litres / minute if the pressure is reasonably good. This will stir up and remove most of the sediment but obviously you're going to waste 500 - 1200 litres of water so not recommended in areas where water is scarce at the moment. Leave the power / gas off for an hour or so after turning the taps off so that any remaining sediment settles (otherwise it could block the relief valve).

On the subject of relief valves, it should drip ONLY when the water is actually being heated. If it's dripping all the time then it needs replacing (you're paying for all that wasted hot water).

Big Jim · 17 August 2006

Smurf1976 said:
It depends on the type. Some do, some don't.

Any gas water heater without a storage tank does not have an anode that needs to be replaced so no need to worry if you have one of those. Same with electric instant water heaters (no tank) although they are not common in residential use.

For storage tank water heaters, it depends on the type of tank.

If it is a low pressure type made of copper (not common these days) then it does not have an anode since the copper tank doesn't need one. Saxon tanks with a heat exchange coil inside (reasonably common in Queensland and have been sold elsewhere) also do not have an anode. Neither do stainless steel mains pressure (or low pressure) tanks - these are mostly used on some types of solar hot water system.

But if you have one of the popular "Rheem", "Dux" or similar tanks (including Quantum and most SolaHart tanks) then it DOES have an anode. The tank itself is made of steel and coated with enamel. Steel is cheap and strong but rusts easily in water so a sacrificial anode is fitted to provide protection against this.

Without being too technical, it sets up a small electrical current (literally like a battery) to prevent corrosion. It is NOT a chemical additive to the water as many wrongly assume so nothing to panic about there. However, the principle of operation is to transfer the point of corrosion from the tank itself to the replaceable anode. This means that the anode will be gradually eaten away until there is none left. Once it's gone, the tank rapidly corrodes and in due course you end up with it bursting.

The same principle is commonly used to protect bridges, oil rigs, pipelines etc against corrosion. Indeed around some cities you'll see little plates on the ground showing the location of anodes protecting water and gas pipes etc.

Strictly speaking, it is a job for a plumber to replace it but I'll post the details of how to do it if anyone wants to know. Cost is about $50 for the anode plus labour.

Physically, the anode is a long rod about the same thickness as a broom handle and nearly as long as the tank's height. You'll need space above the tank roughly equal to the height of the tank itself since the anode will NOT bend and can NOT be taken out at an angle (a small hole in the ceiling will do if the tank is installed in a cupboard and you don't need to enter the roof - I'll post the details if anyone wants to DIY- takes about 15 minutes).

Changing the anode greatly prolonges the life of a water heater that has one. Mine is 28 years old and still going fine whereas it's common for them to fail after 7 - 10 years if the anode is not replaced. Since it costs you $1000 or so and causes considerable inconvenience when the tank fails, maintenance is worthwhile.

Another point on water heaters, if possible you should drain and flush the tank every year or so to remove sediment. Most new ones have no facility for doing this but on older units there is often a bolt that unscrews on the side near the bottom. This is simple DIY as long it's not inside (you'll be draining ALL the water out). I'll post details if anyone wants to know how. The point is to remove sediment which is corrosive (applies regardless of what type of tank it is). You'll be truly amazed at just how much filty brown water comes out if it is a few years old and has never been flushed.

For mains pressure tanks (Rheem, Dux, Quantum etc) you could just turn the power / gas off and turn a few hot taps up full until you've flushed about 3 times the volume of the tank through. Assume a flow rate of about 15 litres / minute if the pressure is reasonably good. This will stir up and remove most of the sediment but obviously you're going to waste 500 - 1200 litres of water so not recommended in areas where water is scarce at the moment. Leave the power / gas off for an hour or so after turning the taps off so that any remaining sediment settles (otherwise it could block the relief valve).

On the subject of relief valves, it should drip ONLY when the water is actually being heated. If it's dripping all the time then it needs replacing (you're paying for all that wasted hot water).

I have a briquet fired hot water service. I get junk mail and old papers and compress them into bricks. This fires the old stove. My cost of living is next to nothing as all my power is from the sun. I use 12 volt system and solar panels. I make biodiesel to run the generator and car.

money tree · 17 August 2006

tightarses are actually poorer than anyone else....

I used to have tightwad friends.

One day, one of them bought something from a store nearby for $11.70. The next day, their junk mail showed a store across town had them for $9.70. What did they do? They took the first one back for a refund (used $1 in petrol & wasted 35mins driving to the shop, parking, walking in & waiting for refund) then.... drove 20km across the city to buy the cheaper one (used $4 in petrol & wasted 2hrs 25mins).

He was so proud of himself cos he saved $2 on the item.

I asked him how much he would have made by going to work for those 3 hours.....he said about $45....then I told him to add on the $5 in petrol.....hey presto, you just spent $50 to get $2 back.......what a legend.....can I be a stupid tightwad like you?

Julia · 17 August 2006

money tree said:
tightarses are actually poorer than anyone else....

I used to have tightwad friends.

One day, one of them bought something from a store nearby for $11.70. The next day, their junk mail showed a store across town had them for $9.70. What did they do? They took the first one back for a refund (used $1 in petrol & wasted 35mins driving to the shop, parking, walking in & waiting for refund) then.... drove 20km across the city to buy the cheaper one (used $4 in petrol & wasted 2hrs 25mins).

He was so proud of himself cos he saved $2 on the item.

I asked him how much he would have made by going to work for those 3 hours.....he said about $45....then I told him to add on the $5 in petrol.....hey presto, you just spent $50 to get $2 back.......what a legend.....can I be a stupid tightwad like you?

Yes, Moneytree, I know someone just like that. Completely obsessed by a few cents. This bloke last summer bought two mangoes from Woolworths.
One was at the normal price of $2.50. The other was discounted "Reduced for Quick Sale" because it was bruised and priced at $1.00. He went back to Woolies the next day taking the $1.00 mango with him and told them it was the $2.50 one on his receipt, he had just noticed it was bruised and he'd like a refund. He received the refund. He was just thrilled and delighted about this stupid little piece of pure dishonesty.

Incidentally, he is very well off indeed. No way he needs to save money.

Julia

stink · 17 August 2006

I say live and let live!

Living with more money makes its easier to be happy then living on struggle street.

I do disagree with the saving and living like a miser for however many years for what? Sorry i dont want to be 65 or 70 and have alot of money, who gives a **** then i want to sit when i am that old and wait to die with a head full of great memories and a big grin

How could a trader even live this way? I am with snake on this gotta spend it to make it! Take a risk, live your life. look back and say regardless of what you are worth "i gave it a go".

Sorry might have gone of topic there lol, to much doctor Phil

Stink

Knobby22 · 17 August 2006

Shop at Aldi, quality food, no brand names except Vegemite.
It saves my family about $20 a week, compared to Safeway.

Home cook as much as possible.

Buy an efficient car not a 4WD. I didn't own a car as a student.

Be a one car family and live close to public transport and a shopping strip.
Walk everywhere.
Pay low commissions.
Get loans and credit card through ME bank or credit unions where no commission is payable.

Schools, insurance give you a discount if you pay up front rather than monthly.

Buy quality when getting furniture etc. so it will last.
Avoid fads, e.g. no need to buy a flat screeen TV, cathode works OK.
Remember when digital watches were dear?

Buy from your local baker, not Bakers Delight which is nearly twice the price for inferior quality.

Buy a chicken from your local rather than KFC (healthier too).

Buy clothing from St Vincent de Paul etc. I am wearing a great tie now that I bought for $2.

Get your shoes resoled rather than buying a new pair.
Buy lesser known runners, not Nike or Asics.

Enjoy life and forget the stupid status symbols that marketers want to con you on.

money tree · 17 August 2006

I pretty much dont bother getting overcharges fixed anymore...

once at Bunnings, I was charged $52 for a tin of something when the shelf sticker said $50.......I thought well $2 is a bit of a rip, I was still at the checkout, shouldnt be too hard to get it back right? wrong!

I had to walk back 12 isles, look for the supervisor for the area....who wasnt there, get a fineline, go back to checkout, wait in the que, have paperwork sorted out.

total time wasted = 32 mins.

thats an hourly rate of about $4.

you really have to ask yourself if its cheaper to let it go.....

we get shafted at woolies at least once a week but they get away with it cos its too much trouble.....unless you catch em in the act, then the item is free

Smurf1976 · 17 August 2006

money tree said:
we get shafted at woolies at least once a week but they get away with it cos its too much trouble.....unless you catch em in the act, then the item is free

On two occasions I've been to Wollies and walked out with what I wanted without paying a cent. Just have to catch them at it and then it's free...

Biggest rip off in % terms that I recall was in a taxi. The trip was supposed to be about 8km and it cost $27 - literally double the rate displayed on the sticker in the cab. Obviously the driver took the scenic route and then headed to the hotel (yes I was a tourist so easy prey) via the busiest street in town - plenty of meter ticking with no movement of the car. Oh well...

niknah · 17 August 2006

On the online surveys, tick yes to the first few questions or you'll get screened out.
Except never say you work for a market researcher, etc.

The supermarket is like the stockmarket, wait around and some nice discounts will show up, sometimes brand names go for same or less than the homebrands. That's when to stock up!

Check for prices on ebay before buying something outside.

Everything's free if you use bittorrent, but don't say I recommended it.

krisbarry · 18 August 2006

Filled out another survey yesterday and got paid $10 for 10 minutes work, easy money!

Happy · 25 August 2006

Propagate plants from cuttings, many homeowners don’t mind if you ask.

Let plants run to seeds and sow them next season.

x2rider · 25 August 2006

here's a couple
Turnup at your friends house just before dinner and mention something about not having had dinner yet.
Buy single ply toilet paper .

I just got back from Belarus and there was no toilet paper in the airport toilets so The only thing to use is money . I felt like such a capitalist but when $100 USD is equal to $ 214,000.00 belarussian roubles then wiping your butt on a twenty of a fifty is not that bad .

101 Ways to save money

watsonc

Smurf1976

watsonc

Happy

Ageo

Big Jim

Bomba

Bomba

Smurf1976

Big Jim

money tree

Julia

In Memoriam

stink

Knobby22

Mmmmmm 2nd breakfast

money tree

Smurf1976

niknah

krisbarry

Happy

x2rider

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