Started out today and pleased to know that I already utilise the meal planning and food audit steps before I shop - I have been doing this on a fortnightly basis over 14 years.
I am going to cut out the fortnightly takeaway and start making biscuits and popcorn at home - a saving of $50.00 per fortnight - $1300.00 per year.  I'm on my way!

Its great to hear that you are on the 30 Day Challenge Lesley....Keep us posted on your progress

The home snacks might sound a little daunting at first but once you do it once you'll wonder why you didn't start earlier. You are not alone...this long weekend I spent my time baking cookies and cupcakes with my three year old son....He loved it!

All the best
Analaura


Your Family Your Money

Hello Everyone,

I just bought this book on the weekend. My parents were pretty bad with money and so being very aware of this I thought I was doing pretty well. Until, I was offered a credit card...so as it turns out I needed a little help in the money management department. 

I thought I was a pretty good shopper in regards to the supermarket but alas after reading the book last night I think there are quite a few things I could tidy up and do better. I'm especially prone to those "Bargain Bargain Bargain" kinds of marketing. I'm very suceptible to advertising and will have to learn to be alot stronger. 

Goodluck to everyone out there :)
Kirra 

Hi Wilson,

thanks for creating your 30 day challenge... My husband and I have 3 children with another on the way and we are living off his income... We have struggled to stay with a budget for years and tend to be always dipping into credit cards etc... it has been frustrating as I am really committed to health and wellbeing and worry that cutting down on choice items in terms of nutrition will compromise our health.  I am really confronted by the challenge but also really committed that we save money and have control over our spending... I am really sick of the spiralling debt and the constant stress of running out of money....   This year for us is the possibility of 'Dancing in the Pure Joy of Life'... and I am up for a breakthrough in discipline. So thank you for going first so I can learn.... Also I live in regional victoria in Chewton.  And Melbourne is the closest city 1 1/2 hrs drive away so would like to attend your day course in Melbourne.  I noticed that the venue is tba so have so far not booked a seat... is there are time limit for booking?  

That is awesome... My son really wanted a muffin on sunday and him and his dad were going out to get milk... usually they would go to a cafe, grab a coffee and a muffin... but today I said I would bake some for when he got back... he was so thrilled to see the tray of muffins on his return..  I think it was the added bonus that I had made them just for him... and in the process said us $4 on a muffin and $11 on coffees and bubbicinos.... My husband is so inspired but he challenge he has suggested we do cook ups with the children on sunday for the week.... Wilson said that this challenge would become 'funner'... and I think he might be right...

Us too.... I really like the mystery meal idea.... am thinking we will stop doing the weekly movies date too... it ends up costing us minimum $50 to $100 per week with food.... we are thinking about taking a yoga class and bringing a picnic to have in the park after or going for a bike ride...  We have an awesome friend who babysits our children once a week for free.