Sunday 30 September 2012

Save by Buying Grocery at Aldi

Today we went to an Aldi for window shopping - do some walking after a heavy brunch. There are certain things that really grab our attention. Canola oil for half the price you pay at Coles or Woolworth. There plenty of other things that are cheaper including meat and frozen meals. Though variety of goods are less, it is worth stopping by Aldi before heading to a normal supermarket to grab other things not available at Aldi.

Canola oil $5.00 for 2L per bottle at Aldi

Saving on Air Ticket

Recently we just bought air tickets to Malaysia and Bali; and yes, we've definitely saved on our air tickets! We've saved AUD $700 on the tickets from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur compared to normal retail ticket price. That's AUD $700 we can spend on shopping and dining while we're at our destination. How did we do it you ask?

Answer: Budget airline.

Malaysia airlines: Approximately $2200 for 2 including tax.

Airasia X (Malaysian own budget airline): Approximately $1500 for 2 including tax.

Other tips on saving on air tickets are:

  1. Use websites that let you compare ticket prices such as Webjet. There are plenty of others too.
  2. Search budget airlines online - they are sometimes not listed in the comparison websites.
  3. Wait for sale or special offer. There are always special offers and sale, budget airlines or retail airlines. Subscribe to their newsletters so that you don't miss out on those great deals! I have bought a domestic $1 ticket + airport tax and service charges one-way ticket few years back during a promotion by one of the budget airlines.
Note:
  1. If taking budget airlines, make sure you read the terms and conditions. Some airlines will not replace your ticket if there are last minute cancellation or will not let you board if you check in late (very strict rules). We always check in online and get to the airport early.
  2. We also make sure we leave plenty of time for transits (eg. many hours) if we travel internationally on budget airlines. (Somehow budget airlines are more prone to delays and do not offer luggage transfer for connecting flights - you will need to collect your luggages and recheck in.)
  3. In addition, make sure you buy enough check-in luggage allowance and pre-book meals and drinks onboard as everything is 'optional' on a budget airline.
  4. Budget airlines may not be suitable for people with mobility problems as many budget airlines do not hire ramps to the plane and you may have to walk a long distance including walking up stairs to board the plane - always check with the airlines regarding these issues.

Monday 24 September 2012

Saving on Credit Card

Today my wife just cancelled her reward program credit card. Why you asked? Her reward program credit card costs $69 per year. I have the same reward credit card, so that's $69 x 2 per year in total cost. What we'll be doing is for me to apply an additional card for $9 for her. So saving of $60 [($69 x 2) - (69+9)] per year!

Note: She has her own credit card before we got married last year. In case you're thinking why didn't I thought of that before.

Since I've started on saving tips via credit card, I will list a few more:

  1. Use a reward program credit card - if you're going to pay your gas/electricity/water/insurance bills/grocery/petrol (and the lists go on), why not pay with your reward program. Our reward program credit card will give you a $20 shopping gift card for every $2000 spent on the card. We get at least $100 per year, so definitely more than our annual cost of $69/year.
  2. Pay on time. Never ever pay interest or the minimum required on your card! Always pay in full before the interest free days! These are the ultimate rule to save via reward program credit card. DO NOT get a credit card if you have a habit of not paying in full before the interest free days - use a debit card instead is my advice (at least you'll be spending money you have instead of spending borrowed money on interest)!
  3. Choose a credit card best suits you. I usually use Canstar to compare different credit cards. It is a good website for searching the best loan, credit card or banking account deals.

Sunday 23 September 2012

Save by Buying Grocery at the Market

We're at the market today. In Melbourne, there's a few big markets such as the Victoria's Market or Dandenong's Market. The vegetables and fruits are normally much cheaper than the supermarket and most time fresher as well. There are a few tips to save even more.

1. Buy in boxes or bulk if you have a big family. If shopping with friends , you can split the goods later.

2. Shop around. Survey the stalls. There is always stores that sell certain produce cheaper.

3. Shop right before closing time. Lots of vendors will discount their fruits and vegetable as they will go to waste especially the ripe fruits. Buy over-ripe fruits to make jams or juice.

Sunday 16 September 2012

Lunch at the Beach Cafe, Cobram

Yesterday we decided to visit Cobram's The Beach Cafe which was recommended by a colleague. Definitely worth a visit! The menu are not very main stream - that's how we like it! It's location is somewhat secluded though and Google map location is incorrect. We managed to find it after my wife called the Cafe to get direction + not to mention a few U-turns here & there!

Travel Tip: To get there, follow C370. If you're travelling from Cobram, it's just off the 1st turn on your left when you reach the bridge - in Thompson's beach.

The Beach Cafe
The Beach Cafe interior
Pork schnitzel roll with chips & salad
Thai soy & marinated beef with cashew pizza

Ceres in Echuca

Ceres on Urbanspoon
We had dinner at Ceres in Echuca last night. This is our 2nd visit here and once again we thoroughly enjoyed our meals. One should really try this restaurant if visiting Echuca. May need to reserve a table especially the weekend as it can be really crowded.


Very nice ambient deco
Sauvignon Blanc goes well with the prawns
Entree - prawns cooked in white wine
Veal shank with bailey & beans
Gnocchi with chicken & mushroom


Saturday 15 September 2012

Echuca's Beechworth Bakery

Lunch at Beechworth in Echuca. I had the steak & mushroom pie while my wife had the ham & cheese toastie with French vanilla slice & beesting.

Saving tip: Bottomless coffee or tea for $3.00. They also provide free wifi, just ask for a password when you pay for your meal.

Lunch!
My wife couldn't stop biting into it before a picture. :)

Thursday 13 September 2012

The Real Hustle: The WiFi Scam

While travelling it is so easy to connect to a wifi to check your email or check your banking or credit card accounts. But is it safe? Even login into a paid wifi portal may not be what it seems. Please be extra careful when using free or paid wifi internet, you may not know who is watching you and stealing your details.



Wednesday 12 September 2012

The Real Hustle: The Booster Bag Scam

Although this has nothing to do with savings while travelling, I thought I'll share something useful for travellers. It will definitely save one a lot of headache and heartache if one is aware of such a scam and not keep bags unattended while travelling.



Sunday 9 September 2012

Bulk-buying When Grocery Shopping

Bulk-buying is how my wife and I save money on shopping. Whenever there is a big discount on toilet paper, Spam or baked beans and tuna, we will stock up enough for 6 months supply. Normally this is during sale when there is 30-50% discount on prices.

Eg. Today my wife just stocked up 8 x 1 litre of chicken/beef/vegetable stock at half price at Coles this afternoon. Saved $16!

Friday 7 September 2012

MoneySmart Week!

Have you got your finances sorted? Today I came across MoneySmart which was showed on TV. Apparently it is MoneySmart week! It's a government website that has a very good tool to do a money health check. Visit to see how healthy your finances are. I know I have a few sections that I can do better after going through the quiz.

Thursday 6 September 2012

Save On Meals & Dining

Who doesn't enjoy eating out? But are you bothered if you happened to blow your budget? Fear not, we have some tips & tricks of getting a good meal and night out at a discount!

  1. Use voucher and coupon websites such as Groupon to get cheap meals. The trick is to read the voucher carefully including the fine prints such as the days available and expiry date of the voucher. Pin it, magnet it up on the fridge and book in a week or two in advance so that you don't miss out in case the restaurant or cafe has limited seating.
  2. Last minute plans to eat out? Yumtable lets you book last minute tables at restaurants via its website or app on your iPhone or android mobiles at a discount!
  3. Ask for discount! If you go with your friends in a big group, sometimes you can ask for discounts or freebies such as discounted set meals or free entrĂ©es. You'll never know if you never ask.
  4. Entertainment book - Visit its website for how to get one. Inside it has lots of vouchers for discounted meals at many restaurants around Australia and New Zealand. Not only that, the money normally goes to a non-profit organisation, community group or corporate social clubs that sells it - so search for one local to you that you support!
  5. Lastly for those who works in certain public health or non-profit organisations in Australia that have assess to salary-packaging can get "meals entertainment" where you can pay for your dine-in meals at pre-tax dollars. Eg. someone who pays at a marginal tax rate of 30% will save 30% on your meals, as you are using pre-tax dollar to pay for it. Just remember to ask for your tax invoice if you are salary-packaging. Ask your employer if you need more information.

Wednesday 5 September 2012

Half-Price Movie Tickets!

Do you love movies? We sure do! Currently there are Half-price movie tickets on sale on www.alwaysonsale.com.au or via Groupon over next 3 days. Don't miss out!

Save On Movie Tickets

Currently it is getting very expensive to watch movies but there are ways to still enjoy and not spend $18.50 for an adult ticket in Melbourne.

  1. Go on Tuesdays. In Melbourne, movie tickets are cheaper on tuesdays. Save around $5 for each adult ticket.
  2. Join as members for the cinema you frequency go. Nowadays most cinemas offer membership with benefits like cheaper tickets or free tickets or popcorns after you accumulate enough points in your card.
  3. Buy ticket vouchers in bulk - many insurance or bank/corporate offer members special deals to buy ticket vouchers in bulk. My wife's friend got us $10.50 tickets for Hoyts as an ANZ employee! We've been using these for the last 2 years and also use Hoyts membership to get extra free tickets/popcorns - we've saved more than $100 by using these 2 strategies.
  4. Group or bulk-buying websites, voucher websites such as groupon and ourdeals.com.au offers special Half-price movie tickets from time to time. Keep an eye on these websites or come visit us as we'll post great deals if we find any on our blog!