Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 8.
We all know mums are the true "Professionals". They've passed down their tips and life hacks with years of experience under their belt. Some may be great tips and some may be not so good "mum tips".
She always says when you buy anything expensive, Always ask them - what's the best price you can do? It always help.
Doesnt even have to be something that expensive. Got $20 off some $80 headphones at JB once for asking.
Good tips though, glass balls one particularly interesting.
I love my mum.
Before Buying Anything Make Sure Search On Ozbargain First
That isn't your tip, mate that's a law of the universe.
"Bring a jacket" it could be 40 degrees outside, but somehow she knows that it's going to drop to 10 degrees later tonight and you end up needing a jacket.
to cool soft drink faster in summer wrap wet paper towel put it freezer for like 10 minutes
to reheat pizza put glass of water along with pizza in microwave
cut plastic hanger in between to make paper towel roller and also hanger clips into a chip clip
Use a piece of paper to access Pringles easily and use Pringles container as spaghetti storage
When we can't squeeze toothpaste from the tube any more, we cut the tube in half and scrape the remainders out with our toothbrushes
Being nice and helpful to others will get you far in life
The obligatory 'public-toilet-seat cover using tissue paper' + bonus 'weener-flap' that I learnt in later life for us gentleman so that we don't indirectly touch nasties.
When faced with a tough financial decision, always ask for a second opinion
Just use plastic shopping bags in place of proper bin bags - saves $$ and also forces the kids to throw away the rubbish at the end of each day.
Why bother with facial tissues when you can just use a toilet roll? Just remember to hide it when your friends come over ;)
Coffee powder/bean jars can be used to store your lentils to prevent pantry moth infestations.
Apparently using the microwave too much gives you cancer, so does eating too many instant noodles.
When faced with a difficult question, just feign ignorance - same applies for when you're accused of farting
just feign ignorance - same applies for when you're accused of farting
My mother would say "a good arse speaks for itself".
I would say, "Speak, O toothless one…."
I usually claimed I had stepped on a frog.
Buy in bulk.
Example - At the supermarkets, near the chilled juices, a 500g tray of Lasagna costs $6 and a 2kg tray costs $10.
It's a no-brainer to buy the latter, then split the lasagna in quarters and save it for another day's lunch at work. Essentially, it's $6 vs. $2.50 per serve of lunch per day. I thought to myself "Why don't more people do this?"
Then I realised the real cost of convenience. People will pay (a lot) more for not needing to walk a few metres, grab a large tray of lasagna, haul it back to the kitchen, cut it up into quarters, place it in another container (to bring to work) and refrigerate the remaining quarters. Instead, all they need to do is pick up the smaller tray and pay for it at the counter - there's no need to do all of the aforementioned.
Then I also realised that time = money. Let's say I earn $20 an hour. In one hour, I can earn 3 whole 500g-trays of lasagna vs. 2 whole 2kg-trays. Again, a no-brainer here as to which one I'd pick - 1500g or 4000g's worth. But remember, to prepare the former's tray, there's not that much extra time to consider (well, aside from the usual 'pick up from shelf, pay at counter and walk back to work'). Whereas the the latter requires me to haul it back to the kitchen, cut it up, and so on and that can take up a lot of time (presuming you prepare the larger tray's servings at home, where work won't give you the proper facilities to do so).
Then I also realised that there's a way to counter-act the loss in time preparing those servings of lasagna.
Repetition and planning.
Once you get the hang of the process and master it, you'll start to cut down on time and make the extra time lost worth it. Maybe you'll buy TWO 2kg-trays instead of one and prepare all those servings at once. Maybe you'll start to plan what items go on sale for the week and take advantage and hold off when it's not - the 2kg-trays could even go as low as $8! Maybe you'll start to expand and consider all sorts of food you can bring to work. Why not some risotto or sandwiches to mix it up?
Once you start to hone in the above, you'll start to become more active in your spending and less impulsive in the long run when buying smaller-portioned goods. Buying in bulk will save you money - providing you're able to plan it out and utilise the time wisely. In return, this will create a good habit of controlling your finances as a whole.
… Which leaves us more money saved to spend on luxuries for ourselves, such as buying more eneloops, cable-ties and miniature models of famous landmarks that are constructed by plastic blocks that closely resembles the ones from that company that starts with an 'L' and ends with an 'ego'.
Anyways, thanks mum for the savings tip!
Unaccustomed to self-service, my Mum avoided our suburb's first, new supermarket. She began sending me, age 11, with my little sister's push-chair, a list, and a budget. If I returned with everything on the list, I could add the change to my weekly pocket money. I soon discovered alternative brands could be cheaper, and I always calculated the precise total spend before reaching the checkout. Receipts were not itemised - just a printed list of prices with a total. Whenever I corrected a checkout lady's errors, adults queueing behind would congratulate me. At the rudimentary deli counter I once asked its supervisor not to give me the dry-looking top slice of ham. He said "No, you get what I give you". I replied "Should I bring my Mum down here so you can tell her she cannot have what she told me to get?" He changed his mind.
"I could add the change to my weekly pocket money"
Thanks for the tip. This could be a very good incentive to teach the kids to think before they spend.
This year I recommended that to my niece regarding her children. She reacted as if I suggested they walk naked upon the streets.
I had just turned 11 and was bigger than average for my age. Mum had already taught me how to choose fruit, vegetables, deli items etc.; sell-by dates didn't exist. We would compile a list together and set a budget before I went. During the trip I also purchased my parents' weekly magazines, cigarettes and tobacco. There were no age rules. I went to the furthest of 3 newsagents, and in appreciation the owner usually gave me a bag of liquorice allsorts.
Yep it's a great tip.
If you're going to buy your kids whatever (headphones, toys, games etc.) tell them to find the cheapest price.
Take the money you saved and quantify it (e.g. 30 McDonalds Soft Serves or whatever), then (most importantly) get them a soft serve or something to show that the saved money could be put to good use elsewhere.
Learn how to sew. So I can fix my own clothes. So here I am in high school learning how to sew as one of my optional classes. It saved it's fair share of trousers and buttons. So it paid for itself very quickly when I moved out of home.
Good old Singer :)
Also was one of two males in the class as well which was good.
MY MUM ALWAYS TOLD ME WHEN I WAS YOUNG TO SAVE ALL OF YOUR MONIES.SO WHEN YOU GROW UP YOU HAVE A SAFETY NET.
IT APPLIES TO WHEN ONE MARRIES THAT YOU SAVE AND PASS IT ONE TO YOUR CHILDREN.
IT IS GOOD PRACTICE AND IT MAY SAVE YOU DEPENDING ON A GOVERNMENT PENSION
If you don't use a particular item for more than 6 months, chuck it out or sell it. It means you no longer need it. Stop buying and storing, start selling and saving!
you are not a true ozbargainer (j/k)
My Mum gave me the best hack to cooking a roast. Use an oven bag and you'll never spoil a Roast dinner again.
My Mum always told me, Never pay full price. If its on special for $5 , wait till its reduced further. And haggle.
Oh and the newest one from her;
* Use the 7-11 App to get discounted fuel, watch it for a few days before you need fuel, then when its low lock it in!
But by using the app you will also get to get free items like Krispy Kremes (to pass to her) plus other discounted items.
Always have clean unripped underwear on at all times.
Never sleep with wet hair, you will get headaches when you're old.
'Heat-y' foods are no good when you have a cold, unfortunately chocolate is considered one of these.
Freeze all chicken bones and use later to make stock.
Plant the ends of spring onions to make more spring onions.
(Typical Asian mum advice… some taken with a grain of salt)
Hahaha "Heat-y" made me lol. So true
Mum taught me this one to halve your milk cost:
Buy 2l of the full cream generic milk - pour half into an empty 2l milk container - fill remainder of each with icy cold water - you now have half fat milk at half the price of a generic low fat milk!
Asian family…
that when Mr Whippy is playing his tunes, it is to alert the children that he has run out of ice cream for the day. I didn't realise this was nonsense until well into my adult years. With six biological children and countless foster children I can only imagine how much money this would have saved my parents.
As is now the family tradition, I tell my 6 year old the same thing.
My late mother’s one tip for my life: be good at doing the unseen things—eg. flossing, saving $, eating healthy at home, giving alms. Build up good habits that go unnoticed and don’t directly garner praise or respect from others.
"Never wear PJ's in a car,
It's bad luck and you won't get far,"
When I tempted fate,
I reversed straight into a closed gate!
In summer, freeze a bottle of water, wrap it in a towel and take it to bed for a cooler to snuggle. Or get an air-conditioner. Thanks Mum.
Mix detol liquid antibacterial and water in a small spray bottle to spray around your home to keep it smelling fresh and clean all year long!
I do this and the house always smells like a very clean hospital, which isn't the worst smell I guess
Mum always uses this Chinese saying 一分钱一分货 which basically translates to "you get what you pay for". Never aim to select the cheapest alternative just because of its price. You should be prepared to pay more for quality. Which was the complete opposite to dad, who would always choose the cheapest. Made for some interesting situations at times.
Yeah at the end of the day it still depends though. most of the amazing bargains I've seen on this great site actually had great value for money.
never wish ill will
finish school before getting into serious relationship
don't stay up late
watch your weight
always pray
Be grateful of what you have, and you will have more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
Yes. There is very nearly always something to be grateful for.
My mum is Asian this list could really go to infinity I'll list one that was the most prominent
Stock up on toilet paper when it's on special. You will always need toilet paper and it never expires
My mum taught me how to use eBay, back when it was better. Good times.
She also taught me how to sew. Surprising how many people can't repair a loose seam or put on a button! Save a penny there.
And to always label anything I put in the freezer… by never doing it and then having some interesting "mystery meals".
I respectfully disagree. Mystery meals from the freezer are occasionally a fantastic surprise! Or a crushing disappointment.
Fun surprises aside, cooking in bulk and freezing for lunches saves me a fortune.
Oh yes, freezing is great. I'm just careful about writing down what it is. Defrosting bread rolls and finding bread dough, or pasta sauce and finding raw mince, or stew and finding rhubarb is… less exciting.
Hahaha, I definitely get your point now!
When in doubt, dont.
If its not on sale, don't buy it.
"When you have a partner (wife in my case), tell them you love them everyday like i do"
"When you have kids, tell them you love them every second like i do"
My mum taught me that you can negotiate a bargain for anything.
I will never forget when she walked into Coles, and said to the man working in the fruit and veg, "these bananas look too ripe, if you put them in a bag ill take them for $1", and the man did it without even blinking. I was so embarrassed at the time, but now i find myself asking for a discount or negotiating with everything i buy. Thanks mum, your influence saves me money everyday!
Mumma always says life is like a box of chocolates. But better to buy Easter eggs on the monday after easter as they will be at least 50% off
When I was in high school, my mum told me about this neat trick where you stick two five cent coins together using a bit of chewing gum and use it on certain types of vending machines as a $2 coin. To my amazement it worked and I got several packs of football and Pokemon cards for a mere 10 cents. :D
"Stop wasting your time and money"
When I was in university (I dropped out) I moved to live on campus. Accomodation was great by the way. As this was a new experience for me my mum encouraged me to make friends cause was the kinda quiet guy at first. She had this realisation on what I have been doing at home. Every time I left my room ajar, my mum and family members could casually come in to talk, and whenever I have my door closed, they hardly come in. Thus, my mum said to try leaving my door ajar when I'm there. It might just work. I took it a shot and lo and behold, I made a bunch of friends without much effort! I didn't expect it to go so well cause I remember when I needed to ask some guy about university stuff and it was kinda awkward knocking on his door.
Two simple tips from my mum:
1) Never go in to debt to finance current expenditure
2) Don't make a big purchase unless you can pay for it in cash
No matter if it's 5 cents or 5 dollars you're still saving money. However in life this does not work. Your just a cheapskate
Never become too friendly with your neighbours, as soon as you do they will be more likely to start complaining about fence/tree etc issues. So far it has worked.
Buy toilet paper in bulk
Take TP and toiletries from hotels
Buy half price specials
Always negotiate the best price
My mum always told me to buy
Name brand products WHY WHY WHY?
She said they were better tho they cost more
Like Panadol "which helps with headaches for sure".
Tho I love my dear old mum
This advice just made me glum
When I realised Panamax, home brand and counterparts
Were cheaper than brands made by money hungry brand name sharks.
Sad but true brand names are trusted
Still by my mum despite me being flustered
By her waste of my inheritance dollars
By buying products with brand name collars.
** Always watch your cents because cents turn into dollars, dollars turn into hundreds and hundreds into thousands.
** Plan your menu for the week, then write your shopping list and stick to it.
** Never be wasteful!
"Neither a Borrower nor a Lender be" - Good old Mum.
One bad money saving advice my mother gave to me when I was younger was:
Buy clothes one size bigger than you actually are. Same goes for shoes. You'll save money because you'll grow into them and won't need to re-buy again.
Okay so you actually saved money from that but the other result was that you'd look all funny because everything was too big. Younger me used to be dressed badly because of that lol. Luckily it was the 90s and everyone dressed badly haha :)
We went shopping the other week, me, her and my niece. My niece spotted a nice top and wanted it. My mother said she'd buy it for her and she goes to grab the bigger size.
I was face palming hard. I told her kids nowadays won't wear something that looks all baggy/too big. It'll look embarrassing. Might as well buy it for her in the right size otherwise she won't wear it. Then it'd even be more of waste of money. She laughed and agreed with me.
Mom's advice :
Before you are married, open both eyes ………
After you are married, close one eye ……
-Only buy something if you really need it.
-Buy fruits/vegetables on season
-Go to the big convenience stores (avoid small ones)
-Sell second hand items that are no longer useful to you
-Always compare prices between different stores before buying something
-Not everything that is expensive is worthy
-Buy generic products/ home brands
-Do exercise at home/park instead of gyms
-Dont buy books, go to the library
-Dont eat outside, try to cook and eat at home.
-“Be grateful for the money you have, that way you will spend it wisely”
-Be patient and wait for a special sale/bargain (as everything will cost less eventually).
My mum always say, if you really want to do saving, then just don't bring your wallet out of the house, it works as long as you are not put credit card with your mobile phone.
Only eat the "expensive" food at all you can eat buffets. Seriously, my mum used to yell at me for eating the chicken wings
what is the expensive food besides seafood?
Not to get your hopes up
Mine's a bad one: I always told my mum off when she bought things just because they were on special. She'd buy things she didn't need just because they were cheap. It's illogical and ends up costing more money.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand now here I am on OzBargain buying inflatable Minion balloons and credit card sized multitools because they are only a dollar or two.
Saving tip =
Just Give me your pay, sooner or later It'll turn into a house or a car
My mum always said that staying in school is the best investment into your future. She also taught me to line my cook top with aluminum foil so that I don't have to scrub dried cooking spills off!
This mightn't be the case for everyone but I'm actually really glad I listened.
Mum said… don't be penny-wise, pound-foolish! (This was my dad, he could often not resist a deal - he bought those snuggle-blankets (purportedly for me and my husband) because they were on special - on a group buy site, in Malaysia!)
A. I didn't want it.
B. I don't have any room for it.
C. It's probably collecting dust in their home now, I don't know. They obviously aren't using it in Malaysia. :D
DON'T BE PENNY-WISE, POUND-FOOLISH!
I think, that's pretty good advice to everyone (on OzB) especially with lots of impulse purchases.
Mom's advice (probably more like anti-saving… for #1)
1) Bet on red - it's a lucky color
2) Always spend more on good underwear
3) Never get ice in drinks
Always get the item at the back of the shelf!
My mum never really taught me any money saving tips. She did what she did with the little we had.
So it is through not having slot of money growing up that I learnt to save, search out the bargain and even pick up the 5 cents from the ground. Thank you mum.
Don't pick your nose in public.
Add water to left over juice, dish cleaner or milk = more juice/dish cleaner/milk
Always use protection.
"Ask your father".
1) Always know a little bit about everything, that way you'll always be good company to be around (including sports, politics you may have no interest in)
2) Never buy groceries according to recipes, not unless you want to spend a fortune each year
3) "Aunt X's child is now working doing Y. He/she is so clever, smart and successful". Followed by long silence as she look blankly at you.
The last point is such an asian thing to say…
All the "home made" produce, be it pasta, home baked bread, pickles (sun dried tomatoes, olives), home made pasta sauce, and the vege garden. Not only did we save heaps of money, it tasted the best too…Yes I am Italian.
When I was in primary school, we used to receive free dental care from the van which travelled between schools. When I was in grade 6 and at my last dental visit from the van, my mum sombrely took me aside and gave me this gem of advice: since we wouldn't be getting any more free treatment, it was now up to me to take very good care of my own teeth. I have obviously taken this advice to heart since 10 years later, I'm now in dental school.
Whose baby is that with the Ozbargain flag?
They should win a prize.
PLEASE someone please link me to full size of that baby picture.
Something about it it so cool lol
Thanks bluedufflecoat
Life lesson: Poop before going out. That will save your underwear!!
There's only one saying that sticks to mind from all the teachings and sermons of my Mum,
"Don't fret or be sad for the things that didn't go your way, it might not be really meant for you and sooner or later, you'll get the one much better =)"
Every time I followed my mum's advice it helped:
*A deal is not a deal when you don't really need it. Doesn’t matter how much you saving on a product, you are actually spending money unless you immediately need it. Of course the theory doesn't apply to free ozbargain items.
*Make a List before going shopping and don't go shopping when you are really hungry other way you may ended up with lots of things you won't need.
*Bargain before buying anything. Even you don't get a bargain there is nothing to lose.
*Spend money and time wisely which is easy to spend but hard to earn or can't get it back.
*Grow you own fruits and vegetables. If you have extra you can freeze them. Use kitchen waste for compost.
*Try to cook at home. So you not only saving money also know what you are actually eating.
*Take care of your health. Good health is your wealth.
*Working hard is not always good way to earn money. Think cleaver and plan before doing something.
*Use your common sense.
*Try to being polite. What goes around comes around.
Have the kids eat first at home before going to supermarkets or cinema, this will make them less interested to buy stuff like junk foods, candies or anything that is eye catching.
Always bring water when going out, saves you to buy expensive drinks outside like soft drinks and sweet drinks.
'If it isn't half price, it isn't on sale'
Thanks Mum!!
My mum told me when, whenever I go furniture shopping to always check out the couches.
Search in between the cushions and you will always find some money.
So far she has been spot on.
One day I went to IKEA and lunch was paid for.
The rest of my coins are saved for OzBargain purchases.
Enjoy life responsibly
If you win this competition, choose the PayPal option. You can get WISH Gift Card for 5% off.
My mom loved valium and lots of drugs
And that's why I am like I am cause I'm like her
Because my mom loved valium and lots of drugs
That's why I on what I on cause I'm my mom.
My mom my mom I know you're probably tired of hearing about my mom Oh ho! Whoa ho!
But this is just a story of when I was just a shorty and how I became hooked on va-al-ya-hum
Valium was in everything food that I ate, The water that I drank (profanity) peas on my plate,
She sprinkled just enough of it to season my steak, So everyday I have at least three stomach aches,
Now tell me what kind of mother would want to see her
Son grow up to be an under a undera-(profanity)-chiever, My teacher didn't think I was going be nothing either,
What the (profanity) you sticking gum up under the (profanity) seat for?
Mrs. Mathers your son has been huffing ether, Either that or the mother (profanity) been puffing reefer,
But all this huffing and puffing wasn't what it was either,
It was neither I was buzzing but it wasn't what she thought, Pee in a tea cup?
Bitch you aint my keeper, i'm sleeping, What the (profanity) you keep on (profanity) with me for?
Slut you need to leave me the (profanity) alone I aint playing,
Go find you a white crayon and color a (profanity) zebra.
Invest in self - knowledge and skills.
Invest in friends - they are invaluable to life.
Both are better than investing in things.
…although I think investing in houses is pretty good too! :)
and of course…
In Melbourne, always keep a warm jacket in your car for when the weather drops.
In Brisbane people don't even know what a jacket is.
dress up before going out.
standing straight to have a good posture
Everything is still good to eat after the best before date, all it means is that it is not at its "best" :)
My Mum says -