Creamy Vegetable soup

General recipe with no amounts, just make the amount that looks write for your family.
We are a family of 7 so we make a lot :)

Chop up what ever vegetables you have available and throw them in a pot

Add some garlic, salt, pepper, mixed herbs or what ever spices take your fancy ( stock powder is good too)

Fill with water or stock till just below the top veggies

bring to the boil then let simmer until your veggies are super soft

Blend, stir through a dollop of cream and hey presto you have soup :)

Potato bake

General recipe with no amounts, just make the amount that looks write for your family.
We are a family of 7 so we make a lot :)

Slice up potatoes and partially cook in boiling water

Finely dice up some bacon and onion ( i like to add garlic too) and sauté for 5 mins in a fry pan

Layer potatoes, bacon mix, cream and a little grated cheese till you run out

Fully cover he top layer with grated cheese

Cook in a moderate oven till the cheese is golden brown

Enjoy ;)

Reduced! Reduced! Reduced!

I can not stress enough the importance of learning the reduction days and times of your local grocery store.
The savings may only 30 cents on bread or $2.00 on a tray of meat, but that adds up to milk and bread at the end of the week, or an extra couple of dollars towards a nice shampoo and conditioner that doesn't leave your hair feeling like straw.
If something is reduced really low buy in bulk! Freeze as is or precook and freeze meals. If its slightly over ripe fruit, stew, mash or grate and make muffins. If its vegetables on the way out, make soups or pasta sauces.
Happy Bargain hunting :)

Pantry staples

On the occasional weeks that you have a better week financially its great to stock up some staples to help you get through the tougher weeks, somethings that helped us were....
Instant noodles
Pasta
Rice
Mixed herbs
Minced garlic
Tomato paste
Canned vegetables
Self raising flour
Sugar

These very simple staples in the cupboard can make a huge difference on those hard weeks

Where to find help

Depending on where you are located there are a number of places to find assistance when you are struggling. The way to find out what is available is to speak to a community service organisation in your area. If you don't know of any centerlink have social workers who can refer you to help in your location.
Also remember that organisations like salvos and St Vincent de Paul have crisis and financial relief often in the form of food hampers available. I can tell you from personal experience that the volunteers who come to assist you a lovely compassionate people with very big hearts.

Don't be afraid to reach out!

Emotional side effects

When money is tight it plays on your self- worth, your self- confidence on your feelings of being being an adult. Its humbling, there is a sense of shame and failure.

It's important when you are in financial hardships to realise your blessings. You are alive, you live in a country that is safe, you have access to services and healthcare.

It might not seem like much but to have it heaps better then someone who has lost all their family and all their belongings in a war torn country.

Yes its tough, but it could be tougher. now after assessing the positives ( for me it was I have healthy living children, I have shelter and I have warmth) its time to plan. first of plan how you are going to meet the immediate needs of your family or your self.

Don't hesitate to contact community welfare organisations for help..... That is what they are there for. There is no shame in reaching out for help. Recognising that you need help is the first step on the path which leads to financial security.