We have been continuing with our year of less project and it is going well. We have a new clear budget for our lives here and identified some areas we need to reduce. Our budget is still too tight but we are getting there slowly. Fortunately, our tax return has allowed us to pay off some things in full, which will free some money. Grant has also received a small pay rise which finally gives us a nearly workable budget. Just.
To try and bring our expenses down, we have been revising our phone plans. I have changed phone companies and changed to a new, smaller plan along with a new phone as mine died un-resurrectable death. I didn't get the newest iPhone available, instead, I got an older model which will suit me just fine and was half the price. We still need to double check Grants plan before switching it over to see if we can get a better deal for him too.
After much consideration, we decided to drop private health and only keep extras. This was a tough one for me, we have a wonderful public health care system but for non-emergencies, there is quite a long waiting list. But in this season it was a necessary budget cut and we can always revise it in the future.
Petrol is another big expense that we are working to decrease. Grant has started driving my car to work as it is more fuel efficient, and we need to run the generator less. We need to buy a few more solar panels and another battery when we can which will help considerably. Our power requirements are very low here, we have a gas fridge, 12V lights, wood oven and internet which can run off solar when the sun is shining. But we sometimes get complacent and run the generator for convenience rather than planning the times it needs to be on and working in with that.
Entertainment is one thing we need to work on. With so much that needs doing here at the farm, we are finding we are working too hard and not leaving enough time to find a new community and have fun as a family. Life can feel pretty tough at times, which is always a sure sign we need to schedule in some downtime. Grant's taken to regularly dragging me out for bushwalks with the dogs at any chance he gets and finding a new church for our family is something I need to do too. Like many people, I find going into a new space where I don't know anyone really daunting but the only way to build our new community is to take that step.
Our op-shopping and gumtree searching is going well. Our latest bargain was 5 brand new off-road Dunlop tyres for the Landcruiser, on rims for $250. Bought from an older fellow with an immaculate home and sheds. All up they would have cost over $1500 off the shelf so it was a huge saving.
I hope you enjoy this weekend reads.
Much love,
Emma
xx
Facebook - BBC short film
"It's all your fault." A short thought-provoking film clip.
The greening of the west leaves other countries a devastated toxic mess
A sobering read.
Life with less waste
A fabulous, encouraging film from Happen Films. I love this family and what they are doing!
Gardening Australia: More than a garden
I loved this story so much, and can certainly relate to it. I'm struggling with no garden to potter in here. I need my own project to work on. We have nearly finished the big house yard fence, next we will build the veggie patch fence and once that is done I will be able to get cracking. This story helped Grant see how important getting a garden started is to me.
Stephen Fry on the importance of language
A beautiful little clip about relishing in the joy of language.
Grant built this gate out of free salvaged hardwood. The latch is a simple block of wood that slides in and out of the strainer post with a bolt attached as a knob. Taking the time to DIY these kinds of things saves a lot of money, though it does require patience and time.
To try and bring our expenses down, we have been revising our phone plans. I have changed phone companies and changed to a new, smaller plan along with a new phone as mine died un-resurrectable death. I didn't get the newest iPhone available, instead, I got an older model which will suit me just fine and was half the price. We still need to double check Grants plan before switching it over to see if we can get a better deal for him too.
After much consideration, we decided to drop private health and only keep extras. This was a tough one for me, we have a wonderful public health care system but for non-emergencies, there is quite a long waiting list. But in this season it was a necessary budget cut and we can always revise it in the future.
Petrol is another big expense that we are working to decrease. Grant has started driving my car to work as it is more fuel efficient, and we need to run the generator less. We need to buy a few more solar panels and another battery when we can which will help considerably. Our power requirements are very low here, we have a gas fridge, 12V lights, wood oven and internet which can run off solar when the sun is shining. But we sometimes get complacent and run the generator for convenience rather than planning the times it needs to be on and working in with that.
Entertainment is one thing we need to work on. With so much that needs doing here at the farm, we are finding we are working too hard and not leaving enough time to find a new community and have fun as a family. Life can feel pretty tough at times, which is always a sure sign we need to schedule in some downtime. Grant's taken to regularly dragging me out for bushwalks with the dogs at any chance he gets and finding a new church for our family is something I need to do too. Like many people, I find going into a new space where I don't know anyone really daunting but the only way to build our new community is to take that step.
Some op-shopped items. Like new flannel PJ's and a brand new quilt cover for Henry. Total cost? $10
Our op-shopping and gumtree searching is going well. Our latest bargain was 5 brand new off-road Dunlop tyres for the Landcruiser, on rims for $250. Bought from an older fellow with an immaculate home and sheds. All up they would have cost over $1500 off the shelf so it was a huge saving.
I hope you enjoy this weekend reads.
Much love,
Emma
xx
Facebook - BBC short film
"It's all your fault." A short thought-provoking film clip.
The greening of the west leaves other countries a devastated toxic mess
A sobering read.
Life with less waste
A fabulous, encouraging film from Happen Films. I love this family and what they are doing!
Gardening Australia: More than a garden
I loved this story so much, and can certainly relate to it. I'm struggling with no garden to potter in here. I need my own project to work on. We have nearly finished the big house yard fence, next we will build the veggie patch fence and once that is done I will be able to get cracking. This story helped Grant see how important getting a garden started is to me.
Stephen Fry on the importance of language
A beautiful little clip about relishing in the joy of language.
