Save money for past time.

Reading can be the most frugal of all pastimes!

 

 

  Here in Australia it is possible to read a lot of books without spending big at the bookshop. Here's how: first stop is your local public library. Here in Portland our local municipal library offers books for children and adults, magazines, cds and dvd's can also be borrowed. The librarians are friendly and helpful. There are comfortable chairs, There is even free internet access and PCs to use. Of course you will come across some books that you will want to read over and over again. All homes should have a library of their own, We recently came across a relevant quote: "Rich people have big libraries poor people have big tv's". The challenge is how to build up a nice private book collection without breaking the bank. The answer is to buy good quality second hand books from garage sales and thrift shops. Another alternative is to buy books from surplus library stocks. Of course you will need a lot of time to find the book you really want this way. Used book stores are also a great option if you are prepared to spend a little morecash and want to save time. If the collection grows unmanageably large you can always have a garage sale and sell them and get most of your cash back or maybe even make a small profit. Many people also make a little extra cash re-selling used books on Amazon. Our preference nowadays is to buy hard back books rather than paper backs. A good quality hard-back book will last for centuries if cared for. Most paper backs will fall apart after a few decades. The hard backs look so much more impressive on the shelf and are a good long term investment. We are quite proud of our "Great books of the western world", collection there is at least 10 years worth of serious reading there, the whole collection of more than 50 beautifully bound books can be picked up on Amazon at a very reasonable price Favourite books. . A good quality reading lamp is a worthwhile investment and consumes a lot less power than a TV or PC. Of course If you read in the day-time of sunshine is free of charge! Another challenge is how to combine an interest in travelling with an interest in reading. We always travel with at least one good book and swap with travellers we meet. In some English speaking countries you will find books cheaply and easily, but in some other countries it is more difficult. The 21st solution here is really the e-book. It is possible to download a lot of classics for free and a small external harddrive weighing around 100 grams can contain 1000's of e-books. It is not really necessary to buy a Kindle or e-book reader if you travel with a netbook or laptop you can download the Kindle for PC software free of charge, Many public libraries now have e-book collections so it is possible to "borrow" e-books these days without even visiting the library. There are some excellent websites for readers, book-lovers and collectors. For example reading-the-great-books offers guidance and reading suggestions on the great books. Perhaps it is best to just follow ones interests. 

If you find an author you enjoy read all that authors books. If you find an interesting subject read more about it. Before too long you will discover you are smarter, wealthier and wiser. Making her own story book.

Life is easier for the wise and thrifty.

A Caravan Low Cost holiday acommodation in Australia.

 In December 2009, we bought a second hand caravan from a private seller who advertised in our local news paper for just $2,200. It was a 14 foot 1980 Millard pop-top. We used it to touraround South Australia, Victoria and New South wales until August 2012. We some times stayed in caravan parks, but quite often in rest stops. We bought a useful publication about free camping spots, it even had GPS references of each camp spots. 



Many country towns have realised the wisdom of being RV friendly and often provide free campspots just out of town with lots of facilities.

One of our favourite campspots was Gum Bend lake, just out side Condobolin, NSW. Shower facilities, Picnic tables, boating, fishing and playground all completely free. Generally the further away you are from the state capitals the easier it is to find free campspots.

We had no problem with the van and sold it easily on EBay after 3 years and got our money back.

We found that our Ford falcon had no trouble towing the van. The van provided cheap accommodation during our holidays at minimal cost. Smaller older model pop-tops are a good investment if you choose carefully. Be sure to check the bearings, tyres and brakes are in good condition. Smaller older vans are easy to tow and are built to last. It is wise to try a low cost van for a while before committing a newer more expensive van.
Watch this videos Save money with firewood heat http://youtu.be/s4OJqiH1Jdw

Low cost communications in Australia.

It is possible to live in Australia and spend very little on communications.

The secret is wi-fi and a low-cost tablet computer such as a Samsung  Tab 3. You can access your email, social media and blog. You can also use Skype to keep in touch.

                                      

Free wifi is seems to be available almost everywhere in airports, train stations, coffee shops, public squares and public libraries, You  can get a $5 SIM card from ALDI that is good for one year so people can call you and for use in emergency.

                                                      

                                              

A day at the movies for free in Melbourne.

Melbourne central business district is lively today, its a warm Sunday afternoon. How to find some entertainment without breaking the bank?

The Australian Centre for the Moving image (ACMI) in federation square is one option.  The ACMI "mediateque" is one option. It has a dozen or so booths with big touch screen TVs and comfy armchairs it is air conditioned and free open 12noon to 5pm daily.

                                               

 

They have a great selection of on demand Australian movies available, Also lots of rare historic footage, for instance the Melbourne Cup, 1896.

There is  a fascinating selection of TV footage from the 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's and 2000's. There are also animations, documentaries and films for the kids.

Today I am watching "The sentimental bloke" a classic Australian black and white silent movie from 1919.  There are lots of other Aussie movies  but this is one of my favourites.   Check it out this videos, free things to do here in federation square Melbourne http://youtu.be/1jWRpkbWPg8

                                                                 

Is it really possible?

Australia is reputed to be one of the most expensive countries in the world to visit. Is it really possible to survive on $2 a day in Australia?
Is it really possible to visit Australia and return home with more cash than when you left home? It seems a lot of intrepid travelers are giving it a try these days.
Australia has a long tradition of the "swagman". In fact one of Australia's best loved songs "Waltzing Matilda" is about a swagman. A swagman is an itinerant worker who travels the country camping out and supporting himself with occasional casual employment. Lentil as Anything is a vegetarian restaurant that operates a pay-as-you-feel model in Australia. Watch this video http://youtu.be/9k10WukyvSc

                                                           

Australia has a population density 3 people per square kilometer so if its wide open spaces you are looking for Australia is the place for you!

To live happily on $2 a day in Australia you will need to be very determined, frugal, enterprising and opportunistic. You may not succeed but you will certainly learn a lot from the experience.