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Win $50, $30, $20 PayPal Credit or Gift Card for Mother's Day from OzBargain

27

Dates

Closing Date 08/05/2016

Prizes

Description 1 x $50, 1 x $30, 1 x $20 PayPal Credit or Gift Card + OzBargain T-Shirt
No. of Prizes 3
Total Prize Pool $100.00

Entry Requirements

Open To Australia-wide
Entry Limit Unlimited
Entry Methods n/a
Prerequisites n/a

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".

What savings tips or life hacks has your mum passed on to you? It can be good or bad.

Rules
  • Moderators will judge all entries and select the 3 best entries.
  • Each user/person can only win 1 prize (e.g. 1st, 2nd or 3rd).
  • Submit as many entries as you like.
  • Entries need to be a comment on this page.
Prizes
  • 1x $50 gift voucher (Coles, Wish, JB Hi-Fi, Paypal etc) + an OzBargain T-Shirt + OzBargain Bag (Best Entry)
  • 1x $30 gift voucher (Coles, Wish, JB Hi-Fi, Paypal etc) + an OzBargain T-Shirt + OzBargain Bag (2nd Best Entry)
  • 1x $20 gift voucher (Coles, Wish, JB Hi-Fi, Paypal etc) + an OzBargain T-Shirt + OzBargain Bag (3rd Best Entry)

Winners

Entry User
1 PJC
2 jikijiki
3 ozuser007

Related Stores

OzBargain
OzBargain

closed Comments

  • +1

    Easy, always buy in bulk. More for less :)

  • +1

    ♪ Once I was seven years old, my mama told me,
    -Buy pickles/pasta sauce instead of jars for they are cheaper (same $2 price with free sauce)
    -Cook in bulk and freeze cause it's quicker
    -Pick a tv from the verge if it doesn't flicker
    -Eat what life serves you don't be a picker

    I was big big box,so found a toy
    Buyin bulk cause I am a bigger boy
    Finding bargains cause it's cheaper
    Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

    Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me,
    -Always make a shopping list to buy grocery
    -Collect spare change for a rainy day or you'll be hungry
    -Grow your own herbs [ ;) ] for it is cheaper
    -By eleven Placing shaving razor in baby oil for it lasts longer
    Once I was eleven years old…

  • +2

    -1 Mum has always taught me, to always Invest in things that last. -2 She also taught me to uttermost respect my elders which has served me to this day and has even shaped my career of choice. -3 Dress wisely..

    1. Despite them shopping for things that should be cheap, I remember my parents dropping a load on a quality stereo, a quality used car, microwave and TV that lasted us at least 15-20 years each. Although the TV lasted us a long time, that was probably their worst investment. Don’t know if this qualifies as “saving” any money, but mum always use to tell me “if something is 2x as expensive, but lasts 4x as long, then it’s half-priced!”

    2. Pretty straight forward

    3. Mum has always taught me we live in a society based on looks. She has taught me that more opportunities also arise and more people would want to associate you the better and classier you dress. This didn't make so much sense at the time but, it serves a great tip now. Grooming etc. She told me when she was younger, when she first arrived here that she met a female who offered her a retail job. She still holds this job to this day.

    Now that I think about it… she actually did a fine job and these tips have stuck onto me since

  • +1

    My Mum always tried to get us kids to use the concept 'try before you buy'…hmmm…Has had many benefits throughout my life-and many complications!

  • +2

    Save money on gas heating by wearing more clothes indoors!

  • +1
    • Do not hold up spending on good food. Good health is life.
    • Wash fruit before you eat.
  • +1
    • Pray or atleast take almighity's name before starting any work, helps you to keep faith.
    • Any Knowledge does not go to waste so don't hesitate to learn if given opportunity.
    • Don't hesitate to ask for better price, it's your right.. well sort of.
  • +4
    • Buy Clothes - wear them on occassions, then start wearing them at home, then start wearing them to sleep, then start using them to clean stuff, then finally use to clean and throw. Good that I don't use this much :)
    • +1

      Lol. I've been told this,too.
      But now I say, if you can, give old clothes to charity while they are still in good condition.

  • +2

    "Smile. It's free :)"

  • +2

    As a mum, my tip is :
    If you're going to buy, check out OzBargain. If you're trying to save, stay off OzBargain!

    • If something is 'functional' then it's not too old to throw out; or old is not necessarily bad.
  • My mum sometimes stops me from buying bargains, because apparently you save even more if you don't buy it at all!

  • Money looks better in the bank.

  • +3

    Buy the cheapest thing your ego can afford.

  • My Mum bought me my first toolbox so I could fix things instead of going out and buying a replacement. Also stopped me from borrowing Dad's tools.

  • +1

    "Let's just buy it from Costco. They have already chosen the best model, the [usually] cheapest price and you can get a full refund whenever you want."

  • +3

    "Stop checking OzBargain every 10 mins"

    • +3

      Now that is entirely unreasonable!

    • +2

      Now that is totally unreasonable!

    • +2

      Now that is absolutely unreasonable!

    • +2

      Now that is completely unreasonable!

      • +5

        Lol I can't believe you actually set a 10 min timer to post all that…

  • "Why do you care about saving dollars when the Barrier Reef is dying etc. etc."

  • Folding techniques.

    Easier just to shove them in the draw, and if they have too many wrinkles put them in the drier.

    • If something is taking too long wait longer..
    • If the ice cream is too hard put the spoon in the microwave. (dumb idea)
    • Never get a loan.
    • Never turn on the air con.
    • Don't hoard.
    • Use stuff what it is supposed to be used for.
    • Only buy things you don't already have.
    • Use common sense.
    • Avoid being a perfectionist. (waste of your time and annoys other people)
  • my mum always said -if the checkout person makes a mistake in your favour then shut the hell up. if they make a mistake in their favour then raise hell.

    always compare the $:grams ratio of similar products

  • +1

    Always make sure you pay the mortgage even if it means eating potatoes for a week.

  • "always wear clean underwear - in case you are in an accident"

  • +2

    My mum took me grocery shopping with her when I was a kid and would get me to work out the unit cost of different sized products to work out the best value (before they went and implemented them on the labels to make it even easier).

    This little task inspired me in so many ways to search out more ways to save money - and given me a lot of tips to pass onto my son when he is older.

    • fill empty space in the fridge/freezer with bottles of water to help keep the appliance running efficiently (very important in a rural area where we used to experience a lot of blackouts)
    • make my own delicious and even more nutritious cereal (I prefer the likes of light n tasty but have been super disappointed by how much they show it to have sultanas etc - now I but a box of on special light n tasty, a box of homebrand wheat-bix, home brand rice bubbles, home brand rolled oats, home brand corn flakes and some homebrand sultanas - combine in add a dash of dessicated coconut and enjoy the most delicious tailored cereal with no disappointment).
    • buying in bulk is almost always cheaper - but not EVERY time
    • shop the bargains and stock up then.
    • regrow veggies where possible
    • turn power off at the wall
    • Collect the cold water when waiting for the warm water to come through for drinking water/watering plants/refilling the toilet cistern etc
  • +1

    Wrap it in latex ..or she'll get your paychecks.

  • "Make sure you use a condom. It's cheaper than having a kid…"

  • I am going to go really low because I need a new t-shirt.

    • Re-use tea bags stolen from hotels.
    • Stop flushing money (TP) down the toilet and use water to clean yourself.
    • Rummage around. Dumpsters provide a good source of nutrients. Also parks and front yards provide herbs, fruit etc.
    • Only drink tap water.
    • Make homemade cards, wrapping paper etc.
    • Use the library.
    • Threatening to leave companies gives you "exclusive discounted rates".
    • Cut your own hair.
    • Substitute chemicals for boiling hot water, if necessary add baking soda or vinegar.
  • My Mum is a great person. She would always give us unconditional LOVE. What I've learned from her is buying and hagging things. She will always try to save here and there. All for us. She will do all her best to make us feel comfortable. I've also learned to be patience and reasonable person just like her.

  • Coming from an Asian family,

    - Leaning over the fence to pick fruit from neighbours house without being spotted.
    - Home bowl hair cuts, which one day will pass onto my kid.. Long live the bowl cuts!!
    - Using rainwater to water plants
    - Driving down the road to another station to save a few cents on petrol
    - Removing 3 out of 4 light bulbs in a multi bulb fitting to save electricity
    - Go to every shop in the mall and compare prices before you make a purchase

  • Be nice to people. Remember to treat them as you want to be treated. That was the best advise of my mum. Happy Mothers day all mum in the world!!!

  • My mum always told me, "LOOSE SOME WEIGHT AND GET A JOB YOU LAZY BUM!"
    So I got a job,

    I lasted two shifts at McDonald's

  • Don't get your girlfriend(s) pregnant, unless you are ready for a commitment.

  • Mum always keeps telling me to wash my fruits and veges. Even the "pre-washed" packet salad, which I usually don't bother with. Then the whole woolies spider salad fiasco happened and she called to remind me again. I guess mum's the word?

    But really, there's so many things Mum has taught me and most of the money saving hacks she employs are just to fund her most un-money-saving habit, her generosity.

    The most important tip mum has passed onto me: Work hard, save money and be generous - the most important things in life don't have a pricetag.

  • My mum was actually the one that taught me to buy the cheapest tool, and if it breaks or if you find it starts to really show wear then buy a nice version of that. She did that process with all of her kitchen utensils and appliances, and she has a very nice wok but she realises that her pots and lids can be crap and still work fine. The kitchen looks a tiny bit like Frankenstein's monster but everything works like a charm. The blender might be on the more expensive side while the microwave can be a bit junky. Make things last.

  • +1

    Set your alarm 20 minutes before you're meant to wake up. So then you can lie there helplessly and feel good about it.

    I have done this and it works wonders for me

  • +2

    Be nice to everyone. You might end up in the will of an eccentric lonely billionaire.

    • +1

      You are far too late. I will NOT adopt you.

  • I used to go shopping with my mum when I was young. If we stumbled upon a clearance/sale, she used to stock up and then ask questions later. Lol

    Neogitate everything. Any items like furniture, TVs, fridges, gumtree and especially those markets in Asia. Offer to pay cash.

    Furthermore maintain a 'poker' face but be nice. If they see that you really want an item, then they're less likely to reduce the price

    Never be afraid to ask. If it's a display model, ask for a new one or ask for a further discount (find bad things about it). If a coupon/sale/ raincheck has expired, ask if they can do a better price first or honour the sale price.

    She also taught me to keep a minimal amount of cash on hand. You can't spend if u don't have it.

  • Always be extra kind to those less privileged or able

  • +1

    "I told you not to guzzle so much liquor when you went clubbing in your younger days but you didnt listen.Look how fat you are now." A constant reminder till now.

  • Never EVER get a credit card - if you can't afford it with real money you simply can't afford it.

  • if visitors popped around unexpectedly, mum would quickly Mr Sheen some furniture so the place would at least smell like it had been recently dusted!

  • +1

    Treat others how you would like to be treated

  • +1
    • Buy the bottled item first and then their refills. Or more bottled items if can be used somewhere else.
    • Going out on picnic.. take along the home cooked food. It is a lot of fun and save money as well, as you don't find yourself at mercy of only shop in the area.
  • +1
    • Invest money, anywhere. But preferably on property. But where ever you do - have knowledge about it.
    • Mum said get a degree, you'll get a good job.
    • Mum said stay at home, else you'll be alone.
    • Mum said get married, don't get a girlfriend.
    • Mum said always be positive, you'll never look back.
    • Mum said go to church, or become a heathen.
    • Mum said get an OzBargain T-Shirt, ya tightarse !
  • +1

    A bit crude…but my mum always says it with a smile

    It is better to cart and stink a little than burst your arse and become a cripple

  • +2

    I think what my mother passed on is both good and bad. My parents arrived in 2000 as 1st gen permanent residents. Dad had left quite a successful career only to work menial and laborious low paying jobs after arrival. As a result, my mother became the mastermind in keeping the household budget lean, tight and ensured we had a good chunk of money saved away. This meant going with her to shops off the beaten path to save few dollars, wearing logo-less unofficial school uniform, and many other small things.

    Over time I know that I became very conscious about money and always thought that my aim should be to get a job that pays very well so my parents would not have to slog it out like this for the rest of their lives. I worked hard in school and in Uni and I think I am on the right track. I made sure my budgeting skills were up to scratch, and I actively sought out places like Ozbargain to learn about saving money, managing it well and figuring out how other people value money.

    The bad in all this was that money became too much of a focus during some parts of my life. And when I did have some money it felt really odd spending it on anything other than necessities. Also, after doing research or genuinely needing something nicer I couldn't help but feel guilty for spending the money. Often I find myself finding excuses that I don't even want that thing that I need or make do with something that is half broken. It's odd but I am working on it.

    But I still thanked Mum today for all her hard work. I bought her some things she normally wouldn't buy, mostly beauty products and some chocolates. Took her to a nice lunch too. Can't believe how hard it must have been to start afresh in a new country and get to where we are all now.

  • +1

    My mum drummed into me "You never save when you spend".
    So when I'm chasing those Oz Bargains will always remember how much is it going to really cost, and not get fooled by those hardly normal "savings" into buying something I don't really require.

    • +2

      Very good advice. I learnt that the hard way with game sales. Doesn't matter if it is 90% off @ $2, if you are buying it when you wouldn't want it in the first place that is still $2 lost. 90% is just a number, the amount spent is not.

  • +2

    My mum taught me to check apples for pock marks and to haggle down anything from groceries to appliances. She taught me more - she made me a discerning and skeptical person.

    My mum asked me if I wanted the last portion and praise me when I asked if she wanted it first. She taught me more - she made me a self-disciplined and considerate person.

    My mum gave me gifts and food and love. She gave me more - she made me a frugal but generous person who finds value for money and values the people in his life.

    Happy Mother's Day everyone. Celebrate the first and best deal you've ever had in your life.

  • +5

    The comp is now closed. Any comments after this will not be counted.

    The mods will go through the 100+ comments and pick our favourite. Thanks for entering everyone and hope you had a Happy Mother's Day!

    • +3

      This comment doesn't count.

      • Neither will this one.

    • +1

      Hope mods are okay with some grammar mistakes :/

  • +2

    I rarely enter competitions here, and I belatedly clicked "Marked as Entered". So yesterday when I spotted "Mark as Winner" in the same spot I supposed I should click that also, leading to a brief questionnaire about privacy etc. As this differs to when I won that $60,000,000 lottery and forgot to select anonymity, it seemed harmless agreeing to everything. Consequently the legend "1 win (1 unique winner)" unfortunately refers to me, suggesting I am grossly presumptuous. That is my story and I am sticking to it.

  • OK,the winners are:

    Entry User
    1 PJC
    2 jikijiki
    3 ozuser007

    I will contact the winners shortly.

    • @PeeDee like this?

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