Watch ecoNSW and Win

The NSW Government's free to air digital TV channel is giving you the chance to WIN an LCD widescreen TV or a water saving washing machine. There are also water saving packs up for grabs!

For more information, tune into Channel 45 and watch out for the competitions appearing on screen during the ecoNSW show at 2.30pm and 10pm Monday To Friday. The competitions close on 28th Feb 2007.

ecoNSW also features regular updates on:
* breaking news
* weather
* surf conditions
* water saving products
* dam levels
* water quality results
* water restrictions
* water wise gardening

For more information visit: ecoNSW - ChannelNSW is the NSW Government's Digital TV channel, delivering public and government information into your lounge room.

Rainwater Tank & Washing Machine Rebates

Water Saving Rebates & Offers

Rainwater Tank Rebates
Sydney Water has a Rainwater Tank Rebate Program offering customers up to $800 to install a rainwater tank. A special Rainwater Tanks in Schools Rebate Program is also available for schools.

Washing Machine Rebates
A rebate of $150 is available to customers who purchase a new washing machine with a water efficiency rating of 4-star1 or AAAAA. The rebate offer commenced on 1 March 2006 and will run until 31 July 2008. 4-star1 or AAAAA water efficient washing machines save more than 21,000 litres of water a year compared to older machines. The rebate offer could help to save one million litres a day.

These are some of the many ways the NSW Government is helping you to help secure Sydney’s water for life by saving water in and around your home. To find out more and to take advantage of rebates and offers visit the website links above. Please read all information to qualify for rebates & expiry dates of offers.

Save Water, Save Money, Save the Environment!

Vacuum Cleaner Bites The Dust

After years of service my Electrolux vacuum cleaner died yesterday! After a hectic xmas & new year I decided to bring the vacuum out for a big clean.

It's amazing how much dust can collect over the weeks.... Almost finished the whole house... when all of a sudden, there was a burning smell! Smoke was coming out of my vacuum. Certainly was a shock & so was the price of a replacement. Took it down to the repairman, just incase... he said 'in it's day it was a top of the range' but sadly the motor had burnt out. I'm usually vigilant in cleaning out the dust bag after every use. But I wondered if it had been full to start with & this created the overheating. I will never know.

Prices are unbelievable... Must admit I think I had the old one for over 15 years. Served us well. I need one that is easy to move around & I was astounded at the prices of a decent vacuum... almost $400 & up! I'm on the hunt for a new vacuum. So a word of warning... always ensure that you regularly empty the dustbag.

Clothing Savings

Clothes Savings can have a huge impact on your budget....Here's some ideas to help you keep within your budget.

Buy separates that coordinate: Make numerous combinations with a few well matched items. For women, skirts, slacks, jackets and blouses can be mixed and matched to create many different outfits. Change the look of these outfits with accessories such as scarves or jewellery.

Men's clothing offers a wide variety of separates that can be coordinated: shirts, blazers, slacks and ties can all be interchanged to create a versatile wardrobe with a minimum of expense.

Buy a season ahead: Buy next year's winter clothes at the end of this season and save. Buy quality clothes in the sales and these should last longer.

Stay away from trendy fashions: Sticking with the basics you can always be sure your clothing styles will last from year to year.

Always dress to suit your body type & style. Wearing styles that suit your body shape has the power to increase your attractiveness instantly. [Learn More]

Click Here => For Other Great Savings Ideas

Distinguish between Wants and Needs…..

In my previous post I mentioned…. Is this really a Want or a Need?

It was an amazing morning in more ways than one… The cicadas were again singing up at my place threatening another hot day, the sun was shining.

As I drove round the DY beachfront the fog hung heavy in the air….I wondered what the day had in store as the wind had started to whip up. The radio station said Centerpoint tower in the city could not be found.

My girlfriend & I headed out for one of our morning Manly beachfront walks.

We always stop at our local restaurant ‘Cristals’ for our coffee kick… We are supporting our local café during their time of controversy with the local Manly Council…. Now that’s another story!

Then off to check out Humphreys’ Newsagency for the latest Scrapbooking Magazines or card designs or other bargains (they have great book bargains) before we do our return journey.

My friend had her eye on a certain item & quickly had it clutched in her hand. As we strolled round the aisles she looked at the item & said to me “Is this really a Want or a Need?”

I almost fell over & told her that this was exactly what I’d posted on my blog this morning. We had a good laugh.

My friend resisted the temptation & placed the item back on the shelf…. It turned out to be a Want & Not a Need!

Want or Need!

Distinguish between Wants and Needs…..

You will save a lot of money if you don't mistake Wants for Needs.

Needs are those items that are necessary to sustain: Shelter, food, clothing, transportation.

Wants....are those things that enhance or possibly improve your family life. A car is a need. Unless necessary for your business, a flashy expensive sports car is a want.

Have you ever heard (or said) "I absolutely need...?" when the actual meaning was "I really want?" …. If you’re anything like me… I already know your answer!

This is not to suggest that you shouldn't be able to have the things you want.. you deserve a splurge now & then….Just don’t delude yourself into believing that a want is a need…and busting your budget in the process… This is a recipe for your financial disaster.

With the Xmas sales ahead of you this is a time when the Wants are screaming at you… Buy Me!! Buy Me!..... If you can’t resist just stay away from the sales!...

Just think... You'll not only save yourself money... but also your Sanity!

Asking yourself this simple question when tempted can keep money in your pocket….. Is this really a Want or a Need?