Resolutely Oily Rag

 Read more Oily Rag articles by Frank and Muriel Newman 

Theory has it that the New Year is a time to reflect and make highly admirable resolutions for the year ahead. In the hope that some of those good intentions may include the joys of frugality we thought we should reflect on some “oily rag” mottos, add a few interesting quotes from famous people - because they are famous and the quotes are interesting - and end with some money-saving tips from readers.

• My Mum’s favourite expression was, "if you can make do with what you have, you will want for nothing". - Canny Scot, Christchurch.

• "It's never a bargain unless you need it." - S.F.
 
•If you look after the pennies the pounds will look after themselves.

• Waste not, want not.

• A dollar in your pocket is better than your dollar in someone else's pocket.

• Cheap is good but free is better.

• Needs are things that are really needed. Wants are things that are not really needed.

• Understand where your money is going and you will be in a position to control its outflow.

• We don't need luxuries to be h-a-p-p-y.

• “More is not always better”. S.J-B.

• "Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor."  - Samuel Johnson.

• "If there's an egg in the house - there's a meal in the house". - D.M, Katikati.

• Frugality may be termed the daughter of Prudence, the sister of Temperance, and the parent of Liberty” - Samuel Johnson.

• “Many banks have a new kind of Christmas club in operation. The new club helps you save money to pay for last year's gifts.” Anon

And here are some of the latest tips from oily rag readers:

• D.T. in Northland saves money on Christmas wrapping: “In the interests of recycling and saving money we wrap our presents in newspaper. We always say it’s in the interests of savings the planet which impresses out greenie friends!”

• Chris L. from Napier says, “A great way to get fresh healthy meat is to go rabbit shooting, many farmers are more than happy to allow you to shoot on their property if you ask. Rabbit meat is very healthy with little or no fat, and there’s the added bonus of knowing where your meat comes from and knowing it’s fresh.”

• D.N. from Tauranga says, “I buy bulk onions when cheap and chop and freeze, saves time and money and wastage from onions sitting in the cupboard, also slice up mushrooms and freeze in resealable bag, great for a quick spag' bowl meal.”

• Another reader (who wishes to remain anonymous) has an “interesting” idea about Christmas gifts: “On Christmas day everyone stands in the circle. One person gives $10 to the person to their left, and wishes them a Merry Christmas and other statements of love and gratitude. That person then hands the same $10 to the person to their immediate left, and so on until the $10 arrives back at the person who first gave it. If you want to be really generous, give $100!”

You can contact us through the oily rag website (www.oilyrag.co.nz) or write to Living off the Smell of an Oily Rag, PO Box 984, Whangarei.

* Frank and Muriel Newman are the authors of Living off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ. Readers can submit their oily rag tips on-line at www.oilyrag.co.nz. The book is available from bookstores and online at www.oilyrag.co.nz.

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