High income to pension.

[Jennifer13]

Join your local library. Lots have preschool or toddler storytimes, it's also a free and easy day out (and free wifi for you!), plus you can borrow CDs and DVDs too.

Art galleries usually have lots of areas that are free and it's the visiting exhibitions you pay for.

Great cheap day out with kids can be public transport - not sure what Melb is like but in Sydney a very cheap Sunday family pass gives you unlimited buses, trains and ferries. All if which are fun for DD1!

Join every stores' VIP program where it's free. It may not happen quickly, but extra savings/discounts/vouchers when you can earn them come in handy. Don't forget flybuys. Make sure you keep petrol discount vouchers too.

Playdates with friends are free! If you're sick of going to the park, invite someone to go with you and share the outing.

Have an idea of practical presents the girls would like when it comes to birthdays and Christmas, like swimmers, shoes, bedding, furniture (instead of just toys). Put together a list so when ppl ask you know how to answer.

Homemade gifts from the girls to those you need to buy for - there are lots of ideas online for starters. My DD1 makes all of our cards and wrapping paper, which makes it personal and cheap.

Join Freecycle - that freezer may be closer than you think! Don't be afraid to post an ad with what you need and why. We have received so many things this way (oven and dishwasher last month, for eg). Join more than one group - as far as you're prepared to drive to pick up. Keep in mind that the stuff from nice areas is usually quite good. Don't forget Gumtree either, unlike eBay you can contact the seller and do a deal.

Good luck!

[Fleur]

Do you know someone (or a few someones) who would be interested in sharing the cost of bulk buys? Kind of a co-op I guess - if you can buy food in bulk and split it, the storage and cost is not such a strain.

[briggsy's girl]

Do you know someone (or a few someones) who would be interested in sharing the cost of bulk buys? Kind of a co-op I guess - if you can buy food in bulk and split it, the storage and cost is not such a strain.

We do this and it makes a big difference. My folks are on a tight budget, as are we, so when we can, we pool resources and bulk buy and split it. We go to the farmers market here most months and get fresh veg. Mum and dad chip in a third of the cost of everything and take a third of it. We recently had dd's godparent slaughter a cow for us to split between our freezers. Yes it was a big outlay (well, it would be if they would give us bank details to pay!! It's sitting on our savings account for now) but it's made a huge difference to not have to think of what we can afford to buy. Buying bulk (side of beef etc) works out cheaper for a lot of cuts. Do you have someone you can share a side with when you get the freezer?

We also share the expense of some meals with my folks. Mum makes an awesome chicken soup so we supply either the chicken or the veg, she supplies the rest and cooks it and then we split it. She can't make a decent fried rice or chow mein, so she chips in on the veg for those, we make them and send them home with her. Is there anyone local you can pool resources with like that? Meal swap frozen meals when you get the freezer?

Obviously this isn't something that would work for everyone but it's an idea.