My pie maker is my god send. I save all leftovers even just a couple of teaspoons sometimes. Snap lock bag them and chuck em in the freezer. Once a week or what ever I pull them out and make up "surprise pies" throw on a bag of frozen chips and dinner is sorted for very little.
You would be amazed at how what kids will eat wrapped up in pastry
That is a great tip!!!

I make snacks and lunch for my kids in the morning after breakfast and put them in the fridge. I have a divided tupperware container for each of them that morning tea goes into - the big section is for fruit, the smaller section usually cheese in one and nutrigrain (or rice biscuits or some other carb) in the other. I have the Tupperware sandwich boxes too and make their sandwiches first thing in the morning too. It means we are prepared for anything. If I need to go out suddenly, it is there and saves me a fortune on morning teas and lunches while out. Also if they don't eat it because they aren't hungry or they fall asleep, I put the lid on it and it goes back into the fridge and they eat it later in the day. I don't throw out as much as I was.

If we are ever out and the kids want a 'treat' - I buy them either a 300ml milk from a supermarket (I always carry a pack of straws in my nappy bag) for 70c each or if I am having coffee, I order them a babycino (usually free with adult coffee). So much better for them than juice or flavoured milk and costs next to nothing. They think either is a really great treat. I also have their packed morning teas with us and they often eat those in cafes and other places so all I end up paying for is a coffee. It is soooo much healthier for them.

Grow your own herbs. There is so much you can do with a herb garden and it really doesn't cost much to set it up. Saves a fortune on herbs and makes food so much more interesting. I use my herb garden mainly for salad dressings - I also planted a lemon tree because citrus is incredibly good for you (helps to decrease your blood sugar levels in your blood) and can be used for soooo many things. Lemon and other kinds of citrus trees are more a long term investment because they take a couple of years but if you need to, pot it so you can take it with you if you ever move. Growing things yourself also provides a lot of enjoyment and entertainment.

Use the library. If you are into books, check out your local library before buying anything. Saves a ton on storage space for books as well. I was surprised by what my local library had. My kids also think the library makes a GREAT outing.

Check out your local council website for all the free activities for kids around the place (surprisingly there are heaps).

Don't underestimate how great a pack of sausages, a loaf of bread and a bowl of salad can be for a picnic or BBQ. So much cheaper than take out and quite enjoyable.

Write a budget. This is probably the one thing that helped us save money the most. We know exactly how much money we have to spend and what we have to spend it on at all times. It has helped us so much. It makes us think about whether we really want something or we just think we want it. Also means that our bills are paid on time and life is very stressfree because we know where we are at rather than just guessing all the time.