Our Member Profile this month is Sharon from Alderley, Australia. 

A bit about Sharon -

Retired, Over 55, Australian, Married and I am the primary manager of the household budget!

What has been your most outrageous or expensive impulse buy?

My real pearls - bought with cash and not credit.

Did you enjoy it or feel guilty about it?

Enjoyed it!

Can you remember what you spent your first pocket money dollars on?

My grandparents used to give us 1 pound for when the show came to town.  We didn't get pocket money, this was the only money we were really ever given.

Another time was when I spent my 10 shillings on shouting all of my friends to the matinee and having money left for coke, chips and white knights!  My sister still had her money the next day!

Can you remember what you first saved up for to buy?

Saved up to go on a trip with family using part-time income as a Mothers Help.

What is the number one thing you would (or have taught) teach your child/children about money?

To be circumspect, give him some sense of propriety about money - trying not to waste it and how to do a budget!

What is the best advice someone gave you about money?

Look after the cents and the dollars will follow.  Look after the little bits. 

What is your best money saving tip?

Think before you spend, send your husband to do the grocery shopping!

Is there something that you do everyday that you know is saving you money? eg pack lunch, plan menus, catch public transport

Use up what's in the fridge, turn off the lights.  When eating out we sometimes share a main meal because the serving sizes are so big, you don't need to eat that much.  Using up patchwork stash and not buying fabric just for the sake of it.  Making birthday and Christmas presents as much as I can.  I buy $1 cards from discount shops and I use tea towels for wrapping paper!

In challenging economic times, are you saving more, working longer, giving up luxuries, re-arranged your priorities?  If so, what?

Re-arranging priorities

If you were given $1,000 what would you do with it?

Go on a shopping spree!

What about $100,000?

I would give $20,000 to my son, do a new kitchen, paint the inside of the house and have an overseas holiday.  I would do stuff that would set me up for the next 10 years.

How about $1,000,000?

Buy a beach house that I wouldn't have to rent out and give some away.