We all agree that the best kid friendly recipe that is easy to make, cheap, non alcohol based and no cooking required, are these small Christmas puddings.
Ingredients
- Purchase 1 (800g) dark fruit cake- Black and Gold or supermarket brand is fine
- 6 tablespoons of orange juice (one orange)
- 100g white chocolate, melted – use white choc buttons or white cooking chocolate
- 4 red snakes, cut into 0.5cm lengths
- 8 green snakes, cut into 0.5cm lengths
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, break fruit cake into crumbs.
- Add the orange juice and mix together.
- Roll one tablespoonful of mixture into a ball and set aside on some plastic wrap.
- Drizzle cooled, melted white chocolate on top of each ball.
- Press one piece of red snake 'berry' in the centre of the chocolate and add two green snake 'leaves' either side - ta da, holly!
Store in an air tight container in a cool place. They will keep for up to 2 weeks so you can make Christmas last into the new year.
Christmas time in South Australia usually means that it will be hot. South Australia is the driest state in the driest continent. Strangely a title we hold with some reverence and pride. We also have some of the highest costs for power consumption so staying cool over the long summer period can come at a premium price.
There are many basic principles to staying cool during our summer and across the holiday season (see attached cooling guide pdf). These are tried and true methods and best when a house is set up accordingly. If you're renting or in other accommodation your environment may not benefit from these measures. Poor solar design and lack of insulation can mean it can feel hotter inside rather than outside and whatever you do after several days of consistent heat it can seem impossible to get any relief. During the hottest part of the day the larger shopping centres can be a good refuge to escape the heat for a short while.
Leaving the cooling switched off can come at an even higher price with many elderly and the very young at real risk of harm in the extreme heat but how do we get relief from the sting of extra power costs?
There is some financial help available. Elderly pensioners and some residential park residents can get access to concessions and the Emergency Electrical Payment Scheme can assist with up to $400. You can only gain access to this help with an appointment with a financial counsellor who will assist your financial situation before lodging an application. See https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/utilities
Across our towns many people check in with elderly neighbours to see if they are OK but in regional and isolation areas this can be a real issue. To help, the Australian Red Cross provides Telecross REDi. A free service to support vulnerable people, calling them daily during declared heatwaves. This includes people who live alone, have a disability, are experiencing mental illness, are housebound, frail, aged, recovering from an illness or accident, or have an ongoing illness, such as diabetes or a heart condition. Carers of vulnerable people are also encouraged to register as they may be at risk during an extreme weather event. Call 1800 188 021to register.
If you have issues meeting energy payments always talk with your energy provider to avoid being disconnected or to adjust payments to help. If you are struggling to afford energy costs you can speak to the Affordable Helpline 1800 025 539 about support schemes that may be available or for an appointment with a Financial Counsellor. A Financial Counsellor may be able to help you consider your financial situation and negotiate with energy providers and stop the threat of disconnection.
If you are worried about the risk of disconnection leading into the Christmas period you cannot be disconnected on a Friday or the day before a public holiday which means that this Christmas you should not be disconnected from the 20th Dec to the 2nd January.
Stay hydrated and have a happy and reasonably cool Christmas.
Christmas should be a time spent with family but there are many who are alone, even at Christmas time. Loneliness can seem amplified by the extent of the Christmas season's merriment.
Staff in Hospitals say that there is always a noticeable increase in people having problems or trauma related to dealing with loneliness at this time of year. Christmas is hard for some as the void between dysfunctional families creates great anxiety and sadness leading to many problems. Many are dealing with the stress of financial debt burdens or mental health issues. The enormous marketing campaign in the lead up to Christmas can also highlight the difference between the haves and the have nots overshadowing the joy of the season to many who struggle with meeting their basic needs.
We might feel disconnected from others, as though nobody really understands us, listens to us, or values our company. It is hard to reach out but a lot of Church groups and some charities have Christmas day lunches and there is Lifeline 131114 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 staffed 24/7 and eager to listen. If you are struggling with persistent sadness and loneliness, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help from a GP, psychologist or counsellor.
Redcross also provide TeleCHAT which provides a free social call to those registered in the system. Available across South Australia for those over 65 or over 55 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This service is particularly useful for those in regional SA, where distance and isolation is a big factor. There are also some provision for those under the age limit for those in very isolated areas. TeleCHAT is only available through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
If you are struggling with debt issues you can ring the Affordable Helpline 1800 025 539 and make an appointment to see a Financial Counsellor. A financial Counsellor is free, independent and confidential. Download the Affordable SA App or go to the website to stay in touch with Christmas events near you.
Is there such a thing as Good Money for loans or purchasing essentials?
For people facing hardship it seems that there is no shortage of fancy fun ways to get yourself in debt. A bunny or a wizard can make it all seem too good to be true when it comes to needing short term cash. Need a fridge? Zap Bang Pow! It's there. Unfortunately the high cost of missing repayments can lead you down a path of long term debt and companies are making huge profit from your continued financial problems. So how can you avoid being the bunny as you fall into debt as easy as a wave of a magic wand?
There are many ways to obtain loans for household essentials and cars or repairs without the hidden catch. Products such as Speckle, NILS and StepUp loans are run by not-for-profit organisations and can be obtained from any of the free financial counselling services provided by the not-for-profit agencies such as The Salvation Army. If you are looking to purchase white-goods see the Affordable App for Good Shepherd loan products available in a location near you.
Speckle - offers small loans from $200 to $2000 available within a few days.
NILS - is a No Interest Loan Scheme and provides individuals and families on low incomes with access to safe, fair and affordable credit of between $300 - $1200 for essential goods and services such as fridges, washing machines, dryers, freezers and furniture. Some medical and dental procedures.Education essentials such as computers and text books and other items as requested such as transportation costs.
StepUp loans offer loans between $800 and $3000 for personal and household purposes such as household items including fridges, washing machines and furniture. Cars and repairs, computers, medical and dental expenses, house repairs. Interest is charged at a low fixed rate and can be repaid over three years. No fees apply.
To find out how to get access to these products see the listing in Affordable under Money & Finances.
In Salisbury there is even a store front "Good Money", you can walk in and apply. The storefront is in the same promotional space as "those" money lenders but a not-for-profit organisation.
If you're experiencing financial hardship a loan might not be the answer. Call the Affordable SA Helpline on 1800 025 539. Speak to a financial Counsellor and review your options. There may be an alternative to see you through your debt crisis. Financial Counsellors are free, independent and confidential. They are on your side and can help negotiate issues with service providers, debt and budget problems.
This Christmas don't make the mistake of falling into problem debt that can last well beyond the holiday season. Look to a Good Shepherd finance for a better solution.
The idea of sharing excess food with your neighbour is a great ethos to think about in the lead up to Christmas. Grow Free is about making our food locally grown, organic and free. This is food grown by the community for the community.
Grow Free started in South Australia and has spread across our borders into most states of Australia. The carts are small colourful trolleys outside shops, cafes and people's houses. There could be one already in your neighbourhood.
Carts are loaded up with fresh produce from the community who drop off their overabundance of produce grown at home to share. "Take what you need and give what you can" is the philosophy of the carts. See more and listen to an interview with Andrew Barker at Affordable SA https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/food/grow-free.
The Fruit Crew. If you live in the Campbelltown area in Adelaide the local council has organised a small team of volunteers to pick excess fruit from households and distribute it to families in need in exchange for some light maintenance. See more http://www.campbelltown.sa.gov.au/fruitcrew
There are also many community gardens around the state that not only share produce but their gardening skills and how to think sustainably.
Christmas is a time for sharing and sharing the food from your garden’s bounty are gifts that you can enjoy throughout the year with your neighbours and the wider community in need. Become a "Green Santa" and give all year round.
Welcome to our Affordable Advent Calendar. Each day we will provide hints, tips or just insights to one of Santas helpers throughout the year. First is our 12 basic tips to getting yourself ready for an Affordable SA Christmas. Better be quick as the decorations are already out.
1. PLANNING
Make a list and check it twice. Its not a case of whose naughty and whose nice, its just better to identify the people you want to give presents to and those that you can send cards and best wishes. Many people simply cannot afford to spend money on everyone they know such as their work colleagues and the neighbours.
Start planning early and don’t wait for the tinsel to roll out and carol music to begin. The carparks are starting to fill already.
2. BUDGET FOR THE WHOLE OF CHRISTMAS
Using your gift list write out how much you want to spend on presents and add any substantial food purchases such as a ham. Include posting cards, wrapping paper, and decorations. Extra meals and extra mouths add to what you usually allocate for your normal expenses. Even money for petrol to travel to visit family is a relative cost (sorry for the pun). Add 10% to your budget to make allowance for last minute details.
3. BUYING GIFTS
Christmas is a time for connecting with those we love. Speak to friends and family members and set realistic expectations. Very much in vogue is to create a gift pool for extended family where each person is given the task of buying a gift for a different member of the family. Each person receives one gift and buys one gift. Pulling names out of a hat can be made fun and a good talking point between family members. Set a maximum cost for each gift of $5 or $10 or what ever you think is appropriate but affordable and get everyone to stay on budget.
4. SAVE FOR CHRISTMAS
Create a Christmas savings account or have a change jar for coins that you can periodically bank. A small amount put away each fortnight can help to take the debt out Christmas. Is it too late to save? Its never too late to save but if the milk and cookies are already set and Santa is throwing a leg over the chimney then before the tree and the decorations are packed away start a saving account for next year.
5. HOMEMADE
Homemade gifts are usually less expensive and are a wonderful, unique expression of your love. Freshly baked treats tied in a festive bow might make the perfect gift for a teacher or friend. Hand-sewn or knitted toys or clothes are cherished. Show off your talents with creative wrapping – affordable presents can look extravagant.
Not all of us are as talented as a budding Master-chef or home show presenter and sometimes buying all the materials needed to make something can quickly add up. Look online for ideas and judge for yourself what is achievable or not.
6. SHOPPING
Stick to your lists and your budget and try to use cash or debit card rather than credit to make your purchases.
Paying for parking and travelling around hunting for gifts can be time consuming and costly if long hours of parking fees are involved. Plan your trips wisely to avoid duplicate travel expenses.
Keep your receipts. There are several reasons to keep receipts. It makes it easier to return items and it provides you with a way of quickly identifying what you have purchased and confirms your real costs.
Last-minute Christmas shopping is for the brave and the fool hardy. If you can get it done before the Carols start then your well on your way to the head of the cue and a stress less Christmas.
7. ONLINE
If you know what you want you can quite often get an online bargain without the hassle of congested shopping. Purchase online items early to avoid the disappointment of having to wait till after Christmas to receive the gift. Mail moves slowly closer to Christmas. Looking at items online or in catalogues also provides a guide to what you should expect and budget to pay.
8. COOKING
Plan for the holiday menu and look where you can buy ingredients in bulk to save money. Holiday time sees many types of leftovers, which can be stretched over several days. A good meal with the family is about celebration and sharing, not excess.
9. POST CHRISTMAS DEBT
That warm Christmas glow can quickly disappear when the credit card bills come rolling in at the start of the New Year. Using savings or debit cards rather than credit provides a realistic way of monitoring your spending. Careful with "buy now pay later credit". There is a reason the stores are pushing it this year and it's not to save you money. Spending your own money and reducing debt is always a good idea all year round if possible.
10. NEW YEAR BARGAINS
If the big ticket family purchase like a telly is on your Christmas list create an IOU to be used during the big sales in January. If you have managed to create a saving plan for Christmas then it's time to reward yourself. Once the Christmas rush is over Christmas themed items are greatly reduced and many people purchase cards and decorations or even a new plastic tree for next year. If its whitewoods you need then consider a NILS or stepUp loan from Good Shepherd finance rather than quick money schemes.
11. FAMILY
The cost of a gift is not a reflection of your love. Not only are the best things in life free, the best things in life are not “things”. Christmas is a time for family and making time for activities and games are gifts of fond memories for everyone. They don't come with a guarantee or a warranty but they usually last longer and increase in value over the years.
12. REMEMBER
If you or a friend struggle to make ends meet there is help. Speak with a financial Counsellor for free and get some control on your finances.
Ring the Affordable SA Helpline 1800 025 539. We are locals and we know what is available is South Australia. We can assess your situation and recommend a plan of action or refer you to the right help for you.
9.30-8pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30 – 4.30pm on Fridays.
The Affordable SA Advent Calendar starts tomorrow and continues to Christmas Day.
We look at some of the highlights, hints and tips for the coming of an Affordable Christmas.
Hospitals have dedicated social workers and counsellors to assist patients and their families during their stay. They can also provide a wealth of information about support services and referrals that may assist a patient well beyond their treatment or in managing an on-going issue.
Patients and their families are often surrounded by issues requiring assistance regarding:
- emotional distress due to trauma or illness
- parents or carers who become ill and have dependants in need of care
- patients or relatives are at risk of abuse
- grief and loss counselling
- major life decisions for patients which impact upon health
- family issues which impact on health or treatment decisions
- problem solving to assist discharge
- financial problems
- accommodation and residential care options
- individual, group or family counselling
Welfare officers can provide information about accommodation, nursing home or hostel options, and liaison regarding Centrelink entitlements.
Hospital workers have direct access to a range of special foundations and philanthropic groups that can assist regarding financial and material needs to help a patient. Organisations such as the Louisa DeCosta Trust work with around 500 social workers in South Australia help provide the essentials that can make a difference in someone's care. The Wyatt Trust provides small grants via applications only accepted from professionals, working in a recognised agency, on behalf of eligible clients experiencing financial hardship. These are both behind the scene champions to the well being of South Australians needing help.
A stay in hospital usually has a major impact and stress on an individual or family and not many people experiencing discomfort are able to take in valuable information that may help or provide benefit. A social worker has to find ways of dealing with an issue during what is usually a short period of time. Providing immediate assistance if required as well as a plan without just letting someone go away with a host of flyers and printed material that may never find its way out of a bag of dirty pyjamas.
Affordable is aimed at providing easy to use user focused information about the services in South Australia that can assist with the cost of living pressures. Kirsty Burns, a social worker in the busy Flinders Medical Centre is one of our Affordable SA Community Champions. She says she uses the App everyday in her work.
Hospital workers such as Kirsty are using the affordable SA App as a means of providing up to date information to a patient’s bedside and using the favourites menu so that items can be reviewed at a time when they are more able to interact with the various service agencies. Information on a mobile device can be viewed again and again and is also less likely to end up in the post hospital washday cycle.
Affordable SA is a free downloadable App (available for iPhone and Android) as well as a website www.affordablesa.com.au and helpline 1800 025 539
There are many services to assist people experiencing cost of living pressures but finding these services can be difficult. "You don't know what you don't know". People don't know where to look, many don't know what they are entitled to or how to access the services that are free and are there to help them.
The Affordable SA is a South Australian designed and supported suite of services consisting of an App, Website and a Helpline to get you easily connected to the services that can best meet your needs depending on your individual situation.
A cost of living support community where you are the focus. Where you can learn what services are available to assist you, if you are eligible and how to access them quickly and easily. Though aimed specifically for people in need Affordable SA has quickly become a useful mobile tool for Social Workers, Financial Counsellors, Police and anyone needing to quickly identify useful assistance for people in need.
It's easy to become part of the Affordable SA Community. Download the free App available for Android or Apple devices or go to the website https://affordablesa.com.au chat to us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/affordableSAapp/ or if you need to speak to someone about your cost of living worries ring the Helpline on 1800 025 539.