After seeing a piece on the TV one night a while back that talked about a company called Sale Guide , I signed up to their weekly newsletter (now known as Missy Confidential). This newsletter lets you know what sales are going on and where (ie clothing, shoes, homewares, cosmetics, baby wear, luggage etc), and advises of competitions currently running. Some of the sales advertised are one day only events at factory outlets, or weekend events held in a town hall, for example. Either way, you can save heaps and leave with some really nice stuff.

Another way of having nice body products is to seek out the wholesale shops that hold a variety of perfume, hair, face and body products and buy up when they have their sales or are getting rid of their discontinued stock.

As for annual leave and travel ... don't leave booking travel to the last minute - it costs a fortune! Try and plan travel dates 6-12 months in advance for international trips, but book when the airlines have their 4 day sales on.

For example, in 2008 when I went to Japan, although on a travel package deal (which also saves $$$), I had to pay $1500 for the flight and had no choice on the airline and was squashed in like a sardine with terrible food. It was a miserable ordeal and I was knackered when I arrived.

This year, I flew to Japan for around $900 with an airline that had a big sale on last year. I just had to get organised and agree on some dates with work and my other half. My fare included a payment for food (which was fine) and an exit row so I could have more legroom in economy - who wants DVT? not me! I arrived all refreshed and ready to check out the sights. I saved $600 and potentially avoided a health condition too. (Note that you can't always win re the legroom department but try and get more space if you can - you will feel better at the end of the trip).

As a sole trader my revenue has significantly declined in the last 6 months; however, I remain confident business will improve. On this basis I am prepared to set aside a small amount each week to "invest" in my personal well-being. I don't intend to stop enjoying the things I do to manage stress. Travel and skiing are two of these things.

You can purchase very cost-effective travel deals at the moment. The downturn in the global airline industry (and tourism in general) has resulted in some great deals. So, strike while the iron's hot.

I also support the idea of wholesale shopping. This can even apply to food. These savings can be applied to living life (like travel, eating out etc).

A simple thing like reducing excess alcohol consumption can result in significant savings; but if you can't do that, try buying online. Wine can be 60% off through online auctions.

Gifts can also be acquired through online auction sites at discounted prices.

You can live well on a budget. My tip is: put aside the savings you make (by shopping carefully) into your 'living well bucket". This might take the form of an online high-interest account (e.g. ING). When the time is right, you can empty the bucket to enjoy life.