In doing her best to make ends meet, Rotorua mother of two pre-schoolers Caraline Abbott has become one Frugal Kiwi Mum.
She can feed her family of four on about $25 a week each. The mother of two young active boys - Jack, 3 and Harry, 1 - has had such success she has launched a Facebook page which has nearly 1300 followers so far.
She also runs a regular column in the Rotorua Daily Post with money saving recipes thrown in.
Her interest in cutting back on spending came when she and husband Mark Abbott began their family three years ago and she had to cut back work hours at Rotorua Girls High School. There was less to spend on the family budget.
"We had to cut back somewhere ... unfortunately money is what makes the world go around."
The Abbotts cut back on luxuries like expensive cellphones. They chose things they needed over what they wanted and while they have Sky Television they also create their own family entertainment. Most of the family's clothing is bought second hand or is handed down from friends and family.
"Things just aren't getting cheaper ... You don't need an expensive iPhone with all the bells and whistles just one that you can ring from and text off. It really annoys me to see beneficiaries with fancy phones and false nails. They are luxuries you don't really need, not necessary items. It's just a waste of money. It's so sad to see."
By being frugal, her grocery bill has dropped from more than $300 weekly to just $100 weekly. Meals and menus are planned out for the week and put in a calendar. Her tip is buy only what you need and get out of the supermarket as fast as you can.
"I never go shopping hungry, that's a no-no, and always take the kids with me so I can leave quickly."
Her message is simple - live frugally and save at the checkout.
"You can live a nice lifestyle without spending money flippantly."
Her money-saving journey is shared through Facebook with her Pak'N'Save shopping docket uploaded onto the page along with money-saving recipes.
"It's really popular, people can see how you can feed a family of four on $100 a week. People are amazed at how you can save and how much you can save by only buying what you need."
Cheaper nappies are used during the day, she makes her own cleaning products and barters services for fruit and vegetables from friends and neighbours who have gardens, Caraline says. She has her own herb garden growing.
"I will babysit and in return someone will give me a pumpkin or a bag of fruit," she says.
Her followers are running with her ideas too.
"People want to be frugal. I feel good that we have cut our shopping bill down from $300. That is why I keep going. It's just brilliant ... I love paying it forward and thinking of different ways to save and how we can maximise the dollar. My parents always drilled into me 'pennies make pennies so save them'."
She hopes other mothers will continue to follow her lead.
"I'm amazed it has taken off so well. People want to take control of their finances," says Caraline.
If you would like to check out Caraline's Facebook put Frugal Kiwi Mum into the search bar at www.facebook.com