It is tough NOW. So how are we coping

Great thread so thanks for starting it!

I have been at this game all my life but really knuckled down a couple of years ago when hubby wasn't enjoying his job and we were being influenced by spending relatives (buying kids presents etc) anyway, I decided that the best thing to do was to pay off our mortgage which is what I am currently working on with the support of the mfi3 club (on the mrtgage fee wannabee board) please see my sig..

I have cut things down to the bone but funnily enough, no one seems to notice! I can't be bothered to hide basics brands in luxury packging but I am lucky that my family are good and will try anythiing anyway.

Clothes: I kit out my entire family off the '3 for a £1' rail at the local charity shop. I've had good brands such as next, m&s, jane norman etc and look new.

Transport: I scrapped my car due to it being on its last legs and bought a 2nd hand bike with triple panniers, I cycle everywhere now, work and shopping and love it. I feel healthier, eco friendly and its faster, plus I don't buy so much because I have to lug it home! OH has a car but its bought and paid for and we go on holiday in it so I suppose it works hard for its upkeep!

Food: I make a point of not throwing anything away, use less and veggie more often also grow my own. I made some muffins the other day out of leftover porridge, 1/2 a manky banana and an over ripe pear! Recipes for using up leftovers are muffins (for sweet things) carbonara, stews, soups and even lasagne (its amazing what you can hide in those pasta dishes!) I use the remoska and have saved energy also capped tariff from scottish power helped.

I try to find the cheapest option while still searching for good quality, its a challenge! Today the kids were of so we cycled to the local town (about 5 mile round trip) and i took sarnies and a flask and got them a bun fom Birds as a treat, we sat and had our 'picnic' on a bench outside Argos and looked at the xmas trees in the window (which do you like the best etc..) we had a great time and when we got home they said thanks for a lovely day mum! Before I would have gone in the car, to a cafe, etc bought stuff I didn't need and it doesn't make you any happier.

Hidden Bonus: my kids are becoming frugal, we are all much happier and find happiness in simple things, we decide what we want to do in life rather then what is dictated by peer group pressure and advertising.

One happy bunny! Good luck everyone

We were fortunate enough to pay off the mortgage a while ago (courtesy of my share of the proceeds of sale of house I used to share with the ex).

I have the final say before we make a major spend, as I am better with money than Mr LW. - Indeed, I got him out of the financial mire when we first met, and he is now more than happy to leave the household finances to me and my trusty Excel spreadsheet!:o

We only have the two of us to worry about, no dependent family, which makes things easier.

We enjoy doing what he calls "domestic stuff" together, cooking from scratch, even cleaning and dull stuff like that.;)

We do have some indulgences, we like to visit the pub, and we have opera tickets for Friday, but we know we could knock all that on the head if the situation went belly-up.

We got rid of our two elderly rather large cars, and bought one smaller one (but big enough to haul my wheelchair easily) and I now have a mobility scooter so that I can get around locally if need be.

Thanks for starting this thread. One thing that'll get us through it all is a bit of Old-Style solidarity as well. *hugs* I think I've come a long way since this site. Now, we tend to put on more clothing when it's colder instead of putting the heating on - also, usually the only time we're in is in the evening so we light candles to give light and heat. I also invested in a great big snuggly blanket which has given the OH and I some really good quality time.

I plan all my meals and make things pretty much from scratch, making the best of reduced items and making good use of multibuy offers with my friends (when I can split the cost and offers with them where I won't use much of it ). I try to think of buying clothes as an investment (and staying pretty much the same shape to keep it that way!) and only buy classic pieces in sales so that I can make the most of the bargains when I need to. I use Stardrops (it really is amazing) and clean little and often, and honestly find myself enjoying my life a lot more now I've cut back on things that don't really matter. I have taken up crafting and regularly knit presents for friends and family, and took up cross stitch at work in my lunch hour so I don't go into town and spend my money

I do competitions and look for as many freebies and offers as I can. And hopefully we'll ride this out ok. Thank you all though

abaxas wrote: »

Loving it!

I dont know why but I've always thrived when things are bad. If anything all this frugality has improved the quality of my life. Especially in terms of food, never ate so well ever.

In other words, things were better when they were worse! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Caterina

What a lovely new thread! Thank you Kittie,you are a star.:T

Well,I went back to work in Feb(weekends at the local supermarket) to help increase our income.Weekends works best for us at the mo,I stay at home with the boys during the week(3 and 17mths) and hubby takes over at the weekend so no childcare costs.This has certainly helped and we are managing to pay of our debts steadily.

I have taken on board all I have read on this site and cook from scratch.Does help that I love cooking..and eating:D . Always try to use up all our leftovers and the reduced stickers make me smile.Working at the supermarket has also meant staff discount and staff shopping aisle-dented tins galore!

Our car is now a car share with a friend.I dont drive and hubby takes the train to work.Shared costs helps.And we have a car when needed.

Heating is switched on only when needed-to warm the bathroom and bedroom for the boys.Us grown ups snuggle on the sofa with our blankys,so much cosier.

There is so much more,though what I have learnt is to appreciate what I do have-my beautiful family and friends and that a good giggle does make a lot of things seem easier.