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Old style MoneySaving

Archives for September 2018

Weekly Flylady Thread 1st October 2018
What is FLYLADY? Well, it's our version of the US flylady idea - but we work on the principle that housework is not fun, it's boring, can be time-consuming, is often thankless but, unfortunately, necessary. It's here on Old Style to provide the support we all need and to make the whole task easier and quicker. We also…
Is gluten free on a budget possible?
Hey, newbie here We are really trying to save money and one of our big expenses is our food shop. I have a form of dysautonomia which causes my body to attack certain foods as poisonous even though I am not technically allergic to them, it's to do with mast cells and my autonomic system. Anyway. I can't eat wheat, gluten,…
teamaids - are they any good?
I’ve often wondered about having one and just don’t know if it would be worth it. Does anyone use one? The look outdated - and I’d prefer coffee in the morning, is it possible to have it make coffee?? There’s a second hand one I’m considering that’s about £12, not expensive but more than I’d want to spend if it’s used once…
Old Style Daily Sunday 30th September 2018
This is an “over the garden fence” type thread where we chat about everything Old Style and maybe a little bit more. It’s a great, inspiring and motivating thread we start each day to discuss what Old Style things we’re going to do today or what we’ve achieved already. Everyone’s welcome, please do come in, put your feet…
Getting the smell of cat pee out of sofa cushions
My cat peed on the fabric sofa. The covers are not removable. It soaked right through into the cushion. I have tried laundry detergent and warm water, wiping it down then spraying simple solution on it but it still smells! What else can I try?
Kenwood KMix mixer help please
Hi, Having problems adjusting the whisk and K beater for my new KMix mixer (glass bowl). I can see how how to do it but even at the highest point, the beater is still hitting the side of the bowl. Any ideas please?
Old Style Daily Saturday 29th September 2018
This is an “over the garden fence” type thread where we chat about everything Old Style and maybe a little bit more. It’s a great, inspiring and motivating thread we start each day to discuss what Old Style things we’re going to do today or what we’ve achieved already. Everyone’s welcome, please do come in, put your feet…
How to Reduce Christmas Present Obligation?
I saw Martin on tv talking about reducing unnecessary Christmas present giving. I really want to do this. Mr Hedgesparrow's and my immediate family is rather large and so we give a lot of presents at Christmas (all on the low budget side). We also give to lots of friends. I would like to reduce the amount of presents we…
Old Style Daily Friday 28th September 2018
This is an “over the garden fence” type thread where we chat about everything Old Style and maybe a little bit more. It’s a great, inspiring and motivating thread we start each day to discuss what Old Style things we’re going to do today or what we’ve achieved already. Everyone’s welcome, please do come in, put your feet…
How to slow down?
I work from home (very part time). I have plenty of time for housework, gardening etc, but I am in such a flap all the time that nothing gets down. When I do start something, I get anxious and rush it. I can never seem to relax and do something properly. A good example is cooking. I rush, make a total mess and then feel…
Vegan Menu Thoughts
Hello wonderful knowledgeable people :) I am having some lovely vegan friends over for dinner this weekend so am currently menu planning and would love your advice! I am gluten free so it will have to be both GF and vegan, plus MSE as I am on a very tight grocery budget! As easy as possible is key as I don't want to stress…
Old Style Daily Thursday 27th September 2018
This is an “over the garden fence” type thread where we chat about everything Old Style and maybe a little bit more. It’s a great, inspiring and motivating thread we start each day to discuss what Old Style things we’re going to do today or what we’ve achieved already. Everyone’s welcome, please do come in, put your feet…
Dinner party help
What vegetables would you serve with a lamb tagine served with pomegranate and red onion relish at a dinner party? Pud is choc mousse or fruit salad. Feel I need some green in the menu but don't know what!
Freezing mashed potato
I have a load of potatoes that I have harvested that have damaged skins so need using quickly. I'm going to do a batch of mash to portion up and freeze. I've read conflicting advice about adding butter and milk though. Some sites say plenty of butter / milk/ cream helps keep the texture others say the opposite and to just…
Really struggling with dinner ideas
Hi all, I am really, really struggling with ideas for (cheap!) dinners at the moment and wondered if anyone can throw some inspiration my way! So, due to when pay day falls, I need 35 meals. I know I can double a few up and will probably even just come up with maybe 20 and sort the rest out later but I'm so stuck for…
Old Style Daily Wednesday 26th September 2018
This is an “over the garden fence” type thread where we chat about everything Old Style and maybe a little bit more. It’s a great, inspiring and motivating thread we start each day to discuss what Old Style things we’re going to do today or what we’ve achieved already. Everyone’s welcome, please do come in, put your feet…
Apple recipes
Went to the doctor yesterday. The surgery has a large apple tree in the grounds. Patients can help themselves :D We brought back loads, shook the tree and picked up what fell. I'm looking for something different to do with them apart from the usual suspects. Will be making lots of chutneys along with my tomato glut, pies…
Vegetarian/vegan slow cooker tips for a novice
Hi folks, My Dd2 ‘surprised’ me yesterday by buying me a slow cooker (which was drastically reduced in Mr T where she works).Never having even considered buying one before, I am at a loss at to where to start as I’d like to make an effort so show my gratitude ;) So...... I ‘d very much appreciate some tips/simple recipes…
Leaky cafetière
I use a single cup cafetière and have replaced a fair few due to leaking of coffee grinds into the coffee. The fine wire mesh seems to get bent or not fit properly against the glass jug thus leaving tiny gaps where coffee and grinds are leaking up into the coffee when plunging. I do wait a good time for the coffee to brew…
Old Style Daily Tuesday 25th September 2018
This is an “over the garden fence” type thread where we chat about everything Old Style and maybe a little bit more. It’s a great, inspiring and motivating thread we start each day to discuss what Old Style things we’re going to do today or what we’ve achieved already. Everyone’s welcome, please do come in, put your feet…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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