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Old style MoneySaving

Some classic, simple ways to save money: thrifting, spending challenges, charity shopping, meal planning and more.

O/S Daily Saturday 28th September 2024
Good morning - it's fine here but cold. Yesterday was brrr as well. I went out to our little high street, looked in a chazzer or two, but didn't buy anything. I saw a nice leather handbag in one of them, and was tempted, but really, I need a handbag like I need a smack in the face, so stepped away. A friend came round last…
O/S Daily Friday 27th September 2024
Good morning, it's raining here. Yesterday was a terrible day, non stop rain, so I didn't go out. Might risk it today though. Spent the day doing housework and a bit of sewing. I don't know what's happening today, probably not much! Hope everyone is ok and has a good day, take care folks.
O/S Daily Thursday 26th September 2024
Good morning, it's raining here, cold as well. New fire now installed , it looks lovely, worth every penny. There were a few minor problems and it took a bit longer than anticipated, but it's done. TA, sorry to hear about your SIL, and your friends Dh, how sad. Understandably it brings back unhappy memories for you. Like…
Cheapest white sauce for lasagne?
I need to make 8-10 people's worth of lasagne - in the past I've used fresh milk, uht milk and jarred sauce (L1dl) and would need at least a pint's worth - more likely pint and a half - what's the cheapest way you've found to make (or buy) white sauce?
Strangest item you've seen in a charity shop
Many of us love a charity shop bargain - or just the thrill of poking around for something unusual or eye-catching - as the enduring popularity of the Shop Charity Store in 24 thread shows. I was in a charity shop on Saturday that had a selection of unopened squeezy bottles of condiments, including Lidl tomato ketchup,…
O/S Daily Wednesday 25th September 2024
Morning - I'll be back soon
Removing odour from storage barrel
I've bought a second hand plastic barrel to keep a bulk order of flour in. The barrel came clean but with a residual odour of whatever it held in its first use (smells like lime pickle to me). So far I've tried airing the barrel, scrubbing with hot water and washing up liquid, bicarbonate of soda dry left overnight, then…
What do you do with paper instructions manuals?
Afternoon all. I am in the process of trying to go paperless in my home, at the moment, and have a scanner that I try to use for everything before adding to a hard drive before destroying the original. One thing, however, is a huge box of instruction manuals that I have in my loft. Whenever I buy anything at all, the…
O/S Daily Tuesday 24th September 2024
Morning, I'm just starting, be back soon.
Foraging in '23 and beyond...
I've just been out after blackberries for the freezer today, and came home with 3 take-away boxes full, plus a big bag of sloes and another of elderberries. We're lucky enough to live close to the countryside, and over the next few weeks I'd expect to be able to find crab apples, hazelnuts, rose hips & walnuts as well as…
Old Style Daily Monday 23 September 2024
Morning all. I'll be back.
Weekly Flylady Thread 16th September 2024
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…
Old Style Daily Sunday 22 September 2024
Morning folks. BRB
Old Style Daily Saturday 21 September 2O24
Morning all. More later.
O/S Daily Friday 20th September 2024
Good morning, it's a dry start here, still dark of course. I'll pop back later to see what everyone is up to.
O/S Daily Thursday 19th September 2024
Morning all, just starting, I'll be back soon.
O/S Daily.Wednesday 18th September 2024
Good morning, it's a fine dry start here. Over halfway through September, how the days slip away. Yesterday was an ok day, boiler was serviced and was ok, though so it should be it's only 3 years old. We were talking to the boiler man about getting rid of our old living flame gas fire in the sitting room, it's 30 years old…
O/S Daily Tuesday 17th September 2024
Good morning, it's fine here. Yesterday was a nice day, but chilly. Sorry to read that dg d is in hospital again Dp1, hope it can all get sorted out. Our boiler is being serviced today, that's the only exciting thing going on here. We'll go to the quiz as usual tonight of course. Everyone seems busy, hope you all have as…
O/S Daily Monday 16th September 2024
Morning - I'll be back soon
Weekly Flylady Thread 9th September 2024
Welcome to the weekly Flylady Thread. 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…

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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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