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Old style MoneySaving

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

Preheating the Oven: “The Recipe Says So” myth.
In these days of astronomic rises in energy bills, I have an issue with pre-heating ovens. I am appalled by the number of recipes and “how to cook” on bought food items that demand that you pre-heat the oven. This is a complete and utter waste of energy. Nothing is being cooked at this stage. The average oven uses about…
Condensation a good or bad thing whilst Cooking in Microwave
Hello just wondering after noticing that there is condensation on the door inside after cooking in the microwave, if one is cooking again later would this condensation be an advantage as steam is hotter than water and the food items inside - Would it be better to pat dry the door or leave the condensation and even mist in…
February 2023 Grocery Challenge
Welcome to the second Grocery Challenge of 2023! ******** Please post your budget in BOLD and HEADING 2 ******** If your new month starts early feel free to join this thread, or if you're still working on your January Budget then keep on posting in the January Challenge. As always this challenge is to reduce your own…
Toilet limescale Want Old Style way to remove & prevent.
How can I prevent and remove lime scale in my toilet in an eco Old Style way? I’m currently pouring acid down the toilet a number of times a year. I’ve heard that coke or vinegar can do the job. Can you suggest something works? Thanks ;0)
O/S Daily Friday 3 March 2023
Morning Hugs to those that want/need them, those who are poorly and those who are looking after a poorly person x Happy birthday to those with a birthday x Very dark chilly start to the day. DH and DS1 getting ready for work, I'm showered, dressed and enjoying my first cuppa and my porridge whilst on here. DS2 settled and…
what is a strong fabric for furniture upholstery, but with the lowest cost
Hi And thanks for reading. What is a strong durable upholstery fabric but without the expensive price tag, I mean for a strength to price ratioThanks
O/S Daily Thursday 2 March 2023
Morning Hugs to those that want/need them, those who are poorly and those who are looking after a poorly person x Happy birthday to those with a birthday x Very dark chilly start to the day. DH and DS1 getting ready for work, I'm showered, dressed and enjoying my first cuppa and my porridge whilst on here. DS2 settled and…
O/S Daily Weds 1 March 2023
Morning Hugs to those that want/need them, those who are poorly and those who are looking after a poorly person x Happy birthday to those with a birthday x Very dark chilly start to the day. DH and DS1 getting ready for work, I'm showered, dressed and enjoying my first cuppa and my porridge whilst on here. DS2 settled and…
O/S Daily Tuesday 28 February 2023
Morning Hugs to those that want/need them, those who are poorly and those who are looking after a poorly person x Happy birthday to those with a birthday x Very dark chilly start to the day. DH and DS1 getting ready for work, I'm showered, dressed and enjoying my first cuppa and my porridge whilst on here. DS2 settled and…
MSE HQ held a book swap with a surprise element
Anyone tried this? We each chose a book we owned and enjoyed, wrapped it up and scribbled a description on the front. Then we met up and threw our books on the pile and each chose a new one based on the description. I got to shift one of my finished books and discover one I might not have picked up otherwise.
Cutting dishwasher tabs in half
Does anyone else cut their dishwasher tabs in half to get more washes out of a pack? I’ve heard of this hack and thought I’d give it a go. But my OH has completely freaked out and said it’s not sensible to do it and it’s toxic etc. wondered what everybody’s thoughts on it were please?
Clothes Drying
Hi, My wife is struggling to get our clothes dry in Winter. She refuses to use the dryer. I wonder what my best option is as the weather isn't great in the North West. 1. Run the radiator in the room where the clothes are for longer each day (has a Tado smart system) 2. Use a fan to move the air around 3. Buy a small…
O/S Daily Monday 27 February 2023
Morning Hugs to those that want/need them, those who are poorly and those who are looking after a poorly person x Happy birthday to those with a birthday x Very dark chilly start to the day. DH and DS1 getting ready for work, I'm showered, dressed and enjoying my first cuppa and my porridge whilst on here. DS2 settled and…
Sourdough Starter advice
Hello! I have found a bag of Canadian extra strong wholemeal bread flour in the back of the freezer. I have other flour but I wondered if this would be better flour to use to make a new sourdough starter please? I have tried to Google it but can't figure out if it's just OK or beneficial to use it? 😄 Many thanks! ❤
Weekly Flylady Thread 20th February 2023
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 26 February 2023
Morning folks. Yesterday I took myself off into the gloriously sunny, though very chilly, day. I ended up on the Isle of Skye. What a spectacular drive it was. Now I’m in a wee country hotel half an hour north of Fort William. Very comfortable and old fashioned. 😀 I told my closet friends down south who phoned up the owner…
Yeast
A question for all the bakers, how do you test that “easy bake” dried yeast is still viable? I used to bake bread regularly in the bread maker, but hadn’t done it for months, when I decided to bake some last weekend. It didn’t rise as much as I’d expected, so I am wondering about the yeast. I used yeast from a small tub of…
Old Style Daily Saturday 25 February 2023
Good morning, so far it's chilly though promising.
O/S Daily Friday 24 February 2023
Morning Hugs to those that want/need them, those who are poorly and those who are looking after a poorly person x Happy birthday to those with a birthday x Very dark start to the day. DH and DS1 getting ready for work, I'm showered, dressed and enjoying my first cuppa and my porridge whilst on here. DS2 settled and happy.…
O/S Daily Thursday 23 February 2023
Morning Hugs to those that want/need them, those who are poorly and those who are looking after a poorly person x Happy birthday to those with a birthday x Very dark wet start to the day. DH and DS1 getting ready for work, I'm showered, dressed and enjoying my first cuppa and my porridge whilst on here. DS2 settled and…

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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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