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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 Friday 30/12/22
Good morning, I'll just start the thread.
The 'Make Your Own Christmas Booze' thread
Here's a brand new thread for sharing DIY alcohol tips ahead of Christmas, a resurrection of this 2004-2011 thread. I hope this one inspires you, though please do always be Drinkaware. The other day, MSE Duane brought in his homemade version of Baileys Irish Cream liqueur for a taste test. He brought one bottle of original…
Old Style Daily Thursday 29 December 2022
Morning folks. Still dark. Off to make a brew.
How to store a Panettone cake once opened
I have been given a large 1kg panettone cake. When I open it what is the best way to store it as it will take me weeks to use. I have never had one before and I've heard they don't keep more than a few days once opened. Thanks
Red cabbage help!
I cooked red cabbage in the slow cooker on Christmas Eve using Mary berry's recipe with cooking apples (only had eating so used those but omitted the 40g of caster sugar), white wine vinegar (had to use red wine vinegar as had no white) and butter. In my opinion it is bland, so my question is, what can I do with it as I…
Old Style Daily Wednesday 28 December 2022
Good morning folks. It's too dark still, I may have another wee snooze. 💤
What's the least expensive Christmas thing that's given you the most satisfaction?
I'd love to hear about the cheapest Christmas item (present, food, decoration - ANYthing) that's given you the most satisfaction. The secret to a perfectly cooked roast? A decent bottle opener from inside a cracker? An evening in front of some good telly? For me it's probably the foam reindeer and sleigh cut-out that my…
O/S Daily Tuesday 27th December
Good morning, I don't know what it's like outside, but yesterday was very cold (not that I went anywhere, just to the dustbin)Glad to see that everyone seems to have had a nice Christmas Day. We had a riotous time at dd's holiday place in Weardale. Her partner's family were there as well, so with two 4 year olds, a two…
San Francisco Sourdough Starter
I was at a demonstration last night about sourdough baking and at the end of the demonstration we were offered some San Francisco Sourdough Starter. Now the man giving the demonstration said he had this starter for twelve years and kept it alive by feeding it on a regular basis. Here's the question - can you really call it…
Black beans
I'm going to cook some from scratch. I'm intending to use the slow cooker - do I need to boil them first?
Central heating OFF too expensive. Electric blanket or heated car seat cover...
So my home is too drafty and although I've got a new-ish boiler it's all just a bit too expensive and pointless to keep it on continually especially as I'm mostly at home. Two other alternative options for heading I've looked at are electric blankets and heated car seats. Let's quickly compare the two. Double electric…
Old Style Daily Boxing Day 2022
Morning all. It's time for my first coffee. BRB.
What to do with bread sauce?
My elderly mum has a lot of bread sauce left over. I looked online but recipes like dumplings or croquettes are too much work for her these days. Any really simple ideas instead?
November 2022 Grocery Challenge
Welcome to the eleventh Grocery Challenge of 2022! ******** 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 October Budget then keep on posting in the October Challenge. As always this challenge is to reduce your own…
Weekly Flylady Thread 19th December 2022
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…
O/S Daily 25th December 2022 Christmas Day
Good morning, Happy Christmas everyone!Thank you for your condolences yesterday on the death of a friend, you're all very kind and caring.I hope you all enjoy today whatever you are doing. Taff, thanks for your sterling work in keeping us supplied with festive music!Thinking of our poorly and sad people as ever, I know…
2022 Vegan Storecupboard Challenge
It's been just over 10 years since the original challenge was set up so I thought it was time for a new one! Link to the old challenge below 😉 https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3571159/vegan-store-cupboard-challenge So, on to the new challenge! The plan is that I will list my food inventory - fridge, freezer,…
O/S Daily Saturday 24th December 2022
Good morning, off to make a hot drink, won't be long
O/S Daily Friday 23 December 2022
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 damp and windy 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…
O/S Daily Thursday 22/12/2022
Good morning, it's an early start here following a bad night.It just looks damp outside - yesterday was cold and windy but bright.Visited a friend yesterday morning, they were preparing for a Christmas party at the complex where she lives, it was all very festive. I didn't stay long, didn't want to get in the way!Just did…

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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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