Where do I start?

annie123

DH and I down shifted a few years ago, both of us.
Not convinced your DH is in agreement with it, if he was, he wouldn't worry about not being able to buy new gadgets he would be looking for to spending more time with his family, much more fun than shopping for gadgets he doesn't need.

No way you can settle in to a new lifestyle and have it up and running in 6 weeks but you can make a start.

Holidays: we still have them but every other year and maybe a weekend away in between.

Gadgets: less is great, less clutter, less to dust and clean:j

Got/get bikes, great exercise and good for kids

food shopping:
write down meal plans for the next week now, (bet you can do the whole lot without spending much more) and post them here
Some people find it less tempting to order on line rather than going into the shop.
Join the grocery challenge.. I will be over budget this month but I have a freezer full so will be under next.

Agree with lynzpower grow some food. Visit the gardening board, there are threads there on growing stuff indoors. Got a window sill then you can grow herbs, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes all sorts of things.


Get rid of any tv packages you pay for.

Read as many of the threads on this site as you can for ideas.

Its amazing what you dont need. When things have broken I have replaced 2nd hand:

21" tv...................15 years old works fine, even has teletext and 5 channels:rotfl:
video recorder........still works also 15 years old
no other tv gadgets, watch dvds on computer..(which got new in 2000)

We are both happier since we gave up living to work, now we work to live

Posting on this is helpful to keep one on track. We are a very friendly bunch and even though I feel I have posted some daft questions I have never been made to feel silly.;)

So what are you eating next week?:D

zarazara

this is a good thread. I agree with annie 123, its amazing what you dont need. we are so much happier now we haveless. its a change in mind-set. now I go out food shopping and challenge myself to spend less than last month. i'm even into making my own laundry soap now and have an allotment up and running. maybe you could get your name on a local allotment waiting list. they are just great, a sense of satisfaction and purpose, talking to others who are growing their own, even veggie shows if tyou are competative. they are just great. and so goosd to take the children to, get them growing courgettes or lettuce oe nastursans. good for them and they'll learn loads about nature.