Getting to know you........

FrugalFiona

Hey Shumie, sorry to hear of your difficult time friend. May I suggest that if you have debts that you write to your debtors telling them of your current difficulties and ask if you may reduce your re-payments? You need to supply a note showing your out-goings versus your income, and then make an offer for something a bit less than you usually pay. Does anyone else think this is good advice at this stage of shumie's new life?

You could also warn your friends that you won't be giving Birthday or Christmas presents this year, and let your family know that you would like to put a cap on the cost of their presents too, and of course you would prefer them to keep under this cap too when they are buying for you so that you don't feel guilty. My family and I stick to presents below £20 per head, and to make it easier, a few months before the events we write a long long list of what we would like, remembering to keep the items under £20. Obviously we don't get everything on the list but this way, by the time the event happens you have forgotten what you put on your list, so it's still a surprise and everyone gets something they really do want, so no money is wasted.
And Shumie, it's true, if you turn electrical things totally off when you're not using them it really really does save money. I have pre paid meters for my Electricity & Gas and the small effort it takes me to kneel down and turn things off at the socket is well worth the money it saves. I didn't bother for years thinking it was too tiny a saving to notice, but boy it really adds up. Good luck to you honey.

snoop2008

It's lovely to find a place were we can offer tips on savings. l love a bargain and love to make things. I make all my xmas gifts and it's good advice frugalfiona about the xmas gifts. Most of my friends don't expect xmas prezzies anymore as throughout the year we give each other small things , could be making cakes, someone doing shopping, doing the gardening. We gather our skills between us and help each other whilst saving money. it's true about the electrics, turning them off at the switch and it does save money. I use to leave my tv, on stand by but no longer.

kate1979

Hi, been a lurker on OS for ages but thought I may as well take theplunge and introduce myself ... I'm 31 and live with my DH and DS age 1. I'm a part-time maths teacher, but am finding it very difficult to divide myself between work and home, so when baby no 2 (currently nicknamed Joey) arrives in November, I will be leaving work and not going back :j:j:j:j Instead, once bubs is a bit older, I'll be doing maths tutoring a few evenings in the week, something I've already had some experience in.

DH and I don't really spend a lot, but I'm always keen to save where possible, hate waste and have been dabbling in a bit of OS for the last couple of years or so. We have a decent amount of savings, though these are to go towards a deposit on a bigger house, but I really want to get a bit of money behind me for maternity leave. I did this when DS was born and managed to save quite a bit.

Look forward to chatting x

snoop2008

Oh congrats on baby!! I find it exciting looking for bargains, think my daughter has caught the bug of savings too!!! As it's just the two of us, I cook many meals and freeze it,, and we have saved a fare amount. If you have done this before you will be great this time round too!!

peacenjam

Hiya All

My name is kieron and I am 36 and live in Glasgow. Been on MSE for years for all sorts of help and hints but never registered so decided to take the plunge and did so the other day - enjoying the craic in the Arms.

Just moved into a new house from a flat so no doubt will be able to benefit from the sites wisdom on all sorts of things.

Emma1979

Just a quick hello from me.

My name is Emma ( You may already have guessed..lol) I am 30 yrs old, I live in Kent with my DH, and our DS
I have been a long time lurker of the board, but now want to join in....Especially with the flylady & Grocery challange.

BudgetCat

Hello,
I've been lurking on here for months but decided today to finally join in as well. I'm a 26 year old full-time student, part-time coffee shop worker, Oxfam volunteer, vegetarian and proud slave to my 15 year old cat Jerri. She is my best friend and clingy as anything.I'm originally from continental Europe but moved to Central Scotland a couple of years ago to be with my now fiance. I'm not sure what I want to do with my life career-wise yet, have been having a rather difficult time personally in the last few years but know that I want to be a mum as soon as financially possible after my wedding next June. And that's exactly the reason for me having become very budget conscious. Right now I'm or rather we are saving up for certain elements of our wedding (photographer, rings, piper, honeymoon) and after that for a house deposit. Looks like we have decades of saving ahead. Oh well...
I'm really looking forward to this whole challenge now and am excited to find out how other people on here are managing.

JessicaFletcher

Hello,
I've been lurking on here for the past week or so and finally decided to register so I could join in!

I'm 33 and live with my husband and 2 young daughters in London. I'm a SAHM and studying English Lit. through the OU.

Wee_Jo

Hey everyone,

I am a 27 years old, living in London with my husband, though we're both originally from Northern Ireland. I work full time, running the sustainability consultancy (building more environmentally sound buildings) within an engineering firm. Joined MSE at the end of May and loving my new thrifty lifestyle and the new friends I'm making

Jo

HoneyBee83

Hi there everyone!

I actually joined a year ago and just popped on to pick up the odd tip as and when i needed to but now im demanded to become a regular!!
I hope i can find places to join in and give my own stories/tips etc
I'm a single working mother and penny pinching is something i'm used to (i dont think it'll ever leave now) but theres always room for improvement!

I think you guys are great and i've already learnt so much keep up the good work!