Live on £4000 for a year - part 4 (Oct - Dec 2008)

dfw844

Hi everyone,

I know we're all looking for good news, so I have some. Remember I was waiting for a survey to pay out that would save me from financial ruin (ok using a credit card) this month? I got it yesterday. 70 lovely pounds. So I'm going to be ok until payday now!

The banking problems are worrying, but I'm just trying to look at the long-term. The economy is cyclical (don't listed to Gordon!), the good times come and go, and so do the bad.

Lynda I think you've got just the right attitude, and we are so lucky that the govenment has stepped in to protect savers in the icelandic banks because I don't think they had to (legally). So that's another thing to be thankful for.

Big hugs to everyone who is struggling at the moment. I don't think that it makes us feel any better with winter coming. Especially when we all think of heating bills!

Could anyone advise which uses more electricity - boiling full kettle to make hot water bottle (I know these use a lot of leccy), or having electric blanket on (setting 2 of 3), for about half an hour. I don't know the wattage. I think that's crucial isn't it?

Thanks,
xx

thriftylass

dfw44
Could anyone advise which uses more electricity - boiling full kettle to make hot water bottle (I know these use a lot of leccy), or having electric blanket on (setting 2 of 3), for about half an hour. I don't know the wattage. I think that's crucial isn't it?

I'd say filling the kettle for the warm water bottle is better than having the electric blanket on for half an hour.

SiannieLaz

morning all
Hope all are well. Could anyone advise me-is it worth looking for a remoska on ebay or should i just get one direct? I know one will save money in the long run but they're pretty pricey.
NYK - not smoking going ok, most difficult bit is when OH is at home. He goes outside for a smoke, but I can smell it on him when he comes in and it makes me stroppy:mad: I've given up the booze as well (on another thread) and he ponged of that as well last night. Gonna have to keep 'febreezing' him.
Maybe put a bag over his head. Maybe shut him in the shed?

dfw844

Thanks thriftylass. I suppose I should get one of those things you plug in which measures how much energy an appliance uses, but it seems like a waste to use it only a couple of times because, well, once you know, you know. They should lend them out like books at the library! I might have a look on ebay for one, as I much prefer having my electric blanket on, but can't sleep without either that or a bottle because I haven't got the heating on yet. I don't want to give up the blanket for a bottle if the electricity saving is very small... Off to ebay, ebid and amazon bargain hunting.

Frugaldom

Today, my "fate" has been sealed... I have done my best to help people, have done my charity clicks every day, have freecycled whatever I could and, in return, fate has delivered me a £5 Marks & Spencer voucher for the Direct Line insurance quote and... A NEW HOUSE! :j :T :beer:

Having been paranoid about not being able to get at savings exactly when I need them, I transfered some money into my current account first thing this morning (but have left the stoozepot intact) enough to cover a housemove. Within an hour of doing that, the estate agent called to say our application for the farm cottage had been accepted! I am sooooooo excited, even although we don't have a moving date agreed yet! Now I can be paranoid about the deal falling through before we actually make the move.

Has anyone else received their free £5 vouchers yet? They bring all sorts of luck with them

MRSMCAWBER

Hi dfw844

If you are a southern gas/electric customer you can ask them for a free tester.. someone on another thread mentioned it the other week -so I told my mum about it, she rang and they are sending her a tester plus info on reducing her usage.. If she can reduce it by 10% they will give you £15 off your bill and if 20% £25 off :T
I will see if I can find the link

Siannie.. I would go straight for lakeland -their customer service is stunning (I can say that as they gave me one free :rotfl: )... plus -if you watch the ones on ebay -you aren't paying much less than the Lakeland price:D

congratulations NYK :T :j

SiannieLaz

congrats NYK - that's good Karma for you!!!!

MRSMCAWBER

Ok im back

Just a quick one -here is that link for the energy saver.. hope it helps someone
http://www.southern-electric.co.uk/ForYourHome/EnergyProducts/betterplan.aspx

Frugaldom

SiannieLaz wrote: »

Gonna have to keep 'febreezing' him.
Maybe put a bag over his head. Maybe shut him in the shed?

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Be strong! It is so worth it when you suddenly realise that your first £5 has become over £300! :eek: :T :j

DFW - I wouldn't be without my electric blanket - it has very little impact on the meter readings and means I don't need any heating in the bedrooms. I'm going to get one for DS's room as soon as I can. Regarding the kettle - boil it full and store excess in flasks for dishwashing and water bottle, it means there's always hot water without heating a full tank (I got a 1.5litre flask in Woolies sale for £1.79 or thereabouts.)

Skint_Lynne

nykmedia wrote: »

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Be strong! It is so worth it when you suddenly realise that your first £5 has become over £300! :eek: :T :j

DFW - I wouldn't be without my electric blanket - it has very little impact on the meter readings and means I don't need any heating in the bedrooms. I'm going to get one for DS's room as soon as I can. Regarding the kettle - boil it full and store excess in flasks for dishwashing and water bottle, it means there's always hot water without heating a full tank (I got a 1.5litre flask in Woolies sale for £1.79 or thereabouts.)

Hi Nyk,

Congratualtions on the house move, do you know roughly when you will be going?

SL x