Live on £4000 for a Year, 2009 Challenge, part 1

cw18

purplevamp - the link just goes to an AOL logon screen

purplevamp

:huh: I tested it as well before I put it up, and just now. Perhaps it only works for me. :sad:

whitewing

DH and I shared the cost of the Motown 50 CD that has been advertised on the tv a lot lately. So we didn't do cards. We've also had some lovely food including a massive salad and wine. It's a real holiday at home. I think he's going to have a day's pay rather than take a day's holiday, to cover the cost (not that we spent that much).

Other than that, budget's okay. Except that while DS is 12, we're having to pay his £10 a month top up. He's happy but in love. Bought her chocolate but gave to to her early. When I asked why the early gift, he said if he'd kept it any longer he'd've eaten it! Very moneysaving but obviously not true love!

cw18

whitewing wrote: »

When I asked why the early gift, he said if he'd kept it any longer he'd've eaten it! Very moneysaving but obviously not true love!

My younger son ate the Easter Eggs he bought for his siblings and nieces last year -- TWICE !! And then bought chocs for his Sister for Christmas and ate those -- so then went and bought her some he doesn't like

He was 17 last July - so I guess it'll be a long time before your son stops being tempted :rolleyes2

Skint_Lynne

angelatgraceland wrote: »

A lot of people seem to be getting lucky with Premium bonds lately so you could do that also.

Well I totted up my spends and Im still on track for the year with a bit to spare so if I keep going like this I will be fine.
This is probably my most expensive month and Ive just got TV licence through. I am not counting bills for this challenge though as I know what they are and what they are likely to be in the future(within reason).
Ive just been to Waitrose for a few things which I find difficult to get elsewhere. They seem to be cheaper than Somerfield lately! They now have a meat/fish offer on-3 packs for a tenner so I got that. Also bought the valentines brunch of smoked salmon trimmings,orange juice and FR eggs for a fiver. Their Sacla sauces are about 50p less than Somerfields. I bought 2 of their own make light pesto which is lower carb than any of the others. Got some sundried toms in olive oil and some ginger in a jar shredded. These things will just make my menus more interesting. Used up all of my Lurpack vouchers too-saved about £5 with vouchers. So another total to add to my spends of £40. Lots more vouchers coming my way as Ive bought 3 lots off ebay-yes-I went a bit mad there!

Hi Angel,

I've noticed that you are talking about purchasing these vouchers a lot. What are you doing with them, using them for that product only, or trying to see if the cashier puts it through anyway?

If you are buying them, it must be worthwhile? Can you give some more info please?:D

angelatgraceland

Skint_Lynne wrote: »

Hi Angel,

I've noticed that you are talking about purchasing these vouchers a lot. What are you doing with them, using them for that product only, or trying to see if the cashier puts it through anyway?

If you are buying them, it must be worthwhile? Can you give some more info please?:D

Well Somerfields have Lurpack on offer at the mo-the large 500g for the price-or less-of the 250g. Ive used the vouchers for the big one-they didnt realise the difference is what I think-it was young staff on the till each time. The other Lurpack vouchers-30p off-I used in Waitrose off of my shopping-along with too "free pack" ones accidentaly today. Def worth it-I will pm a link-there are loads up for sale!
Just make sure that you only buy originals and be certain you can be rid of the-else you will be out of pocket!
DD had smoked salmon sarnies for tea,I had steak and DH had poached salmon-they love it when I do a Waitrose shop!

Skint_Lynne

Thanks Angel,

I'll have a look for the PM tomorrow and have a nose at the link you send. off to bed, I'm still shattered from yesterday. Nite nite. xx

sophiesmum_2

Just come up after clearing up after oldies valentine party. There was stacks of food left so packed them all off home with a plate of goodies foil wrapped - will do their lunches tomorrow. looks like we will be having chicken tomorrow:rolleyes: -I have 12 cooked chicken thighs to use up,and a bowl of egg mayonnaise - (can't risk giving chick to oldies in case they don't store it properly or eat it within use uo time - if they got food poisoning I am liable)

nickynoo08

Morning everyone, had a very busy weekend so not had chance to catch up on all posts yet.
After totally confusing myself with numbers the other day i've just about got my totals sorted (i think:o ). I have £250 a month available to spend each month and have around £36 left. I dont include any o/t in my budget mainly because it varies each month and this pay we've both had more o/t than normal so when i thought i'd gone over budget i havent;), i've just been able to treat us a little. My head hurts now.

Today.....
not got much planned, working for a few hrs later so will put dinner in s/c for tonight soon. Might go on wii fit (if i remember:o ), other than that we're gonna have a lazy sunday.

sophiesmum_2

Good morning frunchkins:D
Lazy morning here today, OH just cooked breakfast:D

Plans for today visit parents, plant a few seeds, maybe quick trip to pound shop to stock up on hanging baskets and brackets.

General frugal aims for today;

• storecupboard lunch and tea
• reduce, reuse,recycle one item- reusable bag for shopping,use up leftovers from last nights party.
• do something nice for me -
• do something nice for someone else-
• fitter not fatter - swimming

Todays frugal meals;

• poached egg, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes
• picnic platter- chicken portion, egg mayo,rolled ham slices/cheese,cucumber/tomato/peppers
• chicken,runner beans, broccoli,butternut squash, raspberries and cream

Fruit and veg portions;
1 fruit, 0 pulses,8veggies,:D

Expenditure or additional income

Cable/broadband etc DD due out today so £82 spent there


Remaining target cash for first 6 months food spends - £246.34 left from budget of £400 for first six months.
Extra income generated £152.43 /spent £33 / left £119.43