i want to get into old style but the threads are so long!

BigBouncyBall

Hi

I'm going to have to tighten my belt considerably in 2009 and want to get into this OS lark however i don't know where to start - the threads on here are all usually well over 500 posts within a couple of days of posting and it's rather daunting to wade into a thread of that length.

what to do!

pigpen

I think if you bite the bullet and jump right in most threads are really lovely and the members make you feel welcome and encourange you in your endeavours.

We were all new to all the threads once and it just takes that initial bit of courage to get stuck in!!

I think the fact the threads you have looked at being so long mean that there are lots and lots of others in the same situation as you!! While that might not be a good place it is good to know others are going through the same as you!! They understand and can help!!

Go on.. be a devil go jump in....

Which threads are you after being on?? Could you PM 1 or 2 of the members of that thread whose views appear like yours and ask them to help? By getting to know 1 or 2 members first you aren't going in cold. Or read through the last few pages and reply to other peoples posts to break the ice and introduce yourself a little.

You are more than welcome on the huge very popular (this week!!) flylady thread should you want to come clean with us!!

Skint_Catt

Hi, I just read bits a at a time (either the first few pages or the last few) and you easily pick up bits here and there. There's also the quick question thread at the top which I keep my eye on as thats quite helpful!

Pink.

Hi BigBouncyBall,

Welcome! :hello:

If you want to get into Old Style, this thread is a good starting place:

Welcome to Old Style - (BRAND NEW "Read me first")

With the exception of the Grocery Challenge which is always busy at the start of the month as everyone declares their totals and budgets for the coming month, I'm not sure which threads you mean that are growing to over 500 posts in a couple of days.

If there is a thread you are interested in if you go to the main Old Style board and click on last page (immediately under the thread title) you will be able to read only the most recent posts rather than reading the whole thread.

Pink

Penny-Pincher!!

Hi BBB

Welcome aboard hun!

Do you mealplan? This is an easy way of cutting back initially. Make a list of food you have in and see what meals you can do to use them up, then you make a list of meals and JUST buy what you need plus breaskfasts and lunches.

Have you cancelled any Direct Debits that you dont need...mag subscriptions etc etc?

Do you have children, work etc? What budgets are you working too? How many in household?

You will be fine.

BigBouncyBall

I'm a student at uni so my only outgoings are food and entertainment (tuition and accommodation/bills are all budgeted for) I've worked out i've only got about £2000 to last me until end of september - will i starve!?!

I'm usually pretty good with money i just want to stop buying crap like £2.50 sandwiches and crisps every day but get a bit bored making my own sandwiches etc everyday - Boots meal deal is so convenient! Do you have a thread suggesting alternative packed lunches?

I'm also thinking of eating much less meat this year - not going vegetarian (i don't have any moral objections) but simply as a way of saving money! Is there a "no meat but not vegetarian" thread?

PasturesNew

BigBouncyBall wrote: »

I'm a student at uni so my only outgoings are food and entertainment (tuition and accommodation/bills are all budgeted for) I've worked out i've only got about £2000 to last me until end of september - will i starve!?!

£2000/9 months = enough money to feed yourself and a few more studenty types between now and then.

That's £222/month, or £51/week for food & fun

So no, you won't starve.

Pink.

This thread should help with alternative ideas for lunches: Lunch for work

This thread is for vegetarian recipes but there's no reason why a meat eater can't enjoy them too: Easy, cheap Vegetarian recipes? If you search the Old Style forum for threads with vegetarian in the title there are lots more.

These threads have lots of cheap recipes that may help:

Cheapest recipes???

Meal for two for 50p. Suggestions?

The Cheapest Healthy Meal Ever!

Cheapest meal

Your Cheapest Evening Meal.

Meal idea's under £1

These threads might interest you too:

What can a single person use on this board?

Need help cooking for one.

living on your own/cooking for one....

Saving Money On Food For a SINGLE person

Help a Single Saver

Single moneysaver living on my own!

Sorry for the long list of links. Good luck with cutting back.

Pink

BigBouncyBall

thank you so much

wornoutmumoftwo

I'm on the live on 4K a year challange which moves very quickly, but mostly it's just general chit chat as we all support one another in the challenge, if I miss a few days I usually just read the last couple of pages of the thread, but it reference is made to anything of interest I'll have a further look back.

pigpen

Ooh I'm *hoping* to go to uni after summer.. what you studying?

£51 p.w is manageable.. do you have a little PT job? could you consider one?? Loads of the students here do bar work, tesco/sainsbugs.. would it be possible for you to do that?

TBH I'd probably budget £20 a week for food/drink including lunches etc and save the rest for a night out once a week or once a fortnight..

Do you have a freezer/fridge (or could you fit one in your room?) We (I) had a fab idea when my sister & cousin both went to uni they had a fairly large room each so a small freezer was put in her room.. that way the housemates couldn't nick her stuff and she could cook in bulk and freeze enough for a few days.. she would take it out and bung it in the microwave.. ding dinner!! It also meant her parents could take her meals over to save her some money.

cold pasta salads, couscous make fab alternatives to sandwiches and are supercheap to make at home!