Where do I start?

Patchwork_Quilt

I would definitely second eating in season. Years ago, I used to spend a fortune on lots of little plastic punnets of babycorn and french beans. It wasn't eco-friendly and each one only lasted one meal.

Now I buy a British red cabbage for about the same and we have it twice or three times over two weeks. We don't seem to get too tired of things because the season moves on. You'll know what's in season because it's cheap.

The other tip I would give you is to have one or two vegetarian meals a week. It's much less expensive than meat

Hawthorn

floss2 wrote: »

Remember that this can be taxable income and may need to be declared....

Doesn't it need to be over a certain amount?

tattoed_bum

i try to freeze everything to save wastage i know it sounds odd but if i buy a bag of carrots i freeze most so none go to waste ,i do this with just about everything ,bread ,meats ,yoghurts etc.
my fridge may look bare most of the time but i has seriously cut our shopping down .

try to buy meats that can be made into different things without getting boring, eg ,mince will make meatballs, spaghetti bolognese,cottage pies ,minced beef and veg pies,meatloaf .

we managed to cut our mobile contracts down ,
changed energy supplies,
i bulk bought stuff like meats and a big 25kg bag of spuds.
try only to buy to a meal plan

i bought big boxes of soap powder and dishwashing powder these last for ages and then you dont need to budget for these every week or month.

LabLover

Cant really add to what everyone else has said , but just logging on and reading posts really keeps you focused !!!As everyone has said organisation is really the key, sticking with meal plans , sticking to shopping lists, etc I always try to keep a nice curry ( made out of slow cooker mmmmm) in the freezer so when I have a bad day ( running late , forgot to defrost chicken ,dog been sick ..... you get the idea ) I can just pull out and put in micro that way Im not tempted to run to Asda and buy ready meals. Also if you need to buy essential things Hoover , oven etc ( big appliances) head over to "Quick Grabit !" section Ive had loads of bargains recently on things I needed to buy. Also got a holiday today , 4 nights @ Haven holiday park for £80 still cant believe it ,lol . Anyhooo I diverse , But hang in there I know how you feel my partner is in the building trade and hasnt worked in three weeks!!!He is now having to travel to the North of Scotland for work !!!