What changes have you made to become OS?

kippers

I used to be called 'The ready meal queen'

I used to eat out with my family loads and have lots of takeaways.

I used to buy loads of magazines

I used to buy things without thinking how we were going to pay for them

I used to hate staying in (we prefer it now)

I used to think shop bought veg was ok until i tasted the things at my allotment-they taste loads better

I used to try and keep up with the 'Jones'-we don't now

I used to be embarrassed to buy 'value' items-i love it now

katieclampet

I used to buy lots of clothes, because "I quite liked them," or "they are a bargain", now I buy things I really really love, or really need

I used to buy premuim brands, but now I am happy to buy cheapo versions, if they do the job just as well

I used to be really poor, then had a bit of money, now I am like goldilocks, and financially, everything is JUST RIGHT :rotfl:


BEST OF ALL
I used to work fulltime, earn loads of money, and feel really stressed, I now work part time, stress free, less money ......

and so much happier!

katie

cake21

I used to crank the heating up...now I wear more layers indoors

I used to buy lots of DVDs, magazines, and books...now I use the library and watch films on iplayer

I used to buy takeaways and ready meals...now I batch cook using value brands and freeze portions

I used to throw food out on the 'best buy' date...now I check the quality first and make second meals from leftovers

I used to buy full price wrapping paper and presents in December...now I buy paper in January and presents throughout the year

Still need to get out of the habit of buying lots of 'bargains' when I go to the shops though! Any tips? I even do that in Lidl :rotfl:

uropachild

I used to go clubbing and spend in excess of £150-200 on one night out - outfit, club entry, cigarettes, drinks etc.

Now i stay in. :rotfl: (and i don't smoke anymore)

**skinnyminny**

for me it would be

*i always bought ready meals, my cooker hardly ever got switched on, me and my microwave were best buds!

*I would spend so much on takeaways and eating out but now i get a lot of satisfaction from cooking and being in my own home

*I used to smoke and am so glad i gave up as the price these days for cigerettes are shocking:eek: (also the health benefits are priceless)

*i never walked anywhere, i always paid for the bus or taxis and now i begrudge the fares so much that i walk most places unless the weather is horrific or i am in a mega mega rush

*nights out were also very expensive, they still are but only happen about twice a year now

*the main one though has to be buying things from the first place, instead of searching for a bargain or a cheaper price, before i would just pick up all of my toiletries in boots where as now i know if i look around i can get offers and i get such a buzz knowing i am not being overcharged, i mean i used to pay £3 odd for some hair grips in there but poundland do huge packs for a quid!

*Ooooooh, just thought of another, pre mse days i would never ever have stepped foot in a charity shop, prob because i was late teens and it never really occured to me to, but now i love love love them, the possibilities are endless in them:D

LittleLauz

I used to spend 300-400 quid a month on going out at the weekends!!! - now I only go out every now and then and hardly spend anything on nights out.
Used to go shopping without needing anything, yet buy everything I liked and put it all on credit cards, and have only just finsihed paying it off!!
Used to buy all convenience/ ready made food and now cook from scratch
used to spend tonnes of money on pre packed sandwiches etc and now take left overs for my work lunches.
I'm sure there's lots more of things, but to be honest thinking if all the money I've wasted over those years makes me kind of gutted, I'm just glad that I've learnt to be more sensible now and can actually save money each month.

redkids1972

I used to go shopping and put anything i wanted in the trolley, now I think more carefully not only about price but if I actually really want it often I dont need it and put it back. I also try to make use of vouchers at all times which I never did before.

FluffyBunnykins

newlywed wrote: »

I actually feel my life is happier now with less things - I just bought "stuff" to try and fill the emptiness I used to have.

Totally agree with you, I had to find my own self worth before realising this.

furball

Used to buy magazines 4 or 5 a week now i only buy one every 3 or 4 months (maybe even less) although i will buy the country living one if i spot it in a charity shop. Buy meat and veg from farm shop, no waste, lasts longer, tastes MUCH better and no tempting offers that you don't really need. Discovered Aldi, biscuits, cereal, DW and WM tablets and all bathroom stuff, deoderants, shampoo, bubble bath, hand wash. The only time i go in a supermarket is Sburys for their wholewheat spaghetti and pasta and for flour when it's on bogof. No more store card M&S. If i see anything i really love i keep a look out on ebay and can usually find it on there, if not i don't need it. Newspapers read online but books ahh my one luxury, i got a kindle for christmas and apart from one new ebook as a present all my books are now free. If i would have bought a book anyway i can usually find it in ebook cheaper than i would have paid at supermarket, if not i wait till it's on offer or will ask for vouchers for my birthday, mothers day etc. Used to have a cupboard full of cleaning products, now it's microfibre cloths and stardrops oh and soda crystals. Meal planning works wonders and the only ready meal i buy is the occasional pizza. Won't allow frozen or god forbid oven chips in the house, only homemade chips. Must try and take more notice of the don't throw it away thread though as just occasionally something gets saved and not eaten and then thrown. Usually it's all polished off or chooks have the leftovers. oops sorry for long post.

deborah64

Mine used to be buying books too, what is it about books??, i used to buy them just by the cover, not very often read what its about.
I have also been known to really enjoy a book and then have to go and get all the others the author has written, , hence why my bookshelf is full of unread books.
I am now going to try and order from my local library, can you order brand new ones does anyone know? , my library has a very poor selection as it is.
Handbags were another thing, but i have culled my collection to just a few, there is probably a lot more but can't think at the moment.