getting sorted

d1965

well here we go after light bulb moment finally we need to go os!! so we need to be meal planning n saving where we can but what else can we do, i mean how do we cut right back? it's not an easy time at the mo but this has to be done.In a way i'm actually looking forward to it although the oh isn't but they'll have to get used to it!! ant suggestions would be appreciated ta

Magentasue

Well done for making the decision! How many in the family? Who cooks? How much do you want to cut back (from what you spend now) and what sort of things do you like to cook/eat?

lilac_lady

Switch to using cash only. Draw it weekly and when it's gone, it's gone. It encourages you to stick to a budget. Good luck!

Bitsy_Beans

Ask yourself before any purchases "do I need it, can I make it, can I borrow it, can I get it second hand, can I get it on Freecycle?".

Get used to eating less meat and bulking out dishes with cheaper filling such as seasonal veg and of course lentils!!! Try to not throw any food away. If you have left overs either eat it for lunch the following day or freeze it for another meal.

Do you spend a lot on buying branded goods from the supermarket? Have you tried any of the value brands? I am a big fan of Sainsbury's Basics range (they have loads of goods in this range from bread rolls for 35p for 12 to their chopped tomatoes and baked beans).

rosieben

I used to know roughly how much my shopping would be (you could check your list online) and took just enough cash plus a few ££ in case I saw a spectacular offer

Also take a look at the Save zillions on cleaning products thread and maybe check out the cheap meals listed in Complete Cooking collection

Check out your local charity shops and Freecycle, and join the library instead of buying books.

HTH Good luck!

Patchwork_Quilt

Save receipts. Allow yourself one treat meal with a bottle of wine a week

Butterfly_Brain

Invest in a bottle of stardrops for cleaning it is cheap and brilliant for most cleaning needs as are good old fashioned soda crytals, bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar.
Meal planning is essential, best done when you have sorted your cupboards and freezers then make a shopping list for what you actually need and stick to your list rigidly.
I agree with only taking cash rather than using a card it really does work because you can actually see where the money is going and how much you have left.
Try basics brands - if you don't like them you can always change back, it is surprising how good some of them are Good luck and welcome to a great bunch of guys and gals x

ancientmum

Good luck with your decision and keep persevering despite what your family think, they don't even have to know if you follow some of the sneaky tips you can find on another thread. I am grateful to all the other posters here and have saved lots following the forums, and there is always something I find I can use in Martin's weekly e-mail. Can I just say thank you again to everyone

THANKYOU!!!!!!!