Spiderdijon's "Stop spending money on food" diary

spiderdijon

Haha, celery might have been a better idea. I've gone for a packet of hula hoops. How extravagant :eek:

edinburgher

I might go and see what this "dooyoo" business is all about, someone said they made £200 in a year, I want that!

It's possible to do so, but you need to be able to write a fairly regular stream of good quality reviews and take the time to rate others as well (there's a certain sense of community on the site). I think I've made £205 in 7 months, but that said, I spend far too much time on the site

Great idea on trying to stick to packed lunches. Before I got serious about busting my debts I estimate I was spending £6 a day on breakfast and lunch. I seldom feel awake enough for breakfast before 7am, so I still buy breakfast, but I've still managed to rein this in to closer to £1.20 a day (cheap, filling foods like wholemeal pittas, vegetables and fruit). I think I've lost weight and my bank account has still had money in it the day before payday for the last two months :rotfl:

spiderdijon

edinburgher wrote: »

It's possible to do so, but you need to be able to write a fairly regular stream of good quality reviews and take the time to rate others as well (there's a certain sense of community on the site). I think I've made £205 in 7 months, but that said, I spend far too much time on the site

Wow! How do you think of things to review? I'm looking blankly round my bedroom, all I've been able to think of is my TV and the Sims 3! Haha. A few people have rated my reviews "useful" already though so I feel I might join you in spending far too much time on there.

edinburgher

Wow! How do you think of things to review?

It's just a little mental trick that seems to work well for me. Whenever I go shopping, go on a trip etc. etc. I just try and think of things that are new to me and whether or not they were any good. It helps to have a reasonable memory!

So, I bought four new toiletries when I went to Boots the other day. None of them are listed on Dooyoo at the moment, so there you have it - four new and original reviews.

The fact that you can review pretty much anything is a boon - I've seen people who've been on gap years etc. and have got xxx reviews out of the experiences that they had

Primula

Well done having a day in your pj's and resisting the urge of the shops. Re new piggy banks etc, lots of people on here make their own from old margarine tubs etc, I haven't done this but I'd imagine it would feel quite good dropping money in them knowing even the pot hasn't cost them anything and you could kill some time decorating and making one. Well done on your review too. Do you do the free scratchcards. You don't make much from them, but a min of 10p per day, and maybe you could ask your parents if you could sign them up for it too and do for them, with you of course pocketing the winnings!

Tete_en_l'Air

edinburgher wrote: »

So, I bought four new toiletries when I went to Boots the other day. None of them are listed on Dooyoo at the moment, so there you have it - four new and original reviews.

Hello, I was just doing a search for packed lunches (need healthy ideas!!) and this popped up and I noticed you were talking about dooyoo so I had to neb in!

I think Edinburgher is a it similar to me in how they look for things to review. I also like to find things that are new to me, and will often watch out on the shelves in the supermarket for things that are on offer - if I buy something for £1 and can earn £1 from reviewing it, then technically it's free (or something!).

I've earned £53 so far this year but am by no means dedicated, I go through fits and starts. I echo what Edinburgher says about the community of it though. I have to admit that I often look at members' stats and if I see that they've written 40 reviews but only ever rated 10 other reviews then I won't bother looking at them because they won't return the favour.

spiderdijon

Well, 2nd day of the week and so far I have spent a big fat zero :j (but I must be honest, I lent my boyfriend £1 at lunchtime, of which I got 25p back...I will get that 75p back next time I see him, I'm gonna annoy it out of him!)

I've remembered my packed lunch on both days but I forgot breakfast this morning so went without, which isn't very healthy is it. Next time my Mum goes food shopping I'll ask her to get some cereal bars - food shopping is included in my board money so I won't have to go without breakfast (or buy toast from the cafe) again!

I'm driving so slowly everywhere too! I worked out if I drive sensibly and carefully (which I should be doing anyway but ssshhh) then a tank of petrol can last a week and a half rather than 5 days :-)

I like the margarine tub idea. I might paper mache it to stop me from opening it til it's full :A

Watching Come Dine With Me on Channel 4 now. I love this program!

spiderdijon

Just been on my bank account online. I forgot I paid my credit card off with my overdraft so my debt has gone up a bit on my signature now! Booooo.

I'm just gonna cancel my Lovefilm account. It's only 3.91 a month but I always forget to send the DVDs back so it's a waste of money really.

Lurker1972

I've always been pretty good at making lunches but you can feel a little as if you are missing out on something you enjoy so to get over that I would allow a bought lunch the day before payday, providing I had money left over - half the time though I'd be on automatic pilot & made lunch before realising ...so few more pennies would go in the savings account!

Instead of buying boyfriend presents, try saving up for a nice day out together or weekend away - something you can both enjoy - making memories like that are worth their weight in gold

good luck, sounds like you are well & truley on the DFW-wagon!

spiderdijon

Lurker1972 wrote: »

Instead of buying boyfriend presents, try saving up for a nice day out together or weekend away - something you can both enjoy - making memories like that are worth their weight in gold

That's a really good idea! I might just do that, have another bit on the "savings" part of my spreadsheet.
We had a week in Mablethorpe not long ago at a Haven holiday park. Spent most of the time in the caravan watching DVDs but it was a great week So I could save up for another week away like that. I'll just have to stay away from those 2p machines, they put a spell on me!