I have literally no money!

brokeinwales

BigMummaF wrote: »

Apologies straight off--I can't help but be a Mumma
You mentioned the bus fares a couple of days ago..wasn't there something in the newsletter about ordering a weekly[?] ticket on-line that cost less than getting it from the driver summink like that anyways If you've recently had a cold that was bad enough to keep you from work for two weeks, you really should be taking a bit of extra care for a while or you could end up having more time off work. I know you enjoy the exercise element of it but just give your body a chance to fully recover before you get back to it full time, particularly with the changing weather.
OK--it's safe to look now ..BMF is leaving this thread

aww thanks! I think I need a bit of Mumma-ing now and then! I'll look into the online doodah. To be honest I'm feeling dead flabby after two weeks off, walking is easing me in nicely. Though I am sitting here with very painful ribs after getting kicked in them in class last night...

biggaz26

Ive just read this entire thread from start to finish and am amazed at the generosity of people on here. I have moaned and ball-ached about this country for the last few years but finally I have seen something that has restored my pride in being British. On top of that it's given me the motivation to have a closer look at my (wifes) grocery spending habits. Being that we spend some £350-400 per month on food and household products. I cant see it being to hard to cut back!

Just wanted to give a big thanks to all those who posted ideas and support on here. Youve not just helped BIW but me as well and I would think a good many others who have read this thread over the last month or so.

Cheers then ta

G

brokeinwales

biggaz26 wrote: »

Ive just read this entire thread from start to finish and am amazed at the generosity of people on here. I have moaned and ball-ached about this country for the last few years but finally I have seen something that has restored my pride in being British. On top of that it's given me the motivation to have a closer look at my (wifes) grocery spending habits. Being that we spend some £350-400 per month on food and household products. I cant see it being to hard to cut back!

Just wanted to give a big thanks to all those who posted ideas and support on here. Youve not just helped BIW but me as well and I would think a good many others who have read this thread over the last month or so.

Cheers then ta

G

Thanks for posting this - one of my favorite things about this thread is knowing that it's helped / inspired other people, as well as me.

Since my pay day, just under three weeks ago, I've spent just under £30 on groceries - around half what I'd normally spend in the same period. It can definetly be done!

I've just hit upon the should-be-b***din obvious idea of keeping a few packs of cous cous in my desk drawer (which can be made up with water from the kettle) along with some tinned pulses, and a few bits of salad in the fridge (which should last most of the week). That way I only have to remember to bring stuff in on a Monday, but will have healthy home made lunches all week.

I thought this up all by myself. I am so smug!

Update on landlady situation: I sent off a letter demanding my deposit back yesterday afternoon. When I got home last night I had one of those "sorry you were out we have a recorded delivery item for you please come and collect between 9:40 and 9:45 on Monday bringing eight forms of identification and a note from your mother." cards. I have my fingers crossed that this is my cheque from the landlords (though even if it isn't I'm kind of intrigued...) and the whole matter will be done with. The amount it should be for would pay off almost all of my biggest overdraft debt.

RAS

Well done. My guess is that your stress levels are plummetting too?

elle80

I haven't read all of the replies to your question so not sure if this has already been suggested but you can get a crisis loan from Job Centre Plus, this is an interest free loan and you do not have to be on benefits to apply.

brokeinwales

Well done. My guess is that your stress levels are plummetting too?

Very much so. Other than feeling flabby and lethargic after being ill - but I'm dealing with it....

saveralot

Hope the money/cheque is the full amount. Glad things are on the up. Its thanks to this website and people on here that I looked at my finances and did something about them. Its surprising how much magazines and things cost - the demotivator tool puts me off buying - though I don't miss out entirely as I get to read free ones from supermarkets.

BeautyandtheBeast_3

keep going!! xxxxxxxx

caela_2

You know what, I have been in a similar state recently and after ploughing through various credit cards, borrowing nearly a grand off my dad and scraping for pennies (the guy in the costcutter actually loaned me some loo rolls cos I couldn't pay!), I think it's time to get money into perpective! When I have it, I spend it. I spend it all, like it's on fire and burning my fingers and I must throw it at the shops. When I don't have money, I still spend it, but I scrimp and save every penny. However, I never seem to learn the lesson.

Your story has inspired me! I am going to try to last two weeks on £3, only covering food, just to see how and if I can do it. I think it's an excellent way of rethinking the way I spend (and at the minute, any money I can save is great since I am broke and jobless!)

I have heard of people going through skips before for sealed food that has only just been thrown out. If you go round the back of supermarkets, you can find food being thrown out which is maybe only a few hours out of date or even still fresh. The guy from Gordon Ramsey's show did it once, showing how you can get perfectly good bannanas and things, but even though people think it's gross, it was all clean and fine!

Going to think of any other ways to scrimp and save, like going to the end of the market and bargaining for deals before closing. Any other ideas?

Bogof_Babe

I really don't recommend skip diving for the simple reason that it isn't legal. If you get caught on CCTV you won't have a leg to stand on.