Live on £4,000 for a year - 2009, Part 4

bails

I agree that it's not about how much we've saved necessarily...we do fit much better into either the DFW (almost all of us still have some debt, even if it's mortgage-related) and definitely OS. Hmpf *gets slightly irked about being sent to oblivion*

Could we ask them to reconsider do you think? I can offer to do this if someone tells me how...

Lingo, from what I understand a tent would be fine - that was going to be my preferred choice of accommodation I am happy to travel up with people, to make the whole trip part of the party - I had considered driving but think I will take the train as it is a long way (it would probably be cheaper to fly :mad:)

katholicos

bails wrote: »

I agree that it's not about how much we've saved necessarily...we do fit much better into either the DFW (almost all of us still have some debt, even if it's mortgage-related) and definitely OS. Hmpf *gets slightly irked about being sent to oblivion*

Could we ask them to reconsider do you think? I can offer to do this if someone tells me how...

I agree that it is definitely Old Style.

New Style living is about spend, spend, spend not living frugally. Living frugally definitely has Old Style ways of living at its very core. Gleaning hints and tips from one another on this thread about making do, mending, foraging, stretching the pennies etc, this is O.S. I didn't know the 'How much have you saved' board existed and I would have missed out on being a part of this endeavour if it hadn't been posted in O.S. the other day.

I can't actually see how aiming to live on as little as possible throughout the year is not considered OS or DFW. In fact, i would go so far as to say that while i am very pleased for all those who have managed to achieve their goals of being debt free already, i am still in the thick of debt myself and so in that regard, I think it would be beneficial to have this thread where it is highly visible to those who would perhaps still be attempting to whittle away their debts and whom are, (arguably) more in need of the advice, hints, tips, encouragement this thread offers than those who make the decision to live frugally, not through necessity, but choice.

Although, having said that, i think living frugally through choice is an excellent thing and in a way i even believe that though it is necessary for me to live a frugal lifestyle, I also choose it and embrace it....and one of the reasons i say i have a choice is because it would be so 'easy' to use the credit card lifestyle again. But I choose not to, and i genuinely want to live a financially healthy existence that isn't metaphorically super glued to commercialism and the want, want, want culture that is so prevalent today.

cw18

I would have thought DFW a perfect home - even for those of us lucky enough to not have any debts at the moment, as those in that situation are almost certainly using the challenge to ensure they can attain things they want (be it holidays, a house, or something else entirely) without incurring any debt in the process.

So we're either with debt now that we want to clear, or wanting to remain debt free - both of which scream DFW to me

moo2moo

I didn't even realise there was a how much have you saved board and more to the point its somewhere I'd avoid like the plague. I really don't want some smug git telling me how much I could have saved had I bought whatever it was I've just bought 24 hours previously whist standing on one leg reading the TV times upside down.

You're an inspiration to the DFWers. The ultimate motivator if you like. All these people appear whinging away about how they have 3K a month income yet need to spend 4K a month to live and Sky is essential to life as is a mobile phone bill in 3 figures and then along come the 4K a year peeps who live quite happily on considerably less each month than others spend on take aways. You're living proof that living within your means is an attainable goal and even a fun one.

Meanwhile those of us who can only dream of following in your footprints have attempted to emulate you in a series of mini-challenges and have failed miserably but learnt a lot in the process. Some of the things you've come up with have been blindingly obvious and achievable for all.

To those of you attaining your own version of the 4k a year challenge I salute you. You're awe inspiring! Lets hope the powers that be can be persuaded that you do deserve to stay on the DFW board.

Frugaldom

Good morning to all, or should that be good afternoon - got DGD staying the weekend so it takes twice as long to get anything fone, including the hens and ducks! This morning, I was creeping about at dawn, waiting for it to become light enough to let the hens & ducks out but trying not to wake DGD. I made it as far as the kitchen before noticing every door in the house was open and DGD stood in the porch in her little denim skirt, a tee shirt and wellies!! Asks she of me in a scolding voice, 'Granny where have you been? I was looking for you to go feed the hens!' :rotfl: So... another 20 mins later after she is appropriately dressed for a freezing morning, we made it out to see to the feathered friends. :rotfl: SM has been suitably entertained over her morning cuppa, that's for sure!

OK, what to do about locating this challenge thread! In the wake of recent events, I am going to request that the challenge be moved to the DFW and we keep it right here. If truth be told, I am in complete disagreement with burying a thrifty lifestyle challenge in what sounds like a savings comparison forum as that is certainly NOT what this is about. All those in favour with keeping our frugal living challenge here say AYE! Off to PM the powers that be to establish whether or not they will permit us to be here or if we all need to rush out and run up extra debts just to qualify. Hmm... I have debt, I owe my credit cards from one month to the next! :cool: Back soon, watch this space.

whitewing

I'm another in agreement of the DFW board.

I'm thrilled this morning as we've just had notification that DH's OU course for next year won't cost us a penny! (I thought we may be eligible for a partial financial assistance award, but it turns out this particular degree module is cheaper than I thought). And if it hadn't been for bails once upon a time telling me that one can use Tesco clubcard points towards an OU course, we'd have never started looking at the OU in the first place. What a great challenge this is. (And a shame that Tesco clubcard points can't be used to pay towards the £720 DH's naturalisation cost us! In answer to a comment yesterday, although we have had DH's naturalisation in mind for years, and you have to be in Britain for a long time before you can apply, once we had actually sent the forms off the Home Office was incredibly quick - within a month, I'm sure. Mind you, I'm a paperwork junkie so we had reams of supporting evidence).

Frugaldom

OK, I have contacted OS board guide, been informed they cannot move us over here, so have now contacted board guide on the 'How much money have you saved' boards with the same request. If we aren't considered 'OS' then DFW is the best place for us.

savingfortravel

Been fighting of the germs all week at school. :mad:Spent last night shivering away, with a blinding headache. Only just got up, but feel better for it. Contacted our supply cover just in case and waiting to hear back. fingers crossed I'll feel better by Monday.
On a plus side I can spend the day on my lap top and the view from y sofa is of trees and bright blue sky, the perfect winter day...which I know I shall never tire of this view. Mr SFT is around to look after me. :cheesy:

I'm for us on DFW..paying off our mortgage, then 3 years of hard saving will leave us in a position where I would beable to change career, maybe study or write those children's books or embrace self sufficency. :T

Hope you sort it out ok Nyk

sft

FrankieM

Afternoon all,
Sorry to hear things have got tricky for you re the new thread nyk. What a bummer.
Things are a bit interesting here..not sure entirely whats going on but on a positive note I got on my course and start 11/01. Considering I came away from the interview feeling really down I'm quite shocked but pretty pleased! Now going to spend some time looking at student loans and funding etc.

Have a good day everyone, will catch up later.

taka

Congratulations FrankieM!