Frugal Living 2010 -The Cost of Living Challenge, INTRO

grandma247

I havent heard the news in full yet but what was more scary was the Irish plans. I think it could well have happened here today if it were not for elections next year.
I am playing with the idea that it will happen at some stage so may buy extra staples to help my kids and their families if it does happen. If not they will get food as a pressie at a later date. I have done that before and after the initial suprise the first time they did really appreciate it as some were on benefits at the time and most have very young families.

ChinaTea

Just been listening to the pre budget report on radio2 and it was mentioned that a 10% tax is going on landlines to pay for new equipment :eek:. Didn't hear when this was coming in but with VAT back to 17.5% from January things are looking bleak for next year. Also just found out today that from next week I will lose £15 per week, doesn't sound much but that's more than my food budget fro a week. Back to the drawing board with the budget then.

I have started listing on ebay, think the money from this will be used to stock the cupboard and freezer before the new year. Anybody know how far you can tighten the belt before your legs drop off?

Kittikins

Hi China, sorry to hear of your woes.....may i suggest that you also try selling books, DVDs and CDs on Amaz*n as I've found that to be a "good" source of income this year. My attitude is - if I haven't listened/watched/read it in the past year, I don't need it

Queen.Bess

Count me in, this looks fab!!

QUEEN.BESS
Really looking forward to taking part in this next year! Thanks nykmedia!

taka

ChinaTea wrote: »

Just been listening to the pre budget report on radio2 and it was mentioned that a 10% tax is going on landlines to pay for new equipment :eek:. Didn't hear when this was coming in but with VAT back to 17.5% from January things are looking bleak for next year. Also just found out today that from next week I will lose £15 per week, doesn't sound much but that's more than my food budget fro a week. Back to the drawing board with the budget then.

I have started listing on ebay, think the money from this will be used to stock the cupboard and freezer before the new year. Anybody know how far you can tighten the belt before your legs drop off?

It looks like the landline tax is an extra 50p a month.

ChinaTea - Good luck with your budget re-jigging... that is pants...

ChinaTea

Kittikins wrote: »

Hi China, sorry to hear of your woes.....may i suggest that you also try selling books, DVDs and CDs on Amaz*n as I've found that to be a "good" source of income this year. My attitude is - if I haven't listened/watched/read it in the past year, I don't need it

Thanks, I have several OU set books that should fetch a better price on Amaz*n, might make enough to pay for next years course books which I'd totally forgotten about till reading your post. Also have a quantity of Cds and DVDs. hadn't thought about Amaz*n for these will give it a try.

Kittikins

I've just sold 2 CDs today, netting me about £10 profit (not usually this good, but it's definitely worth a try).

That reminds me, I've got some OU text books I should try as well - watch out for postage costs though, don't know about yours, but mine are quite big and heavy.....

knithappens

just picked up my morrisons £4 meal deal, saving the pork for new year dinner, the potatoes and carrots are in the slow cooker with my brisket, the sprouts i am par boiling and freezin for my xmas lunch ( i am the only one who likes them) , the two soups are dated till 26th december so going to use these for lunches, and the trifle well i think we will demolish that after sunday lunch. Great little offer

wit40iwtwan

WIT40IWTWAN
:xmassign:

XSpender

I am having a better practice this week than last week:o I have managed three NSD and have stuck to the meal plan:T Went to Mr S today and got the bits we needed to last until Christmas week. Will have enough in the freezer and with Christmas leftovers for the week after until the challenge starts its just the meat and cheese and fresh stuff for Christmas dinner to get.

Popped into the library and borrowed 6 'money saving' books including the three lessons one by:money: and how i lived on a £ a day. Some of them don't seem to 'get' thrifty and frugal and I couldn't afford some of the stuff they suggest even before I had my lightbulb moment. I am hoping to find some more tips and ideas to help with the 2010 challenge.

Right, I am off to vaccum up and mop the kitchen floor.