FRUGAL LIVING CHALLENGE 2010, part 1. (Living on £4,000 a year)

Brighton_belle

ok, I fess up... I am have been a lousy frugaliser: have been caught out by the weather and a virtually defunct car I have had to top up my shopping from local corner shop and paid much more than I would of if I was a bit more prepared. Ho hum.
This weather certainly makes me realise how differently you have to think if you live out in the sticks, and this weather is more common for you too. Very very rare for us way down on the south coast.

As for dreams, i will hold my hand up as one of the seeming few who does not dream of a small holding in the country. Of course my romantic side does, but my realistic side knows I woudn't last five minutes and I love where I live right now very close to the centre of town. So from that point of view already living my dream in a way I guess. Took the plunge and all the risks 10 yrs ago to get here and make a new life.
However, as some of you already now, I do dream of spending more time and energy with my creative side, and I am hoping to get back to that as soon as OH's house is sorted (long story) which I am project managing at the mo. Health issues, and an OH who doesn't dream mean I don't really think more than 6 months ahead and even that seems a little hazy. I just want to enjoy lots of simple here and now moments. I frugalise to have the spare cash to do the hobbies I enjoy and have a few simple day trips out with OH.

Thanks to all sharing their stories/dreams: all inspiring in their own way:T

candygirl

NYK could you please send me the approved foods fb thingy?I had it in my emails but have deleted it by accident:o:o
CHINATEA that sounds scary and expensive:eek::eek:

grandma247

candy girl training as a plumber is not really such a bad idea y'know. they virtually write their own cheques.
I think the link is on the homepage of approved foods.

Chinatea I am glad things are better for you now. We have never been quite that bad but close in years gone by. I know that we are better off this year than last at the same time. We were scraping for money for the gas and electric last year but easily heated without worrying this year. We always use more when its the christmas hols and dh is home for 2-3 weeks.

KarrieBee

YearlyMonthlyWater384.0032.00 Gas/Electricity900.0075.00 Bldgs/Cont Ins180.0015.00 Phone & B/band450.0037.50 Mobile Phone360.0030.00 Bank account fee119.409.95 Holiday500.0041.67 Clothes240.0020.00 Pet insurance84.007.00 Presents240.0020.00 Bus pass720.0060.00 Travel 1440.00120.00 Veg box648.0054.00 Hobbies240.0020.00 Books/ newspapers96.008.00 Socialising500.0041.67 Groceries1440.00120.00 Toiletries/Cleaning120.0010.00 Totals8661.40721.78

Ok budget done - i've left out council tax, rent and TV licence as they are fixed amounts. I'm planning to make BIG savings on groceries, mobile (OHs), travel and socialising!

My all in total is under £9000 for the year to allow for emergencies, if anyone notices glaring omissions let me know!

NualaBuala

Afternoon everyone!

I see I'm not the only one having plumbing problems today. I hope all of you get yours sorted ok. My pipe at the outside tap has burst and is spraying it all over the garden - the plumber can't come till Monday and will cost €90:eek: I consider myself lucky it's not worse but it's not going to stop spraying all weekend - he said just to leave it as is. Maybe the birds will like it? It has melted a patch of snow so they might be able to dig up some worms. I'll have to be careful as some of that water is going to freeze but I have ashes from the fire and a big bag of Value salt I bought a few weeks ago planning to make salt dough for crafts. All the salt in the supermarket was gone yesterday when I went shopping so I'm glad I have it!

thriftylass wrote: »

Don't buy it, I've seen it and it's definitely a rip off. I do crochet and whenever I want to learn sth new or need a pattern I get a book in the library or go online. Much better and free

Thriftylass, thank you for talking sense into me:T. I found it very seductive but I think I've mentally stepped away from it now.:D I would consider buying the first one as it has free wool and a hook and I think a hook probably costs the same amount as the mag - about €1.50?. But I'm going to go with your idea of books from the library with the internet as backup.

cw18 wrote: »

So I even managed to keep my 'frugal head' attached this morning - whereas 2 years ago I'd have just paid what the vet asked for and not queried it :T

Cheryl, I'm so pleased that your little dog is still with you and making progress. Well done on keeping your frugal head on!

You just made me realise that at times I feel uncomfortable about money, as though it's sort of "unmentionable" and that has stopped me querying prices in certain contexts and just paying up like an eejit. I've got a lot better at being up front now - I mean why on earth not? There's no shame in it and I can't afford to do otherwise after all.

Aril wrote: »

I stripped the paper off back in August and got the paint [also bought some completely mad patchwork curtains for £7.50 from the charity shop for it] and then got no further as anxiety/depression flared up really badly and had to go back onto meds for the first time in 10 years. Am a lot better now provided I don't overload myself and ask for help [which I'm not very good at] Shall be delighted once it's done and looking swanky:D:D

I like the sound of your curtains! How great to have your Dad to help, I'm sure the room will be lovely when done.
I can identify with the anxiety/depression. I suffer too and taking too much on makes it worse - I'm rubbish at asking for help but I'm trying to improve!:o

SlowlyFading, how are you today? I hope you're feeling ok and have been able to take it a bit easy.



I have a frozen surprise out of the freezer for dinner - will probably have it with spuds whatever it is. I reckon it's veggie chilli or savoury mince.

I've been very unfrugal eating a lot of chocolate biscuits and crisps as I felt a bit sorry for myself after the burst pipe. But am going to pick up my knitting which will stop me picking.

I haven't spent anything today apart from a DD out of my account. I might spend later though - have my eye on a pair of gardening gloves and seeds online but they are an investment in my frugal future!

Stay warm and safe everyone.

ChinaTea

Although I hadn't forgotten how bad things were last year reading the first couple of weeks of last years diary I also remembered the little things that had slipped my mind and how I ws feeling at the time. Never going there again.

slowlyfading

Afternoon everyone

Well, I was back in school today. Was a bit frivolous and got a taxi to school and a taxi home! :eek: Cost me £10.60 in total, but well worth it as I really didn't want to slip again on the ice. My head and back still hurt today, so I'm still wary of going anywhere.

Had quite a productive day in school even though it was freezing. The only lesson I had was Year 12 last thing, so it's been a low day again.

chika - I'm doing teacher training too, what subject/year group?
cw- gld to hear about your dog
jtb - take care of yourself after your fall x
nuala - thanks for asking, feel a bit better than yesterday, still quite sore though and need another early night!
sft- thanks for asking about me thank god its the weekend!

Have a good evening everyone.

RuthG

candygirl wrote: »

Arrrgggh my water wont go down my kitchen sink and have tried boiling water, drain clearer etc.Think it might be frozen as I don't have central heating:eek::eek:Have put the oven on full and opened the doors under the sink, might try the hairdryer on it later, any other ideas?I cannot afford a plumber right now:o

It will likely be the outside pipe that's frozen, so try clearing that instead of from the sink end.

Then cover it/wrap it in cardboard/newspaper etc.

candygirl

BenW wrote: »

It will likely be the outside pipe that's frozen, so try clearing that instead of from the sink end.

Then cover it/wrap it in cardboard/newspaper etc.

Thanks but have done it with a hairdryer, and lagged it with cardboard;)

chika

slowlyfading wrote: »

chika - I'm doing teacher training too, what subject/year group?

Hi SF - do you know what, your safety comes first and if that £10.60 stopped you from falling then I'd say it's money well spent.

I'm doing primary with science specialism. How about you? Are you enjoying it?