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

Frugaldom

rictus123 wrote: »

What does everyone count for this?

My sample budget is in post 1 but everyone has different circumstances, different lifestyles and different finances, so it's entirely up to you. The main thing is to become/stay debt free by living a frugal lifestyle where needs are met and wants are a luxury. I still think we're more 'old style' way of living than anything to do with 'how much have you saved' but the powers that be put our challenge here, so I guess, looking at the last 30+ pages, anything goes as long as you consider it to be frugal. :rotfl:

homegrown_life

well today has been a NSD as expected once I'd seen outside! I've been extra good in the kitchen, cooked my beef joint, sliced and frozen some and the rest is in the fridge for sandwiches this week. I also made some butter for the first time with some double cream in my Kenwood Chef, worked really well so I'll keep an eye out for reduced cream in the future.

I also managed to stretch tea (was going to be a frozen portion of spag bol but added beans and made chilli) so could invite Father in Law over, thinking that we're better off just using one lot of heating between us all for the evening and FIL's house is freezing so I think he'll appreciate it

need to get going and clear the kitchen up now before I get too settled to do it all!

flippin36

rictus123 wrote: »

What does everyone count for this? Im counting every penny i spend thats for personal living. Digs, deisel, nights out etc. Tomorrow il need diesel, new jeans for work on Friday and a new trowel for work. Total cost i think £40+£10+£25=£75 Not bad considering itl be the first week in the year costing £95, budget allows more than that.

I'm counting everything except mortgage, Ctax and water rates. I suppose i'm counting the stuff I have some control over to cut back iykwim. Looking at my budget I really need to cut back on grocery bills, petrol and gas/electric - which is where I can make the most savings with a bit of imagination.

Kerry_Woman

It has been very interesting reading and has given me motivation. Have to have the heating on, mainly because of my Mum. She still has the cold weather payment, so that will come in handy when the bill comes. Has not snowed here as yet, have to wait till tomorrow to see if it does. I have cut back with some of my outgoings in the last few years. It is amazing how things add up over the year.

Homemade_2

nikki20022008 wrote: »

I'm really looking forward to starting unfortuantly the pharmacy doesn't have a quit clinic which is a pain. I have tried a few times but the last time I had a major reaction to the gum but I know I'm ok on the patches as I have used those before too but this time I am determined to pay for my holiday with the money I save a great swap I think fags for a holiday for two weeks with the lil one.

As encouragement I want to tell you that I stopped smoking a few years ago, which was a great surprise to many as I was a hardened 40 a day smoker, but I was determined that I would give up as the money spent on it was ridiculous.

I started at New Year with my idea of being a non smoker and stuck a 24 hour patch on. I thought it was great how it really did take away that nasty craving for ciggies.
After one day, I figured I had the nudge I needed to put them down and didnt need any more patches.........I was totally amazed!!
One patch is all it took. In fact if I had used more patches I am sure that they would have made me feel sick and would also have been a total waste of money.
It didnt just work for me but for my partner too, although he used 2 patches :rotfl:

You can do it. Just keep it in mind that you do not want to smoke anymore......you will be a non smoker soon! :A

Homemade_2

cw18 wrote: »

As with our budgets, I would say it's personal choice

Obviously, if you have any debts then the best use of additional income is to pay those off - hence reducing the running cost of them and/or clearing them off sooner (which then gives you extra money in the long-term)

But if you've no debts, then I don't see anything wrong with building the income into your budget. Nyk (I think, if I've read right) uses additional income (in her case from free scratchcards and cashback) to make part of her outgoings (such as her garden project and chickens) 'money neutral',

So setting yourself a target of raising the money to cover one area of your outgoings (as jtb suggests, presents being a good one to start with) would be a great idea

Ok, thank you.
I dont have any debts so I think I will use any small amounts of money that I might make to fund my hobbies which are all crafty types and I find it very difficult to resist all those gorgeous yarns

I havent done any food shopping yet this yet and dont think I will need to now for another week, other than some milk I think. The other thing I have managed to save money on was using last years calendar again. I have drawn lines on the back on each of last years pages so will save a few pence. Is that really scrooge like? :rotfl:

I hope everyone is doing well in January so far.

rozeepozee

In answer to an earlier query, I've found my Costco receipt and its milk costs 42.5p per litre. Is this the cheapest?

Aril

No I don't think it's at all Scrooge like to use last year's calendar. I think it's a very intelligent use of your resources and an idea I am happy to recycle for myself thank you:D

I'm using a spare diary from last year to record my daily spends. I read somewhere that if you keep a certain number of years diaries [can't remember the exact number] then you will be able to use them again. The other frugal thing I've done with the cat pages from a lovely calendar from last year [didn't write on the pages] is to keep them and to try them out as wrapping paper for this year.

More frugal experimenting- I just love it:D

Aril

Homemade_2

lizzyshep wrote: »

Christmas (managed to get some gifts in the sale so may not spend this much) £100
Birthdays and weddings £180

NUT subscription £213 (hmm, do I really need to pay this?)
Counselling £4000 (scary! But it is helping and hopefully I won't need to go for the whole of the year)

Hello,
I hope you dont mind me looking over your expenses and offering a few words.

Are you able to browse charity shops for Christmas presents/Birthday presents etc? Christmas just gone was made up mostly of charity shop presents for me and most of them were new in their packets. I bought my friend Trivial Pursuits that she wanted and I found one in fantastic condition for........................99p!!!!
Charity shop browsing helps with several of your points.
1. Money goes to charity so you can cancel your DD's and not feel bad.
2. You get some superb items.
3. You get a bit of retail therapy.

NUT subscription is not needed. If you find yourself needing help in that sense you will find it free of charge anyway.

Counselling, obviously I dont know what your counselling is for but there are several places where you can receive the same sort of thing free of charge.

Hope that helps a little.

plumduff55

Hi, I'd love to join this challenge

plumduff55

I have used the spreadsheet from CW and am shocked that the total is over £5,000 with still more to be added. This is for everything - thanks to the MFW board I have paid off my mortgage 8 years early and now want to get some savings together as retirement is fast approaching !

My challenge to myself last year was not to spend anything on clothing............
I succeeded!!!
It was more difficult than I thought and once I nearly gave in and queued to buy a gorgeous cardigan, I changed my mind as the assistant asked for payment - she must have thought I was mad.

This year I'd love to be part of this challenge, not only will it help me to save money but it will also give me an idea of how much money I would need to retire.

Many thanks for all your ideas and motivation.