What's yr biggest change since being OS?

Jo_R_2

Hi all!

I was wondering, what things have you done since discovering OS that surprise you, looking back? Did you have any die-hard habits that you have broken for the better?

Have you just discovered OS and have made the first step and feel proud as punch? Are you getting there and have a regular routine whereas before you used to spend £20 just popping to the shop for milk? Or are you a seasoned OSer and find it hard to believe the things you used to do, now you can spend less than £100 a month?

For us so far (we're somewhere in the middle!), I think the main thing that stands out is that before OS, we used to pay for shopping on my debit card, going to the supermarket without a shopping list and spending at least £60 for a weekly shop, plus extra £20 visits midweek for two of us and a toddler, always at Asda. Now, we menu plan every week, make a list and stick to it (mostly, though sometimes boyfy has other plans!) and visit different shops depending on what we are buying. We're now budgeting £40 per week so we must be doing something right!

What about you?

in_my_wellies

I was born and brought up a 'moneysaver' and I think it's become a hobby - I just like doing it. I have a well paid job where I work very hard so I definately don't need to 'moneysave' anymore. But then I think, I work hard for the money I earn so why waste it, just like I wont waste water, electric or anything which can be reused. Not always because of the money either but because of not wanting to waste the earths resources. I like doing DIY and I'm nervous about getting someone in to do jobs. I really do try to 'let go' a bit and spent but I just can't.

cattie

in_my_wellies wrote:

I was born and brought up a 'moneysaver' and I think it's become a hobby - I just like doing it. I have a well paid job where I work very hard so I definately don't need to 'moneysave' anymore. But then I think, I work hard for the money I earn so why waste it, just like I wont waste water, electric or anything which can be reused. Not always because of the money either but because of not wanting to waste the earths resources. I like doing DIY and I'm nervous about getting someone in to do jobs. I really do try to 'let go' a bit and spent but I just can't.

Ooh, spooky, this could be me talking.

buxtonrabbitgreen

I did try the meal planning but as I leave for work at 5.30 am I have to get ingredients out the niight before, and we ended up with chilli on the hottest day this year so i have abandoned that for the mo. I have always been fairly frugal but since coming to this board I have been scrumping, there are some cherry trees on the side of our local main road, dont seem to belong to anyone so now have a freezer full.

Quasar

I don't do a lot of meal planning because my job pays for my lunches (:D) and since I live alone I don't spend a lot anyway.

However by following OS tips I have wasted less of whatever food I buy - I used to let some vegetables rot in the fridge... now no more! I have stopped buying all top brands of household cleaners etc, and now buy whatever works well but is cheaper.

And the vinegar tips!

Generally, I am less dependent on countless bottles of "miracle" cleaners etc. and find that I can do very well with one or two good things such as Stardrops, vinegar, bicarbonate etc. And microfibre cloths: easier cleaning, saving on materials and time.

I'd say that OS tips alone are saving me £20-30 per months, which for a single person is not to be sneered at.

Churchmouse

Still haven't got to grips with menu planning. I don't know what I'll fancy for dinner tomorrow let alone next week!:o Also doesn't help that I often don't know who'll be in for dinner and at what time until a couple of hours before!:rolleyes:

My biggest change however is not wasting as much food. Before I used to throw away shameful amounts of fruit and veg, now if I see something is getting close to going off I freeze it! Only the other week I cooked and mashed potatoes that were beginning to sprout. Boy was I pleased a few days later when a quick dinner was had by utilising those very same potatoes!:D Fruit is made into a cobbler and never sits in the fridge for long!
Have to confess the odd bit of salad still hits the bin, but it is a lot less!!

I also have cut way back on cleaning stuff. I was the original try every product that comes onto the market!! No more! Stardrops, soda crystals (actually always used these), vinegar etc are my new "wonder" cleaners. I am also training myself to use less washing powder etc. and have to admit results are the same with half the recommended dose!:eek:

So a long way to go but getting there.:D

AussieLass

I started meal planning after a couple of years into married life. Simply because we moved and lived in an isolated area. No walkies or drives to the shop. :rolleyes: So I had to be really organised in that area. I just kept it up after we moved away because it's so much easier & cheaper once you get in the habit of it.

I suppose my biggest change would be being a bit smarter with my money. Sticking to a budget, making up a spending diary, pricing groceries etc. Searching for better prices like insurance, various providers etc. Being aware of electricity/water consumption. Recycling instead of dumping things. It's been really good & challenging for me. I've become more organised in those areas. In other words slowly turning into a tightar$e.:D

Kool_Kool

I have lurked for a long time before registering and posting, but OS has always been one of the most interesting boards for me. I have saved considerably by the encouragement I found here to cook my own meals, and I'm eating more healthy too!

Generally speaking, I am more restrained in my spending, and I often find I can either do without or get a cheaper alternative. Failing that, I know that a post in OS will soon produce a useful reply...

bargainaddict

No more expensive 'miracle cleaners' here either. I'm not sucked in by those adverts anymore. I have microfibre cloths, stardrops and vinegar. Half dishwasher tablets and half washing powder, and I use the vinegar instead of fabric conditioner.

Thanks to everyone on OS for all their hints and tips:j :T :j :T :j

fizzel81

again cleaning products was spending a fortune on shake n vac alone each week (used bottles a day!) now i use stardrops and a microfibre cloth for almost everything.

also spending less at the supermarket stopped buying so much junk
washable nappies saving a small fortune here

Jo_R_2

Hear hear fizzel81 on the washable nappies - surprisingly that was something we already did before I discovered OS which pleasantly fitted in! Even better now we can reuse DD1s with imminent arrival DD2!