FRUGAL LIVING CHALLENGE 2010, part 2, April - June.

Margaret54

Hi everyone I am going to join here too. I have bought myself a wee notebook and will write down from today everything I spend. I do have savings but I do need to do better as I must admit to spending a lot on wants not needs this past while back. I am enjoying this thread so much. It is a lovely community, and I have learned so much from everyone here. I do get such a buzz from seeing how our savings grow such a nice feeling after so many years of money being so tight. I think that is why to be honest I have been treating myself so much, because I can now.

Margaret54

Had a nice lunch at home here with a cheese pasty(Ginsters) which was only 40p and it was nice with some relish. Only my dh and I at home now, so cutting down on the washing and can do it once a week now and ironing the same. The food shopping will be cheaper as well, and will use my breadmaking machine which is wonderful and I always hang out the washing to dry rather than use the tumble dryer, and if it is wet etc outside then I dry it on the radiator and clothes horse hot press etc.
We also save all the 5p 2p and 1p pieces and bag it up for the bank. Our local banks only take up to 5 bags at a time which is fine. I think we have several bags of 5p pieces so about £30 in total which is great.
I went to an outlet shop last week with my dd and bought a lovely sweater dress thing(chunky wool) for £10 reduc ed from £30 (Next) and three pairs of fine tights from £5 down to £3. wrapping paper and gift tags was only £1 as well .I am going to start going back to the library for my books after I have read all mine which I usually buy in charity shops or play.com if they are books which I want to keep. I am going to take the dog out for a walk now and get some fresh air and free exercise:) Warmest wishes to you all Margaret xo

stitching_witch

Thank you all for your help and support. I'll try to answer you all, but apologies if I miss anyone out!

Blairweech - thank you for the very useful link. That's exactly what I had been looking for but, having been on their calculator, it looks like unfortunately my water bill would double with a meter At least I tried!

Frugaldom - historically the debts are mine, run up when DH walked out on me for 4 years and I struggled bringing up our children on a low wage. He came home three years ago but fell seriously ill 23 months ago and his firm do not pay sick pay so he has ESA. I have kept us afloat on my salary until my redundancy in September and always kept up with payments and never got behind.

Because of the previous situation the bills, apart from the tenancy agreement, are all in my name rather than joint. I NEVER spend on the credit cards, just paying off the existing balances. DS2 has the cards in the freezer at his flat!

Tonight we are having a discussion with DS3 (the only one left at home) regarding increasing his housekeeping contribution as his apprenticeship is finished and he earns "proper" money now. That will help a bit.
DD has also donated £150 today as I look after DGD once a fortnight.

My mission for tomorrow is to phone CCCS to see what options are available to me regarding the cards.

Erme - I knit, crochet, cross stitch, do patchwork and quilting, make lace and tat but most of all I sew. I sew anything and everything but usually fancy dress costumes and - my speciality - corsets . I've made about twenty so far and have another three cut out in the sewing room ready to be finished. One day, The Stitching Witch will be coming to a web browser near you.......

mrsmuggy

Hi,
I've just started to use the forums today as i have been lurking on quite a few for absolutely ages and thought it was about time that i did.
I'm married and there is only me and hubs at home now all flown nest so our bills are getting better,i've got the food bill down to £100 per month roughly,cook from scratch,bake my own cakes etc. If i can get things off freecycle,ebay,charity shops,boots etc i will. Won't buy new unless abs neccesary and its all thanks to mse forums,so i'm truly grateful to you all.
We had a bad spell of less work just like alot of people have but by cutting back we have got through it. OH's work hours are getting better and we are able to pay off debts easier from when things were bad.Oh didn't understand all the cutting back as he's never had to do it and has always bought new but he does now and he's fully with me so all is good
Sorry my post a bit long but just thought that i would let you know a bit about myself and what i do
Thanks again for everything i've learned and i'll try and post regularly:D

candygirl

Regarding water meters.Mine has cut the bill down by more than half, as there's only me and occasionally Boo staying over for baths etc:D:D
Got a text from Mr Meerkat today asking if I fancied going out on his cruiser at the weekend :eek::eek:I'm not keen on boats but will give it a whirl;)
Have had a NSD today even though been out for dinner with Mum and Aunty, Mum insisted on paying again!!:o:o
FRUGALDOM the chicks looked dead cute the other day.My mate has 16 different sorts of hens and the egga are delish:D:D
Welcome Margaret and Mrsmuggy :hello:

cw18

candygirl wrote: »

Got a text from Mr Meerkat today asking if I fancied going out on his cruiser at the weekend :eek::eek:I'm not keen on boats but will give it a whirl;)

Good for you :T

That makes two of us trying new things as we try to get our social lives up and running now

candygirl

cw18 wrote: »

Good for you :T

That makes two of us trying new things as we try to get our social lives up and running now

lol, it's exciting but scary isn't it:eek::eek::rotfl::rotfl:

enjoyfinancialchallenges

Hi everyone just realized that I didn't loose last nights message after all, :j when I do its such a pain. I'm not very computer literate and each message is a bit of an effort for me so loosing it is very stressful :mad:

Had another good day, one of my friends bought me a shepherds pie for this evenings meal, yum! enough for about three days actually when I add green vegs to it. I have to admit I'm being well taken of care whilst I am convalescing. I'm so lucky to have such good friends, I've only cooked two meals since I was discharged seven days ago. :A

Got to get my solar powered walking stick out and water a few seeds now, the solar powered Zimmer frames battery is flat....not enough sun today.
:rotfl:

Puddleglum

Hello Margaret, hello mrsmuggy!:A

mrsmuggy

Thanks for the welcomes guys

We've had a pizza for tea but i tend to buy either just the base or plain cheese and tomato so that i can add my own toppings. The large cheese and tom at asda last us 2 meals each as i tend to freeze half for another time