How to live on 65 per week?

grumpyoldwoman41

Katiesmummy - they probably do but so far I did not qualify for this kind of help from the vets and had to use private vets (still ordered all meds online as cheaper) but now will of course take my fury family to Blue Cross or PDSA or Celia Hammond as now I qualify for their help.

Re minutes - used to have unlimited (yes, used that much as a lot was work related but my employer would not pay for a mobile so had to use my own) but I am stuck in that contract now and not much I can do apart from trying to call them again later on or include that contract in BR application.

katiesmummy

grumpyoldwoman41 wrote: »

Katiesmummy - they probably do but so far I did not qualify for this kind of help from the vets and had to use private vets (still ordered all meds online as cheaper) but now will of course take my fury family to Blue Cross or PDSA or Celia Hammond as now I qualify for their help.

Its worth checking- might not be a massive saving but every little helps.

Also, ask on freecycle for a slow cooker- uses very little electric and you can literally just chuck everything in of a morning and its ready in time for tea. Well worth getting, I wouldn't be without mine.

Supernatural

grumpyoldwoman41 wrote: »

Katiesmummy - they probably do but so far I did not qualify for this kind of help from the vets and had to use private vets (still ordered all meds online as cheaper) but now will of course take my fury family to Blue Cross or PDSA or Celia Hammond as now I qualify for their help.

Might be worth asking there if they can do the dog medication any cheaper

edwina_b

It may seem to be an impossible situation for you to cope with now but there are people who will help you. In our area there are several food banks which have been set up. Also check out the animal charities as they may be able to help with pet food. Don’t be afraid to ask for help wherever and whenever you can. You may be pleasantly surprised by the kindness and help you receive. I hope you have success in your job hunting. Good luck and best wishes for the New year.

pineapple

Ok.... Just going into retirement and need to reduce outgoings.
Have already checked I am on the cheapest energy supplier (internet billing/dual fuel)
I also save by sometimes cooking two days meals in one.
Already moved to cheaper supermarkets/own brand products
Need to consider my broadband supplier/phone package.
Already on Sky Freesat - which is, err, free!

Swap landline for a mobile? Nahhh. Seriously, I think the future will show the long term health effects of mobile usage.
Need to reconsider my Denplan subsciption - bearing in mind even NHS is not, actually, free!
Interested in reducing the cost of my pets flea/worming treatment. But just how easy is it to get your vet to supply a prescription and what do they charge?

grumpyoldwoman41

I do have a slow cooker.... never been any good with it, got to dig it out from "somewhere" and see what I can do with it....

Does it really use that little electricity?

I thought it uses a lot, being on for hours on end.... same with the bread maker.....

grannytwice

Hi, you seem to already be making changes, well done, it is not an easy task, i put electricity and gas reading into imeasure which works out your weekly costs which helps me budget if you google it will come up dont know how to do links The old style board is invaluable you will get support on if things get tougher board . You must be worried about your pets i dont have pet insurance as it was too costly for my budget do your pets need a special diet sometimes you can make this up yourself check out the ingredients on what you are using you may be able to find a cheaper alternative, Make good use of your library one book i would reccomend is the Tightwad Gazzette although its american does have usefull advice. Keep your chin up you will get through this, and be stronger, Best Wishes to you and your family.

katiesmummy

grumpyoldwoman41 wrote: »

I do have a slow cooker.... never been any good with it, got to dig it out from "somewhere" and see what I can do with it....

Does it really use that little electricity?

I thought it uses a lot, being on for hours on end.... same with the bread maker.....

I believe it uses around the same amount of electricity as one of the energy saving lightbulbs, or so I have been told!

You get used to it- its like everything else, a learning curve. Before long you will be making lovely meals without even thinking about it.

Also if you make too much don't forget to freeze the extra

Kimitatsu

grumpyoldwoman41 wrote: »

I would really prefer for this thread not to sidetrack where it should not, it is about me, not anyone else,thanks for that.

I have just spoken to SKY and took movies out of the package, so down to £43 per month, apparently can not downgrade any more untill July next year (when I will cancel all together hopefully) as all is within the contract.


Gas and electric, not sure if I could ask EDF to put prepaid meters in the flat? Would they do it free of charge if I am not in debt to them (yet)?

Water meter, may be an idea - but I pay water rates with my rent to the Council (council flat) so not sure how to go about that?

Thanks again everyone, all posts very much appreciated.

DONT put prepaid meters in unless you absolutely have to. They are charged at a higher tarriff than post pay meters as they charge a rental per meter.

If you pay water rates with your rent then I wouldnt worry about it, its unlikely that you can change that.

Can we keep this ontrack please everyone or I will close the thread.

Tulip09

I use my slow cooker all the time and my steamer and i think both are cheaper than the cooker to run. Have you thought about decluttering your home? Selling what you dont need just now etc You would be amazed at some of the stuff people sell on ebay etc even if its only cheap its better off in your pocket. There is a slow cooker thread on the OS boards that would help you out with what to cook.