Frugal Living Challenge 2011 - part 1

rising_from_the_ashes

JayneC wrote: »

PS Was going to say I've just switched to Scottish Power, wondering if I've done the righht thing now

Jayne, I do find them cheaper, it's just the way they review their billing that I find really annoying.

cw18

JayneC wrote: »

PS Was going to say I've just switched to Scottish Power, wondering if I've done the righht thing now

I think they're all as bad as each other in trying to get more money out of you up front, but I can honestly say I've never (in the almost 9 years I've been with them) had a problem with any of their customer services staff. They always listen to my issues and the way I've done my workings out, and they're always happy to negotiate figures with me - though I have been told several times they're more willing to do this with people who run an on-line only tariff, as it means we have to be more aware of our meter readings.

wornoutmumoftwo

My greenhouse arrived (paid for out of las year's birthday money and savings). I can't wait to get growing now.

never_too_old

rising from the ashes
nice one

pennib

Rising from the Ashes; Nice poem, spring can't come quickly enough for me.

NualaBuala

Hi everyone :wave:

Hope everyone is doing ok ... big hugs to anyone who'd like one!

midwinter wrote: »

Some of you may remember I'd hoped to reserve 2 pairs of curtains that I'd seen in a charity shop, until I could next get there, and they wouldn't.

Went today, one pair sold, and the remaining pair isn't big enough on it's own

Aw what a pain .. maybe a better bargain will come along, the prefect size, colour and price!

I'm glad I don't have those complicated fixed direct debits to deal with. I used to have something similar for my electricy years ago and I had to ask them to raise my direct debit. It was meant to be an equaliser plan but they didn't seem to understand that my usage in the summer was different to winter (as the heating was electric). It was an annoying battle where I tried to increase the DD and they kept reducing it again! Now I have gas and electricity from a single supplier and they seem quite good. I'm on the cheapest tarriff (online a/c, direct debit) but they just charge based on my readings not a fixed amount. I've paid extra to my account to prepare for big winter bills so I don't have any shocks! Well not too many anyway!

I had a fab day today - went to a growing vegetable group and really enjoyed it. There were free seeds - I was careful not to be greedy and just took what I know I will use and I will bring my seeds to share next time. The people were lovely too. And I happened to meet two old college friends, a real blast from the past. So I am going to have to think about what big containers I can scavenge and maybe I will plant some in the ground too - won't cost anything and even if the house is sold before I reap the harvest I'm sure someone will get use of them. I already have seeds so it's not going to cost me much, mainly labour (which I count as exercise!).

I did some shopping too and thanks to some budget juggling I now have a healthy surplus in my groceries category - previously it was a bit stretched.

One thing I'm wondering about is clothes. I have a very small clothing budget but I do have some extra money saved - a rainy day fund but I guess I could spare some if I had to. I have very few clothes indeed and could do with some more. Problem is, I am losing weight (veeeeery slowly) so I begrudge spending on stuff that won't fit me this time next year (I hope!). Ideally I'd like to buy good quality stuff that will last and I wouldn't mind spending a bit on them except that it would be money down the drain if they won't fit for long. I've quickly looked in charity shops and was very disappointed - didn't see anything I liked and there was really not much in my size (16-18). I get the impression charity shops are much better in the UK than here. And we don't seem to have jumble sales/car boots, not near me anyway. So not sure whether to just forget about it and make do with what I've got. Decisions decisions!

youngmummy

£9.99p spent today x

miss_empty_piggy

Am so fed up nothing I do seems to work at the moment. I tried out the fire and it is just as bad as ever. Me and my 2DDs sat in a room full of smoke with the patio doors open freezing with a quilt wrapped around us. Just been up stairs to put little one to bed and eldests bedroom stinks now from the fumes through the chimney breast wall. I just don't know what else to do. Why does everything have to cost the earth. We had the fire opened up to cut down on costs and it has ended up costing a fortune and looks like it will cost me even more trying to get it right eventually. I give up. I'm so sick of struggling. Sorry guys just venting, I am grateful for what I do have, I just really wanted this to go right but it never. x

pennib

Does anybody else make home made wine? Just handed all my gear over to s-i-law and he is taking up the tradition of turning everything into wine!

I have put a recipe on my homepage for a wine that costs pence.....not tried it myself I hasten to add so no idea of the flavour. It's an original idea from one of my other s-i-laws who is a bit strapped for cash, but, him and my daughter like a glass of wine now and again. They both say it tastes like wine (certainly not for the gourmet amongst you, so don't even look if you're a connoisseur of fine wines ) so fills an urge when you just need wine and chocolate (not got a recipe for that tho

chika

Nuala try ebay for clothes. You can get really good stuff for pennies. In october I managed to totally sort out my work wardrobe for hardly any cash. Best bargain was a pair of brand new trousers with a £38 tag for 4 including postage.

I've had a pretty spendy day here, decided tro join weightwatchers (for the millionth time!) My sister found a first week and free membership voucher online so I printed it out and went along. Ended up almost fainting at the ridiculous weight I've managed to get to so had to spend a bit more cash on "tools" to ensure I count the right amount of points. I figure it's an investment in my health.

Popped into Mr A for some food. Lots of whoopsies but all the foods I really shouldn't be eating. They are selling 2ltr bottles of ribena for £2. I love the stuff but it is normally really expensive. I think I might go and get a couple more.