Single Money Saver living on my own

MushyPeas

Hi Lainz welcome to MSE You'll find loads of ideas for saving money here! I've also found I've stockpiled toiletries so I'm going to work through and get rid of them. Should reduce my Boots bills :rolleyes:

Roz_V

Add me to the list! Single and living alone for the first time in my life - lived with ExOH for 3 years and before that lived with parents. I was OS before but since living alone things have slipped - most of the time I just can't see the point in going through the effort of cooking when it's just for me - although my attitude to cleaning products etc hasn't changed from OS.

However, New Years Resolution is to get that sorted out! I used to have a 6.5l Slow Cooker but he won that (he's not living alone and I wouldn't have had use) so I'm thinking of getting a 1.5l and adapting my old recipes - any advice/recommendations welcome!

At the minute I'm compiling a list of easy lunches/dinners that take minimum effort and scouring my old student cookbooks for inspiration. I have a budget of around £50 a month but this doesn't include toiletries (what I save in other areas, I splurge on cosmetics/false nails/going out - but as I'm OS for the improved lifestyle rather than the moneysaving aspect I don't feel guilty about it!!)

MushyPeas

Hiya Roz_V :wave:

I know what you mean about not being bothered to cook for myself. But I'm planning to batch cook some soups and currys etc. so I don't end up snacking on odd things for my evening meal!

I've still got a large slow cooker from when I was with someone and thought I might use it to batch cook. Then I can have one nice evening meal and freeze 7 others!!!

This living alone lark is a strange one, I've never really done it before and find it a bit odd. I think it comes from being in a large family!

lainz

Thanks for the welcome Mushy Peas.

When I finished on here I had a very anorak moment and went through all my cupboards and freezer and made a list of what I have (not much less than my local shop!) I also worked out my main meals and some lunches over the next month with the ingredients I have, so apart from some fresh fruit and veg I don't need to buy anything from the supermarket.

The next stage is to find something else to do in my lunch break as I work right next to one and we tend to 'wander' round there to get out of the office. I will try and convince someone to come for a walk around the block with me instead (although if it is cold and wet I'll need some convincing). I also need to find something else to do at the weekend to get me out of the house and not wandering around the shops (although should we get any good weather I'll be out in my garden!) - Any suggestions welcome!

MushyPeas

Hiya Lainz

Well at lunchtime I guess there is always browsing on MSE if that's poss! But probably healthier to go for a lunch

Um, what about going to a walk at the weekend? Free and you can take a nice lunch with you.

I don't think going through your cupboard and making a list of what you have is anorakish at all - very OS style in fact

Craftyscholar

Thank you for starting this thread tink.
I didn't realise there were so many single OSers. Most of the posts seemed to be from families.
I started out last year full of good intentions about batch cooking etc. but slipped back into bad habits. You have all inspired me to do better this year (well you and the state of my finances!)

Becky_2

Hi!

I can be added to that list as well. My favourite lunch meal which is also quick to do and cheap is ready bought potato salad, an apple sliced into cubes, feta cheese and a ham (or I tend to use mortadella. That will cost you around £2.50 to £3 for two lunches and it's really filling as well. I tend to finish this off with a peeled carrott instead of a bag of crisps.

An easy and quick dinner is pasta with tuna and sour creme with a bit of cesar dressing.

Hope this gives you some ideas of simple meals.

Roz_V wrote: »

Add me to the list! Single and living alone for the first time in my life - lived with ExOH for 3 years and before that lived with parents. I was OS before but since living alone things have slipped - most of the time I just can't see the point in going through the effort of cooking when it's just for me - although my attitude to cleaning products etc hasn't changed from OS.

However, New Years Resolution is to get that sorted out! I used to have a 6.5l Slow Cooker but he won that (he's not living alone and I wouldn't have had use) so I'm thinking of getting a 1.5l and adapting my old recipes - any advice/recommendations welcome!

At the minute I'm compiling a list of easy lunches/dinners that take minimum effort and scouring my old student cookbooks for inspiration. I have a budget of around £50 a month but this doesn't include toiletries (what I save in other areas, I splurge on cosmetics/false nails/going out - but as I'm OS for the improved lifestyle rather than the moneysaving aspect I don't feel guilty about it!!)

Becky_2

I used to have the same problem during my lunch break, rather than staying in the office I used to wander around the shops and spending more than I could afford. Not anymore! I now lock my handbag with my purse in my office drawer so I cannot spend anything. The last few months I have saved a smaller fortune.

What about going for a bike ride at weekends or visiting museums/art galleries with free entrance? Or sitting in the park reading a book?

lainz wrote: »

Thanks for the welcome Mushy Peas.

When I finished on here I had a very anorak moment and went through all my cupboards and freezer and made a list of what I have (not much less than my local shop!) I also worked out my main meals and some lunches over the next month with the ingredients I have, so apart from some fresh fruit and veg I don't need to buy anything from the supermarket.

The next stage is to find something else to do in my lunch break as I work right next to one and we tend to 'wander' round there to get out of the office. I will try and convince someone to come for a walk around the block with me instead (although if it is cold and wet I'll need some convincing). I also need to find something else to do at the weekend to get me out of the house and not wandering around the shops (although should we get any good weather I'll be out in my garden!) - Any suggestions welcome!

skintlass

I now work on a business park and only have 30 mins for lunch so no shopping for me during lunchtimes (unless I do it online of course). I have decided to go for a walk every lunchtime as I have put on loads of weight with doing nothing but sit infront of a pc all day.

GoToGal

pendine50 wrote: »

Fabulous soup/stew/whatever you want it to be. clear up as you go...no real cooking required...cheap tasty nourishing etc.....I love it and make it regularly
2 tins tomatoes (lidl 15p per tin)
2 tins kidney beans (lidl 15 p per tin) or any other beans you like
tomato puree to thicken and taste
chilli powder to taste
chopped onion and any other left over veg plus some water half pint or so
better with a couple of red peppers but not essential (buy the wrinkled ones from greengrocer should only be pennies)
Chuck the whole lot in a big pan and simmer for 2 hours or so for the flavours to infuse add salt and pepper to taste. You can leave this chunky or bltz it with a blender
This makes a large pot enough for 3 or 4 days. Half the quantities for a smaller amount
throw tins away wipe worktop....done! I really am a lazy cook but I have had people beg for this recipe and since it is almost all from tins I do not give it to them but remain enigmatic and pretend it was hard work.
hope you try it and enjoy

Made this earlier tonight, and it is v.yummy