Single Money Saver living on my own

Austin_Allegro

Young(ish) single man in London here, live in a small flat, have the occasional girlfriend but they tend to come and go.

It is difficult to 'date' when your're frugal! Most women I meet are career types and very much into their high maintenance lifestyle. My last g/f asked if I was 'actually poor, or just pretending to be'. Charming! If I meet any that are frugal they tend to be rather weird/pagan/earth mother types.

Look on the bright side though. Whilst running a household for one means you lack the economies of scale, at least you don't have to support children or a profligate OH!

Maybe we should start an OS/frugal dating site!!

skintlass

Another singleton here :-). Live with my dog and she doesn't often get human food so I cook for me. I cook soups and stews and curries as the others have said (but sometimes I can't be bothered so I have a takeaway (thats stopping at the mo as I only eat half so really uneconomical) I also do home made pizza bases (so yummy) and bread. Recipe for yummy lentil and bacon soup is.... fry 3 slices smoked bacon, add chunk of chorizo and some smoked paprika,plus a sliced leek. Then stir in about a cup of lentils and a couple of chopped chilies. Add stock (I used ham) and 2 sliced carrots plus 1 or 2 potatoes (2 small or 1 large) and a tblsp of tomato puree. Throw in a bouquet garni. Cook for about 30-45mins and then whizz with hand blender easily makes 3 large or 4 smaller portions and is very warming.

Olliebeak

bumped this thread!

Sazbo

Some great ideas here. I live on my own too. Inspired by the dried beans thread, I'm cooking up a big batch of beans which I will then freeze in portions so I can throw a handful in anytime I want them. I love me beans!:D Also baked a couple of loaves bread which I will slice and freeze. Nice to meet you all! :wave:

Saz x

Sazbo

Austin_Allegro wrote: »

My last g/f asked if I was 'actually poor, or just pretending to be'. Charming!

:rotfl:That did make me laugh!

Bargain_Rzl

Hi, I live on my own too When I moved in here I bought a fridge-freezer with the biggest freezer compartment I could find, and I buy and cook in bulk. I have a very busy lifestyle (work full time and am out most evenings) so this works on two levels - it saves me money, and it means I only have to actually cook about twice a week, as long as I make six portions at a time

As for buying in bulk, I buy good quality (organic and/or free range) supermarket meat when reduced, and if I want something in particular, I go to the butcher's. Fruit and veg usually comes from a nearby market where you can get a huge bowlful of stuff for a quid, however I haven't been very good at getting round to shopping there lately Still, as I am craving parsnip soup, I've got a date in my diary to pop down there next Saturday

I confess I am not very good at keeping track of what I spend on food, as I lump my food and pocket money budget in together. However, I'd estimate it at £15 a week. It would be £20, but I have a separate budget for wine

christabell

May I join too please?

I have lived on my own for years.........enough said. I cook up a storm, and use the freezer. I do my shopping due to ill health on-line, and Mr Tesco is kind enough to deliver. If I buy any ready made it has to be Mr. Aldi's/Lidl lasagna, great value, add some cheese on the top though.

I find I cannot live without a RAMOSKA, it saves me a fortune in electricity as I do not need to put my oven on, plus this thinggie makes the most fabulous roast chicken you will ever taste. I am not sure about a slowcooker.........I am not a great lover of stew and do not like soup.

I learned most of my money saving tips on this board, now if only I could get my finger out and plan my menu.........

Looking forward to money saving ideas here, for food plus any other tips greatly apreciated.

malvena_2

Another one here aswell.

I have lived alone for the past 5yrs and have to admit I hardly cooked from scratch at first. Now I do loads. I love making my own lasagnes and now and then make up a batch of pizza bases the freeze. Just add a topping of what i fancy when I eat it.

Dont have a slow cooker though, keep thinking about it but to be honest it would probably end up in gadget graveyard with the rest.

ali1972

I found a great cookery book by "BBC Good Food" called "Meals for 2" - most of the recipes can easily be halved. Very handy if you don't have a proper freezer and don't have room for one, what's more!

Austin_Allegro

I've got a thing called a 'tiny top'.

No it's not one of Kylie's jumpers, it's a mini grill/oven about the size of a large toaster. It's great if you live on your own in a small flat/bedsit and want to use less energy and space for cooking.

You can roast and grill things easily and fit quite a lot in. I even tried making my own bread in it but it rose too high and stuck to the inside of the oven. They only cost about £20 and you can get them even cheaper second hand on ebay sometimes.