I'd like to introduce myself

lynzpower

have you tried toy libraries- sometimes they have DVDs/videos you can borrow for pence. Also check out charity shops- mines got loads of kids videos & stacks of those "free with the paper" DVDs for 10p

Tr@cker

Utter !!!!!! most of these posts. No, a member of the family has had gambling problems after being led in by those 'freebies'.
For those few who can GENUINELY take the freebies then stop when sooner or later they're spent then fair play (an inevitable outcome)
But they know-they being the NON-gambling owners of betting interfaces- the majority will lose those intro's then deposit their own money-ad lib.
There simply is no such thing as 'risk-free' money anybody who says otherwise is a liar.

Tr@cker

Mrs. Sparkle, hope things go well for you in pregnancy. No offence meant really-if i can help anybody from my own experiences i will do so. Im not right everytime but my opinions are straight.

BornToBeAPrincess

Thanks again for your advice guys.
Will definatly look into learning how to cook take away style food. We did cook everything but when our baby was born kind of slipped back to our old ways.
I don't think dd really needs the dvds. Shes only 3 so she shouldn't really watch as much tv as she does. Will look into toy libraries and also join a normal library. That should save some money - a charlie and lola book I bought last month was 7 quid!!

bpyoung

Tr&#64 wrote: »

Utter !!!!!! most of these posts. No, a member of the family has had gambling problems after being led in by those 'freebies'.
For those few who can GENUINELY take the freebies then stop when sooner or later they're spent then fair play (an inevitable outcome)
But they know-they being the NON-gambling owners of betting interfaces- the majority will lose those intro's then deposit their own money-ad lib.
There simply is no such thing as 'risk-free' money anybody who says otherwise is a liar.

I see you've managed to miss the point of the whole matched betting ethos quite spectacularly. Well done. If you ever feel the need to actually find out what it is you're raging against, feel free to read the sticky threads on the Gambling Introductory Offers Loopholes forum.

Mrs_Sparkle

Tr&#64 wrote: »

Mrs. Sparkle, hope things go well for you in pregnancy. No offence meant really-if i can help anybody from my own experiences i will do so. Im not right everytime but my opinions are straight.

Thank you, I appreciate that. I don't mind people disagreeing with me- life would be very boring if we all agreed all the time- but I object to being called an idiot. Sorry to hear you know someone who has had gambling problems I appreciate it's close to home. For those of us who can and do stick to the matched betting rules and don't gamble any of our own money I can assure you it's a very welcome bonus but I wouldn't want anyone with gambling or addictive tendencies to try it.

Smeagal

Tr&#64 wrote: »

There simply is no such thing as 'risk-free' money anybody who says otherwise is a liar.

Maybe you should try to understand what matched betting is first before slating it, how can covering all eventualities in a football match to lock in a guaranteed profit not be considered risk free.

Kevicho

I think the hijacking of this thread as gone on long enough, if people want to debate matched betting then there is a seperate board for that, or post a dfw discussion.

And there is no need for insults, we all get emotional but being rude helps no one.

To the op, welcome to the board, cant think of much more useful ideas.

Spending diary will help, prioritising debt by paying off the highest interest debt first, have you checked out the old style board for making the shopping budget go further?

As lynz suggests register and use quidco when changing suppliers, as you will get a little bit of money back.

Other than that just remain positive and use your child as all the incentive you need

Best wishes

Kev

lynzpower

http://www.natll.org.uk/ this should help, national association of toy libraries

All this matched betting business has really taken the focus OFF the OP and I think thats a shame. Arguing among ourselves helps no one. Please can we remember that

Also to say- has your little one got any clothesz theyve grown out of or any equipment youve bought no longer needed? Sell anything you can. Ebay, NCT nearly new sales and amazon are a good place to start.

cpu

@Borntobeaprincess....I am sorry I was one of the people who seem to have steered off topic somewhat. Your thread is not the place to 'discuss' the merits (or otherwise) of betting.

It has been pointed out to me by my dear wife that you asked for advice, not opinions about gambling.

I became involved as I hoped I had another point of view to add. I meant no offence to anyone and my thoughts were offered in good will.

I hope your situation improves.

Btw, it's coming up to Xmas and a lot of the schools will be having Xmas Fairs and sales etc. If there is a school near you (primary mostly I think) give them a phone to see if they are having a sale. You can pick up loads of kiddies dvd's, videos and books for pennies at these sales. Our local primary has one every year and my lad is older now but we used to donate all his old books and toys and end up coming home from the sale with someone else's old books and toys. Lol. You can stockpile dead cheap. It'll keep your wee one going for a while.


@bpyoung...I think the point I was trying to make has been largely missed and I feel no need to justify myself or to reiterate my points.