Super Scrimpers

VfM4meplse

taplady wrote: »

I suppose its aim is to make people think about how much money they waste and to try and get them into the habit of scrimping a bit.

I have scrimped so much this month, just checked online and my cc bill is still going to be about £200 this month (albeit an improvement as it's usually around £800-£1200) - no big bills but a couple of extravagant and unnecessary meals out . Eating out of the cupboards has really helped. The programe had some tips that I woud never use - particularly make-up and nails - but it did make me think about what I already have in the way of makeup. Having a clearout and stocktake always feels very MSE.

phizzimum

My Daughters tried the glitter nails. Looked good to start with but flaked off quite quickly. I think it's prob because the glitter they used was made up of quite large pieces, a finer glitter would have been sealed better by the top coat. Bit of fun though which is what painting nails is all about.

cjd2206

A lot of the things they show as 'tips' such as the tennis ball are a bit of rubbish though, like the op says you can pick an actual plunger up for about £1.50 anyway!

I would like to see some more 'real' families, there are six of us and tips on cheap meals out/day trips would be more useful to me.

VfM4meplse

cjd2206 wrote: »

I would like to see some more 'real' families, there are six of us and tips on cheap meals out/day trips would be more useful to me.

I agree, lots of the tips are about having a "luxury" lifestyle for less. I want to know how I can manage the essentials for less.

Off to buy some foil and bluetack now, it's getting chilly...

London_Town

I don't feel this sort of programme is aimed at "the MSE converted" like ourselves, even though we end up watching. VfM4meplease makes a good point that the show focuses on having a luxury lifestyle for less. I think that's because they have to dumb it down for the spendthrift masses who don't want to give anything up.

I would much prefer to see advice and inspiration on how to survive on very little. However, that goes back to the tedious stereotype that extreme money saving is about being mean or a loser. We know that's rubbish, but the media still promote it.

Also, I've always been annoyed by the patronising creation of Miss Money Penny. As someone has already pointed out, she is Heather McGregor, so why can't she be Heather, the money saving tv presenter? The stupid hat and suggestion that she travels everywhere on a bike when she obviously doesn't. Indeed, if she is a stockbroker, I wonder how much about real life budgeting she really does know.

More to the point, I find Heather a cold and unappealing tv presenter. Alvin Hall did a money management show called "Your Money or Your Life" around 2002. I think Alvin was lovely with a charming and warm, caring manner which really helped people deal with the emotions of debt. I don't know why he left UK tv, but I find "Superscrimpers" a very poor excuse for a show.

vouchersrme

I was told by a policeman that carpet gripper just below the top of the fence to "train plants" was OK, how true this is I do not know. Nails at regular intervals on the fence, perhaps posts and string between them deters cats from climbing over.

VfM4meplse

Am I the only one who is seriously unimpressed with the show so far this evening?

I got a tip from Mrs Moneypenny today - telling me to have a NSD. Get to the back of the queue dear, it's been more like a NSM!

purpleheather2810

Yes, not particularly impressed although I might make a lip balm I suppose!

VfM4meplse

purpleheather2810 wrote: »

Yes, not particularly impressed although I might make a lip balm I suppose!

You can buy a huge tub of white soft paraffin (generic Vaseline) for comparatively less.

purpleheather2810

True, but this one might be more pleasant to use!