Living for free 1/1/07

Bexstars

Just wanted to wish you luck with your challenge fishcake. Will make interesting reading on how your getting on

taplady

Bexstars wrote:

Just wanted to wish you luck with your challenge fishcake. Will make interesting reading on how your getting on

I second that! good luck!;)

inkie

Good luck to fishcake - it's surprising how you can do without things or improvise when you have to - keep up the good work!

Tuttifruitty_Theresa

just wanted to wish you luck fishcake, i think it's a great challenge and i look forward to reading how you're getting on.


xxx

ps there's nothing wrong in going to your mum's for some teabags but if you do think it's cheeky maybe you can do some chores for her in exchange.

Penelope_Penguin

Hi, Fishcake! Didn't see this thread, so posted on the other one. Hang on while I cut and paste...............

Me!!! wrote:

Hi, Fishcake and others! Decided that I like this challenge. I'm aiming to minimise my spending on *stuff* this year. This is mainly because we don't need it, and our house is cluttered already.

So, no books or CDs (apart from the odd music download, and CD needed for my choir), no clothes (unless absolutely necessary, and check charity shops first), nothing that I don't first search for on Freecycle or some other *stuff* reducing method (need a new keyboard for DS's computer).

I'll also be looking to reduce spending on utilities, insurance, and other bills. Also reducing spending, for instance by better insulation, and using up store cupboard and freezer food, and cleaning cupboard clear out.

I will, however, be able to spend on *experiences*. I don't want to stop the relationship I have with friends and family. We cook from scratch 6 days a week, so have a meal out or takeaway on the other day. We also love the theatre and cinema, so that won't be stopping, either.

I'm planning to record what I spend (my share only) on *extravagances*. This will include meals out, theatre tickets, etc.

We started the year with DH's birthday on New Year's day, so meal out at £10. We were then away with friends, so takeaway £7, and coffee on return to Yorkshire £2. Back to w*** tomorrow (packed lunches again) so won't be spending much. Have a trip to London on Saturday to the theatre, but that was a birthday present, so only lunch to find.

In answer to others, I'm on for this because I want to see how little *stuff* I can accumulate this year. I don't want a *hairshirt* existence, just one where I spend money on experiences and having fun with friends and family. I'm not intending to scrimp there (unless anyone knows where the RSC sell tickets for peanuts ). It's more about *planet saving* than *money saving* for me.

The *spend nothing for a year* is something of a misnomer. It's more of a quote from someone who's done this (in the States). Obviously basic essentials, medecines, food, utilities, were paid for, but she bought nothing else. This did nothing for her personal relationships!

HTH, Penny. x

Anne_Marie_2

I wish you well too, all the very best, will be very interesting to see how you get on.
I couldn't do it myself, like the good life too much.
As for that cup of tea, you can always grow your own herbs and have herbal teas.

oakdale_minx

I think I know the article you mean fishcake, I read it a few months back - a couple in America, the woman writes the diary? I think it is a great challenge to take up, I wish you good luck.

Pandora123_2

I like the idea of living with less and not buying anything unless you REALLY need it. And good for you for giving up smoking!

But I'm not sure how you are going to eat a balanced diet unless you have lots of fruit & veg stored from last year's growing season (or have a coldframe and are still growing edibles). Your first two days' menus don't have any fruit and veg, only beans which count as one towards your five a day.

With careful planning (and enough land... or an allotment) I think it would be possible to grow enough fruit and veg for the whole year, especially if you also forage for wild food throughout the year. But if you haven't planned for this, how will you manage until the growing season starts?

dannahaz

Hi Fishcake

I just wanted to wish you good luck with your challenge. I'm really looking forward to hearing how it's going, so please keep posting.

And don't worry about those who don't get it.

{HUG}

TKP_3

Good luck fishcake - I look forward to your posts (please keep us updated) :T