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Back to MSE and loving it!
Badger_Lady
Posts: 6,264 Forumite
Hellooo!
Well, since getting out of debt and getting a payrise I can't really claim to have been all that frugal... I suppose it's easy to fall out of the habit when you're busy and can afford things.
But for the last year, my sister's been on little-no income so I've given her access to my credit account (which I pay off each month). It was originally supposed to be for emergencies but it quickly crept up to a regular £500-800 a month and, while she has plans to end and repay this, I'm not about to try and rush her.
Instead, it's time to get sensible!
So I've very proudly started making changes this week:
- I normally have to catch the train to work (in London) once a week, using the advance fare of £26.50. But for the rest of 2011 I've pre-booked National Express coach trips instead, for just £1.
- I've cancelled my Three mobile broadband dongle (£15 a month) - from now on I'll download everything I need during the day in my office, then go offline in the evenings.
- I've started walking into work instead of catching the tube - good for fitness and saves about £6 a day.
- My lunch each day will be a potato done in the microwave - 33p instead of £5 for something at Pret a Manger.
- I've joined The Audience Club which gives theatre tickets for free or £2.50 every night of the week. By going to these on weekdays, I wile away a good 3 hours or so not spending money! I don't need a TV here so there's no need for a TV Licence, cable subscriptions etc...
I know this is all very basic stuff, well behind the frugal things you guys do, but I just had to share - getting back into 'mode' feels soooooo good
Well, since getting out of debt and getting a payrise I can't really claim to have been all that frugal... I suppose it's easy to fall out of the habit when you're busy and can afford things.
But for the last year, my sister's been on little-no income so I've given her access to my credit account (which I pay off each month). It was originally supposed to be for emergencies but it quickly crept up to a regular £500-800 a month and, while she has plans to end and repay this, I'm not about to try and rush her.
Instead, it's time to get sensible!
So I've very proudly started making changes this week:
- I normally have to catch the train to work (in London) once a week, using the advance fare of £26.50. But for the rest of 2011 I've pre-booked National Express coach trips instead, for just £1.
- I've cancelled my Three mobile broadband dongle (£15 a month) - from now on I'll download everything I need during the day in my office, then go offline in the evenings.
- I've started walking into work instead of catching the tube - good for fitness and saves about £6 a day.
- My lunch each day will be a potato done in the microwave - 33p instead of £5 for something at Pret a Manger.
- I've joined The Audience Club which gives theatre tickets for free or £2.50 every night of the week. By going to these on weekdays, I wile away a good 3 hours or so not spending money! I don't need a TV here so there's no need for a TV Licence, cable subscriptions etc...
I know this is all very basic stuff, well behind the frugal things you guys do, but I just had to share - getting back into 'mode' feels soooooo good
Mortgage | £145,000Unsecured Debt | [strike]£7,000[/strike] £0 Lodgers | |
0
Comments
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Very impressive - LURVE the £1 fares thingy!!! Good thinking! Great that you managed to get that on your route.
We used to get DD's BF here (West Wales) from London for £1 sometimes - but he's moved here now too, so we don't need to bother.
Lovely that you are helping your sister so much too.
Kate0 -
Oo, and I just found £70 in the bottom of my laptop bag...
Mortgage | £145,000Unsecured Debt | [strike]£7,000[/strike] £0 Lodgers | |0 -
And the Audience Club is definately worth it!
I could make it better myself at home. All I need is a small aubergine...
I moved to Liverpool for a better life.
And goodness, it's turned out to be better and busier!0
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