2012 Frugal Living Challenge (Part 1)

Savvy_sewing

Thanks, I will take a look. I used to be able to work the maths out automatically, but confess I am rusty, and the medications dont actually help.
I have a dozen new plants, for the front garden, they were all half price, so I can make a start on the garden. Spends £11.00
I know that I probably could have done something earlier in the year, and bought plugs etc, but I really didnt have any of the weeding and sorting done then.
I have only bought a few bits and bobs in the shops as we went along this week. Tomorrow I will need to sort out a proper shop to be delivered, but I am far too tired tonight.
I have drawn up some dolls clothes patterns and I thought that I would make some of those for DGD, and for selling if I get them good enough. I doubt I would make a profit as such on them, as the time would not be cost effective, but it will be fun, I hope.
Seem to be managing the money better now, it all seems to be coming in regularly and I can do my budget again properly. Currently I am just looking at the balance, making sure that there is enough in the bank to cover whats going out, and then deciding if I can spend anything extra. Which is not a good way to do it really.
So things will have to get sorted out.

natnat13

Hi all
Haven't been on here for ages. When a bit off the frugal track, been working more and spending more.
However, made a massive decision 3 weeks ago to end my marriage. Not been happy for a while so bit the bullet and told him. I am now moving out with my two boys to go it alone. So have lots to sort out but luckily have a great network of friends locally and I know eventually I will be happy. So frugalling all the way now! Things are going to be tight, I work part time and have put in a claim for tax credits which is going to take weeks. Also seeing if I can get any housing benefit and CT benefit. But, I will probably use up all my savings working, car is on its last legs so I need to build up a rainy day fund, so I'm going to save, save, save as best I can.
Off to catch up on the thread now x

mcculloch29

Good luck Natnat13. I brought up my 2 from the ages of 13 & 8 solo. I made the decision to end it, got talked out of it by someone - and then he trotted off with someone else..
What a favour that woman did me! I was able to take various courses p/time, including a degree p/time combined with full and part-time work as being single got me free or reduced fees.
It's tough, but it is so much better than being unhappy.

dizzy_lizzie

Oh Natnat. Hope everything goes ok. A hard decision to make but as you say it will be better in the long run if things haven't been good.
I wish you lots of luck and best wishes for a happy new beginning

Well I haven't been on here for a couple of days because my DD gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday. Me and her boyfriend were there all throughout. Baby was a water birth. Totally amazing.
x

slowlyfading

lizzie - congratulations

Savvy_sewing

natnat13 wrote: »

Hi all
Haven't been on here for ages. When a bit off the frugal track, been working more and spending more.
However, made a massive decision 3 weeks ago to end my marriage. Not been happy for a while so bit the bullet and told him. I am now moving out with my two boys to go it alone. So have lots to sort out but luckily have a great network of friends locally and I know eventually I will be happy. So frugalling all the way now! Things are going to be tight, I work part time and have put in a claim for tax credits which is going to take weeks. Also seeing if I can get any housing benefit and CT benefit. But, I will probably use up all my savings working, car is on its last legs so I need to build up a rainy day fund, so I'm going to save, save, save as best I can.
Off to catch up on the thread now x

18 years ago I made a similar decision and finished my marriage. I had 4 children, the youngest was 1 at the time. he is now 19.
I am still single, although I did briefly marry someoneelse but it didnt really last a year. Children got in the way.
However I do not regret one minute of it. I did manage to do quite well for myself, until my pub business failed 6 years ago. However I now have savings, and enough in the bank. Havent used an overdraft in 6 years. So living frugally has been a way of life.
I put 10% of every income I get into the savings, this then goes towards the holidays, or the repairs to the car etc. Even if the income is now my £20.30 child benefit for my granddaughter, I put the £2.03 into the savings.
Actually I have now decided to try for 11%. A very small increase, but every penny counts.
I want to save up to change my car before it is on its last legs!.

BUT I MUST SAY THAT I DONT THINK I COULD HAVE COPED THE LAST 6 YEARS WITHOUT MSE!

Good luck for the future, and remember that life is an adventure, and only you can live yours. Make the best of everything you can, and stay as positive as you can.
Granted we will not always feel that way, but when ever you feel blue, visit it by all means, but dont dwell too long. Look for the positives and you will lift yourself back up.
The challenges on here are very inspirational.
opps long post. Sorry.

slowlyfading

natnat13 wrote: »

Hi all
Haven't been on here for ages. When a bit off the frugal track, been working more and spending more.
However, made a massive decision 3 weeks ago to end my marriage. Not been happy for a while so bit the bullet and told him. I am now moving out with my two boys to go it alone. So have lots to sort out but luckily have a great network of friends locally and I know eventually I will be happy. So frugalling all the way now! Things are going to be tight, I work part time and have put in a claim for tax credits which is going to take weeks. Also seeing if I can get any housing benefit and CT benefit. But, I will probably use up all my savings working, car is on its last legs so I need to build up a rainy day fund, so I'm going to save, save, save as best I can.
Off to catch up on the thread now x

Just read this and I'm sorry to hear this if it's for the best, it'll work out in the end keep popping on the thread and letting us know how you're getting on - this site is a mine of information

mcculloch29

Back on the Frugal Front, I went shopping in a local town today, (went after 9.30 to use bus pass fully) my painkillers had kicked in nicely so I was able to investigate the cheap greengrocers fully along with a brand new branch of Poundworld.

The cheap g'grocers was brilliant, huge bag of veg for a quid (didn't get but made mental note) apples 50p for 6 large Jonagold, Sharon fruit 6 for 50p, plums 50p for a huge punnet, doughnut peaches 6 for 50p. All was class II but all perfectly edible. Peaches and Sharon fruit are gorgeous & plums so sweet.
Got lots of nice bits and pieces in P'world / P'land, inc. some bits to put aside for Christmas. 3 lovely JD Williams tops originally £20, £23 & £40 (!), for £3.49 each in X Catalogue shop. The £40 top is gorgeous. This shop is cheaper than the charity shops. I've never paid £40 for a top, the equivalent for a suit, yes, but that's different.

Ches

Donut peaches at 6 for 50p is brilliant value. Cheapest I can get them here is 4 for £1 from a market stall too.

natnat13

Thank you everyone, your support is much appreciated. Off to trawl the chairty shops for house bits today!