2012 Frugal Living Challenge (Part 1)

quintwins

another reason i want to include everything is sometimes things balance out, say i go over on my xmas budget but i've had a few months under on my groceries that could balance it all out......well hopefully

the_cat

I 'count' it all too, only I am too lazy to count and record it:eek:

So I have given myself savings targets which will only happen if I'm strict with myself and frugal, so the focus is on the overall picture. I also find it more motivating to look at the positives (the hopefully improved savings account each month) rather than the negative (recording those little things I know I shouldn't have spent:eek: and stare back at me making me feel guilty)

1463emma

NSD number one today! Sat at home watching films with my girlies. Quality time together, Priceless!!

brien123

Please add me too - looking forward to the challenge - thank you

brien123

ooooo - sorry didnt realise how big my 'Please add me' above would be - not used to changing font sizes on here lol - at least it will be noticed - I dont normally shout honestly

More4Less

Please add me to the challenge. Need help in making a little go a long way in 2012. Thanks

[Deleted User]

Hi All
Had my first go at doing the supermarket shopping with a notepad and calculator to keep track of my total. Was a bit self consious at first but quite enjoyed it.

I had a budget of £30 that I did not want to go over (£30 worth of savers stamps) or only go over by a few pence. Have stocked up well with fruit and veg as well as some stock cupboard basics which will last well into next week and beyond. Now that I have discovered that I can freeze milk (it's amazing what I have learned on this forum) I bought an extra bottle to make up to the £30 which is now in the freezer.

Also, it was really useful being so aware of the prices. Was picking up loose red peppers to make soup and realised they were 68p each :eek:and I would need about 3 or 4 of them -I actually said out loud '68p, I don't think so, I'll just take a mixed bag for £1.30'. I am sure the couple who had just put a loose one in their basket thought I was crazy:rotfl:

Will definetly shop like this in futue - but I must must must remember to check out the coupons/voucher thread first.

Allie x

slowlyfading

It's not long to go until this challenge starts! Now is the time to be finalising budgets, thinking about what you can do without or at least cut down on.

It's also nice to see so many people posting! Please continue to post tricks and tips on the board so that everyone can benefit from each other's trials and triumphs Remember, most people will experience hiccups, especially new members who may not be used to budgetting so strictly, but all that this challenge asks is to try your best.

We do not judge anyone on the thread and are happy to help people on their frugal journey. If I had not found this site and this thread a long while ago, I would not be as good with money as I am now, which is good as I have just been made redundant and so we only have OH's wage to live off for the time being. Fortunately I know, with good planning and organisation, that we will get through this tough time, and hopefully I will find a job sooner rather than later.

Here's to a frugal and happy 2012!

Taraod

Hi Please add me too if not too late????:A

slowlyfading

Taraod wrote: »

Hi Please add me too if not too late????:A

Of course it's not too late! Welcome back - Frugaldom will be along to add you to the list at some point