2012 Frugal Living Challenge (Part 1)

Get_rich_or_try_dying

Sounds great, add me please!

[Deleted User]

Hi All
Had a shop tonight at Mr T. Got 3 loaves, 8 packs of various rolls and two packs of pancakes all for 1p each. First time that has happened to me - feels great. Toasted pancakes for tomorrows breakfast, mmm, mmm:). Also stocked up on butter (Anchor offer 2 for £2. Thanks to this thread I knew about that offer) and mouth wash and toothpaste on BOGOF deals. Total shop came to £42.12 but with BOGOFs and a £4 voucher we had the final bill was £25.75, £7 of which was on toiletries and the rest on food.

I have started using a wee notebook to write down every item that goes into the trolley to keep a tab on the cost. It is only my second week doing this but it was really interesting to look back at last weeks and compare the prices of certain foods that I bought at Mr M's last week. It also really focusses the mind on what I actually need and the budget. Even OH seemed to get into it.

My only other purchase this week will be a large steak pie to feed the family at New Years and this will probably take me over my £25 for food budget but hopefully not too much.
Allie x

mooomin

[Deleted User] wrote:

I have started using a wee notebook to write down every item that goes into the trolley to keep a tab on the cost. It is only my second week doing this but it was really interesting to look back at last weeks and compare the prices of certain foods that I bought at Mr M's last week.

I really like this idea! I'm heading to the shops tomorrow anyway so am going to start doing this too so I can see how prices change and will notice when there is a really good offer on something.

Kerfuffle

flying_fresian wrote: »

I really like this idea! I'm heading to the shops tomorrow anyway so am going to start doing this too so I can see how prices change and will notice when there is a really good offer on something.

Hi allie and flying_fresian,

I do something similar to this, but I also write the price I've paid onto the actual item with a marker pen so that I have a daily reminder of the price I've paid. Like the book it's especially good for when you've bought something on offer you can tell, in the future, when the item is a true special price and not just a 'half-hearted offer'.

mooomin

Not sure that Mr F would take well to that Kerfuffle - he already thinks I'm a little keen to protect the pennies :rotfl:

I had the last laugh today though - he wanted to order pizza for dinner but I dredged up some breaded chicken/waffles from the freezer to keep us from spending money we didn't need to. I'm going to keep an eye out for good frozen pizza whoopsies in case he gets that kind of urge again!

Kerfuffle

flying_fresian wrote: »

Not sure that Mr F would take well to that Kerfuffle - he already thinks I'm a little keen to protect the pennies :rotfl:

I had the last laugh today though - he wanted to order pizza for dinner but I dredged up some breaded chicken/waffles from the freezer to keep us from spending money we didn't need to. I'm going to keep an eye out for good frozen pizza whoopsies in case he gets that kind of urge again!

It's always good to have a plan. Pre-emption is better than the cure :rotfl:

sam09_2

Hello! Please could i join this challenge? I am going to be living a very frugal year in 2012

Libretia*

Please may i join the 2012 challenge?

welshgranny

Please add me to this year's challenge. I will really try I promise myself. xxx

Digbysmum

Please add me to this challenge- I want to improve the quality of my lifestyle by living frugally and eating healthily.

Challenges:

Look out for vouchers
Meal planning
Thinking of the cost of going out shopping or socially
Doing a shopping list
Looking out for the special offers
Getting vouchers monthly to cover the cost of Christmas
Selling on e bay