Savings needed in my life diary

diddldonna

So May is a months ive decided to make big changes and save.

I haven't been a member here long but after looking around the boards have decided that i could really do with saving money as at the moment hardly have any rainy days savings if needed in an emergancy.

We have a the usual household bills but at the moment they are manageable so will look into if i can reduce them in the future, so i am at the moment looking into simple ways to save.

So far have joined the £2 challenge on the boards and sealed pot challenge to help give me a start. Running total is located in my signature.

I also plan on not eating out at cafes etc. at dinners times and instead making my own packed lunchs with what we already have in the cupboard, just looked and i have so many tins of food i am sure i can make something up. This i am sure would save me quit alot in a month.

I've signed up to several product testing sites for samples which may save me in the future. I am a member of quidco and write reviews on ciao and dooyoo to get me abit extra cash.

I've put in 3 claims for PPI so hoping to get something back from those, fingers crossed.

I have set up this diary so i can give myself motivation and keep a running total of my savings. Also if anyone can help with more ideas, i would be very grateful.

diddldonna

Today i've managed to put in around another £3 in change to my sealed pot challenge.

Haven't managed to find any £2 coins today but did well on day 1 and 2 with a £16 total which i think is very good.

Brought £2 in morrisons stamps to save for christmas dinner

Oh and today making a list up of all the ways i can make more savings.

jillystew2008

Hi Diddldonna

I too have decided to make big changes in my spending habits and am trying to make savings on everything i can, without making life miserable. I found that although i have a well paid job, work 40 hours a week (+ overtime occasionally) and dont go out socialising very often (4 times a year if im lucky!), i never have any cash left over to save for holidays, xmas etc.
So to kick off my changes i have:

1) Stop paying for buses - i get 2 buses to work each day, the 1st journey is walkable and 2nd bus is free for me (NHS staff). Same for eldest daughter - walk to school - total daily saving 2.80 :T

2) Usually spend £5 week on lottery - now spend £2 - Saving £3

3) Stock take the kitchen cupboards and fridge/freezer and only buy items necessary to top up (sticking to a list). I found i was spending a small fortune each week for food that dont get eaten and put in the bin! - Not sure how much will be saved yet :cool:

4) Take lunch to work instead of buying and sandwich and drink from cafe at £4 a pop! - that will save £12 a week

5) This one will take a bit of savvy thinking - To do fun family things without it costing much or anything at all - again dont know saving yet but im sure it will make a large difference.

I also joined SPC5 and am one number behind you!

Lets just go with the flow, read all the great comments and tips from others and im sure we will be well on our way!

Im actually quite excited at the thought of all that saving building in a tin and the suprise when its opened.

Good luck