make do and mend for tougher times

Popperwell

Evie74 wrote: »

I've had a rather annoying email this evening from BT moaning at me about my broadband use. Apparently I have exceeded my allotted 10GB for the month yet again. We haven't watched much on the iPlayer (maybe an hour's worth?) which I know normally cranks up the usage so I'm a bit baffled. I don't really understand how much 10GB is - could I have used that much just from having the PC on every day? I do have the internet on quite a lot through the afternoon/evening, but only for MSE, Facebook and checking emails really.

I will have to do some research to see whether an unlimited package is very much more - I feel like we are already paying a fortune to BT every month and I am a bit cross that they are being snarky about the broadband, especially when our broadband speed is so rubbish.
Evie xx

Have a look at Plusnet Evie. The price is not much more between the packages from the basic 10gb and going for the 60gb package...and whatever you have between midnight and 8am you can do as much as you like and that period is unlimited...

I'm having difficulty using the 60gb allowance...and I'm watching some tv and streaming radio programmes most of the time...

How's this Plusnet is said to be owned/run by BT and yet seem to offer a better deal? That's what I heard...Another point Plusnet and Masdasafish(who I was originally with)are sister companies and use the same call centre staff but depending on the number you phone depends who you talk to and...I found I got a better deal switching to a company in the same group.

kidcat

Evie its worth looking at who you have mobile phones with too, we use o2 as OH mobile is with them and its alot cheaper.

Popperwell

I looked all over for those programmes mentioned earlier on the thread without joy...

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=54716587&postcount=1787

I know they would probably be drepressing but need to be seen if they are fairer than some media coverage of such subjects...and also show those who have no idea what's going on what it's really like.

Popperwell

Had my meal and enjoyed it! but now I must get that halogen oven working as I am told that is even better than the slow cooker. Now where did I put my instructions?

Of course it's great having the gadgets and when you can enjoy nice food but when I have to cut back in the future and eat basic meals these may hardly be used.

Oh, the meals I could've done Mum and she missed out on. Even since going broadband she could've watched tv on the laptop or heard nice music from internet music stations. Sadly, it wasn't to be...

I'd only popped out to the supermarket again because I was out of bananas and strawberries.

Typically I treated myself to some biscuits last week 99p. Today you can buy one and get one free making them only 50p each.

kezlou

Fuddle: It is very stressfulk thinking about school meals, transport and things.

We were very lucky, in my eldest first year we were entitled to free school transport for the year. Otherwise it would cost us almost £600 for the year.We only just qualified as were about two houses away from the two mile deadline.

Apparently you can claim free transport if you live over two miles away (as the crow flies) and you are entitled to free school miles. Another way is if you are entiled to maximum amount of working tax credit, which is the way were going to go this year. Just waiting for my tax credits letter to come through so that we can apply.

I don't think this works with primary school children though only secondary. Right now i pay £20 a week for my childrens school dinners. In September they'll have to have a mixture of pack lunch / school dinner as they too expensive.

Spent the day in the park today, playing football and having a picnic. Ended up having to get hot drinks as it got riducously cold and started to drizzle pretty heavily.

Wheres the summer gone again

Popperwell

Sometimes packed luches are nicer Kezlou but of course you are not getting a warm meal unless they are old enough to manage a flask with some soup in it!

There is a website that shows what children in Scotland get for a school meal(for £2)and I sometimes think it looks horrible compared to some of the meals I do for £2 or less. I don't understand why they cannot do better meals.

http://neverseconds.blogspot.co.uk/

Often the meals abroad are cheaper and better...

VJsmum

Possession wrote: »

Rochester Grammar girl here Lyn! I still can't bear morris dancers either. Yes they had a good time but still came back with way too much energy for my liking.....

my niece goes to Rochester grammar

i am a proud Maid of Kent. but now live in the midlands and am currently in the US of A on me ollideees.

Nothing OS or MSE about New York. oh except DD and i shared a main meal yesterday and each had plenty.

Popperwell

Nice to see you VJ,

Hope that you are feeling better, enjoy your ollideees !:)

I bet many are being careful with their money but not so much in the area usually associated with tourism and what we normally see on tv and in the films which is mainly associated with business and the arts etc...

I hope you get to see some great sights, eat some US food and maybe see a show on Broadway?

Popperwell

Morning All,
The weather man on Radio 5 says the hot weather will remain a Southern thing and the North of England and Scotland will probably have rain and next week the rain will return for everyone...

meme30

kezlou wrote: »

Fuddle: It is very stressfulk thinking about school meals, transport and things.

We were very lucky, in my eldest first year we were entitled to free school transport for the year. Otherwise it would cost us almost £600 for the year.We only just qualified as were about two houses away from the two mile deadline.

Apparently you can claim free transport if you live over two miles away (as the crow flies) and you are entitled to free school miles. Another way is if you are entiled to maximum amount of working tax credit, which is the way were going to go this year. Just waiting for my tax credits letter to come through so that we can apply.

I don't think this works with primary school children though only secondary. Right now i pay £20 a week for my childrens school dinners. In September they'll have to have a mixture of pack lunch / school dinner as they too expensive.

Spent the day in the park today, playing football and having a picnic. Ended up having to get hot drinks as it got riducously cold and started to drizzle pretty heavily.

Wheres the summer gone again

My DD's twins started Primary School last September. She faced an instant £80 extra bill for school dinners. This is more than her gas bill! We talked it over and they went to school with packed lunches. Whichever Grandparent picks them up gives them a hot meal later so that felt ok.
Both DD and SiL felt bad about it but equally said they would have never taken on an extra debt of £80 a month and that is what it felt like.
Also they have found that they can be sure what their children are eating. Another bonus was that there have been occasions when they have paid for 'one off' school lunches like Christmas dinner, and the children have regarded it as a huge treat!:rotfl:

Popperwell:- Dispatches is on Channel 4 on Monday at 8pm. Panorama is on BBC2 on Monday at 8,30pm