What would you find hard to give up in these times of austerity?

FrugalFranny

There being no tea and sugar ( or sweetening element of some kind in to add to it) in the house would rightly be declared the 'end of days' and I would go rioting
But seriously, tea is the one thing I will try not to go without if I can help it. I'd rather sacrifice something else (for myself) than go without it.
I've lived without fridges, freezers, micro-waves, a working oven, central heating, hot water on tap, abundant food and lots of other 'must haves', but somehow a cup of sweet tea, with or without milk, can sooth a lot of wounds. Add 'proper' full fat milk and square of chocolate or a biscuit to things and everything seems a lot less bleak.

black_cat

Lots of food for thought here! My "addiction" is Coke Zero (or Diet Coke). I occasionally give it up for health or financial reasons, but end up drinking it again. To be honest, it would be better for me and my finances if I did give it up - New Year's Resolution maybe?

I would say chocolate, but I have managed to give that up in the past too. My job is stressful (and OH's is more so), so our weekly Friday visit to Costa is our treat. I buy skinny mocha sachets when they're on offer. I actually prefer this to Costa mocha and it gives me my chocolate fix, so maybe that's the one thing I wouldn't want to give up. Mocha, in a favourite mug, with a good book! (I see the car and heating as essentials - not luxuries).

jeanniefaethecarse

A bath- I have really bad psoriasis and lounging in a warm bath definitely helps it cool when it's in full flare mode. Less pricey now we have a modern boiler rather than our old 70's number
My computer with access to the internet- I'm still overwhelmed by the fact that you can actually gain access to so much information at the touch of a button! Free books, recipes, interesting blogs, I didn't know I would miss it until I had it!
Cigarettes- however these have to go! For all the usual reasons. Can't believe I ever got hooked again!
Decent real ale- must investigate home brewing
food wise.... flour, tinned tomatoes, green tea (can't drink real tea with caffeine any more-makes psoriasis flare) Can't remember who mentioned decaffeinated teabags, but AF have them on cheap just now and butter.

meritaten

for me its ground coffee too! and the occasional bag of jelly babies.

Skint_yet_Again

central heating and my car

I hate being cold it makes me feel miserable, causes pain in my back, neck and hands, and makes me feel depressed.

Same goes for my car,I cant bear the thought of walking in the cold, and as I cant stand for long the idea of waiting at the bus stop fills me with dread.

I have cut back on other things, including my grocery budget, so that I can afford to have my car and put petrol in it

dianasnan

yorkshire tea,
Total 10% greek yoghurt,
Pears soap- I just love the smell
Liz Earle cleanse and polish- I've tried loads of different cleansers and this one suits my skin best.

And of course the internet.

kittycatface

great thread idea. judging by last year's horrific cashflow problem OH cannot be on JSA but not drink percol ground coffee at 3.89 a bag! That's 1/3 of my weekly shopping budget!

I've survived abroad with a lot less than I do here, no toilet, bucket of water for washing once a week, only the clothes I stand up in and certainly no entertainment luxuries like telly or internet. I think it's harder here as we are all surrounded by so many people spending/having so much.

I think the only things that make me go proper loopy is having no tea, no bread or no people to talk to. hot water and being able to flush the toiler are luxuries i have also come to value after not having any for so long!

reddleman

Tea! I can't function without it!
Chocolate. I always enjoy some after my meal in the evening
Radio. I don't have a TV but like listening to BBC Radios 4 and 3.

LittleBrownFrog

I think that the internet would be by far the hardest thing for me to give up. I'd make a lot of sacrifices to be able to keep that.

mel48rose

Chocolate. That's my small treat at the end of a working day.
I'd certainly miss that while watching Corrie!! :rotfl: