2013 Frugal Living Challenge

23rdspiral

Hello, can I return to the fold please?:o

I was a challenger on a previous incarnation of this thread back in 2011, and it really helped. 2012 was very busy, 2013 has been very stressful and now i find myself with changing circumstances which mean i should get back to being on top of every penny.

I learnt a lot in 2011 from the great people here and have continued with the sensible ways, but think i could do with reverting to being positively frugal!

I still have the great Spreadsheet of Wonder (from CW?) and am wondering if there has been an update to it that I should use instead?

I've scrolled back a few pages and it's nice to see some familiar names

Goldiegirl

Living_proof wrote: »

Help me out guys. There doesn't seem to be a board quite suitable for me. I have always been pretty OS and frugal, I have paid off my mortgage and have no debts. However, I have just four years before retirement and not much saved for a pension, and nothing to expect other than standard retirement pension. I need to save and be frugal as much as any of you, so is this the right forum for me? I am simply trying to avoid getting into debt in old age.

I'm planning to be on the 2014 challenge for similar reasons.

As my signature says, DH and I are planning for an early retirement. For the first year of this retirement, we'll be on quite a low income, as our only income will be pensions we already receive. Things will improve in 2016 when DH's state pension and another small pension kicks in, but even so, we'll still have less income than we do now.

I want to get myself used to living on less, and also to up our savings in the run up to retirement.

I probably won't be perfect, but I want to move in the right direction now.

Over the last few years I've been de-cluttering, and this year, with the help of the de-cluttering thread on the OS board, I've remained focused all year.

With that in mind, I want to record my efforts and thoughts with like minded people on this board. It's really helpful, and I think it'll keep me on track

I had wondered about doing a diary, but there was nowhere totally appropriate to do this. I had thought about doing it on the pensions board, but it's not really the right place, the sort of figures thrown around on that board are way out of my league.

I think this challenge is the sort of thing that'll really be useful for me.

As Frugaldom says, I'll also look in on the mini challenges too

[Deleted User]

Morning All. I have been up since 6am getting organised today. Shopping done - most of it is for my Nurture group at work as we have 2 birthdays this week so 2 sets of cakes and gifts plus selection boxes for all the kids in the groups as a Christmas gift. I just have to get them all wrapped now too.

I am having a major tidy up today. Been ill again - last weekend I had tonsillitis and had to have another few days off work. As a result I have done nil housework for weeks now so making up for it today. Also making roast pepper and tomato soup for lunches during the week.

I hope everyone is well and enjoying the last few weeks of 2013.

Kerry_Woman

allie - Sending hugs. Hope you feel better soon.

Still plodding along. Have brought down some of the over spend on the food. Still got £30 of M&S vouchers, so that will come in handy for some of the food shopping.

Had a letter from the electricity company regarding my tariff. They have changed it slightly even though I am on a price freeze. They have taken away the discount I get for not having gas and lowered slightly my price for normal and night time rates. Going to give me a one off payment/credit of around £25 sometime this month. Have to see how it works out.

frugaldances

Is there a 2014 frugal living challenge please?

Frugaldom

Frugaldom wrote: »

... the 2014 thread HERE, so no need to worry, it'll be up and running soon .

frugaldances wrote: »

Is there a 2014 frugal living challenge please?

Yes, don't forget to read post 1, hope you have fun in 2014

Kerry_Woman

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Kerry Woman, Merry Christmas to you too.

Frugaldom

Hope everyone managed to find something to celebrate and had a good day. All the very best for 2014 when it gets here!

dizzy_lizzie

Hope everyone had a lovely day yesterday
We had family round and it was just wonderful seeing everybody.
A quieter day today but out soon for a Boxing Day get together.
Not staying long as I'd quite like some relaxing time this evening, just me and OH.
Looking forward to starting the New Year on our shiny new thread.
I am soooooo determined so save lots of pennies this year!!!!
Hugs to everyone and :beer:
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