2014 Frugal Living Challenge

cw18

evuka - there are central numbers you can phone to find your provider. They just need the serial number off the meter (officially - but told me DS2's electric provider from the address).

I'd never trust the person moving out or a letting agency to submit change over readings, so you really do need to get onto this ASAP in my eyes.

I'm on a monthly D/Debit scheme - also an on-line tariff. Both bring the price per unit down, as does being on dual fuel. (I'm also on fixed price - not sure when til, but think it could be this coming September.)

happybird71

Phew. Nearly fell off the wagon. Had a good but busy day and didn't have anything planned for dinner. I nearly asked my husband to bring a takeaway. However, I rustled up a spaghetti bolognaise and had two small portions left for DS1. Yay!

Florenceem

I am looking after 3 year old DGS tomorrow. I may do a bit of food shopping afterwards - if I am not shattered.
Got an easy meal planned for the evening - all stuff in stock too.

skintygerlinky

Evening Frugalites xx

Some great posts on here tonight! Good to hear of all the decluttering going on - guaranteed to give an energy boost.

Spent today trying to chase money up. I applied for the 'yes I'm unbelievably poor' fund at Uni and got turned down!!!!!!!!!!! Well, we're not having that. So after a long, slightly stroppy phone call I may now be entitled to £100. Er, yes please!

Also got (legit) letter through re: PPI claim too. I botched up a previous claim so am determined to do this one right! Will post in the PPI section of MSE and hopefully get some good tips and guidance??

Shortie wrote: »

OMG, another great song choice there skinty. Hope you don't mind me asking - are you a mature student? These songs are some fab ones from my teens! Heck, Alanjs Morrisette was a fav of mine at a time when I was nearly able to learn to drive, and I waa finding out who I was becoming (ie properly 'growing up') lol... What an awsome trip down memory lane that was!

Yay, glad you're liking the tunes Shortie!! Gotta love Alanis. And yes I'm the oldest stude in town at 38!! Here's another that reflects my money chasing day. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OkoQv9Onoc

skintygerlinky

Goldiegirl wrote: »

We have haddock for dinner tonight - It's dusted haddock from Sainsburys, which we like, but I'll have to look into whether I can 'dust' my own haddock for a lower price!

Visions of you with a feather duster, approaching your haddock, Goldie :rotfl:!!!!!

skintygerlinky

Shortie and dolly84 - I agree that it's much easier to be frank and honest discussing money issues with likeminded souls. Glad you can be openminded about it in your family, Shortie - the kids are showing good signs already!!

skintygerlinky

sparrer wrote: »

I've received an invitation to a rather posh do, went half-heartedly through my wardrobe then spent yesterdayday doing the cs's and the bay of e. Found nothing that looked 'sparkles' enough as per the dress code, then had a :idea: moment. In the drawer under the bed I have a long, figure skimming, plain black velvet dress, a bit tight but otherwise perfect. I have 6 weeks to get it to fit properly, no problem. There's a lovely pair of heeled gold lace boots in my size on the local selling site and with a loose chain belt and lots of cs gold bracelets/necklace my total outlay will be around £9. I also have a gold and red silk pashmina which will add a splash of colour - I reckon I'll be a thoroughly modern, and frugal, grandma

BRILLIANT sparrer!! That sounds like a gorgeous outfit. Keep us posted and well remembered!

happybird71

I sent off my card protection plan claim form. Fingers crossed. Anyone heard back yet? Think I took mine out in 1999 and can't remember when I cancelled. Only valid from 2005 I think so might not be entitled to much.
Planning bread maker pizza dinner tomorrow. Does anyone know if I can freeze uncooked dough?
When do I start sowing veggie seeds?
Thanks!

skintygerlinky

shiningfaery wrote: »

So really needing to get to grips with the spending. My income has been reduced by half, I am taking some time off to get my health in order as I am struggling with post natal depression.

My next goal is to reduce my food spending as this is where I am failing miserably, I am part of the Grocery Challenge but as I havent been on the boards recently I have let it slide so getting back to it.

Really sorry to hear you're feeling rough, faery. Glad you've posted, it does seem as though you are making some good, positive decisions re: your finances so do keep posting!! Lots of support here xx

Shortie

skintygerlinky wrote: »

Yay, glad you're liking the tunes Shortie!! Gotta love Alanis. And yes I'm the oldest stude in town at 38!! Here's another that reflects my money chasing day. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OkoQv9Onoc

Oh yea - same as you in that case - 34. I was thinking all the tunes were super reminiscent of my past


On a total non-frugal note, interestingly the ad before that played was a Pantene one that was referring to negative attitudes towards women. There was a scene of a woman in work there, but it put me in mind of my work in some ways, which is sad. Don't get me wrong, the team I work with directly are lovely and I have a good level of respect (though I think some of the newer guys are still surprised when I can actually do my job and hold my own..!) I work in IT and I'm a very rare breed in the whole of my department. I get on well with the guys in the office, my boss is pushing me to progress myself, and he knows I bring the strength of building relationships with other teams with my soft-skills unlike some of the guys in the team. But.... well..... step into the 'business' departments and there seems to be a definite 'female, therefore I will ignore' attitude and I have in the past been very underminded. It's sad really. I fight my corner and I stand my ground, but... well... I sometimes wonder why I bother when I know full well that the same conversation between them and one of the guys in my team would produce very different results.

Anyway.. that was a totally random tangent. Not a moan (not meant to sound like one anyway, sorry) but just a .. well... 'reflection' I suppose?