2014 Frugal Living Challenge

skintygerlinky

just_the_two_of_us wrote: »

Skinty - not read the last few pages so not sure if you've already had replies re above question.

I have been doing IPSOS for what seems like ages. Important you do them as soon as you receive them or else they are over limit. Often they say " we have had enough replies from your sort of profile" but give you a few points anyway.

I have had one JL voucher and almost enough points for another one. Had a period where I thought they had forgotten me - but perhaps no surveys.

You can also give your points to charity - which is why I signed up originally - but JL vouchers will help with budgets when we visit family.

They have some very interesting surveys!

Cheers love!! Just off to work, will reply properly later xxx

Have a good day Frugalites. HM cheese salad butties and cheapo crisps for dins!!

Nicki_Sue

Hello! Lurking as usual and jumping back on for this month. March is looking said to be an absolute stinker of a month so I need to claw back where I can.

Have a had a good read to bring me back to date so love and hugs to those that need it and grins for those doing fab x

Frugalsod

Last month was bad for me, but so far this month I am doing rather well. Only £8.44 so far and out of my float, so cards not touched at all. I have one veg box for next week but that will add only £14.99 for the month. I might be able to get by with just milk purchases for the much of the month.

Florenceem

Gave Mr F a hair & beard trim yesterday. Started to sew a Birthday present using stuff from my stash.

sparrer

Just made 4 portions of cauli cheese using a 15p rtc cauli, some powdered milk and 'value' butter, flour and cheese. Added a grilled Mr S rtc Cumberland sausage to each tub so I have 4 instant meals when I need them. Used the scrapings of the cheese sauce on my chilli for lunch, delicious.
Another nsd/npd, 5 so far for March
Spent a couple of minutes sewing the elastic lace which was coming adrift on a pair of knickers, saved throwing them out and having to pay for a new pair.
End of week grocery spend total £13.93, 7p under allowance

TM6

Whoever first mentioned YNAB - You Need A Budget - on here, I am REALLY grateful to you :beer:

I have really enjoyed putting all my spending info in and as a result I have had another serious money makeover day today.

Just imagine the conversation to myself....what on earth was I thinking of when I signed up to that :eek:

Many phone calls later and direct debits cancelled

More money for the savings pot :dance:

icontinuetodream

Jointed two chickens and they are now in the freezer - have put the backbones in the freezer too ready to make some soup later in the month.... doing well with the budget - should have £10 to start to replenish my bulk purchase pot tomorrow

Nicki_Sue

TM6 wrote: »

Whoever first mentioned YNAB - You Need A Budget - on here, I am REALLY grateful to you :beer:

I downloaded this today too after seeing it posted, great for helping me with my grocery budget which is the one spend that makes the difference between red and black in our house!

abby1234519

happybird71 wrote: »

Sounds great Abby. Your brain must have been buzzing! Did you sleep?! I'm a bit like that once I'm on a mission!

I did because I was drained after doing it! One of the reasons why I love Ynab, I can project income and expenditure for as many years as I want. Obviously things change but it shows me whether overspending this month (even if I have the money) will affect me in 7 months etc

TM6 wrote: »

Whoever first mentioned YNAB - You Need A Budget - on here, I am REALLY grateful to you :beer:

I have really enjoyed putting all my spending info in and as a result I have had another serious money makeover day today.

Just imagine the conversation to myself....what on earth was I thinking of when I signed up to that :eek:

Many phone calls later and direct debits cancelled

More money for the savings pot :dance:

You are welcome

It really does show things. I tweak it a lot. I also have my main budget and another one set up to keep track of wedding expenses.

And then I have my whatif budget. So if I want to play around and see what happened if one of us didn't work etc!

I update mine every two days initially, otherwise you get off track. After a while you can just do it every week or whatever

I know it isn't a free programme but once I got through the trial I realised I needed it! I've strayed to other budgeting programmes but this is my favourite.

Goldiegirl

I feel really happy this evening. I've got two days off work next week. As I only work two days a week, the next time I go to work is 20th March.


Wednesday and yesterday were NSD's.


Fridays normally are NSD as well, but I've just this minute made a planned purchase, to help with my new frugal life.


I've just ordered a slow cooker from Amazon. I think this will be really useful, and I hope to use it often.


Along with my breadmaker and yoghurt maker, this will probably be the last 'gadget' I need


Not a need, but a want - I'd really like a steam mop. I think we might end up getting one in the next few months, it's still being thought about !