What 5 OS Strategies have helped you the most?

moanymoany

1.
Decide how much money you are going to spend on housekeeping, keep it separate and then...

2
plan the meals around that amount. There are some amazing meal plans and recipes on this site that make the old cash streeeeeetch! Make a shopping list from the meal plan. I find internet shopping is easiest for me to stick to my list. Today I had a list for £75 - three weeks stuff for us and a student - by using the voucher thread I got £10 off my Tesco bill.

3
Buy Value, but if you don't like it buy own brand. I find most value stuff is good. Today I ordered value balsamic vinegar so I await that with baited breath!

4
Use old style cleaning methods combined with value cleaners I use bleach, general and cream cleaners. I have a fundamentalist christian housewife's list of cleaning materials and recipes if anyone would like it?

5
Don't go to the shops unless you need something specific. I find even boot sale window shopping runs away with cash. I only go if I am looking for something specific.

luxor4t

1. Make lists of birthdays etc so that you can spot presents in sales. I also buy birthday and event cards once every six months and keep them with the wrapping paper together in one place. Saves time and money.

2. Plan a basic wardrobe of mix and match clothes for work eg 1 jacket, 1 cardigan 2 skirts, 1 trousers all in a basic colour then make outfits by adding coloured accessories.

3. Do a big shop on-line once a month for all the heavy staple stuff, taking advantage of bogof etc then shop weekly for the interesting / reduced /bargain extras.

4. Keep a list of your family's measurements, shoe sizes etc so that you can swoop on sale rails without having to slow yourself down. I had a basic kit list for each child and topped up each season/ as child grew.

5. Keep an 'equipment bank' in the family or among friends. We shared wellies, backpacks and camping stuff as well as one mower between 5 families.

rosieben

moanymoany wrote: »

... I have a fundamentalist christian housewife's list of cleaning materials and recipes if anyone would like it? ...

yes please, always looking for new ideas! :j

rosieben

1. Meal plan, shopping list and shop according to your list!

2. Know what’s in your cupboards and freezer – use in rotation and avoid waste

3. Simplify cleaning products – stardrops, bicarb, vinegar etc

4. Try value or cheaper stuff at least once (I’m only just catching onto this one! )

5. Think before you buy something new – can you ‘shop at home’ / use charity shops / freecycle / make it yourself /any other source



I love OS!! :T

Solwaykid

1. Meal planning is a must and batch cooking from scratch.
2. Make a freezer, fridge and stock cupboard inventory regularly THEN a shopping list and stick to it.
3. Pay with cash for everything - that's a real wake up call!
4. Re-use - be inventive, then recycle.
5. Borrow or swap (hegde trimmers, night out/wedding outfits, paint, computer help...... are all returnable favours from friends if you ask!)

For me it's been all about changing the way I think, shop, eat, run my house, socialise, use the car etc. I'm no longer impulsive so the money isn't pouring out of the bank like it used to. Never take your eye off the ball!

vfairbrass

1. Making a price book, keeping it up to date and having it with me whenever I shop.

2. Only buying what is on the shopping list, unless there is a special offer of something I do use which the price list indicates is a good deal.

3. Planting a container with a range of herbs which I keep outside the kitchen door - even if I'm not using home grown fruit and veg (awful weather ruined most of the vegetable garden) I always toss in some herbs to add interest.

4. Using cheapest washing powder for both the dishwasher and the washing machine.

5. Persuading teenagers to get Saturday jobs to fund their extortionate demands.

this_is_it

Heres mine
1. make a list and price it up before i go
2. know whats in my cupboards /freezer
3. Be sure i really need it before i buy it
4.Use Alidi/lidl and value brands
5.Shop around for good offers bogof

lil_me

6 edits later as hate just picking 5!!!

1. Meal planning, using up what I have in, still working on it but doing much better
2. From scratch cooking (one of the sinners who used to buy ready made mash ) thanks for all the amazing recipes and support
3. Flylady thread on here, can not thank the members enough for their support, the being more organised has freed up more time to cook etc, the organising itself means I now waste less.
4. Reducing the likes of washing powder, cleaning stuff etc and waste of food etc which was HUGE
5. Grocery challenge, getting my food/grocery/cleaning etc spend down from £800 a month ish to £270 last month I would have said was impossible this time last year.

jannyannie

csarina wrote: »

I think menu planning and stocktaking are vital.........

Never going shopping without a list and only buy whats on the list.

Never go shopping with children unless you have no alternative ( husbands are included in this)

Never go shopping when you are hungry.

Sorry can only think of those four on the spur of the moment

Definitely agree with not going shopping with husband or children! Always spend more money and get very harrassed. :mad:

potsofmoney_(I_wish)

1. Definately (sp?) meal planning, I now feel lost if I don't plan.

2. Baking, I've found that it has cut down on the amount of biscuits eaten as I do them once a week, they actually seem to enjoy them more as its not taken for granted that they are in permanent supply. Also our diet is healthier as I know exactly what's in everything and aside from biscuits try and make sure everything has got fruit in it.

3. If I can make my own, cleaning stuff, body lotions ect where I can.

4. Shopping lists and try try try to stick to it, though doesn't always work when I see interesting cooking ingredients.

5. Probably a continuation of 4 if I can I buy in bulk, have recently found my local asian supermarket so am hoping to find some interesting ingredients for less than Mr t's!