It's so simple in theory!

Trishiapp

ViolaLass wrote: »

OH and I were able to save about 20% of our monthly food bill by eating almost solely what he could get from the reduced section at the supermarket on Friday and Saturday evenings. We did it for a month to see what would happen - it did mean a bit of an odd diet at times but it was perfectly pleasant and I would do it again if we needed to cut costs (we still do it to some extent now). The quality and quantity did not go down, just the cost.

Just worth a thought if you're off work so can shop when you want - target the best reduced times for your supermarket as you can get some bargains. Even if you only do it for a couple of weeks, it could free some money up.

Good morning ViolaLass.


Wow, 20% is a LOT!! Your advice is very sound, but I suspect ( knowing myself as I do) I would not only buy the reduced items, but also half of the blooming super-market!


I am hoping to get to the stage where,I walk in, grab some bargains and quickly walk out. Sadly, I'm not at that stage yet, so I would rather go as little as possible. Having said that, if I see a reduced item, whilst I'm doing my planned shopping, I do get it

My inability to resist 'offers' in Temples of Consumerism aka super-markets is closely linked to my misplaced feelings of well-being, " I'm safe and well since I can buy stuff."


I have looked at the cheap menu ideas on this site and am eternally grateful to the people that contributed ( it's astonishing what can be done with a few basic ingredients!) I also follow various threads on here and so far have learned many valuable lessons.


I wish you all a wonderful day

Trishiapp

Skinnylatte wrote: »

I've subbed to your diary, I'm in a similar situation myself, and am currently tackling the OD. Good luck

Good morning Skinnylatte.


Great to have you on board! I too, wish you all the best with paying off your O/D. I have absolutely no doubt that we will get there!


I wish you a wonderful day

StormyWeather_2

Do you shop online at all? If you haven't so far, the supermarkets sometimes have a code for money off your first shop of £50.

Trishiapp

Earlier I've checked my stocks and realised that I am actually running very low on a few essentials. I've decided not to wait till later in the week, so on the way back from dropping my son off at school, I've stopped over at two temples of consumerism. I have spent £15.68 at Tesco ( this included cat litter and gluten free muesli) and Morrison's where I spent £6.51 ( this included some over the counter medication.) So the total is £22.19, this should ( hopefully)be enough for this week as I am well stocked-up and my meals are planned-out

I must admit that I was tempted by various 'offers' but armed with my list did not buy any extras!


On another note, I would like to share a little tip with people. I use wood-based cat litter as a base layer for my guinea pigs. On top of that, I put some hay to make it comfortable for them. Not only I am saving money on wood shavings, but it is also more absorbent and hygienic for them.


Right, better go and do some studying...

kazwookie

Hi

Are you sure you are on the best deals for things like:-

Phones
Broadband
Insurances, house, and car
Electricity
Do you pay the council tax over 10 months or 12, as this may help with your budgeting
How much do you spend on clothes / haircuts/ going out etc each month can this be cut at all, to pay towards the debts for now?
Have to kept a spending diary to see where the money ACTUALLY goes?

Good luck.

Trishiapp

StormyWeather wrote: »

Do you shop online at all? If you haven't so far, the supermarkets sometimes have a code for money off your first shop of £50.

Good morning StormyWeather.


I have thought about it before, but at the moment, I am trying to keep my weekly shopping under £50. Also, I tend to shop around and often drive to the nearest Lidl, which is 10 miles away. Sometimes it's a bit of a chore, but even with the cost of diesel I'm still saving money. Not only that, but I found their food is of superior quality compared to other super-markets. Mind you, sometimes it can be a bit of a gamble, especially if I don't understand the language on the packet!


The truth is, I am very organised and enjoy simple life, but somehow ended up spending money on unnecessary stuff, which resulted with my current debt. Luckily, I am slowly re-gaining my equilibrium and feel more positive and balanced ever-day.


As I don't have anyone to talk to about financial matters, I find people on this website help me enormously! Come to think of it, whilst I have good friends and family, nobody ever talks about money? For most, it seems to be a taboo subject! Hmmm, I wonder why?


I wish you a wonderful day

Trishiapp

kazwookie wrote: »

Hi

Are you sure you are on the best deals for things like:-

Phones
Broadband
Insurances, house, and car
Electricity
Do you pay the council tax over 10 months or 12, as this may help with your budgeting
How much do you spend on clothes / haircuts/ going out etc each month can this be cut at all, to pay towards the debts for now?
Have to kept a spending diary to see where the money ACTUALLY goes?

Good luck.

Good morning Kazwookie.


Thank you for your comment and kind wishes


Yes, I've sorted out my utilities and I am currently on the best possible deals. I pay my council tax over 10months, which means that Feb and March break will go towards my O/D I might take your advice and spread it over 12 months this year. How do I go about changing it? Can I call them?


Me and my two sprogs have plenty of clothes and shoes so not spending any money on that at the moment.


Luckily my hair is very long, so is my daughter's, which means, we trim our own ends. Also, I home dye my roots, so very little spends there.


I very rarely go out, as I enjoy reading, cycling, walking, studying etc... But if I do, it's normally to a local theatre where tickets are never above £10.00


I always take lunches into work and do not buy expensive coffee.


My debts are mainly due to buying stuff for my home: expensive bedding, art etc... This of course I've stopped doing now ( no room in the house anyway!)


I will definitely take your advice and start spending diary. Whilst I feel on top of things, no doubt I will surprise myself!


Warmly,


Trishia.

StormyWeather_2

Trishiapp wrote: »

Good morning StormyWeather.

I have thought about it before, but at the moment, I am trying to keep my weekly shopping under £50. Also, I tend to shop around and often drive to the nearest Lidl, which is 10 miles away. Sometimes it's a bit of a chore, but even with the cost of diesel I'm still saving money. Not only that, but I found their food is of superior quality compared to other super-markets. Mind you, sometimes it can be a bit of a gamble, especially if I don't understand the language on the packet!

Good morning to you too,

You don't have to do just one week's regular shop. You could stock up for weeks of non food and long life items, such as loo roll, shampoo, bags of rice, cartons of juice and tins.

JustAboutThere

Scritti wrote: »

(Note - there are a lot of comments here recently where people have had their OD's taken away, given sometimes just a month's notice to pay off up to a grand or more! Why? Because the banks are ****'s. They have the right to withdraw your OD with not much notice. They don't need a reason.)

It could be down to the type of bank account originally signed up to and their T&C's might have a clause stating "I will pay a minimum of £XXX into this bank account each month". If this money isn't hitting the account, then the bank might call in the OD.

Trishiapp wrote: »

As I don't have anyone to talk to about financial matters, I find people on this website help me enormously! Come to think of it, whilst I have good friends and family, nobody ever talks about money? For most, it seems to be a taboo subject! Hmmm, I wonder why?

Chances are if people did talk about money, many would discover their best mates, you know the ones - who always have the new car, latest gadgets and the multiple overseas holidays each year, etc. - its all on credit.

charlibombarli

Hi, I don't have anything to add to help with your finances but wanted to say that you sound like a lovely lady and a great mum! Good luck, I hope you are debt free soon, Charlotte.