2015 Frugal Living Challenge

selloptape

Hi everyone

Another one here that's starting to think about what I can do next year! Thanks for the inspiration so far

scotmumof3

The scotmum family homestead is in central Scotland and the weather hasn't been very kind this year so the heating may have been on for a while. I say may have because I usually set the thermostat for 20 degrees and most of the time I don't notice if the heating is on or not. I have gas central heating and it's quite economical but I have noticed the bills creeping up the last couple of years. I would love to have a wood burning stove (my mum has one ) but where we live it isn't possible. I have been thinking of buying a calor gas fire for the living room to supplement (or replace as much as possible) the central heating. Not sure if this would be any cheaper but we do have power cuts in the winter and the heating goes off so at least we would have some heating.
I have a slow cooker which I don't use nearly enough::( I like the idea of cooking things in the bags because I am a veggie but DH isn't so I could then keep the different ingredients separate. I will give this a go next week and see what happens

his_missus

I haven't succumbed to putting the heating on yet either. I've filled the freezer with meals I can reheat in the oven so we're now coming home to tea all ready for us, quick and easy. Having the oven on for 40 minutes or so seems to be enough to heat up the kitchen and living room for the evening too. Thermostat display says the temp is 20C in the evening downstairs which is more than warm enough for us

sistercas

Our house is a lot warmer upstairs than down and the thermostat is on the landing , so to make the heating come on I have turn it up to over 22 otherwise it's freezing downstairs . I need to get a thermometer for the downstairs to see what the actual temperature is .

I've been rummaging in all the drawers and coat pockets and found quite a few coins , Im going to save them up and when I've got £10 worth I'll take it to the bank

Frugaldom

Hi fruguys and gals,


Just had another enquiry from another production company asking if any of us were interested in taking part. I'm a 'behind the cameras' person, so no good for me and my lifestyle is usually deemed to be too extreme for mainstream TV but here's what they're looking for:


"I am looking to speak to those who are extremely thrifty with their money. I’m after people who limit what they spend and sacrifice buying luxuries because of this. Perhaps they stock up when items (are) discounted, or are experts in reusing and recycling things (so) as to not to waste money.

I was wondering if you’d be able to send this on to anybody who may be interested, or put me in touch with anyone who comes to mind? As this idea is currently only in development, at this stage I’m just looking to speak with people and potentially film non-broadcast interviews to pitch the idea to the channel executives."


There you have it - yet another opportunity for some of our frugal living challengers to get involved. If you think this is something you may be interested in then please message me your first name and email address so the production company can get in contact directly.


meanwhile, back at the ranch, we're still processing apples and berries and have now made a start at DIY rebuilding a little footbridge at Frugaldom so we can get from the barn to what will become the new orchard.

Wombatchops

Frugaldom, I'm sure you've said this before, and I'm sorry that I'm asking you to repeat yourself, but how did you develop the will to live so frugally, and without what most others consider to be essential (although are they really essential?) And how do you maintain that will, instead of thinking "S*d it, I'm sick of going without. I want that chocolate bar/CD/DVD/book/pair of boots, etc?" What motivated you initially to be so disciplined, and what has kept you on the straight and narrow for all of these years? And what words of wisdom and encouragement can you give me, a harassed and time-poor mum of three (6 years old, 2 years old, and a crawling, ultra-clingy 9 month old)?

I'm asking because I'm really worried about our family's financial future when I return to work next year and have to pay a ruinous amount in childcare. I will be working in effect for less than nothing, but for reasons too numerous to mention, not returning to work isn't an option. However, although I attempt to have a budget, I rarely stick to it because I lack the willpower. I have been part of this challenge for the whole of 2015, and I'm really not succeeding. But please don't kick me out. I want to learn and I want to succeed. I am in awe of all of you. I just seem to have lost my way.

littleskintdragon

wombatchops i often wonder the same myself, especially with having just had dd and ds's birthdays and wanting to spoil them, as i dont the rest of the year, because quite honestly i cant afford it!
and then obviously xmas coming up.

scotmumof3

I made bramble jelly last night. Went out with DH and picked the brambles while walking the dog and I got 4 big 1lb jars out of it. Really chuffed that I managed it and DH can't wait to taste it. lot cheaper than buying it in the SM as well

sistercas

I often wonder that wombachops I seem to have a concerted effort for a while and then I take my eye off the ball . I can't seem to keep it going . I am immensely impressed with people who can . for some they don't have a choice , they have to be frugal to keep their heads above water . But it is hard to be constantly vigilant.

smo3 that's something I have thought about doing and never had the confidence to do , well done to you it's so much cheaper and I would imagine so much tastier too :T

I have a day off work today , so it's going to be a cleaning and washing day . I have dusted off the slow cooker and am going to make a chicken casserole for tea whmf00001 I am going to do the potatoes in a bag too, do you add any water or salt?

I have tidied the garden ready for the winter , I have dug up the tomato plants which didn't yield anything . I wonder if
it was a lack of warmth ,I may have to invest in a little plastic greenhouse for next year

Frugaldom

Will respond to this after work