How to be frugal and thrifty and live life to the full

PasturesNew

I stay in and watch the telly - that's about the only truly "free" thing, after the cost of the telly (mine's borrowed) and the license and electricity.

purpleshoes_2

I think there's a fine line between being frugal and being tight. I know some people don't have a lot of money to spare, I'm certainly one of those, but if myself and a couple of friends took over a charity shop to dress up in clothes as a character, they'd wonder what the hell we were doing, it really wouldn't go down well in my home town.

Of course there's lots of things you can do for free, walking is the obvious one, reading books in the library or taking library books home, swapping books/clothes with friends.

I think the odd low cost night out/in keeps people on track rather than feeling they have to save every single penny and then come unstuck.

LameWolf

skintmum2012 wrote: »

I love walking my dog just me my dog and the great outdoors

:TWell said! Best thing I ever did was sign up as a host for a dog-sitting service; I get canine company, and I get paid for doing it! A win-win situation! We have a good network of "Redways" as they're called round here - pathways away from the city grid roads, for the use of walkers, cyclists, and people like myself who use mobility buggies to get about.

Goldiegirl wrote: »

Is there anything in particular that you are saving for?

I'm just asking, because I've seem people saving for the 'future', but when the future finally arrives, the saving habit is so ingrained, they are literally unable to spend anything, and survive on a pittance when they've got £1000's in the bank.

It's sometimes difficult to get right balance between spending and saving -maybe you could allow yourself to spend for a treat from time to time without feeling bad?

That struck a chord with me; I spent a good many years, during my first marriage, having to go without because there was no money, and now I'm no longer in that situation, I can't break the habit of saving every penny that comes my way; I can't even buy myself a pack of P010 mints without feeling horrendously guilty, so I just don't bother.
It doesn't help that I'm too ill to ever go out to work again; I was retired on medical grounds back in 2001, having been on sick leave for the previous 2 years.
The dog-sitting I mentioned above I've been doing for just over 5 years, and I've salted away every penny I've earned from that. I don't get a lot, just a few quid per night I have a dog staying; but I still don't spend any of it.
I guess you could say my hobby is collecting money!:rotfl:

superrhinos

HappyMJ wrote: »

Couldn't I just go to the kitchen and make that for myself for next to nothing. Teabags are only a penny. The wear and tear on my shoes would probably be more than a penny.

My local Waitrose has a cafe and therefore with my card I can enjoy a coffee there for free. My four year old sees going to a cafe as a big treat and therefore this allows me to do it more often.

Wantobeasaver

I've joined Meet Up, they have lots of different events to go to, some free/cheap some expensive. Might give you some ideas.

purpleshoes_2

Wantobeasaver wrote: »

I've joined Meet Up, they have lots of different events to go to, some free/cheap some expensive. Might give you some ideas.

I run a meet up group, all our events are low cost, some people might go on a night out and spend tons, but it's not compulsory.

I also have a cineworld membership, its £15.90 a month but that gives you access to unlimited films, in the first year there's a small additional charge if you want to watch a 3D film, buy the glasses, but I was happy seeing the films in 2d.

lickylonglips

superrhinos wrote: »

If you have a Waitrose near you then a MyWaitrose card allows you to have one hot free drink a day.

Same if you have a Booth's card (supermarket chain mainly in Lancashire, Cumbria and a few parts of Yorkshire). One free hot drink in their cafe or to takeaway per day.

Towser

Well, my motto is "cutting down not cutting out"

So, I have done my own SOA and in each category I have worked out how to get what I can for free or how I can get it cheaper. Other things I am still working on with the help of MSE.

For example, my heating I have got a load of free wood and using it in my multifuel burner as we write. As it proved to me (in all my categories) I visit all sorts of new places and meet new people doing things this way. Definitely living life to the full.

When you have your new house we shall see who's living life to the full?

katkin

"How to be frugal and thrifty and live life to the full"

Isn't this just an attitutde of mind and a decision to live a more minimal lifestyle? Less consumerist consumption and a bit more appreciation of the simpler things and experiences in life.

I can't buy the beauty of a rainbow against a wonderful landscape, or pink rosy cheeks from walks in the fresh air. Actually I can't buy anything anymore that would make my life fuller.

Yes, I had withdrawal symptoms, but they go quick enough and what is replaced is more joy and a fuller, live experience of nature, creativity and relationships.

Gosh, my apologies, I'm coming all over sentimental and philosophical :cool:

Goldiegirl

CantSwingACat wrote: »

I'm saving for a house which I hope to buy this time next year,so I'll definitely be spending it. You mark my words . Fingers crossed it goes well any way. Hoping to sneak a holiday in over the summer as a treat too. Will set me back only a month so that's not too bad. Have moved back in with my parents and so that's enabled me to save most of my wages

That's really great that you are saving for a goal, but are allowing yourself a holiday too. That strikes me as a balanced attitude. In a few years time, when you are well up the property ladder, all the people telling you to spend now will be wishing they had been a little bit more sensible and had bought their house earlier:)

HappyMJ wrote: »

Couldn't I just go to the kitchen and make that for myself for next to nothing. Teabags are only a penny. The wear and tear on my shoes would probably be more than a penny.

By having the free MyWaitrose coffee it's a chance for a change of scenery and a spot of people watching. Sometimes people need a break forum their domestic situation