We're hoping to go on holiday

cuddlymarm

Hi

We're hoping to fit a holiday day in in November ( we were going to leave it till next year because its our 25th anniversary next spring but due to the fact that OH works away (it was a choice of that or bankrupsy) and weeknds tend to wizz past cos I have to work some of it and theres never enough time for everything. So the only time we really can relax is on holiday.

We haven't budgeted for it but love Florida so I'm looking for ways to relocate the money I'm spending on other things for this hol (some people may think that this is a daft idea and we should aim the money at our debts but its going to be a few years till we are totally debt free and occasionally you need to think of yourself)

We had slipped into bad habits such as takeaways at the weekend so we've decided that these have to go. Also if I don't make it from scratch no cakes or biscuits will be coming in the house (also good for the waistline)

I'm also aiming at not replacing things till everything is used up. We've loads of half used stuff in the bathroom and kitchen and we're trying not to buy anything to wear unless absolutely necessary (work clothes, weddings etc)

I'm sure thers loads more I could do.

Any ideas would be ever so welcome

Thanks in advance

Cuddles:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

newlywed

If you do need to buy clothes - don't forget to look in charity shops, ebay, car boot etc. Just because someone wore it once doesn't mean anyone would know that

https://www.mysupermarket.co.uk will let you enter your usual shopping list and give you suggestions on how to save money and list which supermarket your list is cheapest in

newlywed

Oh and meal plan so that you have something already planned for the weekend and won't buy take away.

I usually try and cook double of some meals so I have a freezer meal at least every week for when I don't feel like cooking.

overlykeensaver

Well you've definitely come to the right place! The first thing, if you want to get rid of the takeaways is to take a look in your cupboards and freezer and see how many meals you can make out of them without buying anything (or buying very much)

I find planning my meals and then building my shopping list around my weekly "menu" saves so much money as well as time (time in the supermarket and time in the week thinking about what to eat, realsing half way through you don't have all the ingredients etc).

Also - if Florida is very expensive, why not have a think about a "back up" holiday you can have (ie if you have some money saved but not quite enough for Florida - a holiday isn't worth going into more debt for)

cuddlymarm

I'm feeling ever so motivated.

I've rooted out my copy of tightwad gazette and thrifty ways and am going to spend the afternoon with a cup of tea leafing through for ideas.

I've found a skirt that I bought last year in the wardrobe and have taken the belt off it (it was sewn on and made me look really fat) which now looks OK

I'm determined not to use the tumble drier and am going to look for a cookie recipe to fill the gap in the oven when I make pasta bake for tea. I've turned the boiler off so that its not guzzling gas all day (working on the theory that every penny saved is a penny off my bills and nearer the holiday)

Thankyou for all the help i've had so far

Cuddles:rotfl: :rotfl:

boo81

have you signed up for money back websites? in booking your holiday you might be able to get some discounts through topcashback or quidco. Pigsback is well worth joining too, you can save vouchers for well deserved splurges or just for money off much needed clothes and groceries.

Try cutting down on the powder in the washing machine and/or dishwasher and use a lower temperature wash aswell.

Have you tried uswitch? You may be able to get a cheaper energy supplier and with pigsback you earn the equivalent of about £60 this week.

Dont get travel insurance through a travel agent, make sure you shop around for the best deals.

Does everyone have packed lunches in your house? Ban lunches out unless there is simply no choice.

Crazychik

Despite our bills, we all need "time out" at some stage. Im fortunate enough to have my brother living in Florida, so holidays there will be pretty reasonable (but still expensive for my budget), but like you, Im making every penny count for our holiday there next year!

OH has been doing car boots the last 5 wk ends on the trot, not mega money, but when its £40-£50 a time, it helps. That will be nearly £200 extra per month. Its just general tit-tat from my house or what other's have donated.
Ebay, is a goodway to earn that little extra. Ive sold quite a few items recently, and my paypal account is looking healthy. Im trying not to touch that, as I hope to use the money for Christmas presents! (thats an expense which is covered, and the kids are aware of money saving and know not to expect a great deal due to the holiday)

Likewise - run everything low, before buying all new again. Its amazing how many toiletries I do have stacked away! Or cleaning products under the sink.
Ive stopped using kitchen roll, and use rags when possible. Its only a few pence, but its a cut back made! Try to stay clear of branded items also, most of the times the value products are made by the branded company anyway!
Like its been mentioned, cook from scratch, do away with ready made meals, and certainly the takeaways. Batch cook, and freeze where possible, this will save on those "cant be bothered to cook nights" (I have plenty of those, but hardly resort to take outs)

Prepare for the winter ahead. Extra blankets & hotwater bottles, snuggle up on the sofa, saves on heating! Share bath water (or shower) which will save!

Only food shop with a list, dont be tempted to buy extra's which arent needed!

Think about your general day to day routine and see what can be altered. Like walking instead of buses or using the car! Pack lunches instead of buying out!

Good luck, Im sure you'll do it, you sound as if your determined!

cuddlymarm

Good morning MSers

Yesterday went well and I spent the day thinking about how I can save as I go along.

I didn't use the TD (dirty washing in a big pile and will work through it and catch up when I can rather than have the drier on for hours. Can't dry outside but i have one of those airers that hang from the ceiling)
Kids filled up on jam butties rather than buying pudding
I've put cereal in a plastic box to take to work and a cup a soup (will buy a small bottle of milk but still cheaper than buying food while out
Have taken on more work (can't fit much more in but every little will make a difference)

Anyway I'd better get to work

Bye for now

Cuddles:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Miss_Cinnabon

Ok def no takeaways, make your own versions, we now make our own curries and they are just as good.

Mealplan, always take a shopping list and freeze meals and reuse any leftovers.

Use up all your toiletries, you could start making your own lotions, they are really easy to do.

Try freecycle if u need things, and use carboots/ebay for buying and selling.

My main vice is buying loads of magazines, now i look for magazine subs but also see what free gift is on offer, more often than not if the gift is worth something then i will shove it onto ebay, esp elemis products they can go for a good amount.

We have been scrimping for a year and a bit due to florida hols in october, we have never had a big holiday so this is our treat:D

Susie

cuddlymarm

:rotfl:
Good morning MSers

Its a lovely day here and I think this makes you feel so much better:j

I managed to spend very little yesterday £4 bus fair and 39p for a pint of milk
I've still managed not to use the TD and have tried less washing liquid. Also I'm trying to use the DW less (rinsing bits through as I go)
I've already run out of face cream so I'm using baby lotion (Tescos own I like Johnsons but only will buy when on a really good offer) I'm also using this as body lotion. I also have a couple of half bottles of suntan lotion and I read somewhere that it loses its effectiveness once opened so I will use this as body lotion and then look for good offers for new later in the year.

Anyway I'm off to work now (with my brekkie in my bag) so I'd better go.

Good luck to everyone whose MSing today

Have a lovely day

Cuddles:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

boo81

Well done, you sound like you are doing really well.

Im proud of myself too, I havent gone without spending this month and still im on target for paying an additional £200 off the credit card which was a very high aim I must admit.

I counted £10 of change collected within the last month in the piggybank and I have money put aside to pay my bus fare and osteopath. Im hoping that everything goes to plan because its definately on track. At the weekend I need a few bits at the supermarket (about £5 worth) and want to see if I can catch any summer sale bargains in lakeland as there are a few things I want. Im also listing some bits on ebay tomorrow which hopefully will sell well and get some additional money in the pot for the credit cards.

Its all good :T