2016 Frugal Living Challenge

bobobski

determined_new_ms wrote: »

I totally agree with everything you've said Also I think there's a cap on the amount of contactless transactions you can do in a day? I want to say 3 as that seems to be lurking in my mind but not certain. But it's not a lot

Yay new friend!

There may well be a cap (it would seem sensible) but if there is I don't know it. I was in Spoons the other day (don't judge - I was nursing a hangover) and my third contactless payment was declined and I had to enter my pin. Sadly didn't know it off the top of my head (too many cards!). Not sure if this was due to the random-enter-your-pin policy or too many payments in one place on one day but either way I had to use another card...!

cw18

bobobski wrote: »

And to the people saying they insist on putting in their pin rather than use contactless... Why? Fair enough if you just want to see the cardreader first to make sure the amount is correct, but a payment is a payment, no? You're just taking slightly longer by insisting on putting in the pin. Not sure if I'm missing something?

If you're careful putting in your pin then no-one else should ever know it, but with contactless anyone can start spending your money.

I seriously don't trust the dispute system for contactless either - how do I prove it wasn't me used it?

Seems to me the safest option is to never use it, then if it does get used I have more of a case for it not being me as it's out of character. I have (in the last 6 months or so) informed all companies who've issued me with a contactless card that should it be used that way it should immediately be treated as fraud - not sure they'll do anything, but I have proof I've told them this (all done by on-line messages / emails).

lynnejk

bobobski wrote: »

....Also, the contactless cashback is up to £5 per month, not £4. And that's cashback, not interest, so my understanding is that it's not taxable but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong (they usually do!).

....And to the people saying they insist on putting in their pin rather than use contactless... Why? Fair enough if you just want to see the cardreader first to make sure the amount is correct, but a payment is a payment, no? You're just taking slightly longer by insisting on putting in the pin. Not sure if I'm missing something?

I'm pretty sure you're correct with the tax situation re cashback


With the contactless cards. It's not the transaction that I'm worried about. It's the fact that these cards can be scanned by scammers from up to 20 metres away - even whilst in your pocket. They could then be used by these scammers without you knowing - and you haven't even 'lost' your card. The first thing you would know is when they appear on your statements !!


You need to protect them with an aluminium cover in your wallet or purse and be very vigilant when using them that no-one is near the reader.
Lx

bmma

1 NSD's to report = 14 x

Frugaldom

Breadmaker talk... right now, it costs less to buy bread (keep it frozen if you can't use up a loaf in time) than it costs to make your own if you factor in the cost of a decent breadmaker. As suggested, ask around for a free one from anywhere, as the opportunity to get reduced bread flour can make homemade an affordable option.

Frugaldom

I should add that I can still make a very basic loaf for about 30p but a shop bought basic 39p loaf lasts twice as long as it is machine sliced, so we eat less of it in one go.

[Deleted User]

Ref Breadmakers. I have had 3, all from Freecycle (Freegle) over the years. Only one I "asked" for, the others I saw and had, then passed onto a friend each time. The latest is a very good Panasonic. I also see them in the Electrical Charity shop, around £10. Had my slow cooker through Freecycle too. I sort of want a soupmaker, do not NEED just WANT but it is so easy to do on hob or in SC so will NOT buy, not for £40+. Try Freecycle in your area, plenty of recipes on here as well as pick up instruction booke if needed.

[Deleted User]

Frugaldom wrote: »

Breadmaker talk... right now, it costs less to buy bread (keep it frozen if you can't use up a loaf in time) than it costs to make your own if you factor in the cost of a decent breadmaker. As suggested, ask around for a free one from anywhere, as the opportunity to get reduced bread flour can make homemade an affordable option.

I agree. I love my breadmaker and it makes fab bread but it is cheaper just now for me to buy reduced bread at anything from 10p - 30p and put it in the freezer. I still use the breadmaker when I want HM bread for a particular occasion - thick doorstops of HM bread are great for bruschetta or with HM soup when having guests.

Savvy_sewing

My Dehydrator and food bag sealer has arrived. Not sure my first effort of drying the apples was that successful. But I suppose practise will make perfect. Today I received two bags full of tangerines, apples and pears. So looks like tomorrow I will be trying to dry some of them!

bmma

NSD today = 15
I have a breadmaker-use it regularly
today lunch was home made soup,home bread and home made cheese- lovely!
thinking of doing a load of baking tomorrow, all I need is the inclination x