2016 Frugal Living Challenge

milasavesmoney

Buffythedebtslayer wrote: »

The first three months of the year have been a frugal disaster!
I am terrible for buying stuff on Amazon.
I really hope I can do better. I must save more......

XX

I can't really look on Amazon without seeing something I want to buy! I'm finding that a few of my regular buys are less expensive, but many are not, even though I have free shipping. My Prime membership basically pays for my shipping at Christmas. I probably come out about even.
I had to go back to the basics of 'do I really NEED this' to curb in my spending. (Relieved husband at my house)

Shortie

Oh darned, just lost signal and my post with it. Trying again...

Sorry for your loss bmma {{hugs}}

Doing a little bit better at the moment with money but still not great. Had a week off over half term, an unplanned larger purchase for Mr Shortie, and unplanned family meal. Seems to be my life at the moment, lol.

I'm waiting on a refund for a school trip at the moment and will buy DS1 a replacement laptop as a way of kind of apologising to him (he can't go now on medical grounds). I'm hoping to have spare left to put into the emergency savings pot then

natlie

whmf00001 wrote: »

Excellent, always have red lentils/carrots knocking about.

I also saw on a TV programme how to make eggless mayo (Spanish style) Milk & oil, s & p garlic, whisk until emulsified. Will try that as am not a big mayo fan, prefer salad cream, so can make a small quantity just for a couple of days.

Your input is valued x

Amazing my daughter is allergic to eggs am definitely going to try this thank you for posting

MrsMck

So when I moved house I had to cancel my tv and internet with v.media, (partly because they couldnt find my new address so wouldn't let me renew). But this meant I got internet with sky for 17.99 - 12 month contract, and I didn't take out a TV package as I mostly watch Netflix, and a few TV channels. Instead I bought an Android box thingy as a one off expense. This means I save approximately £240 a year.

milasavesmoney

Today,when we took our Chevolet pickup in to the mechanic, we got great news. It had been making a whining noise regardless of gear, even neutral. We thought it would be a costly transmission overhaul.:eek: It turned out to be a low power steering fluid level.
Feeling relieved!!

his_missus

MrsMck, we have an Android box and it saves a fortune in TV subscriptions (especially as Hubby likes his Footy), DVD rental and cinema trips.


Need to be brutal with my budgets this coming month (it's payday on Friday). Two unexpected trips to the vets has left me £140 lighter and I really want to recoup it this month so I can still put the planned £500 into the savings fund. It means I'm going to have to ideally cut our spends by £100. Hubby's having palpitations already especially as we have a 3 night glamping holiday before May's payday.


I'm determined to do it though!

MrsMck

his_missus wrote: »

MrsMck, we have an Android box and it saves a fortune in TV subscriptions (especially as Hubby likes his Footy), DVD rental and cinema trips.
!

I haven't properly looked through it all, but the renting and buying films/tv series appeals to me because I hate clutter haha, and would probably buy some of the things anyways!
I also got a discount on the box because I got it from work!

[Deleted User]

Wow it's got really quiet on here. I hope everyone is doing ok.

I have re-done my budget - I have added more categories (although may have missed some I haven't thought of yet) after reading Dave Ramsay. It's probably the most thorough budget I have done and it's easy to see why I have eaten into savings recently as I didn't have money set aside to cover certain things. No doubt there will be some changes to it over the next few months but I am pleased with the start I have made. I have also set up an envelope system for personal monthly categories to limit spending on junk (takeaways etc) and have set aside money for clothing, hair cut, etc.

The weather here is still really cold but at the moment as least it is sunny and dry. I am taking the chance and have a load of towels in the wash - hopefully I can get them dried outside.

his_missus

his_missus wrote: »

Need to be brutal with my budgets this coming month (it's payday on Friday). Two unexpected trips to the vets has left me £140 lighter and I really want to recoup it this month so I can still put the planned £500 into the savings fund. It means I'm going to have to ideally cut our spends by £100. Hubby's having palpitations already especially as we have a 3 night glamping holiday before May's payday.


I'm determined to do it though!

I managed to put away £500 into the savings fund and a £75 rebate from Sainsbury Energy (account was in credit when we switched) means we have spending money for the glamping trip.
Unfortunately 2 family get-togethers have meant I haven't managed to cut back £100 on my spends as I hoped. All my own fault for wanting to splash the cash on big buffets when they'd have probably all been happy with a meat and potato pie.


I do find it much harder to be frugal now I'm a saver rather trying to become debt free

happytails

Can i join in?

Its not strictly a debt im saving for (holiday next year) but it will be if i dont save. Im also in debt (£15k ish so need to get frugal to A) not get worse and pay extra once holiday is paid for.

This week ive started meal planning - we eat too much takeout when the kids are in bed! I hate cooking & hubby hasnt the time so this is where we need to focus mostly and improve on.

Im also a stress/impulse buyer.

We have 3 young kids so constantly having to fork out for shoes and school uniform etc.

Anyway enough waffling. If i can save £300-£500 a month ill be super happy - i need to check my ins and outs to see if its doable! I will report back!