2016 Frugal Living Challenge

bmma

HI Fun Brum - I was exactly the same when it came to budgeting-didn't have a clue-also did not class myself as having debt because I was paying it (minimum amount every month) I classed having debt as something you could not pay-my mantra every pound has its place.3 years into a DMP and I am a lot more savvy and I now know where my money goes-every penny spent is accoounted for -keep a cash book and a record of daily spends
online shop today £43.44-will update balance later

milasavesmoney

Eeking our way toward payday on Wednesday. I make a lot of savings deposits into different pots and it gets a bit tricky right before payday. It just feels so financially healthy to have money being saved up for things I know are coming up!!:A

I'm definitely cooking what we have on hand! This has made a significant difference in how much we can save.

I did order a new rice cooker/pressure cooker as mine went kaput. I use it a lot, so didn't begrudge the expense. It arrived and will be tried out tonight.:j

cw18

Started my Christmas shopping today

Last year was a nightmare trying to find something for GD3, and I wasn't looking forward to the same difficulties this year. But when I nipped into B00ts for something I spotted some plush toys on a 3-for-2 offer, and 4 of them were from a pony range she loves. Phoned DD, and it turned out 3 of the 4 on the shelf were her absolute favourites GD's 1&2 were into the same ponies for years so we're confident she won't have outgrown by December, and that made them a pretty safe purchase Thinking cap now on for her 5th birthday in January......

Now need to keep my eyes peeled for something for GD4 who is just as big a problem - and has her 3rd birthday in November!

milasavesmoney

We had an unexpected debit (newspaper and I had forgotten it) come out of checking but there was enough to cover it and no overdraft. whew:whistle:
Come on payday!!

FunBrum

I know just what you mean bmma, ostrich was my middle name! I thought I was frugal before, but now I'm possesed! :rotfl:

cw18 what a haul! I really must start. It's just that I can't bring myself to thinking about crimbo when I feel that we have only just got over one! You are my hero!:D

milasavesmoney I hate it when I forget to pay something! Thank goodness you were able to rectify it.:)

Shortie

Morning all. Pay day coming for me at the end of the week, thabk goodness. I have budgetted to add more to savings this month (I want to get and emergency fund sorted before I start to overpay my loan) but the way things have been going recently I'm holding fire on that and will have to see where I am at the end of the month..

Next month I really need to try and sort the car hire for while we are on holiday as the prices as creeping up and I'm worried they'll run out of the size we want.

Plus the boys have recently started going to clubs which have camps and events coming up which was unplanned at the start of the year and is making a fair dent in my bank account between them. I expect they'll slow down as they're making use at the moment of the nice weather to do things, and I want to fund them if the boys want to do them as they love going and have really seen some nice independance and awareness coming through in both of them. But it does mean I will have to reassess savings and overpayment plans for a little while

We have found out food shopping has gone out of control recently too so are going to see if we can reign it back in with online shopping. We picked a £1 delivery slot for next week and will see how we go. It's good to see and review the basket online while also reviewing the menu plan so see where we can stretch things. But, I have a feeling I had budgetted to little for food shopping and may increase it up by £50 for the coming pay month.

cw18 - I bought some Christmas pressies in back in Feb when they were super cheap - like you though I did know that they were sure bets to still be 'in vogue' at the end of the year, lol

jess444_2

Hi all,

Have finally applied for my pension and handed in my notice so all set to finish work in Sept. Really need to get serious about being frugal now, as monthly income will be significantly lower.

Sorry to hear that a few of you are about to lose your jobs. It feels scary enough for me and I have chosen to leave.

Funbrum - Ibiza is one of my favourite places, where about were you staying?
I like the idea of 'envelope budgeting, need to get over to You Tube and check it out.

MOT today which cost £225 and another unexpected bill for £250!!! Not a good month :eek:

FunBrum

Good to hear you are taking the plunge jess444 I retired early last year and I'm loving it! Don't worry you will be fine! I live on £700 pm and I can still save.:D
PM me if you need to ask me anything.
I am staying in Cala Llonga, Ibiza. I came last year and loved it. :cool:

bmma

spends for 3 weeks - £123.74
total of yearly budget left = £1.094.40
best wishes to everyone x

FunBrum

My sister has given me some a cooked chicken from her restaurant, plus mixed salad a a huge in of tomatoes.
So It will be chicken and bacon salad for dinner today and I will make a batch of tomato pasta sauce with the tomatoes.

I don't know what is wrong with me, I'm so tired all of the time! I sleep really well of a night which is unusual. Maybe I'm still in holiday mode!

I'm still on track with my spending but must rein in if I'm going to last until the end of the year.
My envelope system is working but I have to change some of the figures, like the gas and electricity monthly amount as I'm not spending the full amount put by. The usage is lower, so I will put what is remaining into savings otherwise it will be spent on unnecessary items.