Any "embarrassing" money saving things you do?

NewShadow

Scr1mper wrote: »

Thank you I do look out but not usually that lucky with them. I found that post on here somewhere that gave the best times to look but still no luck.

It varies from store to store and region to region. They may be suggestions from head office, but the store manager has the say in that particular store.

Again I would recommend unashamed and direct questioning.

I talk to everyone (lots ). So I have gotten to a nodding/smiling relationship with most of the local shop staff. All you have to do is wish them a good morning a few times and they'll tend to remember you.

Then politely ask what time/day do they tend to do most of their reductions on whatever it is you like to buy.

I've found out that 11.10 am on a sunday in my local co-op is the best time for fresh fruit/veg/meat. Thursday at about 6pm is better for bread products and cakes.

missbiggles1

NewShadow wrote: »

I use old fashioned sheets - more like flannel and linen than modern 'cotton' blend sheets.

I inherited a steamer trunk full that my grandmother had as a wedding gift but never used - given she married at 21 I'm guessing they're from the 30's.

Whew - glad you aren't sleeping directly on the blankets as your post implied.

NewShadow

That's actually another tip - I do actually have an old duvet, but I don't use it as a duvet.

In winter I put it on top of the mattress and it acts as an additional insulting layer - I also did this for a few months when I was getting around to replacing my old tatty mattress as extra padding.

springdreams

You'll find lots of useful ideas on here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2426287

Ches

LameWolf wrote: »

When I was first in the Civil Service, the loo paper at work was the nasty hard bum-scratchy stuff, and every sheet had "Government Property" printed on it in green ink.

I mean.... did they want it back after we'd finished with it? :eek::eek::eek::eek:
:rotfl:

We called it crispy paper, and if I remember correctly it had a little printed crown on every sheet.

dragonette

Embarrassing secrets? Not really, will none that have embarrassed me. I'm fairly thick skinned and while things are a bit tight atm, they were worse further back.

I shower every second day (maybe third depending on energy levels and if I'm seeing anyone) and eek out food, esp portion size compared to friends

For bedding, a topsheet is added when the duvet, pillows and bottom sheet are changed and after one week, the top and bottom sheet get changed and the pillows flipped. Gives me slightly less washing and still feels like it's changed every week

glider3560

My colleagues have attempted to embarass me for making my own lunch!! They all pay £4+ per day for a tiny meal in the office canteen, which they always complain about, then have to audacity to mention that my <insert name of food here> smells delicious. If only they knew that nearly all the ingredients are Tesco Value or from Aldi!

I tend to wear the same pair of jeans (to work) for 4 or 5 days. I sit in an office all day, so they don't get dirty easily.

I compare supermarket prices online before going shopping to decide where to shop and what to buy. Then walk to B&M from Asda or Tesco (it's within a mile of each) to stock up on stuff that's cheaper in there.

In exchange for all this money saving, I can afford to go on holidays abroad (also done "on the cheap") several times a year.

LameWolf

I'm not sure about embarrassing secrets - to be honest, if I was embarrassed about doing it, I sure as heck wouldn't admit to doing it on a public forum!

Feral_Moon

Scr1mper wrote: »

No teabags for guests? I did also say I wasn't mean enough to let guests freeze About being called names lol...no I don't stink plus I earn less than £700 a month so I'm no millionaire, just super careful

I never buy tea-bags as I hate the stuff. However, I have plenty of coffee available, of all descriptions so can usually satisfy most visitors.

Otherwise there's plenty of water in the tap. Talking of which, I regularly top up shop bought water bottles from the tap once they're empty.

I rarely put the heating as my dog hates being too warm, as do I. He can't take his coat off but I (and visitors) can add more layers if necessary. My boiler is set to run 2hrs morning and evening (7am-9am and 7pm-9pm) but the thermostat is set to 15C degrees so will only kick in if temps fall below which isn't often as my house is well insulated.

I shower daily (3-4mins max) but retain the water in the bath so pooch can jump in after his muddy morning walk and clean off his paws and undercarriage. When I was an active gym goer (almost daily) I very rarely showered at home! Quarterly water bill was £32 (metered) but unfortunately ill health put a stop to that.

I will save untouched food from a plate to eat later. But I would never offer it to anyone else. I hate food wastage and have been known to chop off mouldy bits of bread, cheese, jam, fruit, veg etc and continue eating the good bits.

I have two bottom sheets on my bed, one acting as a mattress protector as its Egyptian linen 200tc and gets washed monthly. The upper one is cheap cotton coloured sheet, washed weekly. I also have a cheap cotton flat sheet between me and the duvet cover, again washed weekly but means I only need to wash duvet cover monthly. Pillow cases the same, inner Egyptian cotton case covered by a cheap cotton coloured one.

I'm sure there's far more stuff I do to save money but can't recall right now. I'm not embarrassed about any of the above and any visitors to my house that don't like how I live can not bother returning. My house is my home, my sanctuary. I don't furnish it nor do I live my life to please other people.

melanzana

Occasionally, since I have retired a few years now, and can get away with it!.... I rinse out my day to day clothes that are not dirty by any means but need a refresh..

I rinse them in a little fabric conditioner. (no need to rinse in cold water either!) I'm talking tops and light jog pants and the like. then spin short, and hang outside or on the rads.

The rads are on anyway at certain times of the day, the water is in the tank anyway, and there is always the airer. so why not?

Works for me anyway.