AGirlWrites - Trying to be Old Style

AGirlWrites

Thank you pinkypig.

I think i'm like that too, I like the idea of having new things but then put them away never to be seen again. I should be able to save for big holidays and things easily if I stopped all the buying none necessities. I'm hoping to be a covert too.

I made my packed lunch to bring today using up a pasta n sauce and a couple of other bits. It's actually quite exciting to use up my cupboards on packed lunches.

VfM4meplse

The best OS thing I have done is looking after a baby (now a near toddler). The reason is that she brings me a great deal of joy, I can't leave her alone for a second unless she goes into the world of sleepy-bye, which is when I catch up on my housework / reading. That in itself means there is no time to think about buying stuff. The bonus is that the littlest things amuse her, such as chasing her up the stairs, playing peekaboo, hide under a blanket, high fives etc.

If you have some free time and are so inclined, why don't you offer your services as a babysitter? If you get paid for it (some of us do it out of pure love :happyhear) even better. So it's either a case of using your time to do things that don't cost money but make you happy, or to go out and make some more money. Decluttering fulfils both if you sell the stuff; I prefer to get rid of it via Freecycle.

maman

AGirlWrites wrote: »

Thank you pinkypig.

I think i'm like that too, I like the idea of having new things but then put them away never to be seen again. I should be able to save for big holidays and things easily if I stopped all the buying none necessities. I'm hoping to be a covert too.

I made my packed lunch to bring today using up a pasta n sauce and a couple of other bits. It's actually quite exciting to use up my cupboards on packed lunches.

I think that's a definition of retail therapy. It's probably a backlash to all the scrimping and saving to buy your house so don't be too hard on yourself. What you can do now I keep away from shopping (including internet shopping like you said) and enjoy your new home and the challenge of building up savings for whatever you want.


Decluttering (and ideally selling items that you don't really love or need) is quite therapeutic too and will keep you busy.


Well done on doing an inventory of all your food. What i'd suggest is that you write yourself a meal plan for the coming week 'shopping' from your stores and give yourself the challenge of only buying the absolute minimum of fresh stuff. Make sure you plan to use up anything in the fridge first. You might eat some odd combinations in the next few weeks but it'll be worth it to see the stocks coming down.


Good Luck.:)

Goldiegirl

jackyann wrote: »

Well done!

I just think the important thing is to get the balance right - if you've been frugal for ages then you may want to let your hair down!

If you can get the right balance of living simply & sensibly, budgeting for & appreciating your treats, I think you'll feel better.

I agree, balance is everything.


If a regime is too strict, it is doomed to fail as everyone needs treats.


I am happy to live fairly modestly most of the time - but this approach means I can still go on cruises

HOWMUCH

You've done it before so you know that you can do it again and well done, you've got your home as proof.
I enjoy the challenge of OS in this modern world and I too enjoy the rewards that the extra money brings I love short breaks and it's allowed me to retire at 60 before state pension age. I do have a small NHS pension to supplement my savings. I've amazed myself at how little we can live on and still enjoy tasty meals with batch cooking and stretching them out. Things that would have been put out plates and then wasted as I'd over portioned are now popped into a plastic box and in the freezer for another day.
I want to wish you well in finding your inner OS it's in there hiding, tease it out and enjoy the fun again. Stop the buying for buying sake and the short buzz it gives. Get your buzz from wow that only cost ?? It lasts a lot longer x

AGirlWrites

Thank you so much VfM4meplse, Maman, Goldiegirl and Howmuch.

I am trying to make this a bit of a game to see how little I can spend, the prospect of being left with money in my bank at the end of the month fills me with glee. So for the moment i'm fully on board. Now that summer is here, I have alot more to occupy my time. I have a dog and four chickens, so I love to be out in the garden with them. I'm on my 2nd year of trying to grow my own. A few fails last year but i've learnt from them to do better this year.

I have been packing alot of things up in the garage to do a car boot sale this summer when I've had a chance to go through everything. I'm already feeling very positive for the rest of 2016. :j

VfM4meplse

Have faith in the GC. I tried it for 3 months but stopped. Why? It actually reminded me how little I spend on food.

AGirlWrites

Haha @ VfM4meplse, i've been through my last 3 months bank statements, i've spent over £300 a month on food for just me and the chickens. They have about £10 a week on fresh fruit and veg. How ridiculous!! I can see now how little i'll be spending on it over then next few months as I work through the cupboards, fridge and freezer. :-)

VfM4meplse

AGirlWrites wrote: »

Haha @ VfM4meplse, i've been through my last 3 months bank statements, i've spent over £300 a month on food for just me and the chickens. They have about £10 a week on fresh fruit and veg. How ridiculous!! I can see now how little i'll be spending on it over then next few months as I work through the cupboards, fridge and freezer. :-)

Then let me be your benchmark: try £50 a month (food only).

I'm sure PN will be able to raise the stakes even higher.

Soworried

That is a lot of food AGirlwrites. It would take my family of 2 adults and 2 teens a month to get through that and they have hollow legs :eek:

It will be fun to read how little you can spend the next week, good luck x :A