Setmefree's Diary: MFi5 journey

evab_2

Barclays was a pain when I tried last year, took weeks to tell me it hadn't gone through but no explanation!

setmefree2

Just checked it again - You have to trs in past years ISAs as min balance £9k. So Save4it looks like best deal....though the savings board seems to have loads of good ISA deals on there. (must be the time of year)..

This is a really excellent thread listing all the current ISA deals - fantastic (thanks MSEers!)
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=401374

also
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=18

setmefree2

A year ago I started a personal challenge to use up gifts such as:- candles, books, bubble bath, perfume, bath salts, body lotion, etc which I had around the house. I also started a challenge to not buy any new clothes and to try to wear out what I had. These worn out clothes and shoes had to be fit for the bin. Giving them to the Charity Shop did not count! So a year later this is what I achieved:-

Books - £264 (of which £211 were gifts;))

Smellies & make up £308 (of which £257 were gifts - this includes bottles of perfume)

Candles £49 (All Gifts - burnt to exhaustion!)

Clothes worn out £207

Total £828

Not bad hey!:D The SMFs come from very large families that despite being scattered around the world still send presents:o.....their budget for presents is also frightening:eek:

Move_To_Portugal

hi smf

This is what I do, I use up everything. Its amazing the stuff you have in the bathroom or the gifts you get given at Christmas. I try not to buy anything if I can help it.
Well done on your savings.
mtp

setmefree2

I have updated Page 1-


The interest has been added to our mortgage a/c for Jan. In total £767 which is £26.50 every day - which means that Barclays add a £1 to our debt every hour:eek:

Makes you think doesn't it:rolleyes:

evab_2

HI smf,

I was just rereading your post about using things up and realised that I have loads and loads of candles in the attic that are just sitting there looking pretty so I'm going to dig them all out and start using and save on elec whilst I'm at it.

Thanks for the reminder! Ev x

setmefree2

Hi

That was me too. I had all these expensive candles hanging around and I've had a glorious time using them up. Candle lit bubble baths - the best....:D Still got enough for another year of "using-up" too.....I'm currently using up some "Woods of Windsor" Bath salts that one of my kids bought me when they were young. I've never been one for bath salts but I'm really enjoying them....looking around my bathroom the other day I spotted some bath oil - so it's that next;)

evab_2

sounds lovely, dh and dd are currently in the lounge watching tv with loads of candles merrily twinkling away!

phizzimum

we've been trying this too - we had a family candlelit dinner on friday night, and I've been using up some of my Lush goodies I've been given - it stops me hankering after buying more!

Kaz2904

Maybe I can ask people to get me candles and smellies as gifts, they won't mind that surely!