Help a Single Saver

lemontart

Luis wrote: »

Cheers gang!

I am already on the cheapest tarriffs for utilities etc, and very rarely watch more than about 2hrs TV per week (except that might go up a bit at the moment with BB back on ).

I am eschewing the home phone for the inclusive minutes on my mob contract that I commenced in more affluent times - until I can cancel the contract at the end of the 12 months.

I am doing all the usual storecupboard challenge lark, never go to the cinema, and don't go out drinking etc.

I have a pretty thrifty existence as a rule, which is why I need the advice on how to cut back further - I feel as if I am already doing as much as I can, but I am about £200 pm short now

I think I am going to have to take on extra work to get by - but as I work 50 hrs pw as it is I am going to be knackered lol. It is so frustrating when you have been in this boat before, clawed your way out and then find yourself in it again. !!!!!!.

you have my sympathy like you I work 50 hrs a week and still have a 2oo shortfall do not drink do not smoke do not go out unless free tickets to cinema but as most on weeknight cannot do that now either have given up buying my 38p weekly social diary aka tv guide use a lantern I can charge in the car on commute (busses not a option as would be 6 hr trip to do 26 miles)only charge my payg mobile in car and only use for emergencies check tarrifs for gas elec regualary and cash back sites daily and pigs back etc not quite sure what else I can do until I find the elusive better paid job or extra work as earn 300 too much for tax credits

Jnelhams

You are allowed to watch TV via the internet on iplayer etc without a tv licence.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2008/01/iplayer_does_not_require_a_tv_1.html

Jnelhams

If your company has showers you could get to work early to use those, charge your phone at work, spend time in the library to escape the cold. Try selling homemade items, grow plants on ebay/ebid.

Biggles

Jnelhams wrote: »

You are allowed to watch TV via the internet on iplayer etc without a tv licence.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2008/01/iplayer_does_not_require_a_tv_1.html

It was five years ago, the OP's probably found that out by now.

destroyerofdebt2011

Queenie wrote: »

Writing takes time, thought and application. A good letter (proof reading, editing, additions) could take as long as an hour to formulate! If that means one hour less of something more expensive in the long run (say a trip out/ TV time/boredom enduced activities etc.) then that is 30p well spent Not to mention the pleasure it could equally deliver and the priceless investment of friendship/familiarity!

Now, even on a business letter footing .. how often do we get passed from Option 1 to Option 3 to Option ? ... kept holding and yet *still* not getting our query resolved? Yet, the written word can be provocative and powerful and evidential in the long run; phone calls are transient by comparison

And it really annoys the hell out the sender when that letter or card that could have meant so much never gets received because royal mail have eaten/stamped on/fed to the neighbours dog/left it in a puddle someplace * (please delete as appropriate) where as an email u can ask for a read receipt or a phone call or even a skype call " completly free bar net subs when its pc to pc" u will physically have some recognition that contact has been made.

SHIPSHAPE

elona wrote: »

Cook your own food from scratch- take your own sandwiches and hot drink in a flask.

No takeaways - make your own - books or mags from library - hire dvds from library- challenge of using what is in fridge,freezer and cupboards rather than going shopping.

Write letters rather than phone.

Make your own gifts and bath products and washing gloop. etc.

Why can't single people eat takeaways, use a phone or bathe with bubbles?:undecided

BitterAndTwisted

Well, of course they can just like everyone else but on a reaaaaaaaaaally strict budget these things could be rationed first with little or no impact on total quality of life. Making your own gifts, bath products and washing gloop means a person could have that money to pay for other more essential things. Like heating and hot water for instance.

I'm having a real problem with doing any decent batch-cooking because the damned freezer on my fridge/freezer packed up ages ago and I can't afford to have it serviced/repaired. Ah well, veggie soup in the fridge keeps for a couple of weeks, thank goodness

Jnelhams

Biggles wrote: »

It was five years ago, the OP's probably found that out by now.

Sorry, my broadbands a bit slow.