2019 Frugal Living Challenge

Treasurequeen

My story, growing up was a struggle my parents where in debt but being so young I didn't know. When I was around 10 my dad got signed off work with MH issues so my mum was main breadwinner working all hours to keep a roof over our heads. My dad had a drinking problem so was wasting money on alcohol whilst my mum was trying to keep a roof over our heads. We had to save pocket money and money from our birthdays given from family and save for things we wanted. Me and my brother couldn't afford most things so we went to being creative and making gifts and cards. When I was 18 I was diagnosed with a disability which has stopped me from working and relying on benefits. I used some of my money to pay for things around my parents home whilst I still lived there. Then things got really bad and I had to lend my parents money nearly £9000 to keep their house. I moved out into a flat that has care on site if needed in an emergency. They are on a debt plan now and I know will eventually pay the money back to me when they can. we had the latest things at Christmas and birthdays but we had to wait a year to get them. They hid their problems from family so it was hard.

But I never want to be put in a situation like that again thinking about a knock on door could be collectors or to take away my home. So I save my money where I can and try to live frugally as it makes me feel safe. I don't have any debt to my name, I don't have credit cards as they are what caused my parents problems. if I cant get something then I wait until I have the money. as I cant go out to work I run a forum online for others living with my conditions. I have to organic food as I react to chemicals which is an expense but my health is less affected. its hard juggling everything and trying to keep my body working.

But being frugal and saving money for me is great it gives me a purpose and a sense of enjoyment. Like an adrenaline surge when I find a bargain. I help my parents with frugal tips and things now but not giving them money.

chocolatelover93

cw18 - I was with PO and had nothing but trouble with them. When I discovered TT owed it I wasn't happy. My parents had the same issue with their phone number and a MAC code or something they needed to change their internet over. Safe to say since then I have avoided.

treasurequeen - sounds like you have gone through a lot bless you! So sorry to hear that but glad you're debt free and your parents are trying to get debt free

I have just moved to BT from Sky (Sky couldn't offer me any sort of package despite moving next door!) Internet was meant to be on Wednesday still not on! They're now saying tomorrow but I'm not holding my breath! Although they have said they will refund me for the days that I haven't had internet so I suppose that is one plus!

Hoping to bag a NSD today, made my lunch to have at work and took a drink in too so shouldn't need to spend anything.

C xx

frugalfreedom

Treasurequeen = Thank you for sharing your story I think sometimes it is cathartic to actually put it out in the public domain what brought us here I think as well as helping others I find it cements it in my mind, and it is so reassuring that we are not on our own, good luck with your journey x

earthgirl

I love hearing others stories too. I think that by sharing it, and reflecting on, it's in the past and organises your thoughts - and goals - for the future. That's why I loke diaries so much - so interesting.

Sea_Shell

Just looked at our spends for the first 3 months of the year, and we've only spent £900 overall so far, excluding bills. £560 of that is on Groceries.

Although we haven't booked any holidays or trips yet, but might do a (posh) caravan somewhere next week, as a bit of a break.

bustiblondilocks

It's so lovely to see support for single parents, so very rare! For mum's especially. I have a friend who is a single dad and was deemed a true hero for raising the children on his own, the same people then declared me the "scum of the earth" (yes I was actually called that) for raising my children alone. How judgemental people can be! I stayed far too long in an abusive marriage to avoid the stigma of being a divorced single mum and it nearly killed me.
But not here...I love this group! Thank you for the amazing support given to each other!

I've rejigged me budgets, overestimating bills for April and underestimating income so hopefully I've a fair idea of how much I can afford to put into debts...not a lot! I've made a good dent, I feel, so far this year so I'm feeling better about it!

I've realised that alot of my panic around the debts are the fact I keep thinking my total debts are a lot higher than they actually are! I've only got 2 years left on a loan and there's only a couple of grand left to pay on it but in my head there's still the full 10 years at the full amount! Once that's ended i will be snow balling that payment amount into paying off the next biggest debt which is also the highest interest. If I can put in the amount I hope to I will be debt free January 2022!!

I can't wait! I've promised the children a holiday, nothing huge but a change of scenery summer of 2022 if debts are gone so good incentive! Well they won't be so much children as scary teens by then!

Crafty_Lisa_Hampshire

I had to spend a bit of money this weekend as my eldest nephew came to stay with me. I didn't overspend but I did have to get some "kid friendly" food in and I took him out to lunch on Saturday after we went swimming. I also let him chose some seeds to grow in his "garden" that he has at my allotment. We spent Sunday morning at the allotment sorting his garden out and sewing seeds and then he watched some films whilst making his Mum a mother's day card. After looking at my budget I realised that I was still within budget which I was quite pleased (and surprised) about. I'm hoping for a "no spend day" today but as it is only 2.00 pm there is still time. Fingers crossed I can do this as so far this month I think I have only had 2 "no spend days" which is pretty bad really. Perhaps that should be my challenge for next month - increase the number of my no spend days..

Dave_Saver

After some advice, I have a new girlfriend (4 months) , she has 2 kids and rents a home. When I stay with her we often do little shopping trips, she works 24 hours a week but is struggling with bills. Before my push to reduce debt I would of been offering to pay the full bill for shopping , family days out etc.probably why I got in debt in previous relationships. In this relationship I feel guilty as I'm only paying my share, gf often refuses to let me even give her petrol money when she picks me up. Should I be insisting she lets me pay more as she has even less money than I do?

Dave_Saver

* I don't live with her all the time just a day or 2 a week when we are both off work

sinkorswim2018

Dave Saver, I think you should insist on paying your bit but respect your girlfriends independence and pay no more this early on. Hope that's helpful