2019 Frugal Living Challenge

Hettyhound

Just paid off the credit card :j. It was used for an emergency payment because I didn’t have an emergency fund; that’s the next challenge on my list :T

FrankieM

Like cw I also don't bother counting nsd. For me it's about what I spend on and how much I spend, rather than how often.

I have a rare weekend with my DD3 so we will be going to the cinema today and she's cooking tea tonight, but I'm buying some of the ingredients.

The emergency fund is also next on my list Hettyhound I don't get sick pay and after 1.5 days off this month...well, it's going to be tight and an emergency fund would've come in handy.

Shopaholic_no_more

Thankyou Frugaldom for your pics!
I have taken note

chocolatelover93

Happy mothers day to all the mummies
I am working today so no rest for me haha although did have a bit of a lay in this morning as DS is with his dad this weekend.

crafty lisa - well done on the saving!

So I am quite proud of myself yesterday I resisted going to a bootsale (I don't actually need anything), resisted buying carp in town, resisted a B&M trip after going to the tip and resisted an IKEA trip! So I think that is quite a few wins for me Especially considering I usually would have done all them things and spent a lot of money but I only have £30 to last me until Thursday and I don't want to spend anymore on CC. At work again today and no purse with me and no contactless on my phone still so that'll save a bit more. Bought snacks and lunch with me again today

Also been using a shampoo bar from lush for a few months now, would definitely recommend! I think it cost me about £10 I first wasn't too sure about it but I think it was just my hair getting used to it. But now I love it. It makes my bathroom smell amazing every time I use it, I have used hardly any and wash my hair every other day and been using since end of Jan so think it is good value for money plus no plastic! I am using up the last of my conditioner too and going for a conditioner bar next as well and once shower gel is all used going for bars of soap.

C xx

Kerry_Woman

Managed 21 NSD's this month. Managed to come under in the food shop. Went on a grief retreat and finished attending a grief 6 week programme. Went to my Mum's grave today. Have sorted out my spending money for my holiday which I am going on Thursday. It is a packaged holiday to America - the flights, accommodation and trips have been sorted. Do not know anyone else that is going, but there are 46 people going. This is a holiday of a lifetime for me and is on my bucket list. Had someone to sort out the outside light fitting above my door outside the flat. I do not have a communal hallway. Only have a few minor things to be done in the flat before I put it up for sale. Planning to be moving later on this year. Have been trying to do as much walking as I could this month.

Treasurequeen

Food budget has come in under budget again this month. I have a budget of £130.00 and have come in at just under £120.00. Cat food was on offer so got a bag which will last 2 months works out £4 a month.

Electric is in credit so company has lowered my direct debit. But I have budgeted for more so have put rest into emergency fund for winter months.

I’m working my way through my stocks in freezer and cupboards should only need fresh food.

Did have to order a bulk bag of Epsom salt for my fibro pain but had a amazon voucher. Litter lockers for cat was on offer so I bulk bought again but they will last over a year. Expensive March but in the long run will be cheaper.

Crafty_Lisa_Hampshire

I was very pleased with myself this weekend on the frugaling side of things. I volunteer at a local well being garden keeping it up together. They had some wooden planters that were rotten at the bottom and well past their best. However, I got a load of leftover wood from my allotment of various types and managed to repair the said planters so they are usable again. All now filled with compost ready for planting. I still can't believe I managed it considering I never really used a drill before this year - I was always a bit nervous about using one until I made myself have a go.

FrankieM

I bought myself some watermelon slices last night, as a healthy way of tiding myself over until tea.

£2.89!! I need to get more organised and have an apple in my bag

Why is healthy food so expensive....

sinkorswim2018

FrankieM, that is the price of an entire football sized watermelon = 4 enormous portions...but you know that. So frustrating when ypu have to she'll out because you've not had time to prepare.

I don't count nsd either, but Kerry woman 21 nsd's! That impressive, you must very organised.

I'm still keeping to most of my budgets -groceries, toiletries, fual etc... but am over on holidays, car maintenance, home improvements, this will right itself as the year goes on as money is allocated each months to these areas and it's not a monthly spend but a yearly one. I've also managed to pay.my.car insurance and home insurance outright without paying any interest. Can't believe how much money I used to waste, the irony is I thought I was frugal.
I have a holiday this month, a week in France. Not quite sure how to manage.my budget for that. Was thinking a 1/4 of my usual monthly food and fuel budget should go towards it and perhaps half my eating out budget. I also have a (small) days out budget so the whole.of that should go towards and it has acrued a little from previous months. We are self catering, going by car so I might take some basic groceries and bring back some wine!

Dave_Saver

Almost finished my first week since payday, have opened a home buyer ISA and set up standing order to pay in to it each month.

Good start to the month