I got 2019 mindful and saved thousands

sambr33

Last year I got divorced. It wasn't pretty. So I started 2019 determined to rebuild and get my act together. That meant sorting out my financial life, because now I have to fund two households. I started with a round-up app, and after three weeks had saved £3.94! Back to the drawing board. That's when I read an article about being mindful about your money. Initially dismissing it as hippie hocus-pocus, it got me thinking. I was the kid at school who laughed at others who bought their lunch in Tupperware. I became that guy and not spending £7-8 at Wasabi/Pret every lunchtime gave me a real kick. I was spending about the same on car parking every day, so I found a place (a bit further away) I could park for free and suddenly I was saving about £80 a week. When I figured that was over £4k in a year, I really got the bit between my teeth. Every time I bought something, no matter how small, I asked myself, did I really need it, or was I just fulfilling the idea I had of myself? I used to buy Diesel jeans for £125 a pop. Now I buy them at TK Maxx and I'm the same guy. I used to have a flash car, now I've got a sensible one for half the price. And so on and so on. So my point is, there's much more saving out there than I ever thought. It's not about giving up the things I love, it's about spending on what's important - and that for me is making my kids happy and proud of their Dad. It's a lot cheaper!

-taff

Just wait until you find out about batch cooking, YS foods, driving petrol savvy...there is a list that never stops


Well done...

sambr33

How do you drive petrol savvy?!

Mummy2cheekymonkeys

Well done. It's amazing how much you can achieve when you really put your mind to it. I have 2 small children and also find now they have come along that my whole mindset has changed. Before I would go shopping and buy something just because I liked it. Now I really ask if I need it. Spending that money on a day out that they will enjoy is more rewarding than a new pair of shoes could ever be.

Nargleblast

sambr33 wrote: »

How do you drive petrol savvy?!

Not overloading the car, smooth acceleration and deceleration, maintain speed around 55 mph for maximum fuel efficiency (when national speed limit applies).

VfM4meplse

sambr33 wrote: »

How do you drive petrol savvy?!

I keep the revs below 2,000 pm and generally touch the accelerator only when I need to. That also means I don't have to brake frequently either. I drive with the flow of traffic and under the speed limit and find the drive more enjoyable this way.

You'll get lots more tips on saving money on o/s. IMHO if you're spending more than £7k pa on living expenses (outside rent / mortgage) for one person, there are savings to be made.

-taff

If you really want to go all out take a look here
http://meanqueen-lifeaftermoney.blogspot.com/


As above for the petrol savvy, no hard acceleration or deceleration, maintain your engine as appropriate too.

YORKSHIRELASS

Oh, so true! We have made some big changes to our lives to try and get our finances back on track and its been a revelation. Cycling and walking in our leisure time instead of going to the shops, cherishing clothes and possessions that we already have instead of craving new, being brave enough to say no to evenings out that we cant afford, finding hobbies like cooking and baking that save money.

It took me a long time to realise that small financial changes make a big difference and it can actually be quite enjoyable to find ways of saving money. One of the biggest challenges for me is not feeling the need to keep up appearances with friends, families and work colleagues but I am getting there.

Well done, keep it going!

[Deleted User]

It's crazy how much money we spend on stuff that we don't need isn't it.

I'm still guilty of it sometimes but I try to always buy in the sale or even from charity shops. It's great how much more bang for your buck you can get.

I love and hate TK Maxx in equal measure, had some great bargains from there but I need to be in the mood to shop there otherwise I find it unbearable

I'm also going through a divorce so need to get things in order.

Good luck and keep sharing those money savings tips everyone - thank you!

Dxxx

lessonlearned

Another tip for "petrol savvy" is to plan your routes and shopping trips and maybe having a car free day now and again if you can.

And it's true, the small savings really do stack up.

I initially got into MSE ways and frugal/simple living to clear debts and stay afloat. Now I am debt free but I continue to live simply as a matter of choice. I enjoy it. I see it as a fun challenge.

As Ilona says (Aka The Mean Queen) if you don't spend it, you don't need to earn it. :rotfl:

I am not as savvy as Ilona but I think I live quite well on my modest income.

GDB2222

DW and I used to have separate cars, and I was working all hours to pay for it all. Now, we have one car, twelve years old, and we barely use it. We walk everywhere or use public transport. It does help that the big grocery shop gets delivered.

We go to Waitrose quite often for the free coffee and newspaper. That's a two mile walk, so we don't buy heavy stuff in the shop.