Life style shift - cutting costs / cheaper meals

ska_lover

I am just listening to Destinys Child ''Bills Bills Bills' whilst creating this spreadsheet haha

ska_lover

I have about finished with the spreadsheet.
There is something quite therapeutic and calming about this.

I have added every regular expenditure all the regular household stuff ad then hobbies, even what I spend at the vape shop (hopefully for not much longer) getting my hair done etc.

I was thinking of swapping my bank account as I spend a tenner on just my bank account each month, but it does include AA cover - and I used them very recently. I think I will speak to Hubby because I know he pays for separate AA cover himself, so Ill ask when his runs out, and it may be cheaper to just add me on to that - not sure

lessonlearned

I need to reorganise my bank accounts too. Need to make my money work harder. :rotfl:

Re the AA renewal. One thing I do is as each thing comes up for renewal I look to see if I can swap and improve on the deal. I have just made some savings by switching utilities and then will look at house and car insurance when they become due.

Yes, it's a bit of a faff but unfortunately loyalty doesn't pay anymore. The new customers seem to get the best deals.

So I'm very promiscuous these days. :rotfl: I shop around.

You are doing well. And it sounds like you are getting quite a buzz from it all.

Yes it can be a bit of a learning curve but It soon becomes second nature. And, just think of all that lovely money you will be saving and your new better work life balance.

a more relaxed chilled out you.......

PipneyJane

ska_lover wrote: »

I have about finished with the spreadsheet.
There is something quite therapeutic and calming about this.

I have added every regular expenditure all the regular household stuff ad then hobbies, even what I spend at the vape shop (hopefully for not much longer) getting my hair done etc.

I was thinking of swapping my bank account as I spend a tenner on just my bank account each month, but it does include AA cover - and I used them very recently. I think I will speak to Hubby because I know he pays for separate AA cover himself, so Ill ask when his runs out, and it may be cheaper to just add me on to that - not sure

You're paying £120 per year to the bank for something you can get for less than £70 direct. Martin's weekly MSE email frequently quotes offers from Greenflag, the AA and the RAC. There's probably an active off right now, but I can't find it today.

If you do get added to your husband's AA cover, please haggle with them. They will give massive discounts if you haggle. (We're with the RAC and usually get £100 off when we renew because my husband phones up and haggles with them.)

HTH

- Pip

GreenQueen

We're with the RAC, because they let you use Tesco clubcard vouchers to renew (50p in vouchers for £1.50 towards your membership). Think last year I only had to put £20 to make it up.

ska_lover

PipneyJane wrote: »

You're paying £120 per year to the bank for something you can get for less than £70 direct. Martin's weekly MSE email frequently quotes offers from Greenflag, the AA and the RAC. There's probably an active off right now, but I can't find it today.

If you do get added to your husband's AA cover, please haggle with them. They will give massive discounts if you haggle. (We're with the RAC and usually get £100 off when we renew because my husband phones up and haggles with them.)

HTH

- Pip

Ah yes there are definitely better deals out there to be had

BachSoon

Skalover am still working my way through the thread, but congratulations on the lifestyle choice to escape the rat race :T it must feel amazing
I shall watch with interest as I have future plans to do the same, not in the near future of course. I tell DH I shall leave law and become a dinner lady or a TA :T not for many years though, I'm only a few years qualified :rotfl:

If you're still interested in budget recipes I recommend jack Monroe - she runs a blog called cooking on a bootstrap. Her recipes are delicious and budget friendly.

Cheapskate

Hello everyone, been reading this new thread with interest and loving the ideas! Going to try the recipes for the hummus and breakfast bites, thank you :T

JackieO, that miser's cookbook sounds right up my street - do you have a link for it, please?

I've really taken my eye off the ball WRT all sorts of financial/meal prep/OS issues of late, but it's not too late to get back on the horse, so to speak - I hope!! I've re-joined the grocery challenge in order to make myself a bit more accountable for my spending, I often start well and then it goes a bit pear-shaped, so I'm determined to end this year with more money left, less carp in the house, and a clearer head!

A xo

happyandcontented

Cheapskate wrote: »

Hello everyone, been reading this new thread with interest and loving the ideas! Going to try the recipes for the hummus and breakfast bites, thank you :T

JackieO, that miser's cookbook sounds right up my street - do you have a link for it, please?

I've really taken my eye off the ball WRT all sorts of financial/meal prep/OS issues of late, but it's not too late to get back on the horse, so to speak - I hope!! I've re-joined the grocery challenge in order to make myself a bit more accountable for my spending, I often start well and then it goes a bit pear-shaped, so I'm determined to end this year with more money left, less carp in the house, and a clearer head!

A xo

This is how I have been feeling of late. I seem to be spending on 'stuff' which I really don't need. Ditto food which sometimes goes to waste, although still having sons who call in say 'hello' and then head to the fridge does minimise that!

I have more good clothes, shoes and handbags than I could ever wear in two lifetimes and still, I buy more...I do have a charity shop clear out at least twice a year though to make way for the new! I can afford to do it, but recently I have been thinking I don't want to be so consumerist anymore.

I am off on holiday soon and my case is full of stuff that I keep for holidays or best. Why do I do that? What is the point of having nice stuff if it sits in the wardrobe because it is easier to wear something you are used to wearing?

I am feeling very reflective this morning!!

ska_lover

BachSoon wrote: »

Skalover am still working my way through the thread, but congratulations on the lifestyle choice to escape the rat race :T it must feel amazing
I shall watch with interest as I have future plans to do the same, not in the near future of course. I tell DH I shall leave law and become a dinner lady or a TA :T not for many years though, I'm only a few years qualified :rotfl:

If you're still interested in budget recipes I recommend jack Monroe - she runs a blog called cooking on a bootstrap. Her recipes are delicious and budget friendly.

Thank you

In reality I would prefer not to work at all (wouldn't we all!!), but I am starting my new job next week. I am determined to make this downshift work, there is no way I am going back to the stress I had before

There is nothing wrong with making the move even if you are only a few years qualified. Maybe Law, just isn't for you - and there is something a bit less up your street. It is a massive decision to completely do a U Turn though, when you have gone so far down one career path - to jump ship. I found it daunting, but freeing also

Jack Monroe. Absolutely adore her, - she is just so 'real'