2020 Frugal Living Challenge

mumtoomany

Hi @YORKSHIRELASS, well done on getting the debt down. I've just looked back on your thread on debt free wannabe, in March your credit card debt was £44,000+, to get to nearly £35,000 in these uncertain times it's amazing! Keep it up and it'll soon be gone. How is DS1's health now? Mumtoomany.

YORKSHIRELASS

Mumtoomany thanks, earlier this year I thought there was no other way than to default on the debts, but DH and I had a long heart to heart and decided we had to go all out to earn as much as we could and cut our costs to the absolute minimum.  DH has been working 6 days a week for months, he is absolutely shattered, and I hate seeing him drag himself out of bed on a Saturday morning to go to work, but he has been amazing.  I also agreed to an increase in hours and took on more responsibility at work, which I didnt really want to do.  Lockdown has helped with the spending but I wish I could tell other people who are just getting into debt to put the brakes on it, because boy have we learned a lesson.  

DS is doing great, he is not 100% in the clear unfortunately, but he is back at work and happy, and I try not to worry about him.  He is convinced the cancer is going to come back one day but he seems to be able to get on with his life and not dwell on it.

I need to keep pushing on so thanks for your support x

mumtoomany

Glad he's on the mend. Only bought chicken feed and dog food today, but will have to get milk later, when we take DD3 to work. Mumtoomany.

FrankieM

I went to see the new house today (the sale completed yesterday) and I've worked out where the veggie garden will go and the washing line.
I confirmed that the garage has electric so I'll be able to get a big freezer in there to stock up and batch cook and there's some cupboards out there too, so I should be able to stock up on tins etc.
It'll be a real difference for me as my current house is titchy and only really allows for the storage of a week or so worth of food and supplies so exciting to think that I can build a bit of a frugal stockpile.
Everything is a bit tired and old decor wise and the garden also needs work, so that will be the savings goals for next year.
I'm also trying to eke out the shopping, until I move at least and then get a larger shop in then, though the Aldi snacks called to me today and my snack drawer has been restocked before the move. Doubt it'll still be there by the time we go though!

willow_loulou

@YORKSHIRELASS I’m in awe of you paying back so much. Well done!
I’ve managed about £1500 this year and I do wish I’d been more determined a year ago. This thread has really focused me. 

I’ve managed to put money away this week for next years bills. I’m so worried about Brexit I’m trying to keep back what I can from the next 2 months money as I have no back up and really don’t want credit again. 

I’m feeling positive moving forward though. I like my budget and  if my basic income stays roughly the same the important things are covered. I’m just wondering if insurances with go up after Brexit.  

Frugaldom

Good morning, frugalers, I hope everyone is well. Congratulations on lowering debts by so much, @YORKSHIRELASS and good to see news of DS in better health.
Another successful weekend here with the 0lio app so my supermarket order got altered accordingly. I was shocked to see things like sugar, spaghetti, tomato puree all rationed so that has put the brakes on marmalade and jam making.
I'll get my grocery budget up to date after my order arrives on Monday night and whatever is left in the pot will be for Christmas and New Year.
KEEP ON FRUGALING, FOLKS 👍

FrankieM

Morning everyone
I've put together a budget to get me through the rest of the year.
I now have budget for Christmas, a budget for stockpiling, a budget for the car (insurance and mot are both due in January), a budget for cleaning stuff to deep clean the new house before moving in, a budget for 'snacks' and then a budget for 'other stuff'.
That covers this months pay and I'll split next months down in the same way.
I'm considering doing a budget etc on paper next year. I'm wondering if that would make it more 'real'? Does anyone else do this?

Frugaldom

@FrankieM, I still like my spreadsheets and have now almost given up on cash completely but with no shops etc nearby, it is easier for me to keep track of all spends, especially with overheads at an all time high. I'm also trying to be paper free but it's impossible so I use the backs of envelopes and mail to scrawl mini budgets, just so I know exactly where I'm at when ordering anything or paying anything. When is your house move? I'll need to send you some herb cuttings and veg seeds for your new garden.  

[Deleted User]

Hi friends,

Still here, still frugalling! I have got back into eBay this weekend, and have so far made just under £90, which will all be paid off the mortgage. I get paid in a weeks time, and we have enough food in the house to last us so no other spends should be needed. Long dog walks and curling up by the fire when done is how we will be spending our free time! 

I am looking at my budget for next year. I am aiming to make a lump overpayment from the mortgage on 1st January, which will mean less in interest each month and more going off the capital. I think I've got all the bills as low as I possibly can, although there is always room for manoeuvre on the food spends.

Sorry, I had to break off to put some wood on the fire! My aim is to keep the heating off for the rest of the month. Bulb estimated my gas usage in the last reading, and I am determined it will be below their estimate by month end. We have plenty of logs, and I have been out in the garage this morning chopping kindling. I find it hard going but force myself to do ten minutes a day, which gives kindling for about three days. 

ETA @Fruga@Frugaldom would you mind sharing your basic spreadsheet again please?

mumtoomany

Hi @asparklyblonde, the spread sheet is linked on page one of this thread. About a fifth of the way down it says HERE in red. Mumtoomany.