2020 Frugal Living Challenge

FrankieM

Our removal date has been confirmed for the week after next. I can't believe how close to Christmas it's going to be, but still, we'll be in the house for it and hopefully pretty settled.
I bought a few bits that my mum wants for the house but have mostly managed to make do with what we already have and borrow a couple of things. The previous owners of the new house also left a couple of wardrobes, a fridge freezer and washing machine so that's saved us a bit of money in the short term.
Going to clean through over the weekend and then we'll be ready to go.
I can't wait to move in so I can see how the budget is going to work and get a plan together for next year - though I'm hoping I can do £6k for the year/£500 a month all in.

cw18

willow_loulou said:

how do you use powdered milk? Do you mix up say a pint or just add powder to tea or something 😊 also do have a favourite brand

I used to use Tesc0 own to put in brews when I had an office job, but back in March (when I went to get some due to pandemic) I discovered it's not even on their website any more.    It would have taken a lot of time to get to Asd@ or elsewhere for some, so I got M@rvel from my local P0undstretcher (which closed last week!).

When using for a cuppa I generally just sprinkle a tiny amount in.    I use so little milk in tea that a pint of milk would last me at least 2 weeks, so since buying it I've actually moved to using dried milk rather than waste other milks.

If I want some milk for cooking then I mix up a small amount.   I've discovered that a teaspoon of powder into a small paste jar (then top up with water, put lid on and shake) is sufficient for scrambled egg / omellette, or for adding to mashed potato with a little left over for brews the next 24-48 hours.

DawnW

YORKSHIRELASS said:

 Christmas is going to be a dilemma this year because DS1 is back at work earning good money and doesnt want anything much, but DS2 is a poor student and cant find a job, so he could really do with some money for clothes and a few treats.  I like to spend the same on both of them.  Will think about that some more over the next few days.

We have been in this situation (still happens sometimes that one grown up child or relative or another needs help in a specific situation). We got / get around it by spending on only modest Christmas presents for all - or actually not all, as the family agreed a few years ago to do a secret santa arrangement for over 18s) but help out the individual who needs it as a separate thing, not Christmas related, if that makes sense. For example, eldest grandson was finding it tough recently managing to pay his half of the rent / bills in the house he shares with his gf, as he had been furloughed and his pay cut as a consequence. We sent him some money to help out with bills as he needed it, and we were fortunate enough to be able to help, but not linked to Christmas at all.

mumof3.12kindebt

Good morning, 
Thankyou for all the lovely messages. 
I felt very low last night and struggled to sleep. But today I am approaching the day with a new mindset.
I would like to make a lump sum payment to the debt (using savings) but we have work on the house we still need to pay for so I will wait until that's all paid. 

I have a few things I need to get crossed off our to do list. And slowly I'm going to get some housework done and prep for dinner tonight. 

I also need to pop to the cashpoint and withdraw some money for my savings tins. 

I have done my budget for next year. Its a zero based budget (all spare money after bills is being thrown towards debt). 

I'm on the look out for pjamas for the kids but I keep missing the notifications on ebay to say the item is nearly ending 🤣

I'm also going to start tracking our spends and progress better to keep me motivated. 

Our budget for next year not including any debt repayments comes to around £18,000 much more than it was a few years ago. I'm sure we will be able to make some cuts in some places. Will have to go back through it again before the new year. 

Have a good day everyone I will try to report back later 

Xx

willow_loulou

Thank you @Frugaldom I’ll pick some up when I go shopping. I think if I keep a milk bottle I could use that to make it up. It sounds like it’s a very useful store cupboard item. 

Shopping tonight, I’m not looking forward to it. My budget is £26 plus I’m going to buy some extra coffee so I can stay out of a big supermarket for a few months. It’s much cheaper coffee than other grounds but I’m not wanting the whole supermarket experience too often!  

YORKSHIRELASS

DawnW that is good advice but unfortunately DS2 is fiercely independent and doesnt like me just giving him money!  However it is his birthday in January and I could give him extra then.  And thinking about what you said DS1 is paying very little for living here as he is saving for a house deposit with his GF so I suppose we are helping him out in that way.

The milk situation is quite funny because the milkman has been twice today for some reason, either that or someone has donated 2 pints of milk to us and left it on our doorstep!  I forgot that we have milk powder, it is in one of the bread recipes I use, and we do actually have some UHT milk as well, but I am not keen on it.  I need to update my spreadsheets tomorrow, I know I am not overbudget on my grocery shopping because it goes in a separate bank account.

It feels like it has been a good week moneywise, the fire is lit and I am done with work until Monday.  Lots to be happy about!

ldee2111

A spendy day for me - £200 for some work we had done in the house. I did sell a small lamp on Gtree for £5. Tonight I’ll do my usual online shop for delivery tomorrow - it’s actually cheaper for me to get home deliveries instead of driving to supermarket where I end up overspending. I feel a lot more in control looking at my meal plan and ordering based on that. However, this week’s meal plan is quite meaty, literally.I’ve got 4 dishes on there with meat in them which adds up the £££. Need to find a couple of new recipes to replace.

mumtoomany

Well that was an expensive day! Went into town for milk and fruit. Took youngest DGD with us. Minibus cut out at the lights, OH managed to get it rewarded and we limped to Tesco. Managed to get the shopping, but couldn't fix the bus! That's what comes of having a car older than several of your children! Had to pay £110 plus vat to get it recovered. Also had to get some lunch, as DGD was hungry, it was lunch time and she is only two. Now we'll have to get some more new bits for it.  Ahhh! At least OH can fix it. And if we keep it on the road for a crew more years it becomes mot and tax exempt. Will update signature at end of the month. Mumtoomany.

mumtoomany

On a more frugal note. DD3 had given me some veggie burgers, she didn't like the taste. So mixed them with some minced pork and garlic and made meatballs to go with pasta and sauce (homemade) for tea. 

fionaandphil

mumtoomany said:

Well that was an expensive day! Went into town for milk and fruit. Took youngest DGD with us. Minibus cut out at the lights, OH managed to get it rewarded and we limped to Tesco. Managed to get the shopping, but couldn't fix the bus! That's what comes of having a car older than several of your children! Had to pay £110 plus vat to get it recovered. Also had to get some lunch, as DGD was hungry, it was lunch time and she is only two. Now we'll have to get some more new bits for it.  Ahhh! At least OH can fix it. And if we keep it on the road for a crew more years it becomes mot and tax exempt. Will update signature at end of the month. Mumtoomany.

It won't help now, but we took out the breakdown cover recommended on MSE from AutoAid, its about £60 per year and covers homestart, towing etc.  We have used it a few times when we've been stranded with a flat battery and they have always been quick and reliable.  It might save you money in the long run