2020 Frugal Living Challenge

Crafty_Lisa_Hampshire

I have another spend to report. I got absolutely drenched (and cold) walking home the other night from work and when I looked at my coat I realised that it is well past its best. The inside filling wasn't great and its water resistant coating is non-existent and I realised that the inside lining (and back of the coat where I use a rucksack at times) is rather threadbare. The next day (whilst wearing said coat) I noticed that there was a 70% sale in an outdoor shop in the High Street so I had a look. I normally struggle to get sale stuff in my size (I'm Ms Average it seems) but they had loads. I found a coat that was perfect which was down by £85.00. I went to purchase it and then I was told it was actually only £90.00 (reduced by £110.00). So although I felt I had to splash out on a new coat I did get a bargain and I am hoping it will last me just as long as my old one (7 years) if not longer.


This month has been a bit of a spend month so I'm thinking that maybe I should just write this month off (but still trying to stick to my budgets) and then review things in February. I should know exactly what my take home is when I get paid at the end of January (as my pay rise should come through then) so I can finalise my budget for this year.


Thanks for the info about the pennies thread. I'm going to try and have a look for that.

2Scratters

Hi Peeps,

I have read all up on all posts before posting. Learned some new things - everyday is a school day:)
Have had quite a few no spend days as been on here. The fridge is getting a bit bare now.


Have a good week

Savvy_sewing

I went back through the links to the threads in 2007 and 2008, and had a reread. That has got me doing the £1000 in 100 days. So far I have managed to put by £245, so that is getting me thinking about a lot of other things I need to do to be on point.

[Deleted User]

Morning folks, been keeping up the focus on living frugal. Did some baking last night which will do for snacks over the weekend. food planned for the weekend, I just need to get a food plan done for next week and shop for it.

Plans for the weekend are:

Get up to date with housework and laundry (not particularly exciting but I like the end result of a clean, tidy organised home).

Get the potting shed organised to start growing flowers for the garden. I won't start until the middle of next month but I just want to make sure I have what I need. I might need to buy some more propagators but will see how the ones I have a faring first. I am hoping that my local pound-stretcher will have these in as they usually have them a quite a good price. I will need to buy a new heater for the potting shed so going to shop around to get the best price.

I have a bulk load of wood being delivered for the wood burner. This is a bigger outlay initially but works out cheaper overall compared to buying bags of logs. This delivery will last us until next winter.

I am going to have a mooch around some of our local charity shops on Saturday afternoon. I haven't done this in ages. I am looking for a new lightweight scarf to dress up some outfits and have a budget of £5 or less.

mumtoomany

Hi all, still frugalling along. Not posted, as I have been reading on my tablet whilst watching the grandchildren. (it won't let me log on!) Did an inventory of both freezers. I have enough meat/fish for around 60 meals for the 8 of us! And loads of veg, fruit, bread, ice cream, cheese etc. However more than 95% of it was either bought at less than full price (yellow label, staff discount, etc) or was home grown. Starting to slowly eat our way through them. Leads to interesting meals, burger, chips and cabbage anyone?

Need to sort through the seeds left from last year, see what can be planted, what I need more of. Also need to finish clearing out the poly-tunnel. May go and start that now.

Mended a bread knife yesterday and darned my gloves. DH still working on the barn roof, although I have been out helping him.

Speak soon, mumtoomany.

Crafty_Lisa_Hampshire

Elisheba - I couldn't find the Sneaky Ways to Saving Pennies Thread. Would you be able to paste up a link so I can have a look at it is possible? Thank you.

[Deleted User]

Crafty_Lisa_Hampshire wrote: »

Elisheba - I couldn't find the Sneaky Ways to Saving Pennies Thread. Would you be able to paste up a link so I can have a look at it is possible? Thank you.

Maybe it was this one:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2426287/lots-more-sneaky-ways-to-save-the-pennies


HIH:)

miss_empty_piggy

I've just had a good read through - there's some really great tips.

lessonlearned

Hi everyone.....

I'm loving this thread.....so inspirational. So many useful tips.

Well I blew my £25 food budget. :rotfl: but then again I have been ill and so have relied on a few easy short cuts. Also I have entertained a bit so extra there. I have also gone back on my diet (lost 3lbs this week wahoo). So again eating lots of fruit and veg which don't come cheap this time of year.

I've have spent £68 so far, but the freezer and cupboards are still well stocked and we are over half way through the month so I'm hoping to keep the spending down,

I used to spend over £200 month on groceries, so if I can get it down to £100/£120 I will be very happy.

Like others have said I too am going to try and grow a bit more produce this year, especially soft fruits etc which I can then hopefully freeze for the winter.

My other money saving this month is I have been a lot more frugal with the energy used, central heating thermostat set a little lower and not washing half loads. I have a smart meter so I can monitor the energy used and I am definitely using less.

The real good news is that my car sailed through its MOT so nothing to spend there. Phew

I have been very good and avoided buying any clothes even though I was tempted. I did pick up some nice bits and pieces from the charity shop - bric a brac, cushions and accessories to go with my new colour schemes. Only spent £12 so well pleased.

That's about it for now......but I will definitely keep reading along to keep me motivated.

Jazee

Ordered a year's supply of antihistamine tablets for £8.79 via MSE tips.