2020 Frugal Living Challenge

cw18

Frugaldom said:

I wonder if fuel costs will reduce now that the oil prices have completely collapsed? Anyone got oil central heating?

I've seen posts in a couple of FB groups where people are saying they've had their oil tanks filled because of the unheard of low prices, but I don't know any in person who uses it.    I can't see the other energy types dropping though, which is a shame for all those people now stuck at home using more energy with only 80% of their income (if they're lucky enough to have been furloughed rather then just being laid off, or unable to access it as self-employed for too short a time).

mumof3.12kindebt

Hi Everyone, 
I'm still working. Had quite a bit of work this month in the end. But hardly anything in may (enough to cover basic outgoings) . 
The extra shifts this month have allowed me to add a good amount to the savings. 

I need to book my car in for a service (need to find out if they are still able to do it due to lockdown) 

On a financial front .. we have spent more than we normally would since the coronavirus started. I've brought stuff for the kids to do..they havent complained they are bored yet 😁 and food shopping has increased Although doing a weekly shop online has helped us keep costs lower than if we were to go to the store  .. 
We haven't done so well with our no spend year so far this year. But we are back on the bandwagon .. and I'm determined to increase our savings before the end of the year. So from today we will be more focused.. I literally have no energy at all today. But I'm determined to do some cleaning and tidying and sort out a meal plan and list for next week as low cost as possible so will go through the freezer fridge and cupboards and see what we have first and go from there. 
I have done a budget for the rest of this year. There is a couple direct debits I'll b canceling and I've closed some of my savings accounts to try and help me have more control. 
Heres hoping financially for a better 2020. 
With the budget re done .. Let the frugality commence... 

Hope everyone is well. Hugs to those that need them 

CraftyLittleLisa

Not so much to report this post compared to my last post.  Here goes:

- Got £60 refunded from my credit after switching energy suppliers.

- Got £25 cashback after above mentioned switch.

- Got £67 refunded from telephone company.

- Used some more wool up to knit more baby bits for the local premature baby unit.

- Got rid of a no good handbag.

- Made soup and a veg au gratin out of old veg and it was very nice.

- I put up a blind myself instead of getting someone in to do it.  I was very apprehensive but I was so proud when I managed it.

- I had quite a few no spend days this month.

I had a bit of a disappointment this week in that I went to get a slice of courgette cake I baked last weekend to use up courgettes and it had gone mouldy.  I live on my own so eating things up in time can be a bit of an issue.  I have now decided to half the recipes whenever I cook anything.

I'm definitely getting through all the odd jobs that need doing and the clearing, cleaning and sorting.  I'm going to have a quiet one next weekend though as I am starting to feel rather drained.  I have Friday off work next week so will have a chilled 3 day weekend.

I hope everyone is well.

Frugaldom

Mumof3 and Crafty, you are both doing really well so far, keep up the good work. 

I've never much to report as things are same here most days at the minute - work as usual minus the usual income, plus making the most of the good weather to sort out growing space for more fruit, hebs and veg. Still holding off planting too much as I'm never convinced the frost wont return until at least mid May and with so little rain, I'm glad I don't have loads of plants to water.

I'll need to go for petrol this week so will check to see if the price has reduced any. It's something I'd prefer not to have to buy but needs must as wrking without a car has now become impossible.

Good luck with week 6 of lockdown if it's affecting you, your family, your income or your lifestyle. Our quiet little backwater seems busier than ever with new faces walking & cycling past and people driving out here with their dogs. It's almos busy enough to attempt farm gate sales with an honesty box!    

Siebrie

Frugaldom, why not? Is there any rule against unmanned veg stalls? The honesty box could be your letterbox (I think Sue in Suffolk used that system).

I have been planting out my seedlings. Growing from seed and cleaning up flowerbeds to turn them into veg beds is so much easier now that I'm working from home.

I'm weeding the flowerbeds 10 minutes at a time, due to me having a bad back, and it's amazing how much I actually get done! Now planted out: white cabbage, peas, mangetouts, nasturtiums. Waiting to plant out: basil, courgette, cucamelon, gladioli bulbs (already sprouting in the garage). Sown, and waiting to sprout: garden cress, carrots, coriander, spring onions, beetroot, chervil, parsley, leeks.

This week's forecast is cooler temperatures and rain, so I'm eager to have the beds cleared of weeds and the seeds in the ground!

FrankieM

I must be one of the few not growing veg and not doing DIY.

I've been furloughed from work and I've not been paid for 3 months so working on the new budget and moving money around to make ends meet as well as sorting out menus that work for both my mum and I and generally getting used to having someone else in the house full time.

cw18

FrankieM - I'm not either.   But I'm actually working longer hours than I normally would (and working 3 of my 6 rest days this week to boot!   Could have done all 6, but my body was screaming for a rest and I'm listening to it.).    Yesterday I didn't even get out of my PJs - unheard of for me unless I'm really, really ill (I normally change into at least fitness gear).   Today I've managed to make myself get dressed (a couple of hours ago), but I've abandoned plans to grab the car from my son and do a trip out to a large supermarket.   If he doesn't have work come in (ad-hoc through an agency) then I can use it on Thursday (next day off), or I reckon I can survive just using my local Aldi for another couple of weeks (and I'll have at least a few days off again in 3 weeks time, as I've got a weeks holiday booked - but am likely to be asked to work some of that too!).

Tanya12345

Hello All,
so chuffed to have found you all again!
will try and read back to catch up a bit
meantime hugs to y'all xx

Tanya12345

Frugaldom, I'm back into frugality ! Please can you point me to your recipes for laundry gloop etc ? I just don't know where to start looking ! Let alone stop the run away train that is my financial situation at the mo !! X

General_Grant

Tanya12345 said:

Frugaldom, I'm back into frugality ! Please can you point me to your recipes for laundry gloop etc ? I just don't know where to start looking ! Let alone stop the run away train that is my financial situation at the mo !! X

Does this work?   https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/12317463/#Comment_12317463