Giving every £ a job

savingholmes

Cheers to us all beating our budgets. Got to be something good come out of this mess. What fun things are we all planning to stop us going stir crazy....?

Blackcats

Fun things!!!   I'm making tomorrow evening a Fredagsmys (cosyfriday).  When I finish work (which I'll try to do on time) I'm going to have a luxury hot chocolate with marshmallows (if I can stop eating them during the day).  I used to have a Friday hot chocolate at a local coffee shop so I'm re-creating that.  I've got a magazine to read - passed on by a friend.  Then I'm making a chicken kebab, flatbread and salad and I'm already chilling a nice bottle of Prosecco I got for Christmas.  And as if that's not enough excitement, I've dug out my Inspector Morse DVDs and I'm going to chose my favourite episode to watch 🥳 So, I don't need to spend any money to enjoy a lovely evening.  Admittedly it's not exactly the Friday fun of pre-lockdown but I'm looking forward to it and I shall enjoy it. 

Had to buy cat food today - bought in bulk but crikey its expensive.  My cats just won't eat cheaper wet food although they've downshifted a brand on their dry food and they now have Lidl cat treats instead of dreamies so I reckon they think they have contributed to the frugal living challenges in this household 😼.  They got cheese dreamies as a Christmas treat in case anyone is worried about deprivation.  It's ironic that they are rescue cats with such expensive taste.  

savingholmes

We moved our cat to pretty much dry food all year round as we used to waste too much wet food. I do buy it the 'sticks' though as well but it doesn't get it every day. 

Blackcats

Brrrr it's cold today.  Went for a walk this morning - a few pinch points along the way as half the county appeared to have chosen the same time and same place for their daily exercise.  All in all though it was easy to move aside and keep plenty of distance between.  Back home for a steaming hot cup of tea and a chicken and bacon baguette (using the leftover chicken from last night's tea).  

Did some money admin today - my month end is 4th of month so I was able to review December spends.  So much lower than December 2019 - some of that is down to me changing behaviour but a lot is down to the changed Covid world.  

Spent some more time on my recipe folder this afternoon .... so much lockdown excitement eh?  Mind you - no money spent 😇

savingholmes

Well done for the exercise and lower money spent. I'm contemplating doing some baking tomorrow to cheer myself up... 

Blackcats

Thanks SH - it's not masses of exercise but it's the principle of getting out for a walk.  Had a nice walk round an extended loop round the block.  Sticking to pavements at the moment as the pretty walks are like quagmires.  Also avoiding local beauty spots as they are just too busy to feel safe.  

Made a call to my mobile supplier today.  My bill has been creeping up but because of the incremental increase I haven't felt any urgency to deal with it.  Good result - dealt with a really helpful person and reduced the contract giving an annual saving of £180.00.  Very pleased with that.  👏

savingholmes

Fab saving. Walking is good too. Have fun tomorrow

Sarahwithlove

Great news about the mobile. It all helps! 

Blackcats

Thank you SavingH and Sarah.  It's all too easy to miss the smaller bills creeping up.  I dread to think how much money I've wasted over the years by not keeping an eye on things let alone the horrific costs of credit card interest, overdraft costs and loan costs!
i've decided not to do my weekly shop tomorrow - I've got plenty of food in to design my meal plan and I'm ok for fruit and veg.  I'll add a couple of bits onto elderly relative's online shop and pay for them.  I'm pleased to be able to avoid the shops and it will be good for the grocery budget.
I've cooked once and eaten twice this week.  Really nice to have a quick dinner after work today.  I made a spicy bean and veg chilli with rice yesterday and had the chilli on a jacket potato and salad tonight.  

Very impressed with vaccine programme.  Elderly relative received eligibility letter on Saturday, appointment booked and jab received today less than 3 miles away from their home.  

joedenise

That's great Blackcats.  I'm trying to shop locally but it's not easy when the closest supermarket is 8 miles away!  Planning on doing a shop in a couple of days to last the week.