Missy’s family of 4, paying off debts, saving for a house and just trying to survive!

Queen_of_the_Hive

Hi @missymoo81, you've probably covered all the bases and doing everything you can - I know you will do cos your an amazing lady. 

Just wanted to say you have a big band of us cheering you along, its going to be tough but you can do it and if you have to dip into savings, its a set back not a stop. You are working towards some good goals and you will get there. January 2020 I was really balancing the balls, making decisions about whether to take cheaper transport to work or feed the kids and it really made me realise the value of everything. 

WinterWarrior

Extra good luck! I was watching a guy called Atomic Shrimp (his page, not him 🤣) on you tube doing challenges, like feed 2 people for £2 a day, etc. He seems very cheffy, and it was quite inspiring to watch. He made some edible stuff for next to nothing. It might be worth a look if you have time? ⭐️

Debt_Me_Out_Of_Here

WinterWarrior said:

Extra good luck! I was watching a guy called Atomic Shrimp (his page, not him 🤣) on you tube doing challenges, like feed 2 people for £2 a day, etc. He seems very cheffy, and it was quite inspiring to watch. He made some edible stuff for next to nothing. It might be worth a look if you have time? ⭐️

I just watched that yesterday, I love him! Wish I knew more about foraging as he finds some awesome things. 
Good luck @missymoo81, you can do it. Some good tips above already, definitely check out your local area to see if you have a community larder, we have one that is £3.50 a week and you can pick 10 items which includes fresh stuff like big bags of potatoes and packets of cereal etc. What they have is different each week. I don't use it because we're vegan so I wouldn't always be able to find 10 things we can actually use, but it's a great scheme.
Other than that, definitely meal plan trying to use as much of what you already have in, and check out the recipes on Cooking on a Bootstrap website, some really good things on there. I just made a courgette, lemon and sultana loaf from there yesterday which used up a questionable courgette and was devoured by the kids. 
And if you aren't already a member, sign up to Prolific Academic for some good surveys. 
Good luck!

Debt_Me_Out_Of_Here

Forgot to add, definitely make a cake if you can, supermarket cakes are one of the most overpriced items I think, and you could buy a few days worth of food with that tenner instead. 

Debt_Me_Out_Of_Here

Oh and on the subject of inspiring YouTube channels, there's a lady called June on the Delish channel who does budget eats episodes. They're quite long and it is in the US, but she makes some of the most inspiring foods I've ever seen - uses every last scrap of everything, it really inspired me to be a bit more clever with what I buy. 

slm6002

I would definitely look at Olio.  I have just picked up loads from our local lady.  She always seems to have bananas which although slightly past their best would work in your banana bread quite happily.  Food for free so cant complain

Queen_of_the_Hive

Funnily enough @slm6002 i've signed up for Olio this morning as I had a glut of kiwi fruits which I may put on here if I don't use. Mind you I found a recipe for kiwi cocktails so this could be my way to use them up 

slm6002

Olio is great.  I don't think many people around here are on it as the lady keeps trying to give me more and more bits.  I had at least 10 of the small tiger loaf baguettes, leeks, lots of potatoes, rocket, oranges, peppers, cauliflower, cooking and eating apples.  At least 3 big bags full of shopping for free because its sell by date was yesterday or because the packaging was open (potatoes and leeks).  The postings are not every week but when they happen they are a big help

missymoo81

Thanks for all the comments. I’ll get to those in a bit.
I’ve just had some proper !!!!!! luck. I decided I would pop to Sainsburys to see if I could get some cheap veg as well as some bananas and bread. Using a £1 from in the car. Firstly the windscreen gets hit by a stone. It’s cracked the windscreen so I now need a new one! No idea how I’m going to find the money for that. Sainsburys had NOTHING reduced at all. I got bread and bananas anyway. So was a completely wasted trip. And I’ve just checked for the cash I was saving for May’s birthday present. And OH has spent it on the food this morning! He didn’t know what I was saving it for and he used it because his bank account is short too. So along with needing a new windscreen, I now need to find £25 from my budget somewhere.....
I was supposed to get my nails done this week, (huge indulgence at £25 I know) as the appointment is already booked and I don’t know how to take the extensions off myself. But I’m going to have to cancel it. I’m really sad about this as it’s the one thing I do for me, it makes me feel attractive which I really like, I’ve always been a nail biter but feel lovely with nice nails. Vain and stupid I know when money is so short. I know I need to cancel it now, As needs must. 

I’m so cross and frustrated about the windscreen I really could cry. I’m currently sat in Costa car park having a coffee that I’ve used my points for so no cost, because I’m too cross to go home yet. 😢

WinterWarrior

Oh no, what rubbish luck ☹️ Your insurance will probably cover the windscreen, but there’ll be an excess to pay ☹️ It comes in 3’s so with the windscreen, the money snatch and the lack of bargains you’ve had your three now! How short is OH? Really the money should come back from his budget and not yours!