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

missymoo81

So as far as future plans go. Me and OH have got plans for future careers but the training will cost quite a lot for OH. So we’re making plans to try and accommodate that. We’re being sensible too and looking at careers/employers with good pension schemes as neither of us have one.  

We will have to put off buying another car for the foreseeable, not that there is anything wrong with mine I’m just not a huge fan of it as it’s a granny car. But needs must. 

Clothes buying and holidays will be a no go too. 

Our Costa habit has also got out of hand again 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️. So that needs nipping in the bud.

Small steps today have been, our white bed linen is very stained, with sort of orangey tanny type colour, it’s just on OHs side. As far as I know it’s not dirt,  (OH is OCD clean) but they’re 3 years old and I was just going to get a new set. But I’ve let them soak in vanish I already had and they’ve come up way better. Unfortunately not perfect and they’re rather bobbly but definitely liveable. 

Also for those of you that have been reading my diary for a while will know about my addiction to fabric conditioner. I’m not kidding when I say a 50 wash bottle lasts about a week 🤦🏻‍♀️. But today I used the recommended amount..... no my washing doesn’t smell as nice or as strongly but it’s liveable. I just need to keep it up. 

I didn’t buy beer (our Saturday night treat) or food for dinner. I’ve made something from the fridge and I’m going to have gin and tonic as we have that in the fridge too!

OH has got some driving work over the next 6 months, off and on but that should make some extra money, so basically it’s full steam ahead for our future lives! 

dawnybabes

When I make anything with mince I always add red lentils, handful porridge oats, tin of some sort of beans - butter beans normally (from Aldi or Lidl) or if I’m very organised I buy them dried and precook them and lob in bags in the freezer.  Adds protein cheaply.

greenbee

Eggs are good for upping your protein cheaply. Hard boiled eggs, omelettes, quiche. If you want to drop carbs, then crustless quiche. Sugar puffs probably aren't a good idea from a nutritional point of view as well as cost. 

I can't use fabric conditioner, or scented laundry detergent, as the smell makes me feel ill. If you can use less of it, then any perfume or body lotion you use won't be overpowered by it! And white vinegar is a LOT cheaper than fabric conditioner. I have to do the same thing with my sheets - in my case it's body lotion/moisturiser/oil gradually discolouring the sheets. It isn't noticeable most of the time, but I can see it when i hang them on the line!

missymoo81

Hey @joedenise, @dawnybabes and @greenbee.

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I have used frozen berries in the past but they’re still more expensive than tinned peaches, so I’m going to give them a try first. OH can’t stand UHT unfortunately. I’ve looked for TVP but can’t find it in my supermarkets. I do bulk out with lentils and oats though!
When it’s OH’s turn to pay I will stock up on lots of essentials.

I’m glad someone else has the same problems with sheets, I think it’s because OH has to wear lotion because of his skin, it sort of rubs off doesn’t it. 

Now I’ve just put all of my shopping I need into Tesco and Sainsburys apps and it’s more expensive by about £2 in Sainsburys. But I enjoy going to Sainsburys about a million times more. I hate Tesco and sainsburys is closer and often has amazing yellow sticker stuff..... so I’m in 2 minds.......

we had sausage and mash for dinner. Didn’t enjoy my G&T as tonic was flat! 

Have finally got to the bottom of the washing basket and hung it all Up, and I’ve cleaned out the fridge ready for tomorrows shop. 

missymoo81

Morning,

Am going to go shopping tomorrow I think, ended up sleeping in which is unheard of for me, so will have to change plan slightly. 

Have put all do the children’s bedding in the wash so hoping I can get that dry today. 

Have sold something on FB so will drop that round later and get £12 so that’s good.

missymoo81

I’m in need of some inspiration. I read some wonderful diaries on here and wondered if anyone could recommend any diaries or blogs of families on low incomes trying to make ends meet. 

Thanks lovelies x

Eager_Elephant

Do you follow Honeysuckle? She has 8 (I think) children and is a single parent working as a teacher. She amazes me with her food budget for all of them.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5578891/from-debt-to-freedom/p1

missymoo81

Oooh thanks @Eager_Elephant I’ve read bits and pieces before but had completely forgotten about her thread. Thank you!

I have another question. For ease of meals I have been using the Maggi cooking powders and bags. They’re not cheap and I’m not overly happy about the eco friendlyness of the bag either. But my life has been so much easier with them. As I don’t need to decide hours before hand what’s for dinner as you do with a slow cooker, as it only takes 50 minutes in the oven to cook and I don’t need to do anything apart from put it in the oven!! Now my question is. Does anyone know of similar cheaper powder mixes and whether they would work if I put the ingredients in a casserole dish in the oven for an hour. I like the powders as they are a lot lower in calories than jars of sauces. So far we have had tikka, bbq and Thai green curry. 

Very pleased with myself. Met some friends on a walk and they were off to get a takeaway! I was so, so tempted, and before my (millionth) light bulb moment yesterday I’d have more than happily gone and spent the £45. But I’ve just made rather effortless Thai green curry instead. No it wasn’t as nice. But it was nice all the same! I am VERY pleased with myself about this, and OH was actually onboard too.

Am feeling absolutely exhausted now, so may well fall asleep on the sofa.

joedenise

You could try making your own sauces.  They're not that difficult.  If you want calorie counted sauces check out some of the slimming blogs like Pinch of Nom and SlimmingEats.  You'll find lots of easy recipes.  For cheap meals which are mainly vegetarian I like Jack Monroe's site:  Cookingonabootstrap - I don't calorie count but most of her recipes I think are quite low calorie and a reasonable amount of protein, usually from beans and pulses but there are some meat recipes in her early recipes.

missymoo81

Thanks @joedenise, I just need something quick and easy not something I need to think about really. I struggled before when I was trying to make everything from scratch. For me to actually have a chance of eating decent meals I have to get ready mixes/made sauces to help with the easiness of cooking after a busy day.