2021 Frugal Living Challenge

-taff

Don't be twitchy. Be annoyed at the confusing things the BBC tell you you need to have it for without saying what you don't [ yes, TV licensing is an arm of the BBC but they like to separate themselves]

The only time you need a TV licence is if you are actually watching live tv or the BBC Iplayer [which includes catch up tv on that site only]

For any other watching whether thats all 4 catch up, itv catch up, youtube videos, any other videos, as long as it is not live streamed, you do not need a licence.

Radio no longer needs a licence.

Onebrokelady

Haven't posted for a bit but I'm still reading along,I'm trying to keep up with my NSDs but March has been a spendy month with birthdays and Mother's Day. I'm checking my bank account later to see how things are going, it's only 5 days to pay day 🎉🎉but I need to review my budget because all my bills have gone up, I'm still waiting for the water bill then I will know exactly where I stand. I have lost my way a bit with keeping an eye on my food budget but I'm planning on reviewing that and being on it from pay day when my new budget starts. Today will be a NSD 😊

jak

I didn’t have a tv license for several years after realising I never watched live tv or streamed. I’ve got one now as I use it but never had any issues before when I cancelled it. Thanks for all the support btw. It’s gradually trying to think about being frugal and doing it. A work in progress! I try and do everything immediately but for now I’m focussing on meal planning and using up everything, then delaying my food deliveries until I Need them rather than getting one every single week. So far, so good xx

Living_proof

I also got my first Morrisons TGTG bag, which was actually a large, deep box. I am Vegan so take a real risk with these which generally include meat, egg and cheese products. Well, I couldn't have asked for a more tailored selection with masses of green veg and salads, wholemeal bread and muffins and fruit. There was just one product which included cheese which was passed immediately to a friend. Well worth a punt, but I had a couple of friends on call in case meat and fish were involved and they would take them on. The difficulty seems to be in getting hold of the Magic Bag in the first place! I just happened to check the app at the right time last night, but would take a risk again in the future. Now have food until at least next weekend!

t14cy_t

will be collecting a box from the kent larder tomorrow, costs £7 per week....will let you know!!

willow_loulou

I think I’m in a minority that doesn’t mind paying a tv licence. I rarely watch live tv as a rule, but when I’m poorly every few months I’ll have it on constantly as company. I love lots of aspects of the BBC and my biggest appreciation is for no commercials and the ability to skip the program ads they pop on catch up. 

Food budget is looking good this month, I’m pleased it’s getting back under control now. I had an Asda delivery, they sent an odd substitute of bolognaise sauce for a chutney - but it was their top brand of 90p so I thought why not. It honestly was the best sauce I’ve had in my memory. I usually make a basic sauce but I think this is a swap. Yum! I need to do the math but I think it actually works out very similar to home made in price. 

Kitchen is getting there with its tart up. I’ve decided to leave the cupboard doors for now and spray paint later in the year. I need to reorganise a pile of stuff still and 2 top cupboards. It feels much better already though. 

Total spend so far is £102 

MazzieD

Living_proof said:

I also got my first Morrisons TGTG bag, which was actually a large, deep box. I am Vegan so take a real risk with these which generally include meat, egg and cheese products. Well, I couldn't have asked for a more tailored selection with masses of green veg and salads, wholemeal bread and muffins and fruit. There was just one product which included cheese which was passed immediately to a friend. Well worth a punt, but I had a couple of friends on call in case meat and fish were involved and they would take them on. The difficulty seems to be in getting hold of the Magic Bag in the first place! I just happened to check the app at the right time last night, but would take a risk again in the future. Now have food until at least next weekend!

   

[Deleted User]

-taff said:

Don't be twitchy. Be annoyed at the confusing things the BBC tell you you need to have it for without saying what you don't [ yes, TV licensing is an arm of the BBC but they like to separate themselves]

The only time you need a TV licence is if you are actually watching live tv or the BBC Iplayer [which includes catch up tv on that site only]

For any other watching whether thats all 4 catch up, itv catch up, youtube videos, any other videos, as long as it is not live streamed, you do not need a licence.

Radio no longer needs a licence.

Thank you for this @-@-taff. We never watch anything live if I'm truly honest, and never use iplayer. We do use ITV hub and all4 which I thought we did need a licence for, so this is very interesting. Need to keep pondering.

joedenise

t14cy_t said:

will be collecting a box from the kent larder tomorrow, costs £7 per week....will let you know!!

Didn't know that existed!  Where is that - Kent is a big county!

roblou27

willow_loulou said:

I think I’m in a minority that doesn’t mind paying a tv licence. I rarely watch live tv as a rule, but when I’m poorly every few months I’ll have it on constantly as company. I love lots of aspects of the BBC and my biggest appreciation is for no commercials and the ability to skip the program ads they pop on catch up. 

Food budget is looking good this month, I’m pleased it’s getting back under control now. I had an Asda delivery, they sent an odd substitute of bolognaise sauce for a chutney - but it was their top brand of 90p so I thought why not. It honestly was the best sauce I’ve had in my memory. I usually make a basic sauce but I think this is a swap. Yum! I need to do the math but I think it actually works out very similar to home made in price. 

Kitchen is getting there with its tart up. I’ve decided to leave the cupboard doors for now and spray paint later in the year. I need to reorganise a pile of stuff still and 2 top cupboards. It feels much better already though. 

Total spend so far is £102 

I’m with you on the Beeb Willow. I don’t begrudge it, I watch very few of the commercial channels. I like the Beebs content mostly so for me it would be the last thing to go. Each to his own, nice to have a choice.😀