2021 Frugal Living Challenge

nannygladys

Hi everyone
Been through stores etc and can manage not shopping for a few days, so happy about that, but not much else happening.
I have quite a few seedlings ready to go out but still a bit reluctant as it keeps being frosty early mornings, I think I may have a look if I have enough bits of tubing and wood to make some makeshift covers for a couple of the lottie beds to release some room at home to start more seeds off. I love all this planting and nurturing and then harvesting and eating lol!!
Off to bed as its late and I wanted an earlier night, mind you I have a cold at the moment so I'm all sneezing and nose blowing, first one since cv started and I've only been out once in the last week and everybody was wearing face masks!! Ah well....
Nannyg

MazzieD

Had a really busy week, work has been hectic, just been catching up with your posts and all my emails although it's more a case of sitting in an exhausted heap trying to wade through it all.

Applied for a £50 Fix Your Bike voucher (DoT/Energy Saving Trust) and was really surprised to get allocated one as it's a very popular scheme.  Bike needs a new tyre and a service so that should cover it.  Enjoy cycling so looking forward to that.



A quick congratulations to @jJak, being able to drive really will make a difference to your life.


@willow_loulou the vinegar/washing up liquid weed killer should be fine, been spraying it around for years with no noticeable problems as the worms are probably under ground anyway.

 

joedenise

DH got one of those £50 vouchers and he got 2 new tyres, 2 inner tubes and tape for £58 so only had to pay £8 so you'll be fine @MazzieD with what you need.  I think Halfords charge £35 for a service.

balabooberlies

Finally caught up.......phew !

A few days at parents as had to take my brother home.  We have all had our first jabs and took great care.  Nieces and nephew thrilled with the gifts I stocked up on during this last year.  All either charity shop finds (most were) or nabbed on a well known auction site.  It was wonderful to watch their little faces and I am pleased to report that not one of them is greedy.  The youngest (9 years) is a clever little thing.  She always goes shopping with the adults and ALWAYS comes home with a little something.  Her sister, just a year older, prefers to stay at home either painting, reading or working on an origami project.  I bought her a young persons book with copious amounts of patterned paper and instructions on different origami projects and she was amazing.  I have never seen such nimble fingers.  Back to the point, I offered her a little money as she hadn't gone shopping with us but she wouldn't take it.  She is definitely NOT a chip off my block.  

So got home on Friday, realised freezer looking empty.  Girded my loins and went to supermarket this morning, waited an hour for reductions.  I had to, am really strapped for money at the moment.

Got my most amazing haul to date.  4 roasting joints, 1 beef and 3 lamb.  Potatoes, 3 peppers, iced buns, battenburg cake, 1 ready meal, 1 quiche, 2 arrabiata sauce, 1 steak (and a few other bits and pieces).  Approx £25.00 for what has to be a £60.00 plus shop.

Being quietly determined has paid off !

Jak, congratulations and enjoy the lessons.

bala

x

balabooberlies

Mummy2cheekymonkeys said:

Hi everyone, Not much to report from me. I'm feeling really down at the moment and dont really have much motivation to do anything. I havent fallen off the frugal wagon too much but don't feel like I have been as good as I could be. I really don't know how to pick myself up at the moment. I'm still reading along though and enjoy reading what you are all up to.

Hope things have improved since you wrote this.  Sending you a huge friendly warm hug.

bala

x

elbree

Really not been on the frugal wagon this last fortnight. I struggle with it in the holidays, I guess more time = more temptation! Also the shops and cafes were like siren calls to my daughter 😂 Plus it was my birthday yesterday and family gave me money or vouchers to spend - somehow spending them made me more inclined to spend my own money too!

Still, back at school tomorrow so back into a routine. I still have money left before payday for one shop (I'm going to try the new L*dl and disturbingly excited about this!) and haven't raided too many of my pots so it's not too bad. Someone on here also reminded me of the Yougov survey site so I've reactivated my membership there and done some surveys - half way to cashing out there. In awe of you @Deleted_User to spend so low in holiday time. Happy Sunday all, I love reading your posts. 

nannygladys

Hi everyone just managed to lose my post, so this one will be short and sweet.
Happy belated birthday elbree.
Been through monies and I should be ok until I get paid so not as bad as I first thought but I won't be saving much this month!
Still feeling rough so I am definitely going to bed earlier tonight.
Happy New week.
Nannyg

willow_loulou

Really pleased to have got a to good to go bag tomorrow from a Waitrose ! I’m very hopeful it will be bread and or sandwiches! 

I’ve not got anything before and am a bit nervous about collecting but ooooo lol 😂 

Mamaspender

Morning everyone  
Hopefully not too late to join you all! I’ve read this entire thread from start to finish over the last 6 or so weeks as and when I can & you’ve all inspired me to do what I know I really need to & get frugal! 

I’ve been a serial spender most of my life, until I had my eldest & began saving .. im super good when I get motivated but when I fall off the saving wagon I undo all that good work & I need to get out of that! 

I’m 40 in a few short weeks & it’s dawned on me just how much I’ve wasted over the years, I’ve been a bit late to the party with a pension but I’m finally signed up & contributing .. not as much as I’d like though ..I’ve got a bit of Cc debt I need to shift first! 

Ironically I love a good deal / bargain / YS .. I has a test run on a NSD last week that ended up in me sending himself up the shop instead 😩😂I can do this , I just need a kick up the bum & some will power to stick with it !
Have a fab week everyone xxx

MazzieD

@joedenise Thanks, that's really helpful about pricing for bike repairs.

@Mamaspender Welcome, it's always nice to have new joiners.  If it's any help I have never thought in terms of NSD or spend days, I just try and keep spends low and under or within my budget for the month but I do keep a close eye on it.  I'm not sure NSD's would work for me but they do seem to be helpful to many people on the forums.