WHY are you old style?......

Pink.

Hi In search of me,

There's an earlier thread on why people are old style so I've added your thread to it to keep all the replies together.

Pink

Siberia

Dear Old Schoolers,

I'm a student looking for ways to reduce waste and save money. I've been looking through this forum for a while now and have found many of the hints and tips really useful. But I do feel a bit conflicted about how useful the OS "lifestyle" is to a student or young person. A lot of the topics discussed remind me of things my mum has always done and one of the pleasures of moving out and living on my own was that I wouldn't have to live like that anymore. I bought premium brand cosmetics, expensive food, and love the giddy thrill of throwing things in my basket and handing over my credit card without worrying about the cost. Basically, I've been living beyond my means for about four years, but enjoying it. I can see that I really need to cut back, and as I don't have costs like insurance, a car, a mortgage, childcare and so on, it's going to have to be on my 'basic' expenses. But a lot of the advice seems pretty extreme. I'm really just wondering whether its actually worth investing a lot of time in bulk cooking/ hunting out grocery bargains / mending when I could spend that time earning money instead, or taking on other activities to improve my future job prospects.

Essentially I'm interested in your perspectives: why do you do things the OS way rather than taking on extra work? Is OS more of a mindset than a way to save up? Is it a bit of a hobby? Is it for ethical or environmental reasons?
What OS tips do you have for a busy young person?

I admire the tenacity of a lot of people on this board and I mean absolutely no disrespect in any way. I also appreciate that a lot of you (most of you?) have families and so investing time in money saving at home obviously makes more sense than extra work and extra childcare. So I'm especially interested in what motivates single OSers to do things the labour intensive way.

Thanks

Icewytch

For some of us, it`s simple necessity, not always choice. I already work fulltime, but because of the recession my business is going under. And I live on an offshore island twelve miles by six where the only other industries (I tan sheepskins) are fishing and farming and those are all `full`. So a second job is not always an option.
When you have to cut back out of necessity, when there simply isn`t the money for cut price products, never mind premium ones, then OS becomes a valuable resource and set of skills to know.
With respect, no, OS for many isn`t a `hobby`, but something that is helping to keep us going in tough times.

glitterycloud

I think that if you looked at what os really offers you will see that it is full of ways to save not only money but time as well.
I joined this forum because I was not a cook I would fill my trolley full of ready to go branded convienence food rather that cook from scratch as I had no idea how to.
I would buy branded cleaning products[strike] being conned[/strike] thinking that they would do the job better but have since found out that with star drops/white vinegar/bic I can do all my cleaning for a fraction of the price.

Being able to cook a meal from store cupboard ingrediants is to me is a feel good factor and a necessity in these times, I no longer rush to and from the shops as frequently, filling my trolley absent minded, not acknowledging the hefty bill at the till counter.

I do not consider os as a hobby it is a way of life that has saved me money and taught me valuable life lessons that I can pass down to my children.

Life in the twentieth century is very fast paced, convienent, and becoming more and more lazy, bringing os into my life has enriched my life as a female I can now cook from scratch, I own a bm and sewing machine, I made my own jam this year. Doesn't it get you angry when supermarkets are rippng us off under our noses?
hth with your decision to os or not

By the way not everything os is labour intensive its about organisation and prioritising.

Barneysmom

Yes, to all that, and apart from anything else, it's fun
I love to make things like bread, and barm brack I made the other day, homemade gingerbread is my heaven! There's only me and The Bloke so I like to make a cake on a Sunday now, and put a piece in the lunchbox.

Saving money for me is a necessity - my DH has severe eilepsy and can't work, I'm the main earner.
The next lot of gas/electric bills are going to be very high and we need to get a bit saved towards it before it hits us.

Another big thing for me is the comaraderie. It's amazing to know that there are so many friendly people around, it makes you feel good to know there's folk who'll listen and try to help without condemming you. Especially if you have a problem that you couldn't even tell your mom!

Good luck, I really hope you can use some of the tips that are on this ace board. There are big skills to learn that'll take you through life, honest!

troo

Oooh excellent thread :T

I'm not single but here's my story

I've never been a career person - the idea of long working days (sometimes needed to get a career going), set hours and being told what to do has never appealed to me I like to flit about and do exactly what I want. I left school as soon as possible so I've only got the standard O levels. So, I'm never going to have a highly paid 'normal' job.

I've been using this site since before it even had an OS section, so I've followed people's tips and ideas from the very beginning. I became OS because it's healthier, cheaper (mostly) and quicker. There's also a bit of me that wants to knock the profits of the big companies

I do online surveys and sell my handmade cards, I've got a website with some adverts on which earn a bit. FIL gets benefits, one of them is DLA (I think? It might be called something else.....) for him to pay for help around the house. He didn't want a stranger in so he asked me, I get £20 per week for that.

It doesn't make me a fortune but I did the maths - go to work and pay bus fares, buy a work wardrobe etc. then there's those extras like collections for people's birthdays, secret santa, new baby.

If I worked and carried on OSing as much as possible, I'd have to give up the business, the ads on the website (the website sells cards - no business, no website) and FIL's cleaning. Some OSing would have to go, so the food bill would go up. I wouldn't have time for the veg patch and greenhouses either - I've had almost 150lb of fruit and veg from our garden this year, I'm planning on doubling that next year. Imagine how much that would cost in the shops if I had to pay for it :eek:

I didn't start OSing out of necessity, but it's become a necessity. I'm glad I had a few year's head start

I can't really think of any tips, except for START SLOWLY. Don't jump right in and try everything at once, you'll give up within a week. I started with the cleaning stuff and went from there.

moanymoany

Siberia wrote: »

A lot of the topics discussed remind me of things my mum has always done

and love the giddy thrill of throwing things in my basket and handing over my credit card without worrying about the cost. Basically, I've been living beyond my means for about four years, but enjoying it.

why do you do things the OS way rather than taking on extra work?

Is OS more of a mindset than a way to save up?

Is it a bit of a hobby?

Is it for ethical or environmental reasons?

What OS tips do you have for a busy young person?

I also appreciate that a lot of you (most of you?) have families and so investing time in money saving at home obviously makes more sense than extra work and extra childcare.

Thanks

It sounds like a list of research questions for an essay! Anyway, I think you have got things back to front. Your mum probably does what she does for a mix of familiarity and need. When she left home and set up house she would also have wanted to live her life her own way. What she would not have had is the seemingly endless recourse to credit - to be able to spend 'future money' money she had yet to earn.

So, for four years you have been buying things and spending money that you didn't have on things you didn't need, all in the hope that in the future you might be able to pay it all back. How much do you owe? When do you think you will be able to say it has all been paid back?

Why would anyone want to work more hours a week to pay for an expensive lipstick or the ability to buy a ready meal? It doesn't make any sense. To save up a deposit on a house or to spend a year travelling - even to buy that 'special' car, yes. I've taken on extra work in the past to pay for those things and it was worth it - but simply to fund a lifestyle of designer bling - not a chance. I'd rather spend 30 minutes knocking up dinner than work an extra hour at a second job.

Is OS a mindset - yes. More than a way to 'save up' - Many people live an OS lifestyle because they prefer to eat food they know is good for them and tastes better than ready made or takeaway stuff that contains goodness knows what! They see buying expensive products as akin to setting fire to £20 notes - a bit of a nonsense thing to do. Living in a way that leaves a few quid in the bank is not 'saving up' either - it's prudence.

So, is it a bit of a hobby - similar to the way spend, spend, spend seems to have been a hobby? Not sure what you mean by this. I think of things like card making and line dancing as a hobby, but as a previous poster has shown it can also be a money maker. OS is a way of life, like living beyond your means is a way of life.

Many people see the ethical and environmental part of OS as very important. I certainly do. It is having respect for others and for oneself.

OS tips for a 'busy young person' - mmm. Live within your means, learn to cook quickly prepared meals, take your lunch to work, pay your debts and get a few quid in the bank - you never know when you might need it.

I also appreciate that a lot of you (most of you?) have families and so investing time in money saving at home obviously makes more sense than extra work and extra childcare.

Not so sure how to respond to this! My attitude to the 'living within my means and saving a bit' lifestyle has been the same through the stages of my life - young single, young married, young and growing family. We have never done the spend, spend, spend thing as it made no sense. It always gave security to know that if we had a problem that few quid in the bank was there to help. I couldn't sleep knowing that I owed thousands of pounds at high rates of interest because I had bought a lot of things I didn't need - just 'wanted'.

painted_lady

About 8 years ago I was working approx 60 hours a week, often with no day off for months. I was in my early 20s, had just graduated and had this idea of what I should be doing. I bought my first house (where I still live) and was trying incredibly hard to get the career I want (and now have) but it meant I had to do extra work placements etc, hence the long hours. I also travelled the world a lot, work hard play hard was my attitude. I bought what I wanted because I deserved it. I was earning quite a bit of money due to the long hours.
Now I have a toddler, I have a medical problem (I was born with so always knew, but it got worse 5 years ago) I work 22 hours over 3 days and am on long term sick atm. I find it immensley difficult to work due to my health and my childcare. I have less money than a few years ago, but I feel richer. Rich in the knowledge that I have learnt how to make the most of my money. I learnt that its not how much money you earn but what you do with the money you have got.
For example the other day I visited 3 supermarkets, Lidl< ASDA and the Asian supermarket. I spent £135 on good that would have cost £200 or so if I had just gone to ASDA. It took me about an hour longer, so therefore I earnt £65 in that hour, as money I had saved. I appreciate I have the time to do this and others wouldnt. In my former life, we had to go shopping at midnight because it was the only time we got to go and Lidl etc is shut then. If I only use washable nappies on DS it saves me about £5 a week, with modern washing machines, it takes me about 20 minutes extra time to wash them per week, therefore earning me £15 a week. I think like this and it is worth it.
Dont get me wrong, I am not proper die hard OS yet, but am getting there.
I now cringe at the thought of some of the stuff I used to buy and my mindset is different now.
My motto is still to work hard and play hard, I now just am more aware of my money when doing it. I have to make the most of every day, yesterday I felt a little better and OH was off work, so we spent the day as a family, spending about £20 as a family on a day out (including petrol, lunch, entrance fee). I know we could have had a free walk in the park, but I was making the most of the weather, family time and my health.
I have always enjoyed cooking so cooking from scratch is no problem for me, I enjoy doing it. I didnt used to have time though so ate take aways and microwave meals.
I just enjoy life now and no longer live up to perceived expectations.
Love Painted Lady.

PS - the day I got into debt was feb 1998 when I bought a concert ticket on credit card for a tenner. Ever since that day I have had some sort of debt, despite consolidating twice. I now think how much that concert ticket has cost me, even though I paid that card of many years ago, I had the confidence then on to get more cards and do the same. Had I have put £10 in a savings, it would be worth so much more. Make compound interest work for you, not them.
BTW - the £135 of supermarket goods will last us until new year, just needing fresh fruit stuff at average cost of £7 a week. This feeds a family of 2 adults and a toddler, includes nappies, cleaning equipment and toiletries.

Penelope_Penguin

Siberia wrote: »

A lot of the topics discussed remind me of things my mum has always done and one of the pleasures of moving out and living on my own was that I wouldn't have to live like that anymore.

For me, moving out from home (at 18) meant that I could do all those things I'd seen my mother and grandmas do, fo myself :j :j :j

I bought premium brand cosmetics, expensive food, and love the giddy thrill of throwing things in my basket and handing over my credit card without worrying about the cost. Basically, I've been living beyond my means for about four years, but enjoying it.

I've never lived beyond my means, preferring to save some of my income for a rainy day. Whose way is better now

So I'm especially interested in what motivates single OSers to do things the labour intensive way.

I'm not single, but there are other ideas here- Single moneysaver living alone

We have an existing thread on why people are OS, so I'll merge this thread later.

Penny. x

SarahShattered

Siberia wrote: »

Dear Old Schoolers,

I'm a student looking for ways to reduce waste and save money.......

I bought premium brand cosmetics, expensive food, and love the giddy thrill of throwing things in my basket and handing over my credit card without worrying about the cost. Basically, I've been living beyond my means for about four years, but enjoying it. I can see that I really need to cut back, and as I don't have costs like insurance, a car, a mortgage, childcare and so on, it's going to have to be on my 'basic' expenses. But a lot of the advice seems pretty extreme. I'm really just wondering whether its actually worth investing a lot of time in bulk cooking/ hunting out grocery bargains / mending when I could spend that time earning money instead, or taking on other activities to improve my future job prospects.

Essentially I'm interested in your perspectives: why do you do things the OS way rather than taking on extra work? Is OS more of a mindset than a way to save up? Is it a bit of a hobby? Is it for ethical or environmental reasons?
What OS tips do you have for a busy young person?

Morning Siberia

Great thread, and I haven't taken any offence.

I can identify with your experience. Even though I'm married with 3 childrfen, I too understand and loved the thrill of blithely flinging whatever I fancied in my trolley/basket without a care. Handing over a credit card without a thought........ hmmmmmm.......

7 years later and £30,000 worth of spending debt later...( no that doesn't include anything big like mortagage or car for example ) So after a year or so of thinking about it, we had the final lightbulb moment two months ago. OS lifestyle has been a big part of the change in how we do stuff. I enjoy now the challenge of doing things differently. And feel as though I've had the scales removed from my eyes.

As someone else said when you discover that stardrops cleans practically anything in your home and only costs approx 80p a bottle and lasts for ages. I then feel aggrieved that I've spent 100's and 100's of pounds over the years on highly advertised cleaning products that are no better.

For example.... Lidl's cheapest dishwasher tablets (approx £1.78) came out top in a 'Which' test. But my 'conditioning' tells me that Finish Quantum is the best. (approx £6.99) I know that's not true, but it's been really hard to make the mental switch in my mind. The advertising works so well. We all know this don't we, but fighting against the conditioning is hard to begin with. Esp when I thought I was smarter than that. :rolleyes:

I've always been a cook, even in my single days. I love cooking from scratch because I know my meals will be better, healthier (even the un-healthy meals!) and tastier. So that's a no brainer for me. I don't like the high levels of salt and carp in processed food, plus they're ludicrously expensive. If you're looking reduce your waste output, take a look at packaging??? :eek:

I understand what you're saying, but I can't see anything that conflicts with a 'young single person's lifestlye' and an 'OS lifestyle'.

Why not batch cook at the weekend, a tomato sauce for example, packed full of veggies, that can be used as a base for several different meals during the week... bolognaise, pasta, soup, as a sauce for chicken, goulash etc. Ultimately then a bit of effort one day, saves loads of effort later on during the week.

Making packed lunches saves a fortune, but I couldn't bear to do them every morning when I'm tired and grumpy. So instead I make batches of sandwiches, pizza, pasta, etc , and freeze them in portion sizes. That way I take them out of the freezer the night before. Packed lunch is ready, and with minimum fuss and effort. And massive saving for us.

I could go on and on, but I'm probably being boring!

Essentially, there are good sound economic and environmental reasons for being OS. Just because your Ma did it, doesn't mean it's not sensible for you too. Good luck with your choices.