2022 Frugal Living Challenge

Chloboshoka_2

I’ve been watching YouTube videos that have giving me ideas to how to be more frugal. 

I made £76 selling some games and films I didn’t need anymore. 

I had to buy a new food processor (£14) as the one I had broke, otherwise my shopping bill was only about £30. 
Made some nice soup with last week’s last over vegetables. 

spudsmum

We don't seem to have done too badly out of the storm - a few trees down in the local area but no power cuts etc.  I had lots of candles on standby plus our camping Lanterns and torches and power banks for the mobiles bbit didn't end up needing any of it.

We had a lovely day out today, at one of our local free museums - the kids absolutely loved it! We had a spot of lunch which was not very Frugal but very nice and such a large portion that we didn't need any evening meals.

Stopped off at my local zero waste shop on the way back - they are expensive for many things but their herbs and spices are good value so I stocked up on a few bits I needed. I saved the empty jars to refill and saved about 50p per jar over buying from the supermarkets.

Just finishing packing a few bits before we head off on holiday tomorrow - managed to find some half price tickets for a couple of attractions while we're there and bought the kids some metal water bottles from home b@rgains for £1 each so I can save on buying constant drinks - so I'm saving money where I can. 

Elisheba

Chloboshoka_2 said:

I’ve been watching YouTube videos that have giving me ideas to how to be more frugal. 

Any favourites @Chloboshoka_2? I quite like Below the Median and Frugal Queen in France, but open to any recommendations! 

willow_loulou

spudsmum said:

We don't seem to have done too badly out of the I storm - a few trees down in the local area but no power cuts etc.  I had lots of candles on standby plus our camping Lanterns and torches and power banks for the mobiles bbit didn't end up needing any of it.

We had a lovely day out today, at one of our local free museums - the kids absolutely loved it! We had a spot of lunch which was not very Frugal but very nice and such a large portion that we didn't need any evening meals.

Stopped off at my local zero waste shop on the way back - they are expensive for many things but their herbs and spices are good value so I stocked up on a few bits I needed. I saved the empty jars to refill and saved about 50p per jar over buying from the supermarkets.

Just finishing packing a few bits before we head off on holiday tomorrow - managed to find some half price tickets for a couple of attractions while we're there and bought the kids some metal water bottles from home b@rgains for £1 each so I can save on buying constant drinks - so I'm saving money where I can. 

From experience, this time of year you’d be wise to run any drinking water taps before use. I cannot explain how vile some places I’ve stayed have been for that! I stayed in an expensive lodge holiday in March and the water was almost brown! Have a fantastic time x 

Mummy2cheekymonkeys

Half term has been very hit and miss for us. All of us have been ill at some point throughout the week so not wanted to do much. On wednesday OH had the day off so we went to Jimmy's farm for a day out. Luckily he chose the best day to have off with the weather we have had this week. Haven't been shopping since last weekend so still well under food budget for the month so far. 

Hopefuljoy

Hello there.  Please may I join even though it's a little late?  I have just done my budget this month to find that yet again I have overspent!  My net income is £15,708 after all deductions and I have a very well worked out budget which I run on Aspire.  My downfall is "treats" aka McDonalds and overspending on groceries.  I regularly steal from my annual expenses towards the end of the month which is no good to anyone.  I also have an £88,000 mortgage to pay off and frankly this is not going to happen as it is interest only and it would take a miracle to stretch my funds that far.  However, I am nibbling away at it in order to increase equity so I can buy a place outright when I retire. 

Like many people I am most concerned about electricity, gas, food and fuel bills for the coming year.  Even I I stick rigidly to not overspending in any categories it is getting squeaky here due to my annual expenses and the cost of everything to do with running a car and owning a house.

The good news is that I have an emergency fund of £2,800 which I never touch, have no credits cards and only simple bank accounts so I cannot get an overdraft. So apart from stealing from myself I am living within my means. 

I'm going to read all your hints and tips from the beginning.  I find these forums very inspiring!

EskarinaWeatherwax

Hi frugaleers! 

You have all been busy! I'm going to get a cuppa and catch up on the thread after posting this. Sig updated.

I've had a few days off screens and it's really reminded how much I like being outside and not stuck to a device. I walked 5 miles on Friday (no screens meant I hadn't seen the red warning... I did wonder why everywhere was quiet!)  and 11 on Thursday and just felt So Happy. 

Spending is going ok for the month. I've decided I'm not going to set an annual budget as I am trying really hard to overpay on my mortgage and so actually, if I am within budget elsewhere, I *want* to spend more than I forecast. I'm refining my spends all the time - the community pantry is a treat, the BBE shop is a treasure trove and I'm enjoying counting the pennies. Having been utterly broke for a long while before, I know that this is a very different feeling when you have to do it - it's nice to have some stability and hope - and I wish it for everyone here.

In case anyone remembers - my kettle could not be salvaged so I bought one that boils just one cup out of the emergency fund. SO nice to have it there.

Stay safe all!

spudsmum

willow_loulou said:

spudsmum said:

We don't seem to have done too badly out of the I storm - a few trees down in the local area but no power cuts etc.  I had lots of candles on standby plus our camping Lanterns and torches and power banks for the mobiles bbit didn't end up needing any of it.

We had a lovely day out today, at one of our local free museums - the kids absolutely loved it! We had a spot of lunch which was not very Frugal but very nice and such a large portion that we didn't need any evening meals.

Stopped off at my local zero waste shop on the way back - they are expensive for many things but their herbs and spices are good value so I stocked up on a few bits I needed. I saved the empty jars to refill and saved about 50p per jar over buying from the supermarkets.

Just finishing packing a few bits before we head off on holiday tomorrow - managed to find some half price tickets for a couple of attractions while we're there and bought the kids some metal water bottles from home b@rgains for £1 each so I can save on buying constant drinks - so I'm saving money where I can. 

From experience, this time of year you’d be wise to run any drinking water taps before use. I cannot explain how vile some places I’ve stayed have been for that! I stayed in an expensive lodge holiday in March and the water was almost brown! Have a fantastic time x 

Thanks I always do from habit anyway as our water at home is very hard and scaly. 

Chloboshoka_2

Elisheba said:

Chloboshoka_2 said:

I’ve been watching YouTube videos that have giving me ideas to how to be more frugal. 

Any favourites @Chloboshoka_2? I quite like Below the Median and Frugal Queen in France, but open to any recommendations! 

I really like But first, Coffee. 

Elisheba

Chloboshoka_2 said:

I really like But first, Coffee. 

Thanks! I'll take a look!