It's getting tough out there. Feeling the pinch?

otb666

i feel the same about my original family Always on the take and never really interested in me, Thought it was just me.

Rosa_Damascena

littlemoney said:

Since my last friend died 18 months ago I have saved on eating out. Going for a coffee or lunch  on your own isn't the same so I don't bother. If I go out I don't stop for refreshments, it's amazing how much you can spend without realising it. Having no family who is interested about me means another money saver as no need for cards or presents and no family get togethers with the subsequent debates about how to split the bill.

I love having a coffee out, esp in the sun with a book. It's a low cost and often unscheduled treat that makes me happy, and I am bothered by no one.

Like you I'm not keen on eating out. I'm not a foodie so to me it's a waste of money and I actively avoid meals out with friends. Although in my family we all fight over who is going to pay the bill in full, no splitting allowed. Often we end up sticking our credit cards on the table and let the service staff pick. 

Woolsery

Rosa_Damascena said:

littlemoney said:

Since my last friend died 18 months ago I have saved on eating out. Going for a coffee or lunch  on your own isn't the same so I don't bother. If I go out I don't stop for refreshments, it's amazing how much you can spend without realising it. Having no family who is interested about me means another money saver as no need for cards or presents and no family get togethers with the subsequent debates about how to split the bill.

Like you I'm not keen on eating out. I'm not a foodie so to me it's a waste of money.

One of our simple treats is fish & chips in the car in a field entrance, watching the sun set and the wild things emerge.

But at around £13 for two + 26 miles worth of diesel, it's starting to look like a luxury choice!

otb666

we stayed at a hotel saturday night (DS had a party at our house)and had 2 sandwiches and cokes  £30 and for meal later i had beetroot salad £10 and hubby had a steak £30. Not very MSE soo expensive for what you got.  First time we have stayed in hotel on our own and been married 31 years.  Nice treat though very relaxing.

ZolaBuddy

Popped into a local B&M shop over the weekend and was surprised to find some really cheap Christmas wrapping paper, cards, ribbons, decorations etc. Bought a load for about £20 that would probably cost three or four times that come next November/December.

Wednesday2000

littlemoney said:

Since my last friend died 18 months ago I have saved on eating out. Going for a coffee or lunch  on your own isn't the same so I don't bother. If I go out I don't stop for refreshments, it's amazing how much you can spend without realising it. Having no family who is interested about me means another money saver as no need for cards or presents and no family get togethers with the subsequent debates about how to split the bill.

Have you thought about joining Next Door? It is a way of connecting with local people. I joined last year and met about 30 new people. I didn't stay in touch as I'm moving out of the area, but I was surprised how friendly they were. If you joined a local walking group that would be a cheap way of meeting up with people and you could take a flask of tea or coffee with you.

Florenceem

I am not keen on eating out or takeaways usually - even more so after a friend has food poisoning after a Chinese take away treat.

OrkneyStar

Florenceem said:

I am not keen on eating out or takeaways usually - even more so after a friend has food poisoning after a Chinese take away treat.

Chinese food never seems to agree with me, nor so some chip shops, however we only really go to either the local chip van or one or two chippies we have eaten from a few times (I cannot eat the Chinese food from one of them but chips are fine, they are proper chips though). There must be something in it which just doesn't agree with me, my stomach is sensitive to too much oil and certain things like onion salt.

weenancyinAmerica

I learned to enjoy eating alone when I was traveling alone to do research starting back in the 1980s. Just don't start an argument with yourself while doing it. Keep it civil even when talking to yourself.

YorksLass

I'm a Hotter Shoes lady too.  A bit on the expensive side I admit, but they last for ages and are so comfy.  I usually wait for their sales to come along before buying and have had some real bargains over the years.  As a type-2 diabetic I've learned to look after my feet and well fitting, comfortable shoes are a must for me.  I still love high heeled strappy shoes though, but sadly they don't like me!

I gave up make up years ago but do use a facial moisturiser and body lotion (sm's own brand) and some kind of nice daily smelly, be it perfume or body spray.  My favourite perfume is Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant (eye wateringly expensive) so I settle for Issy Miyake, a much more reasonable price and more widely available.

Since I retired I've stopped wearing tights (it was required office wear) so that's another saving.  Bare legs and feet in summer suit me just fine (hence the body lotion) and in winter I'm always in trousers or leggings with socks underneath.

It's funny how our priorities change over the years, isn't it?