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

YoungBlueEyes

I agree about the spreads Auntycaz. I can tell the difference between all of them. Cheapie (ha haa!) butter is fine, but spread has to be Clover. 

And I've just realised I told a lie on that other thread. I do have branded stuff in the house - Clover.

retiredinfrance

Not gross at all, Longwalker, just MSE . After all, food costs money and we don’t throw away money!

KxMx

I love pollock, actively seek it out, really nice taste whereas cod isn't something I really eat, apart from in fish fingers a few times a year. Cod I find very bland, dry and generally unpleasant.

I'm grateful for the upcoming benefits increase, ESA will go up in April but due to the way the system works, I won't see it in my UC payment until 2nd June. So have to hang on a bit longer for that one.

Next CoL payment along with previous one will be covering new glasses in full (last eye test 2018), and I'm anticipating some left over which I haven't decided how to spend.
As big news- I got an NHS dentist appointment so I won't be needing to put that towards private dental work (I badly chipped a front tooth last year). 

YorksLass

@linz - I know what you mean about the one step forward/one step back - the time to worry is when it's one step forward and two steps back!     

I used to do the Postcode Lottery and, tbf, did have a few small wins but stopped it a couple of years ago when I was doing a financial pruning exercise and decided it was one of those things that had to go.

@KxMx - Well done on getting an NHS dental appointment - they're as rare as hen's teeth round here.  No pun intended!

We used to have cod & chips from the chippy as a Friday treat but I'm afraid those days are long gone, unless we're on holiday.  Nowadays I make my own batter for cod fillets and do it myself as it works out cheaper but it's no longer a weekly occurrence.  I was hopeful of getting some cod pieces from Sainsburys (even cheaper than the fillets) but alas, the outlet that my online delivery comes from doesn't seem to stock them.     Yet another item to add to my in-person shopping list for those hard-to-get items.  I do use pollock or basa for fish pies, fish cakes/fingers and can tell the difference but find them quite acceptable.

Today's grocery delivery arrived promptly - two out of stocks (disappointing but not the end of the world) and two substitutes that were both more expensive than what I really wanted but at least I'll get a refund for the difference, otherwise they would have gone back.  Despite my best efforts, I'm almost £20 over budget this month for groceries      My grocery budget has been cut back to the bone so I'm hoping to be able to top it up a bit once I know what (if any) increase I'll get in my final salary pension.  It's always the last piece of the puzzle to arrive - funny that, the bills are always on time!      

joedenise

I've found over the last few years that I've only go a letter informing me of my final salary pension increase a few days before it's due to be paid.  I do wish they'd send them out earlier as it would make future budgeting so much easier!

Agree that the bills always seem to come on time!

YorksLass

joedenise said:

I've found over the last few years that I've only go a letter informing me of my final salary pension increase a few days before it's due to be paid.  I do wish they'd send them out earlier as it would make future budgeting so much easier!

Agree that the bills always seem to come on time!

Precisely that @joedenise - last year my letter was dated 19th April and pension was paid on 20th April!

Forgot to say before, I'd ordered one red pepper instead of the usual mixed bag of wonky ones as I didn't want any green ones (have plenty of those in the freezer).  Said red pepper arrived and is absolutely huge!  Well worth 60p.  

joedenise

I've started doing exactly the same @YorkLass with peppers.  The individual ones are slightly more expensive but definitely much better and you can choose your colour.  I used to buy the mixed pack of 3 but got fed up with the green ones.  Still have some sliced ones in the freezer.

sarahj1986

Good evening all

sorry I’ve been AWOL recently. I’ve not been very well

its Easter next week, Morrisons and Kellogg’s are doing a breakfast club. Adults and children can get free cereal and milk in the cafe when you say “Kellogg’s breakfast”. Dated 3rd-24th April. I won’t post the link but Google it for more information. A great idea. I’m taking my daughter to crafts next Wednesday so I’ll take advantage of this. Useful for struggling familes 

-taff

joedenise said:

I've started doing exactly the same @YorkLass with peppers.  The individual ones are slightly more expensive but definitely much better and you can choose your colour.  I used to buy the mixed pack of 3 but got fed up with the green ones.  Still have some sliced ones in the freezer.

The green ones are good in home made bbq beans. Make a massive vat of them and they can be frozen in bags. I think I've got one packet left form some I made for a party in december last year. They are lovely, especially with all the different size beans in it.

Brambling

I tend to use any green peppers by stuffing them either mince based or vegetables and rice with feta or goat cheese. I find they are also ok if roasted or stick under the grill until the skin blackens and pop into a plastic bag, seal and leave until cold so the skin slides off.