2008 - Live on £4000 for a full year.

CRANKY40

lilac_lady wrote: »

There are times when you have to break the frugality rules. I collected my DGS from nursery today and took him to a nice cafe for juice and a bun because he's been so good when his mum isn't well. New brother/sister expected next month and DIL not too good at the moment. BTW, I only had a coffee even though I fancied a doughnut too so I suppose I was a little bit frugal!

I completely agree! He's worth every penny, and good behaviour deserves a reward.

Frugaldom

karren wrote: »

nykmedia, does that mean if i install a wood burning stove i can claim the cost back?

As per earlier post, I found the details of grants that are available towards the cost of installation of several 'alternative' energy sources. Website is at http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/ where you will get the details. The way I read it there are several different grants available with varying percentages for claiming. It isn't something I know anything about, just thought it was a handy link worth pointing out as there are quite a few people, myself included, interested in longterm house projects.

I've managed to get 4 free tickets to the home building and renovating show this May, so I'll be collecting as much relevant info as possible for logging into my 'wishing book'. Wonder if they do free samples of stuff like err... bricks?

Skintwellie - your day was going so well until I read the part about the dog. what a disappointment that must have been - I'd have been :mad:

Princess H - am I right in thinking you would like to join us with a budget of £4000 over a year but no bills off that? I'm a bit confused, as it looks like your 4k budget is just for food, petrol and fun. Can you enlighten me please? Sorry, I've got a very frugal thinking capacity at the moment :rotfl:

Frugal Fitness Club - I made it to 1000 calories on the free (exercise) cycle today - if the 'on board computer system' is fully functioning! :T

redglass_2

karren wrote: »

nykmedia, does that mean if i install a wood burning stove i can claim the cost back?

I had one installed last autumn. I love it but it's lots of work if, like me, you don't have any other heating downstairs and have the woodburner going every day, plus the ash gets all over the place (you don't notice it happening and then you suddenly realise every surface looks dusty). On the plus side I've picked up lots of free wood (thank you, thank you, those nice people who threw out an entire pine table!!!!) I paid for the installation, including chimney lining, myself, does anyone know if you can claim retrospectively? Autumn isn't so long ago, maybe there's still time...

GemGems

whitewing wrote: »

GemGems,

Welcome aboard! Nyk will give you a number later. Will you be joining our February Frugal Fitness Club too?

Hi Whitewing,

Thanks for the reply. Its all a bit nerve racking, i don't think I realise what my money goes on to be honest lol.
I'm going to find out info on Fedruary Frugal Fitness Club as sounds pretty good and had not heard about it before now :rotfl: x

GemGems

Janey51 wrote: »

Hi GemGems :T
This challenge really makes you think about every penny.
I wrestled with myself in Wilkinsons yesterday as I wanted a small notebook to carry to keep a record of all my purchases. I really, really wanted one with a cute picture of kittens on which was £1.29 but came out with a Value one for 29p which is pictureless:D

Hi Janey,

I know what you mean. I have been a bit like that for a while but I tend to not let myself have what I want but will give others anything which is what I must stop doing because that is part of what is skinting me :eek: lol

Gems x

azjh77

bails wrote: »

Hi everyone, oh god the chickens have been mentioned again! And I did spot that they were bought just over yonder - now which farm was it please AZ? As in the city farm? Must control myself and not buy 50p chickens...:D

It was out Winford way - Red House Farm (won't mean anything to those not from the south west !) There were people buying crates of them...possibly to eat? ...I'm just glad i've given 6 of them a chance take a better life...and got 2 more eggs yesterday!

Janey51

keren29 thanks for that. When we thought we were rich we had a couple of hampers from Devon Rose which were lovely. Trouble is, you just eat more. It did make us realise how good really top quality meat is.
(Hope this doesn't count as advertising):eek:

Janey51

nyk I discovered that website as well(low carbon). I was trying to see if there were any grants we could persuade our Landlord to apply for.
DH is the ultimate frugalmeister. He keeps everything. Its amazing how often those nails, screws, bits of plastic and string come in useful.

Janey51

chickens oh how I wish there was a place nearby where I could rescue battery hens from. I did email a rescue place but there is nowhere within reasonable travelling distance.

Janey51

Had an almost NSD yesterday but had to lash out £1.24 on Recorded Delivery.

My soapnuts sample came yesterday and I have done 3 washes so far with 6 halves as per instructions on leaflet sent with them.
Everything seems to be OK. I stopped using fabric conditioner ages ago as I just like the smell of fresh line dried clothes.
Of course, hanging anything out in the recent gales could have seen me hurdling the fences to chase after Knickers
The soap nuts came just as I finished my soap powder :T