2023 Frugal Living Challenge

Glittering_M

Thanks those who shared their washing views! Unfortunately it is currently raining here but definitely something I want to try and do more of, even if my partner will complain (I feel I complain a lot about him but he is great really!).

Issues with my car yesterday so going to spend today trying to get that sorted. 

MissRikkiC

I too find the balance difficult @spudsmum in having money set aside and using it to repay debts. Trying to budget set for the rest of this year where disposable income will fluctuate greatly and naturally the obvious thing to do would be to build those pots later in the year when there is more money left over however I want to prevent feeling then, like we do now and find it’s quite hard to work out. 

@mumtoomany do you have personal experience of this or know anyone that does? 

Frugal wins yesterday. 

No spend day. 

DW didn’t go on, I washed up on account of being behind with the washing and needed to use the WM multiple times. 

Dinner was cooked at the weekend when the oven was on so just needed to be reheated in the microwave. 

Timer set on the heating. 4am-8am and 4pm-8pm. Have to be slightly mindful as have 2 small children but we will trial this for now. 

Husband checked and fiddled with the boiler pressure and now seems to be more efficient

patentgirl

Raining here too currently got washing on airer and hangers annoying as yesterday brilliant drying day need to check weather forecast more! Just been to get some sprats and herrings from local fishing boat just back can't get fresher than that and bargain price.

Floss

MissRikkiC said:

 

Timer set on the heating. 4am-8am and 4pm-8pm. Have to be slightly mindful as have 2 small children but we will trial this for now. 

Could you set the timer a little later in the morning, say 6am-8am? You shouldn't need it on for much more than 30m before you get up. 

kayannie

patentgirl said:

Raining here too currently got washing on airer and hangers annoying as yesterday brilliant drying day need to check weather forecast more! Just been to get some sprats and herrings from local fishing boat just back can't get fresher than that and bargain price.

I'm envious! I live on the Welsh coast but unfortunately no fishing boats here, which would be useful as although I don't eat meat, I occasionally eat fish as long as it is very fresh.
I did however get my washing almost dried outside yesterday on a rare dry day.
KA

mandy47

No spend day today.
Dinner is veg  and a chicken pie filling from freezer. Just the pastry to prepare. 
Trying to use up freezer stock. 
Work has gone very quiet and company are cutting hours. I've asked if it will affect me and I've been reassured that my job is safe. Phew!

Millie2008_2

I had my first Spend Day in a while today, as first time out since last week- £7 something for grapes, tomatoes, OJ and bread from Tesco express. Not sure when I'll be well enough to go shopping elsewhere, so will have to suck up the higher prices in the short term
My mum has been doing bits of shopping for me, wouldn't take any money as I have helped her out (albeit not financially) a lot over the past year, as she's been undergoing cancer treatment

I made leek and potato soup for lunch with bits we had in the fridge 

Cheese, potato and onion pie, with baked beans for dinner- cheap and cheerful

My other thrifty action for today is hibernating under the heated throw, to avoid putting the heating on!

Debsnewbudget

Just got an email from the seed company starting with Su and ending ons
seeds are 89p today only until midnight
off to have a look ……

QueenJess

Debsnewbudget said:

Just got an email from the seed company starting with Su and ending ons
seeds are 89p today only until midnight
off to have a look ……

OOh... thanks for this!  Better get myself organised and have a look too!

Frugaldom

It's absolutely torrential rain here and has been for most of the day and all last night so rods are flooded

 Nonetheless, a brave soul ventured to our nearest M0rrisons to stock up on porridge oats... There were none to be found so they left.

Small Premi Bonds win today, £25, better than nothing and better than interest rates.

Still eating meals from Olio bits and bobs and pooling resources with friends while trying not to do any shopping in January. Patiently awaiting news of planning application, as all savings will be ploughed into that development if it gets passed. 

Wet clothes are hanging above the lit stove. They dry quite quickly there but I can't leave the stove unattended for long while there are clothes hanging above it. Plus point is there is always warm water for dishes and things like hit water bottles when the logburner is lit. 

I got given some bouquets of foliage along with flowers - now wondering if the foliage would root like soft or hardwood cuttings. It's got to be worth trying.