2024 Frugal Living Challenge

mama67

nannygladys said:

Cas - your breakfast sounds like something I would have 🤣🤣
I only send by post one Xmas card and I made some more cards for the dgc that come out every year with another little message in and the date, I'm hoping they may appreciate them when they get old enough and I'm dead and gone 🤣🤣 I do donate money to charity though what I what I would normally spend on cards, but each year I have to explain the lack of cards to neighbours incase they think I'm a grumpy old woman 🤣Nannyg

We do this as well. Have a monthly standing donation to our charity of choice. 

Elisheba

Frugaldom said:

@Elisheba - Scotland trips? Maybe you could manage to pop in for a visit if you ever turn left over the border and into Dumfries & Galloway. I love meeting fellow frugalers.

I have thought of it @Frugaldom especially now I have my campercar and awning tent!  My family are just northeast of Glasgow, so I pass close by your way!

Elisheba

mumtoomany said:

 We're thinking of maybe a leather one. The dog, who likes to roll in sheep poop, often climbs on the sofa, when she can get away with it. Watch this space.

I would only have a leather sofa these days, and that's coming from a vegetarian. Having had 3 cats in the past, and a cat and a dog now, every other type I have has has been ruined by them.

Black_Saturn

Today is my third NSD. I have busied myself this morning by decluttering one cupboard and one toy chest, on top of regular chores. Again, we will be eating out of stock already in store, so no grocery shopping. I have also kept away from online stores, which is helping to keep my money in my purse.

Prudent

An interesting comment about the motorways RavenRover. I always opt for a motorway if is an option as I am not fond of the constant gear changes on what I call 'the wee windies'. 

I have had a fairly quiet start to the year which has also meant it has been low spend. I started writing in my shiny new planner and made an acronym for my frugal challenge:

C - crafting
R - my daughter's initial. Part of my budget is allowing me to travel to care for her.
O - all things outside such as the garden allotment, walking and exploring new places.
F - family, again covering travel and accommodation as they live long distances away.
T- Tummy reduction(!), healthy eating.

I grew up on a croft so its an apt acronym for me.

I just need to remind myself how to pop it in my signature on MSE and then I can add spends as I go along. 

I have booked a static caravan for a 4 night break to see my daughter on her birthday. It was a decent price in the Parkdean sale. A nice surprise is that OH offered to pay for it all as he unexpectedly joined me on the same break last year. I had already paid for that break. We usually split everything 50/50 so he offered to pay this time.

I did a little food shop this morning, but didn't need much. I stuck with the healthy focus and resisted all reductions on Christmas sweet treats. 

I was also expecting to have to travel to see family a few times this year as there are a number of big birthdays/special events. It was a nice surprise to find out that they intend combining it all into one shared celebration. This will be far more manageable. I will still keep a contingency budget though as some or elderly/ill.  

Frugaldom

I had to edit my supermarket spend as there was no UHT semi-skimmed. Thankfully, I'd also added skimmed UHT plus fresh milk so no catastrophes, just £6.90 less spent on stocking up.

Had a good look in the 'dungeon', which is what we call the old generator room in the barn. We don't have a generator so the little fireproof room is empty. It's probably only about 6' * 4' maximum but tall enough to stand up in, so it is definitely big enough to use as cold (ish) storage space, if it can be kept dry. There are so many jobs needing done to make the place productive that I've actually posted on social media asking for helpers. I've had no succes with volunteers since I gave up on the work exchange sites during lockdown.

Friends handed in a bag of small turnips ,(swede) today so one can go into the mash and the others will gradually get used up as pony and goat food.

Cas

mumtoomany said:

We are debating buying a new three piece. ...
We're thinking of maybe a leather one. 

@mumtoomany We bought a leather sofa and chair nearly 20 years ago and it’s still in great condition although we could do with getting the seat cushions foam replaced.  If you’re buying from a store then check to see if you can feel the frame through the arms, back, etc.  My weekend job was in a furniture store and the 2 things I learned were that if you can feel the wooden frame through the arms, back etc then it's poor quality so don’t waste your money on it and if you have kids, pets, etc then don’t go for the buttersoft leather because as beautiful as it is it’s not really practical as it's easier to rip so go for one of the more tougher leather grades!

Cas

Quiet day today.  Didn’t manage a NSD as we needed milk and DH had to go into the office so had to pay for his bus fare.  

I’ve somehow accumulated 6 months worth of daily contact lenses so I've suspended my contact lenses subscription for 3 months which should save me £135.  It’s a lot of money to pay every month but I can’t get them any cheaper elsewhere.

ancientmum

I emptied my change tin from last year at the weekend, where I put any left over spending money at the end of the month.  It's not a sealed pot as I dip into it throughout the year, and was pleased to find £30.   Now bagged up ready to pay into the bank,  it's a little boost  to the saving pot.

suzeesu2000

Dinner from freezer supplies, was yummy. Also now have tomorrows dinner all ready. Cooked the chicken while I had the oven on for the roast, prepped salad, all plated ready just need to microwave a jacket potato tomorrow. 

Everyone is giving me tons of motivation with all your great suggestions and experiences.