2024 Frugal Living Challenge

Matty246 · 30 October 2024 at 12:28PM

Thanks Debsnewbudget. I feel reassured now. Good idea to start with £10. It doesn't feel so scary!

Frugaldom · 1 November 2024 at 9:24AM

Thank you for sharing the ISA and savings suggestions. I'm still old school with premium bonds but must concentrate on retirement funding so 2025 is going to be as frugal as ever. Putting my house in order seems like the right thing to do as I've no insurances or private pensions. Things, in general, look like we should keep a stash of cash for emergencies and I never thought I'd say that. Getting to a bank to pay in spare change, notes or cheques is fast approaching impossible. I've had 2 cheques recently and the scanning app did not want to work. Finally figured it out but cheques! I'm amazed there are still cheque books being delivered issued. (I do have an old one somewhere.)

Matty246 · 1 November 2024 at 12:07PM

Do you have a Post Office easier to get to than your bank Frugaldom? A lot if banks deal in the PO now. I realise you probably already know this but just in case.

Prudent · 1 November 2024 at 10:32PM

My craft group was discussing cash versus card payments yesterday. The number of local banks and cash machines has diminished rapidly. Last month say my local TSB closed. I have banked there for over 30 years. I would describe my area as more urban than rural with only a mile or two of space between the built up areas. Even so the only cash machines are at the supermarkets (5 miles away) or at the local retail outlet village. Someone mentioned that it is possible to withdraw and pay money and cheques in at the post office. All the post offices seem to be disappearing too though.

I must admit I rarely use cash now. I mostly carry some with me but I rarely withdraw any now as most purchases are on a card. I always ask a small business which they would prefer. Increasingly they seem to prefer card because it is harder to bank cash.

Bluegreen143 · 2 November 2024 at 12:20AM

I live in a city and have been surprised at the number of cafes and bars lately which are card only and don’t accept cash.

TizerCat · 2 November 2024 at 9:44AM

Good morning! mind if I join? Get some practice in ready for the 2025 challenge?

My various health niggles leave me so tired all the time I'm yearning to reduce my working hours until I retire so I aim to live within a part-time salary and save the rest until I have an emergency fund built up. My impulsive spending needs to become impulsive saving!

ET22 · 2 November 2024 at 5:06PM

Hi, I would like to join for 2025.Once i have a decent income again, I really would like to save and not spend just because I have money coming in which will exceed my out goings. I think on the whole I live quite a frugal lifestyle in terms of household out goings but would like to cut back further and see real results for my hard work.

Prudent · 2 November 2024 at 6:38PM

@TizerCat I gave up work due to health issues 8 years ago. I have long standing health issues and I was permanently exhausted with no quality of life. Like @Dizzycap the process happened over roughly nine months. Although I always knew it would happen at some point, I would have liked to have managed some part time years before going completely. Financially I was reasonably well prepared but it still felt like jumping off a cliff. Now I have no regrets. I took a huge hit in monthly income but I actively enjoy being frugal.

Does anyone have any recommendations for an electric throw? My beloved throw has died today. It has become such an essential winter survival item for me. I paid quite a bit for a super thick dreamland one about five years ago because I was so unwell at the time and couldn’t keep warm by being active. As I have had to replace the fridge this week, I am wondering if a cheaper alternative would do.

ET22 · 2 November 2024 at 8:24PM

Monsoon on Amzson for an electric throw @Prudent . Ive had mine for three years and its still going strong. They come in different sizes too. I think they are about 40 pounds now but worth every penny and more.