Stopping the backsliding… a family of four no longer living beyond their means

TallGirl

Sounds like a very healthy list just to add I know you park at Lidl sometimes they have the free fruit spins back down South at least so might be worth checking out. I've "won" berries and some mini apple each item about £2.20 worth here. 

Bluegreen143

Oooh, not heard of that, I’ll investigate!

It’s mad isn’t it, only a few years ago before covid I reckon I was getting a full week’s shop done for £70! 

Going to book and order my Sunday shop today as I often forget to do it on time when the weekend is busy. 

Floss

Going back to the car discussion, a 3-yo ex-Mobility car can be a good buy too. I have had 2, both Hyundai (current car is one) each with under 30k mileage & full service history. First one was scrapped after I had it for 10 years at 107k, second is now just over 5 years old and just on 41k. They're cheap to run, often comes with extra bits and are cheap to service & insure too.

Baileys_Babe

Thanks for the tip @Floss

Bluegreen143

Good tip Floss! 

Yesterday was a somewhat trying day but it turned out fine in the end.

Positives - got the car back! 

But various bits and bobs went wrong. I forgot Bambi had gymnastics and didn’t have dinner ready in time, but the kids had a quick beans on toast dinner so it was OK. Red had accidentally left the leftover chicken for the dinner out all night (inside the air fryer, which he had put away without checking the second drawer), but he picked up a pack of cooked chicken to throw into dinner while he was out at gymnastics. 

One of my friends pulled out of camping this weekend, so I was worried everyone would and I’d lose the pitch fee, but the others seem up for still going. 

Bambi’s shoes are too small! Need to order more. She just doesn’t stop growing. 

All in all, it’s fine, just felt stressy yesterday and Red and I kept bickering because we were both rushed. But it’s a good reminder to focus on all the things we’re grateful for, not minor annoyances. 

Anyway, moving on. You’ll all be delighted to know I’ve finally tried Vinted!!! 

I went to order holiday clothes, and as I have very few hot weather clothes, it was going to cost £300 in H&M not including swimwear or sandals and getting a bit less than I actually wanted in terms of dresses and tops. 

Contrast to today, I’ve spent £78 on vinted, getting 3x dresses, 4x tops, a maxi skirt, shorts, cardigan and sandals. I’ve got offers on two more things (another dress and a light pashmina) but they are nice to haves so I’ll not bother if the offer isn’t accepted. All I need now is a couple of swimsuits. So relieved I’ve got it all so much cheaper. It might not all fit so I will commit to trying to sell anything that doesn’t, I’m usually rubbish at this but will try this once! 

Floss

Well done on your Vinted shopping! The trick is to look for the brands / sizes you know are right for you. You can always put the kids outgrown things on too.

Bluegreen143

It would be a complete miracle if the kids ever had any clothes which weren't completely trashed by the time they were done with them! Especially Monkey - his clothes all end up stained and full of holes! I like the theory though.

fionaandphil

I've sold a few things on Vinted this week, I'm always scared to look though as I'd just end up refilling the wardrobes!  I'm putting it on in dribs and drabs and hoping to clear some space and make a bit of money for some treats this year.

Sarahwithlove

I love vinted! Very easy to get addicted to buying things on it though. 

angela110660

Great on the Vinted purchases. Re the car - again! I have also had 2 ex Motobility Fords - first one lasted many years for both me and then my daughter as a new driver. Current one had only about 5k miles on the clock and was 2 years old when I bought it from Ford dealership. Has been a great car so far. Hope I haven't now shot myself in the foot saying that.