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Sealed Pot Challenge ~ 18
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Sue-UU
Posts: 9,664 Forumite
PLEASE READ THROUGH THE RULES AND
THE CHANGES FROM NOW ON!
A very warm welcome to another Sealed Pot Challenge,
our 18th!
Due pto the Cost Of Living, I suggest we all save in the best way possible for each of
us: if some still prefer to stick to cash, then please do so. Those
wishing to use debit cards, or save via the bank itself, please
do so, though not by extortionate amounts as that's not the way
we save. Personally, due to many shops still not wishing to
deal with cash, I manage to transfer from our bank account to
what I refer to as our SPC account and it works well.
For all newcomers - a really huge welcome! We're a great bunch who just adore greeting more members to the flock. Please read through this entire post and you'll be aware of why SPC is so special. Pop on the thread and tell us you'd like to join, then start saving straight away and become part of our saving family. You will very soon be welcomed aboard, but don't worry if you have to wait a day or so.
The idea is to save as much as possible throughout the year until the end of October, when we open our pots on Thursday the 23rd October 2025. We save it in pots that we've pre-sealed to stop us being tempted to open them! Any spare cash can be put away, every day/week/month, whatever is best for you. If you have change left over after you've been shopping - pop it in the pot! After all why not. However small the change...the likelihood is that it won't be missed, and might otherwise have been wasted! Most of us pot the difference that we've been saved on special offers etc, it's all saved at the shop so it makes sense to save it in the pot to mount up!
Below are the basics for making your pot and sealing it.
Firstly: Get yourself a pot, and remember - it doesn't need to cost much - if anything! Please kindly avoid plastic, thank you. With the emphasis being on saving money, your pot doesn't need to cost anything, a used sweet tin, coffee jar etc..are extremely MSE!! *Next - seal it with sellotape and be sure to make a slit in the lid, big enough for a 50p to go in, that way all coins will fit. If you wish, you can always take advantage of finding a cheap pot in the sales after Christmas.
Terrimundi pots are available in many shops and online, they're very attractive and another ready sealed way to save, and though manufacturers and retailers would have you believe differently, you DO NOT need to smash them to remove your cash!! I've used mine for 17 years...and at the end of each year's challenge, hubby and I used to have a whale of a time, doing things the 'old' way by tilting the pot and using a knife! A few years ago DH bought a 12" steel ruler in from the shed which is thin and broad and perfect for the job. So be assured that, so long as you go carefully, you CAN use them again and again.
Regarding the Sealed Cans many of you use, apparently the best way to open the sealed tins is, rather than using a tin opener, squeeze the side of the tin, where the seam meets and you can pop the seal and tip the money out that way, better still, turn them upside down and get the cash out as advised above with Terramundi.
3/ If you wish, you can ask me to put a Target on for you to try to meet (it's put in black ink with brackets alongside your name and number on the 2nd post below) but it's not necessary. If you do set one, but are unable to meet it, don't worry, at least you tried! A few people keep account of all they save, but most of us count what we save daily or weekly, then put it on the thread to help encourage others....ourselves too; after potting it we naturally forget each amount and.... wait for the surprise at the end of the year!!!
5/ If you wish to save for something special, a holiday, wedding etc then please do so, just please remember to declare it on October 23rd. The most important thing, is that you are saving ...and hopefully not tempted to take it out unnecessarily. If anyone has any other queries, then please just ask.
6/ At the end of the year (or when we've saved for what we wish) count up all your money saved and declare your Total either by waiting until the declaration date - or (if you've needed your cash for other things - by putting your Total on your MSE signature to remind you to include it in your full Total; that particularly applies to those using their money for holidays etc, but PLEASE remember to return to the thread on the 23rd October to declare those Totals to us, before if you wish, BUT NOT AFTER THE 23rd!
10/ Members who do not return BY ONE WEEK after closing date will lose their numbers and be removed from the list. Many people who sign up to the challenge then don't bother returning! To be fair, I think a lot get swept up in the excitement of it all, but for one reason of another, can't or don't wish to keep it up,or forget all about it, but that then leaves us with a list of holes in the membership list which makes things very difficult indeed. Any saving members won't be at all worried about this - however, if missing members remember, then - come on back and ask for another number, you will always be be more than welcome!
For all newcomers...Old Timers too - it's
so very important to please read through this entire post
to see what the SPC is all about, including the declaration date
as well as our re-opening date etc.. However, if you
haven't already done so, please be sure to join the MSE forum in
order to be able to join the challenge. For ALL SPC members,
please chat away regularly about your conquests, money-saving
ideas etc, it gives encouragement to all, including ourselves as
it keeps us motivated to save stronger and gives even more ideas
of how to save.
For all newcomers - a really huge welcome! We're a great bunch who just adore greeting more members to the flock. Please read through this entire post and you'll be aware of why SPC is so special. Pop on the thread and tell us you'd like to join, then start saving straight away and become part of our saving family. You will very soon be welcomed aboard, but don't worry if you have to wait a day or so.
The idea is to save as much as possible throughout the year until the end of October, when we open our pots on Thursday the 23rd October 2025. We save it in pots that we've pre-sealed to stop us being tempted to open them! Any spare cash can be put away, every day/week/month, whatever is best for you. If you have change left over after you've been shopping - pop it in the pot! After all why not. However small the change...the likelihood is that it won't be missed, and might otherwise have been wasted! Most of us pot the difference that we've been saved on special offers etc, it's all saved at the shop so it makes sense to save it in the pot to mount up!
Below are the basics for making your pot and sealing it.
Firstly: Get yourself a pot, and remember - it doesn't need to cost much - if anything! Please kindly avoid plastic, thank you. With the emphasis being on saving money, your pot doesn't need to cost anything, a used sweet tin, coffee jar etc..are extremely MSE!! *Next - seal it with sellotape and be sure to make a slit in the lid, big enough for a 50p to go in, that way all coins will fit. If you wish, you can always take advantage of finding a cheap pot in the sales after Christmas.
Terrimundi pots are available in many shops and online, they're very attractive and another ready sealed way to save, and though manufacturers and retailers would have you believe differently, you DO NOT need to smash them to remove your cash!! I've used mine for 17 years...and at the end of each year's challenge, hubby and I used to have a whale of a time, doing things the 'old' way by tilting the pot and using a knife! A few years ago DH bought a 12" steel ruler in from the shed which is thin and broad and perfect for the job. So be assured that, so long as you go carefully, you CAN use them again and again.
Regarding the Sealed Cans many of you use, apparently the best way to open the sealed tins is, rather than using a tin opener, squeeze the side of the tin, where the seam meets and you can pop the seal and tip the money out that way, better still, turn them upside down and get the cash out as advised above with Terramundi.
The term roadkill = any money found on
pavements, parks etc; even in car parks or on shop floors etc,
however, if you've seen it dropped by another shopper - PLEASE
give it to her/him!!
NB. A few notes of interest.
1/ Money from a part-time job or anything similar is ok to be saved. Any money saved via Christmas Clubs can also be used in your SPC Totals or included when declaring, it's another way of saving for Christmas after all. Money received from cashback sites such as Quidco, topcashback etc can be included in your pots. Likewise, any money made from sales on E-Bay, Facebook, Surveys or similar can be saved.
Also, it is possible to include all other savings from MSE Challenges with your SPC Totals i.e. the £2 Challenge as, PAD apparently they aren't put down on the challenge threads themselves. Also, the 1p challenge can be declared. If you're unsure, please ask on the thread, and remember - there's no so thing as a stupid question!
Second incomes can come in many varied and very lucrative guises and anything such as that would be unfair to other members. However, doing a little job for Mrs Bloggs can be included. Mostly the SPC is a challenge to see how much we can save during the year...mostly it's relatively small amounts which are saved from wages, housekeeping, good budgeting etc. Remunerations via the letting of second homes cannot be included in the SPC!
2/ Whenever you're in a dilemma of "ooh should I buy that?" If you don't need it, but just want it - leave it there and pot the cash instead, you'll be far more satisfied with the accomplishment, pleased with your self-discipline too! All too often, if I go back a second time I find I didn't even like whatever it was anyway!
1/ Money from a part-time job or anything similar is ok to be saved. Any money saved via Christmas Clubs can also be used in your SPC Totals or included when declaring, it's another way of saving for Christmas after all. Money received from cashback sites such as Quidco, topcashback etc can be included in your pots. Likewise, any money made from sales on E-Bay, Facebook, Surveys or similar can be saved.
Also, it is possible to include all other savings from MSE Challenges with your SPC Totals i.e. the £2 Challenge as, PAD apparently they aren't put down on the challenge threads themselves. Also, the 1p challenge can be declared. If you're unsure, please ask on the thread, and remember - there's no so thing as a stupid question!
Second incomes can come in many varied and very lucrative guises and anything such as that would be unfair to other members. However, doing a little job for Mrs Bloggs can be included. Mostly the SPC is a challenge to see how much we can save during the year...mostly it's relatively small amounts which are saved from wages, housekeeping, good budgeting etc. Remunerations via the letting of second homes cannot be included in the SPC!
2/ Whenever you're in a dilemma of "ooh should I buy that?" If you don't need it, but just want it - leave it there and pot the cash instead, you'll be far more satisfied with the accomplishment, pleased with your self-discipline too! All too often, if I go back a second time I find I didn't even like whatever it was anyway!
3/ If you wish, you can ask me to put a Target on for you to try to meet (it's put in black ink with brackets alongside your name and number on the 2nd post below) but it's not necessary. If you do set one, but are unable to meet it, don't worry, at least you tried! A few people keep account of all they save, but most of us count what we save daily or weekly, then put it on the thread to help encourage others....ourselves too; after potting it we naturally forget each amount and.... wait for the surprise at the end of the year!!!
3 a/ If you are hoping for a particular
amount by Declaration Day but still want a nice surprise come
October, work out what amount you would like to save, then
work out how much you will need to pot on a weekly/monthly
basis in order to achieve it. Save that sum regularly as well
as potting any spare change after shopping, that way you are
bound to come out on top and have a surprise
come October!
4/ SPC is a challenge to see how much we can save in a year for Christmas 2024. However, over the last 16 years we've had some members who have needed theirs at times throughout the year for bills, debts etc, and personally I'd far sooner they take the cash out for that than pay more interest or...miss a due date! You can always start again, even if it's getting later in the year, plus you can still include what you needed to take out on Declaration Day, after all, you had saved it!! Whatever you need to do, don't worry about it - be happy and proud you have saved!
4/ SPC is a challenge to see how much we can save in a year for Christmas 2024. However, over the last 16 years we've had some members who have needed theirs at times throughout the year for bills, debts etc, and personally I'd far sooner they take the cash out for that than pay more interest or...miss a due date! You can always start again, even if it's getting later in the year, plus you can still include what you needed to take out on Declaration Day, after all, you had saved it!! Whatever you need to do, don't worry about it - be happy and proud you have saved!
Please don't worry about the amounts others save! We are
all individuals with varying jobs/incomes, each with different
expenditures and commitments etc so while some find saving a
real struggle, for others it's obviously easy. However, it's
the pleasure each of us receives from our personal potting
results - whatever you manage to pot, be happy with it, and be
proud!!!!
5/ If you wish to save for something special, a holiday, wedding etc then please do so, just please remember to declare it on October 23rd. The most important thing, is that you are saving ...and hopefully not tempted to take it out unnecessarily. If anyone has any other queries, then please just ask.
6/ At the end of the year (or when we've saved for what we wish) count up all your money saved and declare your Total either by waiting until the declaration date - or (if you've needed your cash for other things - by putting your Total on your MSE signature to remind you to include it in your full Total; that particularly applies to those using their money for holidays etc, but PLEASE remember to return to the thread on the 23rd October to declare those Totals to us, before if you wish, BUT NOT AFTER THE 23rd!
Some members prefer not to keep too much money in the house
and count theirs up every now and then to bank it, in which
case they always pop the amount banked on their MSE signatures
to remind them to include it when they declare.
7/ KEEP YOUR POT or POTS SAFE and out
of sight of others!! If you hide it, be sure to remember
where you put it!!
8/ "Holding Pots": To anyone concerned about putting money into their pot - only to possibly need it later in the week/month: Why not use an unsealed pot or purse as a "holding pot" and pop the money in there first each day/week/month - then, if it's not needed (for car parking costs, little Johnnie's school trip etc) - put it in your Sealed pot so it stays put. Do that each week and it'll save you taking money from the bank. Discipline yourself to only take what's needed though!
8/ "Holding Pots": To anyone concerned about putting money into their pot - only to possibly need it later in the week/month: Why not use an unsealed pot or purse as a "holding pot" and pop the money in there first each day/week/month - then, if it's not needed (for car parking costs, little Johnnie's school trip etc) - put it in your Sealed pot so it stays put. Do that each week and it'll save you taking money from the bank. Discipline yourself to only take what's needed though!
9/ "Where to take bags of cash at the end of
the year?": Most banks will accept them providing you
have an account with them. Remember also that most banks have
counting machines, so any of you who really don't like
counting money, take them in and let the machine do the
counting for you; you'll get a receipt which you then take to
the counter. PLEASE - DON'T EVER CHANGE IT IN ONE
OF THE COINSTAR MACHINES AT THE ENTRANCES OF SUPER
MARKETS.... THEY WILL TAKE AROUND 10% OF YOUR
MONEY!!!!!!!!!
10/ Members who do not return BY ONE WEEK after closing date will lose their numbers and be removed from the list. Many people who sign up to the challenge then don't bother returning! To be fair, I think a lot get swept up in the excitement of it all, but for one reason of another, can't or don't wish to keep it up,or forget all about it, but that then leaves us with a list of holes in the membership list which makes things very difficult indeed. Any saving members won't be at all worried about this - however, if missing members remember, then - come on back and ask for another number, you will always be be more than welcome!
On the post below is a list
of members and their numbers, always put your No on your
signature please, that makes life so much easier for me
and my DH when counting up all Totals. In December or
thereabouts we declare the Grand Total of ALL that we
members have collected, and what a terrific sight that is!
Once again, we've just had an amazing year, let's keep it up and see what we can achieve this year, in spite of Covid! Good luck everyone and save well!!
Anyone wishing to join us, it's NEVER too late! So please
just ask and you will be made very welcome.
Once again, we've just had an amazing year, let's keep it up and see what we can achieve this year, in spite of Covid! Good luck everyone and save well!!
Sue
NB folks: Opening
date for SPC 17 is 23rd October 2025 - before
if you wish... but NEVER AFTER THAT DATE !
Sealed Pot Challenge 001 My Totals = 08 = £163.95 09 = £315.78 10 = £518.80 11 = £481.87 12 = £694.53 13 = £1200.20! 14 = £881 15 = £839.21 16 = £870.48 17 = £871.52 18 = £800.00 19 = £851.022021=£820.26[/SizeGrand Totals of all members (2008 uncounted) 2009 = £32.154.32! 2010 = £37.581.47! 2011 = £42.474.34! 2012 = £49.759.46! 2013 = £50.642.78! 2014 = £61.367.88!! 2015 = £52.852.06! 2016 = £52, 002.40!! 2017 = £50,456.23!! 2018 = £47, 815.88! 2019 = £38.538.37!!!! :j
2
Comments
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Membership List
001 Sue-UU
002 jakes-mum (Target £1,000)
003 Peony40
004 Frogletina
005 Antomac (Target £700)
006 mummytummy
007 32b3in2013
008 Buffythedebtslayer (250)
009 siju
010 JynErso
011 Nintud012 cdm013 BeyondDirect981014015 lucyhope016 Keedie (Target £750)017 LittleMissDetermined018 Lost2019 JellyB321 (Target £300)020 MrsShazbat021 VickyA (Target £2000)022 EverTheOptimist023 Hettyhound024025 Milko026 SummerDays027 RavenRover029 sams247031 skilly032 MrsCautious034 ~FlowerPot~037 Madlyn038 Saver-upper
040 Phoenix6
041 Makingaboro2
042 TheScarletPixie
044 blubella (Target £400)
045 RisingPhoenix1046 october82048 basketcase
049 shell16
071 madlyn
078 rancid-a
080 AdeleSealed Pot Challenge 001 My Totals = 08 = £163.95 09 = £315.78 10 = £518.80 11 = £481.87 12 = £694.53 13 = £1200.20! 14 = £881 15 = £839.21 16 = £870.48 17 = £871.52 18 = £800.00 19 = £851.022021=£820.26[/SizeGrand Totals of all members (2008 uncounted) 2009 = £32.154.32! 2010 = £37.581.47! 2011 = £42.474.34! 2012 = £49.759.46! 2013 = £50.642.78! 2014 = £61.367.88!! 2015 = £52.852.06! 2016 = £52, 002.40!! 2017 = £50,456.23!! 2018 = £47, 815.88! 2019 = £38.538.37!!!! :j3 -
Hi all Sealed Potters!!!A very new Sealed Pot Challenge, and a very warm wecome to you ALL!!!Here's my very first £20 from our account to our SPC account. Fingers crossed I'll hopefully be saving more this year, depending on whatever happens in the Budget next week.Take very great care folksSealed Pot Challenge 001 My Totals = 08 = £163.95 09 = £315.78 10 = £518.80 11 = £481.87 12 = £694.53 13 = £1200.20! 14 = £881 15 = £839.21 16 = £870.48 17 = £871.52 18 = £800.00 19 = £851.022021=£820.26[/SizeGrand Totals of all members (2008 uncounted) 2009 = £32.154.32! 2010 = £37.581.47! 2011 = £42.474.34! 2012 = £49.759.46! 2013 = £50.642.78! 2014 = £61.367.88!! 2015 = £52.852.06! 2016 = £52, 002.40!! 2017 = £50,456.23!! 2018 = £47, 815.88! 2019 = £38.538.37!!!! :j3
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Hi could I join please?
Debt Total Sept 24 - £9532.26 - Current Total - £8992.89 - Percentage Paid 5.65%
Pots To Be Filled:
Car Insurance: £0/£450
Festival Aug 2025: £0/£450
Holiday 2025: £0/£500
Emergency Fund: £0/£500****TARGET DEBT-FREE DATE 01/07/2026****4 -
Hi Sue-UU.
Count me in again this year please.
Good luck to everyone.SPC 0374 -
#21 reporting for potting duty! I’ll up my target to £2000, please.
Sealed Pot Challenge #021 #8 975.71 #9 £881.44 #10 £961.13 #11 £782.13 #12 £741.83 #13 £2135.22 #14 £895.53 #15 £1240.40 #16 £1805.87 #17 £1820.01 declared4 -
Yay! I’m back too. Been thinking over the last few days on how to pot the best way, definitely going back to cash for groceries 💷. New pot ready to go 🫡SPC #023 SPC 12: £125.86[/COLOUR]:SPC 13: £214.98: SPC 14: £297.41 SPC 15: £237.27 SPC 16 £335.39; SPC 17 £662.09 SPC 18 £20MFW #21 Mortgage start Dec 2015 £79,950; June 2025 £19,394.00 2025 OP £1589/COLOR]/£2,000 MFiT T6 #3 £19070/£25,500 (72.82%%) MFiT T7 #3 £2050/£21,930 (9.34%)4
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A very warm welcome to you, RisingPhoe
A very warm welcome to you, RisingPhoenix1 (045) it's lovely to have you with us.RisingPhoenix1 said:Hi could I join please?Have great fun saving
You'll find your No above as well as on the 2nd Post of
Page 1, and please read through the 1st post as
it'll let you know exactly how to save with the challenge. We
always empty our pots and declare what's in them in October, please
make a note of this year's date: Thursday 23rd
October 2022 (Before if you like, but NOT after). Please pop your SPC No on your signature
as it's a great help. To do so please to your profile
Photo, top right, click then go to Signature Settings, lower and
on the left, be sure to SAVE before fleeing! Sue
Sealed Pot Challenge 001 My Totals = 08 = £163.95 09 = £315.78 10 = £518.80 11 = £481.87 12 = £694.53 13 = £1200.20! 14 = £881 15 = £839.21 16 = £870.48 17 = £871.52 18 = £800.00 19 = £851.022021=£820.26[/SizeGrand Totals of all members (2008 uncounted) 2009 = £32.154.32! 2010 = £37.581.47! 2011 = £42.474.34! 2012 = £49.759.46! 2013 = £50.642.78! 2014 = £61.367.88!! 2015 = £52.852.06! 2016 = £52, 002.40!! 2017 = £50,456.23!! 2018 = £47, 815.88! 2019 = £38.538.37!!!! :j3 -
Hi SPCers, I hope you all enjoy a wealthy new year and a very happy weekend!
For all those either ill or feeling down in any way, get well soon and best wishes from usall at SPCYour most welcome again madlyn!You're most welcome to potting duty Vicky and a Target of £2000 is on the Members List!You pot just as you like Hetty whichever way nets you the most, I'm hoping to!
Enjoy a wonderful weekend folks!SueThe end date for SPC this year is 23rd October 2025........BUT no later, please!!Anyone wishing to join us, please just ask and you'll be made very welcome.Sealed Pot Challenge 001 My Totals = 08 = £163.95 09 = £315.78 10 = £518.80 11 = £481.87 12 = £694.53 13 = £1200.20! 14 = £881 15 = £839.21 16 = £870.48 17 = £871.52 18 = £800.00 19 = £851.022021=£820.26[/SizeGrand Totals of all members (2008 uncounted) 2009 = £32.154.32! 2010 = £37.581.47! 2011 = £42.474.34! 2012 = £49.759.46! 2013 = £50.642.78! 2014 = £61.367.88!! 2015 = £52.852.06! 2016 = £52, 002.40!! 2017 = £50,456.23!! 2018 = £47, 815.88! 2019 = £38.538.37!!!! :j3 -
So I have made a start to Christmas 2025 savings! My bank were offering a regular 12 month saver at a fixed interest rate of 7% so I’ve opened one and called it sealed pot 😁. Thought I’d do it now before (fingers crossed) interest rate drop in November or the budget messes with my plans. My regular amount is £50 and then I plan to start using cash again for groceries with any weekly surplus going into the pot 🤞SPC #023 SPC 12: £125.86[/COLOUR]:SPC 13: £214.98: SPC 14: £297.41 SPC 15: £237.27 SPC 16 £335.39; SPC 17 £662.09 SPC 18 £20MFW #21 Mortgage start Dec 2015 £79,950; June 2025 £19,394.00 2025 OP £1589/COLOR]/£2,000 MFiT T6 #3 £19070/£25,500 (72.82%%) MFiT T7 #3 £2050/£21,930 (9.34%)5
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Good afternoon
Yay, we are back - here we go again
Thank you for another year of guiding us to save @Sue-UUSPC9 #125 - £816.85
SPC10 #125 - £851.81
SPC 11 #7 - £968.46
SPC 12 #7 - £2682.90
SPC 13 #7 - £4829.85
SPC 17 #7 - £7313.634
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