2025 Frugal Living Challenge

Frugaldom

Thank you for all the tips on papier mache, they are all appreciated. However, some of you may not know my situation if you are new to this challenge thread. There are no shops or supermarkets nearby and we are as paper free as possible. The papier mache banks challenge began many years ago - there's a link added in post 1 and also a few posts back. Original 'Phil the Pig' has long, since, gone. I will try the paper sacks as they are not thick, single skin, they are double layers of thinner paper that I usually make into kindling sticks for the logburner. I'm also searching for old newspapers, tissue paper and other paper-based stuff that may have been used as wrapping for stored items now being decluttered. Sorry I didn't make all of this clear but I didn't want to be too boring by including all the options open to me and end up repeating myself. I do forget others pop in and out and only read part of these challenges - I'm getting old and forgetful now. LOL   I did find some of the photos from the original challenge so I will try to work out how to upload them. Original 'Phil' was made from strips of any kind of paper I could find.

Here is the link, again, for the banks and other things.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/646765/papier-mache-other-free-hobbies-for-all-ages/p1 

Frugaldom

For any other off-gridders, hutters & campers, I have been searching for the best prices for 190g gas lantern canisters, the piercable type. Camping Gaz is extortionate so I have been buying a brand named Karan King. Unfortunately, everywhere I've checked recently has been out of stock and I'm now down to my last one. Last night, I found an offer, thankfully, so managed to order 36 for a total of £41.79 including p&p from Caravan Tech Services. (£12.99 of that was delivery charge.) These are an extravagance I could do without but short winter days and continual lack of sunshine / UV rays means my solar panels aren't recharging batteries enough to do lights, mobile phone and laptop. (I'm saving for bigger solar panels.)

Siebrie

@Frugaldom In Belgium people are switching to the newer generation of solar panels, and selling their old panels. Maybe someone around you is doing the same?

kayannie

Frugaldom said:

I had a good look at my various accounts today and found £7 odds in my topcashback so it got swept into savings. I'm still on no spends, barring direct debits, so the year's food budget is still intact. I'll need to stick up on sugar soon so if anyone spots a bargain price, pop it in here and tag me in, please.

I wanted to make a new 'Phil the Pig' but no longer know anyone who reads newspapers that can be made into Papier mache. I'll let you all know if paper horse feed bags can be used instead. I just need to source some balloons. I'm sure the grandchildren will have fun making banks of their own, too. 

Regarding sugar prices, Bee and Em are selling it for 89p at the moment, everywhere else seems to be £1.09. I expect you don't have a branch anywhere near you, but if you are expecting visitors it might be worthwhile asking if anyone passes by one on their way to you.
KA

Frugaldom

Siebrie said:

@Frugaldom In Belgium people are switching to the newer generation of solar panels, and selling their old panels. Maybe someone around you is doing the same?

Sadly, not. We are in a rather unique situation here at the project, all run voluntarily and unfunded barring what I can raise to help feed sanctuary animals and wildlife while running the place totally off-grid. Scotland isn't known for it's sunshine and this area is fairly isolated, as far as neighbours and any form of business aside from holiday accommodation, forestry and farming. 

Frugaldom

Thanks @kayannie, I'll ask if anyone is near one of their stores. Definitely nothing like that here, I usually buy the 2kg bags with my monthly supermarket order. Local village store is about twice that price.

I saw the offer for Tide banking, offering £200 cashback so have now started the process of applying for that. Not sure how it will go - can buy try. It's been impossible to find a free app for business banking but I need/want a Frugaldom account as this year's plans involve a few micro challenges to make the project fully and  financially sustainable. The savings rate on their associated saver account is over 4% so not to be sneezed at. Fingers crossed!

My fab bargain gas cartridges order has been cancelled as the company had run out of them so I'm now awaiting a full refund. Sigh... Not sure what's going on that everywhere is sold out of them. Guess the little gas lanterns and blow torches are more popular than I'd imagined.

Nelliegrace

My parents had storm lanterns, a carriage lamp, a bright Tilley lamp, and candles, and various torches and batteries, for power cuts. People used to have oil lamps.
I think the point of alternative technology is to have several alternatives if gas canisters are not available. 

The old Gaz cartridge camping cooker and lamp needed new rubbers washers regularly. 

Prudent

Well done on finding the Tide offer @Frugaldom. I hope it goes through for you. 

I am just back from a relatively frugal break up north to spend time with my daughter. She lives in a tourist hotspot and accommodation is so expensive in the tourist season. Thankfully the weather was exceptionally sunny and mild for the highlands. I had two nights in a Travelodge for £55 total and spent a further £10.90 on food. Travel was free as I used my bus pass to go by coach. I took a bit of food and bought the rest at a supermarket. I must admit to being glad of a home cooked meal this evening. My biggest financial challenge increasingly seems to be spending on travel and/or accommodation to see family, many of whom have significant health issues so time with them is precious. 

Duchess2

Bad luck on the gas canisters @Frugaldom. You’ve educated everyone so well to rootle out the best bargains that they’ve beaten you to it. I hope you get some soon. Sounds like a truly frugal trip @Prudent. Well done. I agree family is very important, but so is reserving enough funds to be able to do it on a regular basis. We’re the same with our holidays. We do it on a budget so that we can go on several holidays rather than one blowout per year. Far more fun in my opinion.

Quantaqa

Hi All, my car was hit by another car on Sunday morning so my frugal plans are a bit up in the air at the moment.  It's a not my fault accident but its still been a hassle with all the admin of organising various bits with the insurance.  Car is being written off so I need to get looking for a new one.  I'll be a used car and I'll try to get a decent deal but I have nothing to trade in.  Any tips gratefully received.  Thanks in advance, Q.