2025 Frugal Living Challenge

Glittering_M

@Janeryan I love the idea of having a practice. 

I know many people are in a position moneywise where the practice is real but if in a position to try it out that great. Once we buy our place we will be going from savings to very little savings (and lots that need doing) so I think I may try and implement a practice at spending less. At the moment we just have spreadsheet with all our outgoings by category (e.g. rent, groceries) rather than any budget. I've never really set a budget.

@MissRikkiC I'm in my 30s too but without the children (hopefully in the next couple of years). I definitely want things a bit simpler too! Good luck with it. 

Prem1um bonds were disappointing today but unless it has several 00s on the end I'm disappointed lol. 

Quantaqa

@Janeryan, I love the idea of having a practice run living off a fixed amount.  I might give that a try too in preparation for my changing job situation in August.

Today I am getting organised.  OH made some Carrot and Ginger soup yesterday to use up the 8p Carrots we got before Christmas, that'll be todays dinner and then the rest goes in the freezer.  This afternoon I am using up some left over chicken curry to create a pastry for OHs lunch at work, any pastry left from this I'll do some Bacon & Cheese turnovers (like the Greggs fakeaway ones) for his lunches as well. I have organised our food plan for the next 10 days - the 8p Potatoes we got before Christmas will be Stovies for my lunches at work next week and yet more potatoes will be turned into a Tuna Crunch for dinner on Monday/Tuesday.  I have a bag going collecting bits to go to the charity shop and I'll probably pop in with that next week and have a mooch around the charity shops then too.

Sausageroll14

@Glittering_M & @MissRikkiC I'm in my 30s too!!! Well barely 🤣

Prudent

Welcome to all our lovely new comers.

@dizzyblnd. I lived on £6371 last year. I don't have rent, debts or a mortgage, but I do run a car. I live with a partner and we share the costs equally so this was my half only. Most years I also have what I call 'big spends' which is something like replacing the car, refitting a kitchen, a new boiler etc. Last year was an exception, but I will have some this year. I do have holidays and days out. I go away around 4/5 times a year. So far this year I have booked a four-night static caravan break in May costing £125. OH will possibly come in which case he will give me half the cost back. I can use my bus pass, so no transport costs. I won a couple of hotel breaks in the advent comps. I am in the process of booking the two-night break. I will have a fair bit of travel cost. However, it will be a real treat and allow me to spend time with my sister. No days out yet so far this year, I will wait until the schools go back and everywhere is quieter. I think @Duchess2's post was spot on. We all have different budgets and goals. I will slacken the reins on spending this year as I am so close to my retirement goal. 

Janeryan

Quantaqa said:

@Janeryan, I love the idea of having a practice run living off a fixed amount.  I might give that a try too in preparation for my changing job situation in August.

Today I am getting organised.  OH made some Carrot and Ginger soup yesterday to use up the 8p Carrots we got before Christmas, that'll be todays dinner and then the rest goes in the freezer.  This afternoon I am using up some left over chicken curry to create a pastry for OHs lunch at work, any pastry left from this I'll do some Bacon & Cheese turnovers (like the Greggs fakeaway ones) for his lunches as well. I have organised our food plan for the next 10 days - the 8p Potatoes we got before Christmas will be Stovies for my lunches at work next week and yet more potatoes will be turned into a Tuna Crunch for dinner on Monday/Tuesday.  I have a bag going collecting bits to go to the charity shop and I'll probably pop in with that next week and have a mooch around the charity shops then too.

It must have been the day for soup. I made carrot soup and threw on some of the half used spices that needed using up so it's got tangine seasoning and Thai curry..it was tasty for lunch and three more portions left over

Frugaldom

StickyTheStickInsect said:

I didn't realise you were on Facebook, looking at your photo's now, aren't the rainbow's beautiful!

Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, Ko-Fi, MSE, Google, Blogger... You name it, if it's free, I'm probably on it, but they aren't all up to date as I'm limited by mobile signal, internet access and time restraints. 😆 We get some beautiful rainbows and cloud formations, plus the dark skies and occasional auroras. 

Frugaldom

REASONS TO BE FRUGAL 

1. Debt freedom
2. Savings
3. To afford things that are important to us
4. Generosity
5. A good life

Welcome to all our newcomers and to our returning lurkers, posters and challengers.

Our budget is about covering the essential costs of living while incorporating all of the items listed above. Where some have holidays or travel, we have a nature project and sanctuary animals. I'd call us semi-retired but neither of us has any pension earnings so still need to earn an income.

tiddles

Please could I join the challenge, for all the reasons mentioned above, and in particular to be able to afford to travel - I believe that experiences are preferable to the accumulation of material things, especially as DH and I are now 65+.

Today I have worked on paring down our budget to what we consider to be the essentials, and I now feel motivated to be as frugal as possible this year. I think DH feels motivated too!

Thank you all for your inspiration and encouragement! 

zcrat41

Treasurequeen said:

Frugaldom thank you for setting up this years page. I’m rejoining and will try to post a bit more as I keep veering off the frugal path. I’ve been following and reading all posts though. 

My aim for  2025 is to invest in well made quality items. Being frugal in some ways to pay for things that enrich my life. 

I’ve signed up to some free events online through Eventbrite. I’ve attended a few this year and they’ve been really interesting and I’ve learnt a lot from them. Usually around 1-2 hours they are something to do and enjoy. I’ve learnt how to grow veg and fruit vertically, how to make good compost, how to make lip balm, make jams and virtual tours around Italy all from the comfort of my own home. 

Would you be able to share please? I want to start to learn about making compost!

MissRikkiC

@Glittering_M nice to see you here too. Good luck on all your endeavours, being frugal and hopefully growing your family too! How exciting! 

@Duchess2 I think it’s possible, I’ve been feeling it recently so I know I can do it. 

My husband and I are usually on the same page, he just needs more reminding than me why we’re doing it.