My Five Year Focused, Frugal and Fun Challenge

teapot2

Sounds like you know what will bring you joy again .  Pr0lific is good for surveys and more interesting than the 'do you feel your bank loves you type'.  1poll has small regular more fun based surveys and I cash out £20 on there every couple of months.  They're the only 2 I use regularly now but maybe others can suggest more, I know there are till receipt based ones and ugov though I gave that up as it took years to get to payout.

If you have surplus books and CDs or DVDs its worth checking them on the selling sites, you don't get loads but it adds up.  Also Vintd for selling clothes though I've not used that I know others have.

Good luck

StripeyTightsSpottySocks

Whilst I’ve not posted I’ve continued to make payments 

I’ll update my signature 

The real stretch aim is to pay all the credit card debt by the end of this year whilst maintaining mortgage overpayments

StripeyTightsSpottySocks

Hi and thank you @teapot2

I’m sorry I missed your post as I didn’t refresh the page earlier 

Yes - I think I need to do these things to find my happy again   

not going in the charity shops will free up time and money to do more of the things I enjoy 

I will also be encouraged to read and declutter more so I can go and see if I find any bargains after a good break - I don’t have lots of things since moving, but I want to have less

I’ve just sorted the freezers out so I know what food is where, and apart from weekly staples I will not be buying any food for a good while - again freeing up time by not shopping and having to spend time working out where to store things and saving money by shopping from home 

I will see if I have any beauty products I can use - for self care and decluttering 

I am going to push myself to sell more clothes - definitely something I want to reduce and I use V1nted already

Any DVDs or CDs were sold a long time ago.

i have just gone back into 1poll and will try and look at Pr0lific tomorrow.

Bargainhunter30

What about Matched Betting? I made about 5k doing all the sign up offers and I know others who made more. Team Profit used to do a free trial that teaches you how to do it and there are similar sites.

Is it worth using some of the OP money to buy a gym membership if it makes you happier? You have to live in the now too x

Jessy103

I find mingle and norstat panel to be two good survey websites. They have apps too so you can get notifications and don't miss out too much. Both have cash payouts 🙂

carboot_karaoke

I agree with the other comments, it is really important to do things that make you happy as well.

My gym is only £16 a month, are there any cheap and cheerful ones near you? I'm sure the cost would be worth it if it makes you feel better.

Meeting up with friends doesn't have to cost loads. I have friends in various economic situations and we are honest enough to say l cant afford it this time or to set a price per head budget. I also find if you do the arranging you can "control the cost". For example,

One of my favourites is to meet up for a walk and chat followed by a coffee and cake. Sometimes l bring a flask and cake other times we go to a cafe.

Lunch dates tend to be cheaper than dinner or set price buffet options are easier to budget for.

Another option would be to have friends round to your house but everyone brings a course, you choose a theme like Italian night and then the three courses, wine and even a movie or food choices have to be based on the theme. Its a lot of fun and pizza or pasta is cheap.

I guess all of the above depends on what you normally do with friends.

Do you already use cashback websites, you can earn extra ££ on things you have to buy anyway. I've also made a few £100 selling things on Vinted definitely worth trying.

 

StripeyTightsSpottySocks

Bargainhunter30 said:

What about Matched Betting? I made about 5k doing all the sign up offers and I know others who made more. Team Profit used to do a free trial that teaches you how to do it and there are similar sites.

Is it worth using some of the OP money to buy a gym membership if it makes you happier? You have to live in the now too x

Hi @Bargainhunter30

and thank you - I did matched betting about 4-5 years ago - I was thinking I could look again now but if I wait a few years I may be able to sign up again, as I’ve moved. I got accounts closed at quite a few places sadly.

that’s a good idea about the gym and I have been thinking about it - the thing is I need to get out and exercise first - so I need to get up early and walk and build that up to running. Once I’m in that mindset and fitness level the gym membership will be used 

unfortunately upset really drains me and affects my sleep so I haven’t been able to just get out despite having the motivation the other day. 

StripeyTightsSpottySocks

Jessy103 said:

I find mingle and norstat panel to be two good survey websites. They have apps too so you can get notifications and don't miss out too much. Both have cash payouts 🙂

Thank you @Jessy103 I will add those in as well. Work has been non stop busy - no chance for getting a drink let alone surveys - but they will be there for the quieter times - just signing up now 

StripeyTightsSpottySocks

Ah I can’t find a sign up option for norstat

StripeyTightsSpottySocks

Hi @carboot_karaoke and thank you. I use cash back sites but I buy so little online now.

my socialising budget is minimal- this is the real issue. Walks and going to friends are all part of meet ups - I guess living alone I go out more. I have more to ponder here…