2026 Frugal Living Challenge

Cherryfudge

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81907685#Comment_81907685

I think I would be wary of either collecting or offering items that late - just on a personal security level, especially if it were a regular thing.

There aren't many people using Olio round here and I work evenings so I've not offered to collect, but I find the app very useful for spotting the discounts at !celand, which has become quite a money-saver for me. These are on the app throughout the day but you just use them as a guide: anyone can go in and buy so they may no longer be available.

kimwp

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81909874#Comment_81909874

@Frugaldom, are you set up as a charity? Just occurred to me that charities get first dibs on supermarket expiring food ahead of olio, so you could maybe snag the animal friendly food first?

boultdj

I've seen 10kg bags of basmati rice advertised at Farmfoods, it's a bulk deal 3 bags for £30 if that's any use.

Mamma2004

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81909587#Comment_81909587

Bought the Laila Basmati rice 10kg for £12 in Tesco, and then saw it in Lidl half an hour later for £10.49 🙄

If it didn't weigh 10kg and require DS2 to lift, I'd take it back! 🤣

He's very pragmatic, and said "well, we know for next time"! Bless him 🥰

PipneyJane

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81910976#Comment_81910976

The only thing with L!dl is that you never know if they’re going to continue stocking it or if this is a one-off. Don’t get me wrong, I love L!dl, but it is immensely frustrating that they do not have consistent stock of things - even basics like shampoo and conditioner can be out of stock for weeks - and some things never get restocked. It must be at least 6 months since they sold their own-brand aftershave balm, if not longer. My DH has looked everywhere for it. (He prefers it to the name brand.)

Until last month, I don’t recall seeng 10kg sacks of basmati rice in L!dl. Certainly check them out, next time you are purchasing rice, but don’t count on them having it.

• Pip

Nelliegrace

Sains claim to have a selection on offer. Their most expensive rice 250g of Tilda boil in the bag basmati, was £8.60 a kilo, or 500g at £6 a kilo, £5 for 1kg.

@Mamma2004 £12 sounds like a very good price.

Mamma2004

Thanks for all the rice info! 🥰 I love Basmati rice as it doesn't trigger my food intolerances.

(As a newbie here, I'm not sure if talking about my water bill is appropriate for this Forum - please let me know!)

Today, I spent about 2 hours doing a budget to get a reduced water bill for the next tax year.

I'm with Wessex/Bristol, and this year they are using a website called IE Hub. It allows you to do your budget once and then share with whichever companies you need to. It's fairly easy.

I keep a spreadsheet of bills and spending and so this year it was great to just upload it to AI and have it analyse my bills and spending for the year!

There was a bit of to-ing and fro-ing to get my categories lined up with the budget but I am super chuffed I've got it in before April.

As a reward, I'm treating myself to a salt bath this afternoon, with a birthday bath bomb from last May 🤩

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend 💞

middlewife

There's a whole thread on water bills on the energy forum under "water bills", very helpful people in my experience

Arrietty

Morning,

@Frugaldom - I feel your sameness, my life is pretty regular too 😄

Joyful though I am that the rain seem to finally be subsiding… this heralds the start of Pollen Season 🤧 meaning HRH requites supplements. Thank goodness for VioVet via TCB and their super speedy cashback payout!

I've just updated my Council Tax standing order for 26/27 … and am desperately waiting for my new water bill - not due until 13th - currently I'm £166 in credit and have a green smiley face as apparently, I'm only using 54 litres a day at the moment!

I'm starting riding lessons again as of today - only every other week at the most but it will still eat into my savings plan. I always feel very unsure and adrift about finances this time of year but once all the new payments start in April I should have a clearer idea of what I have available.

Have to pay for new parking permit from salary at the end of March and although I should be getting a pay rise in April… often it doesn't actually get paid until October and that then incurs both more tax and backdated pensions payments 🙄

Whether the increase in salary will actually cover the increase in bills remains to be seen…

Finstickle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81901192#Comment_81901192

Thank you Frugaldom - I love the sound of a Frog Chorus and at 6 I am sure that DD will as well. Unfortunately being based in SW England I don't think we'll make it to you but will definitely check it out :-)

I also like the idea of a list of things to see/make/hear/do etc, a good plan for the upcoming Easter holidays I feel.