2026 Frugal Living Challenge

Bean_humane

I've been very busy (and tired) with health issues for the relative, resolved now, but it's draining.

I managed to repair the greenhouse (plastic panels keep blowing off in the strong winds). It was already in the place when I bought the new home. I needed 'w' shaped clips but reinforced with duct tape. Not pretty but it's holding. Bought grow bags, and a few seedlings, the garden centre was crowded.

Just need the energy to do the planting now. I got gardener's delight toms, a couple of cherry tumbling toms , patio pepper and chilli, plus mini cucumber. More than enough.

The sage didn't survive last year, so I bought green and purple to replace, let's see if they make it. Expensive, but I didn't want to miss the planting window.

Bean_humane

I've also gone over the budget, after the April price increase, and depressingly I calculated that 50% of my monthly income goes on direct debits. I've been working through the direct debits to reduce, but, only £10 shaved off.

The other 50% with the exception of £50 to savings, melts away faster than snow in summer....🙄

Bean_humane

And yes, garden centres are my weakness, and junk food...

MrsCD

Yes, I also have a problem with garden centres. Although, I could call it HRT....Horticultural Retail Therapy! 😉😆

Bean_humane

@MrsCD I love that 😄

I have to not use a trolley to stop the urge to splurge, but, I needed one for grow bags (that's my excuse). 😁

2Scratters

@Bean_humane Hello there. £10 off DD's equals £120 a year look at the bigger picture rather than the small. Maybe some contracts need tackling to lower the charges where you can. i.e SIM only contract.

If junk food is an Achilles heel it is the most expensive food. How about eating what you have over time and not repurchase it replace with alternative healthier food so you can wean yourself off it and save pennies into pounds along the way 😉 also reduce branded goods purchases and go for SM own brands try some of those you may be surprised how some are really OK.

2 Scratters xx

fionaandphil

@Bean_humane if you like takeaways what about some of the range in Aldi just now? They have curries that look really nice at 3.50, but still cheaper than an actual takeaway. Might this help break the habit?

t14cy_t

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81979523#Comment_81979523

the new aldi range curries etc are amazing!!

joedenise

I'm always disappointed with takeaways so just make my own Fakeaways! There are plenty of recipes online for all sorts. I don't bother with Chinese though as I never find them filling enough!

Finstickle

Hi All,

Happy to report that my water leak has been fixed through neighbour's insurance at no cost to me….phew!

They have flagged that the pipes are in extremely bad condition as they are the original pipes which are effectively crumbling through rust so there is definitely a need to save towards future work. I also received a very reasonable quote for the replacement glass in the door so have requested they go ahead with that.

I've decided to use my savings to get the hallway plastered but to leave the bedroom as that is not urgent. I ummed and ahhed as it will use all my non-specific savings but decided that it would allow me to progress the house and my own speed\cost going forward and clear all of the expected big bills. I allow an amount each month for DIY etc and this can be used once the plasterer has been, no worries if it takes the rest of the year.

I will then be able to build my savings back up over the rest of the year.

So a bit of a stressy period hopefully coming to the end 🤞

This weekend I am off in the campervan, staying about an hour away at a site for £17 and will bring all my food with me so a low cost adventure for the bank holiday