2026 Frugal Living Challenge

startin_again

@RateTartExtraordinaire and @PipneyJane Thanks for the advise about getting a tyre inflator. That would be very handy and worth the investment in the long run. 

Also re: the spreadsheets. I have an iPhone. I need to examine all my options a bit more closely and figure out which is the most user friendly. I think it would be easier to start off on a bigger device. I have the option of using my work laptop and excel. I think I will check out some beginners guide to excel. 

Currently I’m writing and rewriting my budget out almost daily, worrying that I have missed something or calculated it wrong. I know it’s time consuming but it’s strangely comforting as it’s helping me become familiar with all the direct debits and savings pots.

PipneyJane

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82020896#Comment_82020896

@startin_again Think of your budget as an elaborate list, to which you can add items. I’d use your work laptop and Excel. Just have a play and save the file. Like you, I have multiple iterations of my budget, but they’re all saved in the one file for reference. I keep the old iterations for reference, by duplicating my working tab before each update, then renaming the new version with a meaningful reference. (How? Do a right mouse click on the tab, then select “Move or Copy” from the menu, tick the copy box and then OK. The “Rename” option is on that menu, too. HTH).

Worst case scenario, you can always email a copy of the file to your personal email address and keep it for reference later. (You can open Excel files in Numbers on your phone, if you absolutely have to.)

• Pip

Sallyp2

was tempted to buy a magazine but persuaded myself not to. Chuffed as rented 3 magazines for a week for free when i popped into library to pay 84p fine and collect a reservation 📖

Prudent

@Sallyp2 does your library offer magazines via an app? I use the Press reader app and can sign in by using the details on my library card. I used to have a Readly subscription when it was much cheaper and had lots of free months, but I don't get enough use of it to justify the current prices.

Frugaldom

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82022136#Comment_82022136

Well done in not buying the magazine. 😊

Viking_mfw

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82022272#Comment_82022272

Our library will lend magazines through the Libby app as well

annieb64

I also use the Libby app for magazines.Not quite the same as a "real" magazine but free and there are lots to choose from.

fionaandphil

Hi all, playing catch up again as notifications have stopped.

Which have just reviewed tyre inflators and 2 came on at under £30. An AA digital tyre compressor at £27 available from Amazon or B & q and the Astroai tyre inflator 12V DC at £20 from Amazon. I've got a Ring one from Argos which was about £35 and has a few extra features. Much easier than heading to the garage and added bonus is that I keep it in the car for emergencies.

Sallyp2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82022488#Comment_82022488

Thanks - it was hard as i do love a glossy monthly - they've shot up in price sadly. Used to be £4-£5. Its now £6.99 for good housekeeping. As if the 99p makes it easier. Just price it £7!

Sallyp2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82022272#Comment_82022272

i like to sit with an actual magazine to read with a cuppa & choc bourbon - glad they had GH and woman and home & for free!