How do you manage it?

ceridwen

Two things to note when shopping:

1. Worth checking that the amount "rung up" on the till agrees with the amount you saw on the shelf edge as the price of the item concerned (its surprising how often a mistake comes up there - usually in the supermarkets favour).

2. Its not necessarily the case that a larger size of whatever-it-is you are buying works out cheaper per 100 grams or whatever. Sometimes one has to buy the smaller size to get the lowest price per 100 grams. Its always worth taking a moment to check that - I have a calculator on me permanently for those times I am wondering (because the different sizes are not necessarily priced per 100 grams so that one can instantly work out a price comparison).

nappentass

ceridwen wrote: »

1. Worth checking that the amount "rung up" on the till agrees with the amount you saw on the shelf edge as the price of the item concerned (its surprising how often a mistake comes up there - usually in the supermarkets favour).

When I was single I was on a very tight budget so would limit myself by taking cash with my shopping list (after planning for week) and write down the price of everything adding up as I went so I usually knew how much it should be - it's surprising how often it wasn't right! And also I knew if I could afford any special offers and juggle my list a bit to take advantage if needed.
Now as a couple we still plan 7 days and shop with a list and enjoy good food even while being careful with our money.

HTH
Jill

Becky_2

My money saving tips are:

I have just started to use my old sun lotions as a hand creme rather than throwing them away.
I buy lots of cabbage, onions and bean sprouts and make that into my own stir fry- much cheaper!
I budget for £110 a month for food (for one person) and then divide this into 4 weeks spending = £27.50 per week for food, so I know this is all that I can spend and this helps me spening less.
I buy filter coffee cups (10 cups for less than £2) and bring in with me to work, before I used to buy a daily cappucino (I don't like instant coffee), this saves me at least £40 per month.
I go food shopping after 8 pm and buy today's bread for 10 pence and then freeze this.

Good luck with spending less

angelavdavis wrote: »

Truth is jojo - I manage probably because I don't have kids. I don't spend money barely at all, however that said:

- I've stopped buying sweets as a rule.
- Only make HM bread/rolls, etc now.
- Don't buy lottery tickets any more.
- Keep strictly to the Grocery challenge
- Have stacks of stamps because I didn't get round to sending any Xmas cards!
- Don't buy newspapers anymore

Boring? perhaps! I pay a fortune for my hair-do though (my big luxury)

skintlass

honeybe21 wrote: »

could you try to find a cheaper hairdressers?that could save a few pennies also

Find a cheaper hairdressers :eek: - £15 is very cheap. Haircuts in Leeds are around £30 and go up from there - I've tried cheaper but not been happy with the result. I know what you mean about money slipping away though. My commute costs about £200 per month in petrol :mad: and its not getting any cheaper!

whatatwit

jojogirly wrote: »

Thank you all for your replies. Its useful to know that people dont spend money like I do, I have to admit that some weeks I spend £5 on lottery tickets and wouldnt think twice and yet most people on here dont spend any money at all on them. And the odd chocolate bar and McDonalds for the kids soon add up.

So like suggested I think it is going to be a gradual change. I am just off to look at the spending diary site - It sounds fab. Thanks again

I think that a lot of us used to spend money just the same as you do. I hardly ever buy a lottery ticket and when I do, it's a £1 lucky dip. Then I don't have any 'special' numbers that might come up the week I miss.

I am having a bit of a cull in my cupboards at the moment, using up stuff then I can see what we use and need.

When faced with the thought of entering spending in my little notebook, it's amazing how often I think again.

If you are struggling to get the kids to eat the same as you, why not start a new thread stating what you would currently cook as 2 separate meals and wait for some suggestions.

givememoney

I get a haircut for £10 and that is in London.

I go to a man hairdresser and he gives me a dry cut. Don't see the point in a wash and blow dry as I am going to wash again the next day, plus I never like how hairdressers does it.

jannyannie

Hi JoJoGirly

Don't be so hard on yourself. I suggest you start off small. I never buy snacks anywhere, I take my own. Make an inventory of your cupboards, fridge and freezer. If you are buying ready-made food work out how you can do things cheaper. Or make your own to freeze. Write down eveything you spend in a notebook, it stops you spending money. Look for best buys and alternatives. Also to add I have someone cut my hair at home and I have it done four times a year. I agree that you should check receipts. I never buy a lottery ticket, I've just always had this thing that I would rather have £1 in my pocket and be able to buy a pint of milk than a piece of paper that has virtually no chance of winning.

Good luck :A

skintlass

taplady wrote: »

you're welcome - I just love the diary it's brilliant!:T

A big thanks from me as well - have bookmarked that diary as I really need to be better with my money.

littlejaffa

cupid_s wrote: »

Once you have made your meal plan I would also definately recommend food shopping online. If you look at the codes bit on this site they always have good online voucher codes which get you money off or free delivery. Then you're a lot less tempted by things that look nice or you don't really need.

I usually go into store to buy all my fresh (fruit, veg etc) where I can use non store specific/don't need to buy the product mov's and womble a lil (save about £10 a week) I also prefer to pick the fresh things myself.
And while I'm there and not fighting with a trolley look a their deals and take note, and go home plan meals around these & what i've got in and that night do an online shop (mainly for really heavy things, drinks, tinns, frozen etc) and use online codes there saving another £10 ish.

annie123

Don't worry we have all been there.

I think you are spending far too much on shopping.

Until I needed approx £12,000 by May 08 for dental implants:eek: (dont want false teeth ,got £5,000 so far) I didnt think about my weekly shopping bill.

Join the grocery challenge at the top of the forum.
I spent £450 pm feeding 3 adults and one who teenage who think she is!

As you will see from my signature I have slashed my spending and no my bunch haven't noticed, and yes, hubby is ready to do the washing up:j :j

Good luck