Tips on getting through every day without spending a penny !

karren

Plus my daughter is getting bullied at the moment but we cant really do anything about it because it is by the daughter of a teaching assistant who is very well thought of. She might look like a little angel but she is a little devil.
this was happening to our son, i mentioned it to the teacher and now they have been stopped playing together etc, the problem is still there but not half as bad, mention it to the techer as thats thier job,
good luck!
and well done on your post too x

Trying_to_be_good

Playdough:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of plain flour
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• half a cup of salt
• food colouring (optional)

Saucepan
Place all the ingredients in a saucepan at a low heat. Stir continously until the mixture thickens to a firm dough texture.
Microwave
Place all the ingredients in a plastic container and cook for one and a half minutes in a microwave. Stir the mixture and microwave again for one minute.

YUCK!

jinny

LouiseJ wrote: »

Im sure this thread is called tips on getting through every day without spending a penny. It seems to now be re-named Is Laura565 a good or bad mum for not taking her kids to endless birthday parties.

Get a grip everone and let's get back to the more interesting topic that Laura suggested in the first post!

I too am waiting for some really cracking tips!

Well said, lets get on with helping each other with moneysaving tips

kevsterjw

When I want to go spending I go for a run, but be warned it can be come an addiction and end up costing you money for race entry fee's new shoes etc.

Kaz2904

I just try not to spend money at all!
My kids go to parties if they are invited but as only DD is at school, she is invited to the most.
Last year (reception) she was going to one nearly every week. This year there are fewer children having parties and those who are only invite their friends. This is keeping the cost down for present buying.
I operate on £5 per gift but agree that it does all mount up.
I too hope to be MF by the time I'm 35 and I think we'll get there if DH doesn't blow all of our money on shiny stuff with buttons on it in the meantime!
Keep going as you are as only you know if it works for you.
The children will decide soon enough who their close friends are and will generally belly ache about it if they are desperate to attend the party.

crockpot

It`s easy leave your purse/wallet at home!

If I go out to pick children up from school I leave my purse at home, they no longer ask to call at the shop on the way home, same goes if we go to the gym, no 20p`s for the dredded sweet machines!

At work I just have my bus fare purse, does have money in for week, so say if there is a collection I might have the odd pound, stops you `poping to the shops`!

chocolatechipcookies

How can you waste money on the lotto but not let your kids go to a birthday party? Why not cut out the lotto and put that £2 on presents for the friends? Gifts don't have to cost a lot, you can get something thoughtful for £5.

Lu_T

Re children's parties

There are 12 babies in my mother & baby group and we're just finishing a year of 1st birthday parties and presents. For next year I have suggested a 'secret santa' approach to presents. We'll all pick a name from a hat and will buy for that child from all of the group. The kids get so much from friends and family they won't notice that they're only getting 1 present from the group instead of 12. Think we're also going to cap the spend at £5 as well - loads cheaper than £60!

Anther tip - send e-cards instead of birthday/anniversary/Xmas cards. We're been doing this for years (albeit we give the money to charity in memory of my step-mum, same principle though - something for free)

loulou_uk26

I was just reading though the threads and have realised how horrible some people are on here! At the end of the day Lauren is just doing what she thinks is right for her and sharing her tips-this site is supposed to help people not make them feel bad! I had the same experience the first post I wrote and was disgusted by the rudeness of some people towards me when i was just asking advice. I think your advice is great and will def try some, I havent got to the party stage yet (Holly is only 7months!) but I will be careful when she is older not to take her to all the partys- they are so expensive and 1 every couple of months is enough!

karren

lauren, hows the challenge going, are you still being excellent and saving money? ive fallen off the wagon this week but hope to get back onto the moneysaving wagon soon, hope that you are ok x