Going car free to pay off the mortgage

moneysavingmumofone

We've been without a car for jut over a year now due to oh crashing it and us realising that we couldnt really afford it and it was crippling us!! It is amazing how quickly you adjust without one. It is a pain in the bum too though for me personally as to visit my mum i have to get a bus then train, to get to my nan/sister a bus/train/bus/bus!! Not much fun with a pushchair and a 2 year old! Luckily over xmas we borrowed ohs dads car otherwise we'd have never been able to get anywhere! I also live in an area where you have to get a bus to get anywhere:rolleyes: And it costs a fortune:rolleyes:
Its also amazing how quickly people become dependant on cars too, we have friends who never had a car, managed fine until their son was about 18 months (walked everywhere) then both passed their test. Now they literally do not walk/get public transport anywhere! They wont go anywhere without their car!!
Saying that, as soon as we're out of debt a car is no 1 on the list! But at least oh is a mechanic so no expensive repair bills and he gets discount at kwikfit;)
Good Luck

LittleMissAspie

Corona wrote: »

Think I'll try to walk there (should take me about 20 mins - good exercise!) and do a big shop, and get a taxi back

If it's a 20 minute walk then it's 5-10 minutes by bike so you can go every few days. For my boyfriend and I (no children) twice a week is usually sufficient. I think it actually saves money as you only need to plan a few days worth of meals - that's easier to predict so less wastage. When we need things like washing powder or loo roll, we do an online shop and buy things in bulk, so we only need to do that every few months. You can always find a discount code online that takes care of the delivery charge...

[Deleted User]

LittleMissAspie wrote: »

If it's a 20 minute walk then it's 5-10 minutes by bike so you can go every few days. For my boyfriend and I (no children) twice a week is usually sufficient. I think it actually saves money as you only need to plan a few days worth of meals - that's easier to predict so less wastage. When we need things like washing powder or loo roll, we do an online shop and buy things in bulk, so we only need to do that every few months. You can always find a discount code online that takes care of the delivery charge...

Thanks - this is really useful. It's occurred to me that shopping every few days like that is much more a Continental way of shopping for food, and I'm sure it will mean (as you say) less wastage and also that we're buying more fresh produce. Got to be healthier!

However, I have to admit that I absolutely LOATHE supermarkets, so I think one big shop once a month is going to be my limit. Will get the rest from our local market, etc.

[Deleted User]

I've got a quick question about insurance - wonder if anyone knows the answer?

When we give up our car - I know that it will be included if we need to hire a car, or join the local car sharing scheme. BUT, for example, a neighbour has offered us the loan of their car occasionally, as has a friend. SO - in such cases, what's the most economical way of being insured for being able to drive various cars (is such an insurance available to an individual or couple? or would I have to become a named driver on all their insurances ??)