What am I doing wrong?

shirefairy

I've recently been cutting back my shopping budget and one area I've managed to save is giving up on many cleaning products. They cost so much and are not that great for the planet. Now I just buy a multi surface cleaner and dilute it in an old spray bottle and use that for everything. It works fine. No more separate kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, window cleaner, polish (use wet cloth) etc . I've also given up fabric softener and haven't noticed any difference.

There are loads of tips on here if you want to go further...white vinegar and so on.

Another area I've cut back is toiletries. I buy the cheapest shampoo and repackage it and I don't buy liquid soap or shower gel any more just bars of soap, - again saves money, packaging and chemicals. Oh and smart price loo rolls which are made from recycled paper!

Best of all you can tell the teens it's for eco reasons rather than budget reasons Thinking back to when I was a teen my mum was always moaning about how much of the shopping bill went on our toiletries (mostly smellies for my brother:rolleyes:) so she made us buy them from our pocket money...not sure if that applies in your house.

Also finding mysupermarket.com really good for finding the best prices and getting organised before I go. I print out the list and have been very strict with myself about not buying anything unless it is on the list. Not sure where you shop but it's worth seeing if your getting the best prices.

I've also been 'downgrading' a few products each week. Lately I've been buying 'smart price' fruit and veg and have found it really good. It's worth giving it a try if you don't already. You get much more for your money.

Got my spending down to £40 a week for 2 adults and 1 toddler and I don't feel as though we are missing out on anything. Should probably try and cut back even more. Some people can make that stretch a month!

Also remember any 'processed' food or 'ready prepared' food is usually always going to cost more than doing it yourself.

Sorry for the long reply...I am new to cutting down my shopping bill and I think I am getting addicted to it :rotfl:

shirefairy

Do you go shopping by yourself? I've started doing this and it eliminates all the extras my hubby would try and put in the trolley. Also means that when I pick up the cheapest brand he can't give me that look of horror :rotfl:. When I get home if he sees what I've bought and comments I just say 'that's the only one they had'
I think I married a brand snob :rolleyes:

lil_me

This would take a large post or several to do, takes some writing down etc but what you might find helpful is posting

1) What you buy and from where - so people can offer recommended cheaper alternatives
2) What you make from what you buy - as above
3) What you waste - there is a thread about reducing waste aswell which may help - inc what the dogs get (the dogs might hat you for this but your budget won't)

I agree with your husband, planning for those who may turn up is a nightmare but there is ways of making either meals stretch by adding some more veg etc or making them something which can be cooked from frozen to reduce waste, alternatively freeze what is left over for another day. I agree with Squeaky when it comes to those who might be there, mentioning that it's your home and not a hotel/restaurant, or they'll just continue to do so.

doelani

Thanks everyone for your replies, have taken a lot in since starting to Read Moneysaving Old Style and has made a difference in last few days alone. I have joined Grocery challange and also Flylady threads and have been addicted to reading over threads on here getting hints and tips, been meal planning and have acually stuck to it.

I have decdided when stepkids are here we will be eating from frozen as can usually decide on amounts at last minute.

lil_me wrote: »

not a hotel/restaurant,

I use this a lot especially when I say dinner will be ready at 5.30 and at 5.35 they are complaining it is not on table then dissapear before table is cleared.

thanks again everyone

Doe

Debt_Free_Chick

doelani wrote: »

3. What do you do with a man who will only eat a certain kind of spread which is £1.75 when I can buy others on BOGOF for £1.50. but still have to buy him his own brand.

Keep the carton, wash it out. Buy the BOGOF and use it to refill the carton :rotfl:

elona

Instead of expensive handwash I buy a cheap litre botte of bubble bath and fill the container with that - about 50p a litre versus over £2 a litre if you buy the refills.

noonesperfect

I started doing this with honey!

My OH loves it on porridge but uses quite alot.

We started off with "local" honey, lovely but at around £3 a jar - very expensive! Now I refill the local honey jar with Smartprice or Value honey - OH doesn't seem to have spotted the difference yet......

dorry_2

hi :wave:

I would make a menu plan and order the food online, you can see exactly what you are spending and you might reduce the cost a bit!