I don't know how to get round this

jak

When you meal plan you write a list of meals for the week/month whatever and then a list of ingredients so when you go shopping you get exactly what you need. You can also plan to use up what you've already got in so it saves you money and time! Also you can budget more efficiently as you can guesstimate the cost of your shopping based on what you need.

As for coupons, my ASDA let me have up to 10% off the price of my shopping in vouchers - but I don't have to buy the product! www.bounty.com have an online voucher printing service that you can register with which is good. Also if you go on websites for samples they will usually send vouchers with a sample- horlicks, comfort, ummm lots- look at the free stuff forum on here.
I think that's the best advice I recieved on here because it really saved me a fortune on food shopping and it was obvious to me that I now had more money to put towards my debts- we eat a LOT better too! THe OS board on here is good for foodie tips.
I hope that helps.
J
X

1_step_closer

I am so glad this question has been raised! Over the past 18months I have developed "allergies" to certain foods, my IBS has flared up a lot (this back fired as it did!!), had huge unexpected bills (didn't elaborate) and only a couple of close friends know how much debt we are in. I do take lunches to work (leftovers from previous evening meal) and I get really nice comments about how they look and smell. Think I have now started a trend as the microwave in our kitchen is on overload lol!

What I don't like is the fact that yes we struggle but we make do and I would never scrounge off anyone yet a work colleague constantly "borrows" tea bags, sugar, ryvita, milk, porridge etc etc etc. If I forget something or can't afford it I go without and then when this person scrounges off everyone else I feel embarrased and just keep quiet.

1 step

Just_Me_4

The good thing about my work is that I do get free meals plus on a Friday because me and my friend are usually the last in the restaurant they let us take extra fruit and yogurts and stuff that they will otherwise throw away.

We don't meal plan as such but we do decide before we go shopping what the cheapest meals would be for the week and then buy the stuff for it.

1stepcloser I love your excuses I will have to try them out.:rotfl:

1_step_closer

Lol! I can be very inventive when i want to be although for big things (like a load of mates going to paris) I do say that I cannot afford it right from the off and would rather let them know than string them along.

1 step

englishmac

Charity begins at home. Sounds harsh but we have allowed ourselves to become a nation of charity addicts who feel ashamed if we do not give. If you can't afford to, don't contribute. What would the same charities/people looking for sponsorship think if they knew they were asking for something that prevented you from paying an essential bill? We have got into the habit (and yes, it was very hard at first - we too were looked on as loaded high earners) of saying 'no, we can't afford it'. Only a couple of people close to us know the seriousness of the underlying problem but others are feeling the pinch too and saying you can't afford it because the price of essential things is rising at such a fast rate is becoming generally understood. Company cars still need fuel. Mortgages, espcially large ones, leap in real terms with only a small sounding interest rate change. Many food items are rising at a ridiculous rate. How about claiming some solidarity with the poor? Something like 'it feels obscene wasting money when others are struggling'.

moanymoany

jak wrote: »

Just say you can't afford it and leave it at that then! I would! I think people start to take you for granted if you pay for too much stuff anyway!
You mother sounds like MINE! THey can be a nightmare, can't they!?
I agree with Merlot actually about posting a SOA. It's amazing how much people on here can help you!
Also do youl plan? Use coupons for money off shopping, write a list etc? It saves you a FORTUNE believe me!
J
X

Oh boy, do they take you for granted! We have always lived within our means, but have helped out mum and stepdad. Sister and her family kept well clear during those declining years. Mum died. rellies came out of woodwork manipulating stepdad - who is mentally frail - now getting solictors letters demanding and accusing and goodness knows what else!

Funniest thing - mum didn't leave enough to bury her poor old soul. We've paid a top up for her to live in a nice home for ages - no offer of helping even from her husband, not that we would have taken it from him but the offer would have been appreciated.

So, it doesn't matter if you live within your means or if you borrow, if your rellies PERCEIVE you are well off they will be there with their hands out and if you say no - WELL what a grasping b!!!!!ch you are!

Rant over - I'll get my coat .....:o

raq

englishmac wrote: »

Charity begins at home. Sounds harsh but we have allowed ourselves to become a nation of charity addicts who feel ashamed if we do not give. If you can't afford to, don't contribute. What would the same charities/people looking for sponsorship think if they knew they were asking for something that prevented you from paying an essential bill? We have got into the habit (and yes, it was very hard at first - we too were looked on as loaded high earners) of saying 'no, we can't afford it'. Only a couple of people close to us know the seriousness of the underlying problem but others are feeling the pinch too and saying you can't afford it because the price of essential things is rising at such a fast rate is becoming generally understood. Company cars still need fuel. Mortgages, espcially large ones, leap in real terms with only a small sounding interest rate change. Many food items are rising at a ridiculous rate. How about claiming some solidarity with the poor? Something like 'it feels obscene wasting money when others are struggling'.

my 2 little one's often come home from school asking for money on a weekly basis for something or the other and we just can't do it. Last month it was a raffle at a £1.00 a strip and I just couldn't ask family to sponsor ( they are also struggling ) so I just put the vouchers back into the pouch and sent them back in. No more said. Surely we weren't the only parents who couldn't sponsor the school.

Mrs_Boo_Boo

The charity bit is easy for me because I am on the committee for my local Alzheimer's Society so my time is worth more than my money. If anyone asks me to donate I tell them I only give to the Alzheimer's Society and a local hospice. End of subject.