Sealed Pot Challenge ~ 13

Sue-UU
Sue-UU Posts: 9,558 Forumite
Name Dropper Photogenic First Anniversary First Post
edited 8 October 2020 at 2:50PM in Debt-free wannabe challenges
Hello once again Potters and a warm welcome aboard to all new members! :D Things are a little different with "SPC "No 13" this year as due to ill health I'm unable to continue as I have been. We've had 12 fantastic money-saving years, all purely because of your determination to save - many thanks to you splendid folk who have made SPC what it is!!

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE RULES OF THE 1ST PARAGRAPH AND THE CHANGES FROM NOW ON!
2020 has been a difficult year and I've thought long and hard about what to do with next year's SPC, given the Corona virus and all the changes it's brought to us, not to mention the world. However, due to a lot of our lovely SPC friends giving their thoughts and enthusiasm, and the "Westie" who runs the Virtual SPC saying she doesn't mind, bless her, I see no reason why we can't keep SPC going. After all, none of us has any idea how long Covid 19 will be around, it may be here for a good long while, though I sincerely hope not. If a successful vaccine comes out then Covid's life might quickly be shortened - what a great thought!! We've been doing it for 13 years now and it's no fault of ours that Covid 19 has mucked things up.

I suggest we all save in the best way possible for each of us: if some still prefer to stick to cash, then do so, but please take care. Those wishing to use cards, or save via the bank itself, please do so, though not by extortionate amounts as that's not the way we save.


A very warm welcome to yet another Sealed Pot Challenge, our 14th!

2020 has been a difficult year and I've thought long and hard about what to do with next year's SPC, given the Corona virus and all the changes it's brought to us, not to mention the world. However, due to a lot of our lovely SPC friends giving their thoughts and enthusiasm, and the "Westie" who runs the Virtual SPC saying she doesn't mind, bless her, I see no reason why we can't keep SPC going. After all, none of us has any idea how long Covid 19 will be around, it may be here for a good long while, though I sincerely hope not. If a successful vaccine comes out then Covid's life might quickly be shortened - what a great thought!! We've been doing it for 13 years now and it's no fault of ours that Covid 19 has mucked things up.
I suggest we all save in the best way possible for each of us: if some still prefer to stick to cash, then do so, but please take care. Those wishing to use cards, or save via the bank itself, please do so, though not by extortionate amounts as that's not the way we save.

For all newcomers...Old Timers too - it's so very important to please read through this entire post to see what the SPC is all about, including the declaration date as well as our re-opening date etc.. However, if you haven't already done so, please be sure to Join the MSE forum in order to be able to join the challenge. For ALL SPC members, please chat away regularly about your conquests, money-saving ideas etc, it gives encouragement to all, including yourselves as it keeps the motivation to save far stronger and gives even more ideas of how to save.

For all newcomers - a really huge heartfelt welcome! :D We're a great bunch who just adore greeting more members to the flock. Please read through this entire post and you'll be aware of why SPC is so special. Pop on the thread and tell us you'd like to join, then start saving straight away and become part of our saving family. You will very soon be welcomed aboard.

The idea is to save as much as possible throughout the following year until just before Christmas - which this year (2020) will be to open our pots on Thursday the 29th October 2020. We save it in pots that we've pre-sealed to stop us being tempted to open them. Any spare cash can be put away, every day/week/month, whatever is best for you. If you have change left over after you've been shopping - pop it in the pot! After all why not. However small the change...the likelihood is that it won't be missed, and might otherwise have been wasted!

Most of us pot the difference that we've been saved on special offers etc, it's all saved at the shop so it makes sense to save it in the pot to mount up!

Below are the basics for making your pot and sealing it.

Firstly: Get yourself a pot, and remember - it doesn't need to cost much - if anything! Please do your best to avoid plastic thank you. With the emphasis being on saving money, your pot doesn't need to cost anything i.e a used sweet tin, coffee jar etc..extremely MSE!! *Next - seal it with sellotape and be sure to make a slit in the lid, big enough for a 50p to go in, that way all coins will fit. If you wish, you can always take advantage of finding a cheap pot in the sales after Christmas, or put one you fancy on your Christmas list! You can always buy ready sealed tins from reasonably priced shops!

It can also be interesting and challenging to make yourself a Paper Mach!!! Pig (or any animal or object) etc by using Frugaldom's recipe, by clicking here then going to Post No. 597 of SPC 1 or by going to a totally separate thread paper mach!! Animal here. After it's finished, seal as per the instructions in the *paragraph above

After selecting your pot, seal round the lid with sellotape. Again, be sure to make a slit in the top that is the right size for a 50p to go in! NB. If you make a Paper Mach!!! Pot you will need to "operate" on it at the end of each challenge! Still, you can always have the pleasure of making a new one towards the end of the year, or getting the kiddies involved - if you're the daring type! :eek: The mind could run riot with what to model! ;)

Terrimundi pots are available in many shops and on-line, they're very attractive and another ready sealed way to save, and though the manufacturers and retailers would have you believe differently, you DO NOT need to smash them to remove your cash!! I've used mine for 12 years...and at the end of each year's challenge, hubby and I have a whale of a time, doing things the 'old' way by tilting the pot and using a knife! Though, a few years ago DH bought a 12" steel ruler in from the shed which is thin and broad and perfect for the job. So be assured that, so long as you go carefully, you CAN use them again and again....unless you drop the darned things!! :rotfl:They are costly though, but this is where your Christmas list comes in handy, though always keep a look out in charity shops too!

Regarding the Sealed Cans many of you use, apparently the best way to open the sealed tins is, rather than using a tin opener, squeeze the side of the tin, where the seam meets and you can pop the seal and tip the money out that way, better still, turn them upside down and get the cash out as advised above with Terramundi.
The term roadkill = any money found on pavements, parks etc; even in car parks or on shop floors etc.

NB. A few notes of interest.

1/ Any money which is inherited can not be included as savings. We didn't used to include money put directly into the bank, but we've relaxed that rule as so many folk are unable to use cash these days, so that's all right now. Money from second jobs is ok to be potted, such as cleaning for Mrs Bloggs down the road or taking in ironing. Also money from a part-time job or anything similar is ok to be saved. Any savings saved via Christmas Clubs can also be used in your SPC Totals, it's another way of saving for Christmas after all. Money received from cashback sites such as Quidco, topcashback etc can be included in your pots. Likewise, any money made from sales on E-Bay, Facebook, Surveys or similar can be saved.

Also, it is possible to include all other savings from MSE Challenges with your SPC Totals i.e. the £2 Challenge as, apparently they aren't put down on the challenge threads themselves. Also, the 1p challenge can be declared. If you're unsure, please ask on the thread, and remember - there's no so thing as a stupid question!

Second incomes can come in many varied and very lucrative guises and anything such as that would be unfair to other members. However, doing a little job for Mrs Bloggs as described in paragraph 1/ can be included. Mostly the SPC is a challenge to see how much we can save during the year...mostly it's relatively small amounts which are saved from wages, housekeeping, good budgeting etc. Remunerations via the letting of second homes cannot be included in the SPC!

2/
Whenever you're in the dilemma of "ooh should I buy that?" If you don't need it, but just want it - leave it there and pot the cash instead, you'll be far more satisfied with the accomplishment, pleased with your self-discipline too. All too often, if I go back a second time I find I didn't even like whatever it was anyway! :cool:

3/ You can ask me to put a Target on for you to try to meet (it's put in blue/pink ink alongside your name and number on the 2nd post below) but it's not necessary. If you do set one, but are unable to meet it, don't worry, at least you tried! A few people keep account of all they save, but most of us count what we save daily or weekly, then put it on the thread to help encourage others....ourselves too, then we pot it and forget about it and.... wait for the surprise at the end of the year!!! :j
If you are hoping for a particular amount by Declaration Day but still want a nice surprise come October, work out what amount you would like to save, then work out how much you will need to pot on a weekly/monthly basis in order to achieve it. Save that sum regularly as well as potting any spare change after shopping, that way you are bound to come out on top and have a surprise come October!

4/ Mainly SPC is a challenge to see how much we can save in a year for Christmas 2019. However, over the last 10 - 11 years we've had some members who have needed theirs at times throughout the year for bills, debts etc, and personally I'd far sooner they take the cash out for that than pay more interest or...miss a due date! You can always start again, even if it's getting later in the year, plus you can still include what you needed to take out on Declaration Day, after all, you will have saved it!! Whatever you need to do, don't worry about it - be happy and proud you have saved! :D
Please don't worry about the amounts others save! We are all individuals with such varying jobs/incomes, each with different expenditures and commitments etc so while some find saving a real struggle, for others it's obviously easy. However, it's the pleasure each of us receives from our personal potting results - whatever you manage to pot, be happy with it, and be proud!!!! :j

5/ If you wish to save for something special, a holiday, wedding etc then please do so, just please remember to declare it on October 29th. The most important thing, is that you are saving ...and hopefully not tempted to take it out unnecessarily.
If anyone has any other queries, then please sing out.

6/ At the end of the year (or when we've saved for what we wish) count up all your money saved and declare your Total either by waiting until the declaration date - or (if you've needed your cash for other things - by putting your Total on your MSE signature to remind you to include it in your full Total; that particularly applies to those using their money for holidays etc, but PLEASE remember to return to the thread on the 29th October to declare those Totals to us.
Some members prefer not to keep too much money in the house and count theirs up every now and then to bank it, in which case they always pop the amount banked on their MSE signatures to remind them to include it when they declare.
7/ KEEP YOUR POT or POTS SAFE and out of sight of others!! If you hide it, be sure to remember where you put it!!

8/ "Holding Pots": To anyone concerned about putting money into their pot - only to possibly need it later in the week/month: Why not use an unsealed pot or purse as a "holding pot" and pop the money in there first each day/week/month - then, if it's not needed (for car parking costs, little Johnnie's school trip etc) - put it in your Sealed pot so it stays put. Do that each week and it'll save you taking money from the bank. Discipline yourself to only take what's needed though!
9/ "Where to take bags of cash at the end of the year?": Most banks will accept them providing you have an account with them. Remember also that most banks have counting machines, so any of you who really don't like counting money, take them in and let the machine do the counting for you; you'll get a receipt which you then take to the counter. PLEASE - DON'T EVER CHANGE IT IN ONE OF THE COINSTAR MACHINES AT THE ENTRANCES OF SUPER MARKETS.... THEY WILL TAKE AROUND 10% OF YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!! :mad:

10/ Members who do not return by two weeks after closing date will lose their numbers and be removed from the list. Many people who sign up to the challenge then don't bother returning! To be fair, I think a lot get swept up in the excitement of it all, but then, for one reason of another, can't or don't wish to keep it up, but that then leaves us with a long list of non savers on the list which makes things very difficult over time. Any saving members won't be at all worried about this - however, if missing members remember, then - come back and ask for another number, you will always be be more than welcome! ;)
On the post below this is a list of members and their numbers, always display your No on your signatures please, that makes life so much easier for me and my DH when counting up all of our Totals. In December or thereabouts we declare the Grand Total of ALL that we members have collected, and what a terrific sight that is! Please declare your savings ASAP on or close to the 29th October please.

Once again, we've just had an amazing year, let's keep it up and see what we can achieve this year. Good luck everyone and save well!!

PLEASE take note everyone Thursday 29th Oct is the closing date for 2020, the day we declare what we've saved on the thread, kindly declare your monies saved within 2 weeks of the 29th, thank you kindly.
[purplesignup][/purplesignup]
If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.
Sealed Pot Challenge 001 My Totals = 08 = £163.95 09 = £315.78 10 = £518.80 11 = £481.87 12 = £694.53 13 = £1200.20! 14 = £881 15 = £839.21 16 = £870.48 17 = £871.52 18 = £800.00 19 = £851.022021=£820.26[/SizeGrand Totals of all members (2008 uncounted) 2009 = £32.154.32! 2010 = £37.581.47! 2011 = £42.474.34! 2012 = £49.759.46! 2013 = £50.642.78! 2014 = £61.367.88!! 2015 = £52.852.06! 2016 = £52, 002.40!! 2017 = £50,456.23!! 2018 = £47, 815.88! 2019 = £38.538.37!!!! :j
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Comments

  • Sue-UU
    Sue-UU Posts: 9,558 Forumite
    Name Dropper Photogenic First Anniversary First Post
    edited 18 January 2022 at 1:39PM
    Membership List

    001 Sue-UU
    002 jakes-mum
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    Sealed Pot Challenge 001 My Totals = 08 = £163.95 09 = £315.78 10 = £518.80 11 = £481.87 12 = £694.53 13 = £1200.20! 14 = £881 15 = £839.21 16 = £870.48 17 = £871.52 18 = £800.00 19 = £851.022021=£820.26[/SizeGrand Totals of all members (2008 uncounted) 2009 = £32.154.32! 2010 = £37.581.47! 2011 = £42.474.34! 2012 = £49.759.46! 2013 = £50.642.78! 2014 = £61.367.88!! 2015 = £52.852.06! 2016 = £52, 002.40!! 2017 = £50,456.23!! 2018 = £47, 815.88! 2019 = £38.538.37!!!! :j
  • Sue-UU
    Sue-UU Posts: 9,558 Forumite
    Name Dropper Photogenic First Anniversary First Post
    Ok then all SPC members, SPC 13 is officially up and running and awaiting your amounts potted each day, week or month.



    Fingers crossed we have a very productive safe and healthy year ahead.

    Sue x


    NB folks: Opening date for SPC 13 is 29th October 2020!!! :j

    Anyone wishing to join us, it's NEVER too late, so please just ask, you'll be made very welcome!
    Sealed Pot Challenge 001 My Totals = 08 = £163.95 09 = £315.78 10 = £518.80 11 = £481.87 12 = £694.53 13 = £1200.20! 14 = £881 15 = £839.21 16 = £870.48 17 = £871.52 18 = £800.00 19 = £851.022021=£820.26[/SizeGrand Totals of all members (2008 uncounted) 2009 = £32.154.32! 2010 = £37.581.47! 2011 = £42.474.34! 2012 = £49.759.46! 2013 = £50.642.78! 2014 = £61.367.88!! 2015 = £52.852.06! 2016 = £52, 002.40!! 2017 = £50,456.23!! 2018 = £47, 815.88! 2019 = £38.538.37!!!! :j
  • Yay new shiny thread.

    Thanks Sue x

    I aim to post a bit more than I did this year or at least not be as sporadic lol
  • 4853emma
    4853emma Posts: 410 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    I'm a couple of days late. Would I be sble to join please?

    Feb               March           
    £7256.83    £7177.16    
    £4354.02    £4283.25
    £1600.81    £1583.02
    £1137.61    £871.96

    Total
    Jan £14583.15
    Feb £14349.27
    March £14149.27
    April £13915.39

  • Oooooh opening day is my birthday :D. Big first of the month shopping day today so best reseal my tin, it’s looking hungry :dance:
    Grocery challenge SPC #023 SPC 12: £125.86[/COLOUR]:SPC 13: £214.98: SPC 14: £297.41 SPC 15: £237.27 SPC 16 £335.39; SPC 17 ? MFW #21 Mortgage start Dec 2015 £79,950; January 2024 £26,105 2024 OP £150/COLOR]/£1,500 MFiT T6 #3 £13,159/£25,500 (51.60%)
  • Hello all am i okay to join. Ive got a loose change jar i use at the moment that comes in useful for school dress up days and such like but in the spirit of the challenge im going to buy one of those that can only be opened with a tin opener. Wasteful i know but it means it will truly be my sealed pot and somore likely to still have some in when i open it next year...
    Jan 18 Joint debts 35,213 - March 24 16.6k
    Mortgage Jan 18- 77224 Dec 23- just under 69k
  • In again for this year Sue - already have my nose to the ground looking for that roadkill :rotfl:
    £2 coin savings club 2024 #1 £0 (2023 £754; 2022 £472; 2021 £256; 2020 £358; 2019 £512; 2018 £404; 2017 640)Saving for Xmas 202 £1 a day #4 £365 / £365 3-6 month emergency fund challenge #48 £2,377 Save a penny a day 2024 #32 £ . / £667.95 £1000 emergency fund challenge #232 £1,007/ £1,000 (achieved Nov 2020)
  • Number 8 Reporting for the challenge :)

    thank you for running the thread and Sue, take care of yourself XXXX
    Nevertheless she persisted.
  • Robin09
    Robin09 Posts: 596 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Name Dropper Photogenic
    Please may I join again. Think I may have lost my number so if I can have a new one, I would love one :)
    SPC 076
  • Robin09
    Robin09 Posts: 596 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Name Dropper Photogenic
    Oh no, was looking at the wrong number :rotfl:. Mine is still on there :D
    SPC 076
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