2018 Frugal Living Challenge

Pipsmum · 6 January 2018 at 11:10AM

Good morning all
First week back at work done, and although it was only four days, and not too hectic, I've not done too badly. I've taken lunch from home every day, mainly HM soups, took in drinks, some HM cake, and my water bottle that I refil from the tap - no coffee or snacks bought, and money still in my purse. Dinners have been from the freezer and stores -I have actually remembered to take something out of the freezer each night to defrost in the fridge for dinner! (My normal routine would be to forget, and then call into the SM on the way home to buy something, and always come out with additional bits and pieces). So I'm feeling quite pleased with progress.
I'm not plannign to go out today, so another NSD, so I'm off no to put dinner in the SC, then take down Christmas and but it back in the loft, and give the house a good clean - it will be good to get back to normal again.
Wishing everyone a fabulously frugal weekend.

sinkorswim2018 · 6 January 2018 at 11:21AM

So I'm £18 up today! Forgotten that I'd ordered a toaster from Amazon in December, and after I missed delivery and they wanted me to pick it up I found one cheaper for £10 from Asda so I cancelled. Got am email today saying the refund been made. It's gone back onto my credit card so I won't use it as an excuse to spend more.
Chicken pie FrankieM? Mmm, might make a turkey crumble with my.left over turkey. Pipsmum, well done for remembering to get the stuff of.the freezer, I'll have to do that tomorrow with my lamb.

I live minutes away from.am Aldi -I can feel your envy from here - one of the best things about my house move.

I'm going to stop buying veg in until.I've planned what I'm having as I've seen too much unused veg go in the bin. Means I'll have less NSD days bit less waste and overall spend.

bustiblondilocks · 6 January 2018 at 5:45PM

Whoohooo two no spend days in a row! Quite pleased with myself.
Shredder arrived today... So looking forward to purging the clutter

DawnW · 6 January 2018 at 6:05PM

FrankieM wrote: »

Chicken pie for tea tonight!! I'm so excited. I already had the filling made and in the freezer and the pastry is ready made (I've got out of making it successfully and have it so rarely...but , yes, I know )

I honestly wouldn't feel guilty about buying pastry if you hardly ever have it Frankie. Even the ingredients cost something, and the pastry itself isn't expensive. I always make my own shortcrust pastry as I find it easy, have been doing it for years, and to be honest mine is better than bought. I do buy puff / flaky pastry and filo on the rare occasions I need / want those though, as they are far too much faffing about!

gien · 6 January 2018 at 7:50PM

NSD here but only because I am in bed poorly! Will catch up when the lurgy passes

Buffythedebtslayer · 6 January 2018 at 8:44PM

Evening,

I bought some cable ties from Amazon. I am desperate to make a rabbit cage. I did order a run but cancelled that and instead have bought the base (7.95) and going to re use things I have to make it tomorrow. They won't be shut in much, just in the mornings so I can get ready without falling over them. I am quite looking forward to making it.

I spent 30 quid in the pet shop. Food, treats and some new toys for the furries large (ish) and small. I try to do a lot of enrichment activities with them and now have a good supply of things to do.

Need to go finish putting the book shelf together. ugh.

nannygladys · 6 January 2018 at 11:05PM

Hi everyone
Cheshire: I don't frugal on my coffee!!! I'm a bit fussy about it so don't deny myself, I don't mind down sizing on most things but not my coffee!!!
Spent £2.70 today so the total on food for January so far is £15.61 and treats £2.89, so not bad. I had more leftovers for dinner and poached eggs on toast for lunch, so will look in freezer and cupboards for tomorrow's meals, and make enough for a couple of days.
On the frugalling front I have a towel that I'm going to cut down and make into cleaning clothes and a very small hand cloth and I've had a bit of a sort out in the craft room so I have an idea what I can make before I have to buy anymore wool or material.
Hoping to sleep tonight as last night I only managed a couple of hours I'm not normally like this so I'm hoping it's just a matter of getting back to normal after Xmas.
Anyway I'm off for a bit of a lurk, so I'll catch up tomorrow
Nannyg

sinkorswim2018 · 6 January 2018 at 11:44PM

ouch, £44.42 spent on text books that my daughter announced she needs. :[

Frugaldom · 7 January 2018 at 1:48AM

My dry-run of no spending days ended this morning while I was in the village - I popped into the store for milk, so that's £1.59. The savings took a bit of a hit when I paid my tax and insurance bill but I did win £25 on the Premium Bonds, which is where I save anything I don't want to inadvertently spend!

Miss_D_Meanour · 7 January 2018 at 7:21AM

Well the end of the first week in January has arrived and I've done 4 NSDs - 5 if today works out as planned. I bought balloons and ribbon mid-week for a leaving do at work, which was expected BUT yesterday I went to get milk and squash for the weekly tea & coffee morning and came out with unnecessary stuff for me. Less than £10 spent on frifferies but still annoyed. I know better then to go shopping hungry! My will power turns its back and leaves the building.

I've been looking at my finances for the year and trying to decide what I need to focus on. I think that what will work best for me is to get a month ahead of my bills and to do the same with the non-monthly bills and expenditures. Like many of you here, I also don't want to waste anything. So rather than setting a frugal budget goal, I'm going to make these three intentions my goals and use a frugal living approach to achieve them. If I use what I have first, be it food or toiletries or notepads and pens, challenge any discretionary spending and bring my own food and drink to work - I think I should reach them.

I know this is a little vague and my inner personal development coach (previous job) is telling me to get more specific, but I think in need to get through January and February (family stuff) first. So maybe I'll try for something more specific Q2.

I'm really enjoying checking in and reading how everyone is getting on. And yes I'm dead envious of anyone with an Aldi near by.

Hope you all have a peaceful Sunday.
Miss DM

2018 Frugal Living Challenge

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