tales of credit crunch cutbacks - light hearted

[superbagpuss]

OK, so I was meeting people for a drink in a pub, one small soft drink for me

people ordering food so I left, fancied chips on way home and ended up with hallumi roll at home as it was in the fridge

what stories can you share to remind me we are all in the same boat

[catherine19]

Walking so I use less petrol, inviting friends round for coffee rather then going out for one or lunch, praying a little harder ill win the lottery!

[HollaAtMeBaby]

Last night I seethed inwardly at the fierce woman in Waitrose who always runs around grabbing ALL the end-of-day reductions, no matter how random or how many of the same thing. Then I realised that I wouldn't know that if I weren't always lurking there at reduction time myself . I held my head high and stomped home empty-handed!

[MinimalistMommi]

Holla, is it worth looking at Waitrose at end of day? I've never done it. We're vegetarian so I'm not sure if there would be much saving to be done unless fruit gets marked down- do you know if it ever does in the organic section?

[noisytoys]

We only have the clothes and shoes we need. No more long strolls up and down the high street we only replace things that are worn out with something similar and don't buy anything obviously in fashion that we can't wear next season.

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

I've gone from a latte a day at my local cafe (£2.40) to filter coffee (£1.50) to Nescafe made at work (free, provided by employer). Oh, and I quit smoking, admittedly that was for more reasons than just the £££, but the £100+ per month I am saving is very welcome!

[CaptainSweatPants]

When we go out it's always to wetherspoons
Meal & free drink 4.99

[MrsSalvoMontalbano]

MinimalistMommi yes, salad and veg often reduced to crazy prices -eg 5p. Have trained encouraged DH to drop by on the way home.

[MinimalistMommi]

Wow Mrs I'm going to have to check this out. Is a certain day of the week better than others in Waitrose?

[MinimalistMommi]

Oh and Mrs when should I go? Half an hour before closing or just before closing?

[MrsSalvoMontalbano]

Waitrose near us now closes @9. DH normally gets there about 8 ish. Not always bargains but usually gets something.

[Owllady]

I have found that waitrose is HEAVING at reducing down time
I went last night and it was actually quite scarey

Two women and about 10 french sticks in each of their arms foaming at the mouth by the veg reduction table



will be back there tionight though

I have noticed that people do not seem to notice the deli reductions for cheese etc so i manage to take advantage of those

[Owllady]

I live in an affluent area as well and it's a bit eye brow raising when you see how purportedly better off people are struggling too

My contribution to the thread is, realising you have no money left at all for the rest of the month for food after all the bills have come out. You ring the bank and they wont give you an overdraft, you go in and beg, they say no. You realise why so many people take pay day loans out and stew to yourself. Thankfully my MIl lent us some money for food

[MinimalistMommi]

Sounds scary

[superbagpuss]

I guess that's what this thread is about
I thought I had a good salary but that's all we having at the moment and there is no money left

have started to take sandwiches into work and giving up my occasional coffee - no free drinks at work

[MrsSalvoMontalbano]

Agree re taking packed lunches etc. cannot believe I used to waste money on coffee shops - now just make a sandwich at home - cheaper, easier, and also fewer calories...

[cozietoesie]

And better tasting!

[confusedofengland]

Thinking of a £12 dress from Sainsbury's as a total splurge, because the rest of your clothes are from charity shops or car boot sales & generally cost no more than £1 per item

[BaronessBomburst]

Waited until the bakers next to the supermarket was closing before we left home. That way DS couldn't pester me for a cheese straw - and the supermarket gives the children free biscuits.

[Makeminealarge]

I've gone from a high maintenance look-think monthly hair cut colour, nails, spray tan etc to not having a hair cut or beauty treatments in probably about 16 months! Although at first depressing I'm loving the new long haired easy looking natural me. I trim my own hair when needed. It's intriguing how we adapt when we have to

[Borisboohoo]

Used to eat out, this changed to takeaways, this changed to only fish and chips, this changed to sharing a portion of fish and chips, this changed to sharing sausage and chips and now it's no takeaways at all!!

No longer have any nice smells! Cheapest washing powder, no fabric conditioner, value shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. No perfume or body spray, we share a roll on .

[messybedhead]

I really noticed it yesterday when my DD (9) asked for coco pops in tesco.

She automatically picked up the everyday value ones and said that it doesn't matter as they are all the same just different boxes!

So I treated her to a box of everyday value 'Cheerios' (honey loops) too.

[Jinty64]

Our Tesco reduces the bread about 6.30pm, last Friday I got 10 loafs @ 23p each, 6 packets bagels @ 18p each and 6 packs wm rolls @ 22p a pack, plus wraps, bakery stuff. I freeze it and use it as needed. They reduce the meat, deli, ready meals etc @ 7pm. Sometimes there is lots, other times very little. Last week lots inc a huge lamb joint - was £21 (ridiculous) reduced to £3 and lots of chicken breasts and mince. Also loads of veg this week extra large cauliflowers for 13p (now blanched and frozen, rasps and strawbs 10p, fine green beans, baby courgettes, sliced cabbage, spinach all 12p, cucumbers 2p, lettuce 5p, peaches and melons.

It takes over an hour waiting around and is a bit grabby but so worth it!

[princesscupcakemummyb]

no more eating out
allways hunting coupouns discount codes to save money (baby on the way)
when out with the kids take juice from home instead of going in the shop
dds 4th birthday in aug had to cut back alot
having to say no to the oldest when were out & she wants something from the shop :(
only treat is a takeaway that does us all (4) 2 adults 2 children and its £12

[dotnet]

Buying good buys from charity shops (including clothes which aren't second hand - ch. shops sometimes have stock donated from retailers - stuff they haven't been able to shift.) Ditto with car boot sales - good stuff from there. Putting them in a present drawer or hiding place for Christmas presents. Buying all my Christmas cards in the New Year, when they're cheap.

[ValiumQueen]

Considering emigrating to America to do extreme couponing.