Just say NOvember

[economymode]

Want to cut back on unnecessary spending this November? Then you've come to the right place!

I'm starting off the month by seeing if I can switch to cheaper fuel tarrifs...

[FleeBee]

Hello please can I join? I'm pleased with myself for avoiding the cafe after swimming lesson today, and insisting that DC had lunch at home. Also got a small refund on DC1 swimming lesson when instructor had to cancel. Normally would have felt too embarrassed to ask, but swimming lesson isn't cheap!
Then managed to get a free for 1 hour parking space in town when just popping in.
So fairly good - so far today

[AdoraJingleBells]

Hello FleeBee and welcome.

Well done on the refund and free parking. Also on avoiding the food out trap, not always easy once DCs are in the habit.

[littleladyindoors]

Ive had an NSD, but hubby is buying self raising flour and apple sauce so he will be spending a couple of quid- did make him go home first and pick up cash first (its on the way to shop-no more petrol)

Counted up change at home, and when paying in money for work today I picked up change bags to use, I figure if they are in money bags already I wont dig into them for change! The thought is there anyway

Have put money for the baby monitor into a envelope and sealed it so it is all there. Have put enough in for it at full retail cost, then any deals and things we get will then be a bonus.

Have also managedto knit some baby booties today- I know it doesnt mean much but to me I have used stash yarn, and they are one less thing I need to buy. I have a stack of cardigans for the same reason. makes me feel better anyway

[Helenagrace]

We had a spendy day yesterday but it was a family trip to London. We did make some savings though! We took a bottle of water for our journeys (previously would have just bought it so saved £4). We bought lunch but only bought sandwiches. Normally we'd have bought cakes too (saved £12 ish). Then we ate out in Chinatown. The desserts were expensive (£6+ each) so we didn't order them. In the end we bought a cookie each at a hot cookie stand so spent £3 rather than £24). So although it was a spendy day we still saved £37 on a normal day out for us.

We've decided to move all money that isn't immediately required into our savings account so only immediately needed sums are in our current account. The balance will look lower so, hopefully DH, will think about it before he gets cash out.

We're also going to have a sheet in the kitchen with our budget headings on which we update. Any underspend on our budget will also go into a different savings account at the end of the month to be spent on "treats". Hopefully I'll forego the treat food if I know the saving will be spent on a different treat. This has been a real issue for me as we've had a very good income and I haven't needed to budget for the last five years. Now DH has a stable income but it's £1.5k a month less. Our stress levels are better but austerity is a bit miserable. If I know the odd great is ahead it feels better. I know I'm pathetic

Our biggest need is to rent our house out as that will make an £800 difference to us which will help a great deal. We're having to remortgage to do this as our current lender wants to increase our interest rate from 2.5% to 6.5% AND charge us a £1500 "product fee" AND lock us in for 3 years AND charge us 3% redemption if we sell within three years. Thanks for that Cheltenham and Gloucester! Going to remind our mortgage broker this afternoon.

[AdoraJingleBells]

Helena. It's not pathetic to need some kind of treat to look forward to. We all need something to reward our efforts, even it doesn't look to outsiders that we are making an effort.

I have to spend some money today, DDs need outfits for something in school and of course we don't already have what they need it's a conspiracy

[littleladyindoors]

Well today is not a NSD, hubby has to pay his subs for the club he belongs to, but on the upside we have saved enough for him to pay in cash,so thats a good thing in my view.
And I am off to the comet sale after work to check and see if they have our baby monitor reduced (we know they had it but it wasnt reduced then) so hoping to save a bit, but still spend!!! Not sure how that logic works but there you go.
Other than the subs, and poss monitor (which money has been put aside for) nothing else spent. This is totally helping me, having to justify it to you lot helps me, and thats a good thing

[Fluffycloudland77]

I had a no spend day.

Never thought I'd have one this week, I've been bulk buying astonish orange oil multisurface cleaner and stainless steel cleaner for the hob so I dont have to brave town again before christmas.

We used our Beefeater voucher (spot the the childless couple on the thread) and it was £40 all in with drinks. I cannot believe that for a bog standard dinner (steak and mixed grill) for two with £4 starters and drinks it would have been £60 without the money off. No wonder we dont go there anymore, it was packed with people and I think 90% of us had vouchers. I'll remind DH next time I want to go to the cheaper pub down the road that it only costs £20 to eat there.

[Leilandri]

Have had a lovely few spendy days here! My Park savings vouchers have come through, so I've been able to (almost) finish my Xmas shopping without technically spending money, as these have been paid for throughout the year
So - £10 in Argos on cheap tree for DS's playroom/utility room.(Collected my friends tree at the same time, so qualified fro 3for2 on Xmas decs - got a window light display for free)
£20.40 in Wilkos, little bits and bobs to finish off DS's pressies.
£18 in Boots on bits for DMiL
£138 on Amazon, but that does include £60 on new work boots for DH which will last him a year.
Handed £40 of vouchers to Dh to get my pressies with, only have to give him £20 cash now at end of month.
Now have £62 left to spend on Amazon, and only my DDad, and a few small bits for DMum, to get - Yeay!!!

In 'real' money though, I only have £3 to last until Child Benefit on Tuesday so will have to be a weekend of NSD's here.

[roguepixie]

Hello everyone . I am back after disappearing somewhere around June and falling of the wagon in the hugest way possible.

Things have been very tough and I am ashamed to say that my inattention and bad habits have made things worse. So, here I am, head hanging, looking to get back into seriously good habits.

So, as a start, a NSD here - DS has been ill so I have had a series of NSD's. Nothing like vomiting to put a dent in your spending .

Anyway, glad to have found you all again.

[CremeEggThief]

Welcome back, rogue :).

[economymode]

Hi again, rogue. Sorry things have been a bit pants.

Day has been ok money-wise. Just a few £ at coop to get things to try and improve EconomyBoy's diet (he eats predominantly vegetarian food and is very limited in what he'll eat at the moment). Got dried apricots for iron and sesame seeds for protein (good as I can hide them in pasta sauce/cereal etc).

Then 50p for a toddler group.

We saved £10 on tickets to a local firework display by watching it from our window!

We're planning a cinema trip over the weekend (got a deal for 2 tickets for £3! Should have been £8 but had a random £5 groupon credit). We thought we might try and find some cheap food somewhere after, but all the deals are a bit rubbish at the moment. Have checked out MSE. Babysitting will be free as a group of us local mums look after each other's kids.

[AdoraJingleBells]

Hello rogue been wondering where you were. I hope DS is better very soon. I've also slipped a little, the odd snack here and there while out running errands, not taking my own water etc, must get more organised.

Today I spent

£2.40 on roads
£30 on clothes for DDs
£6 lunch
£3 pre lunch snack

Tomorrow is looking like being an NSD.

Well done on those firework display tickets economy

[roguepixie]

Hi All, thank you for the welcomes ... ... I have missed you.

Things have been seriously pants and I have been in total denial so have made the situation worse. Still, part of dealing with it, and rectifying it, is owning it ... and I do. I completely understand that it is in me to make the changes needed and to adopt them for life rather than for the weekend. After all, there is nothing wrong with being frugal and living within your means. So, ladies, new Movember ... new me!!!!

During my sojourn I taught myself to knit socks so everyone is getting socks for Christmas. Although I spent a small fortune on new wool (when evil Rogue was in control) I now have enough yarn for quite a number of gifts. I have also found (but not bought) quite a few good yarn deals on Ebay - people selling off end of dye lots for a few pounds which is more than enough yarn for socks. Am also going to do baked gifts too.

RogueJr is getting better, thank you. He got hit by the Noro Virus at the end of term and then, as he was recovering during half term, got tonsillitis!!

economy - I totally agree with the free fireworks display. I live at the top of a hill and we have a great view so generally manage to catch a great display for free . Best one was in 2000 -not only did we have some amazing displays we also had a great view of the nearby Temple which had the most incredible display I have ever seen ... I sat in the bay window of my bedroom with mini DS (the 3months) in my arms, gazing out. Fabulous memories.

[Fluffycloudland77]

It's like dieting isn't it? It only works if you change you're eating habits forever.

Mil thinks herself frugal for buying food in Costco, but the things she buys are cheaper in the Aldi on her doorstep. .

[roguepixie]

Hi fluffy. Yes, you are right - the only way it works is to makes the changes permanent not just a quick fix. I think a problem can be trying to make too many changes at one time ... it can be overwhelming and them you crack and go a bit mental (personal experience here ).

I am off to visit Aldi's tomorrow, taking MIL with me as she wants to have a look! Our local is a car journey away - only 10/15 minutes but not do-able by foot. Am going to check out all those bargains .

[Fluffycloudland77]

Yes I just saw you on the Aldi thread, Aldi is brilliant.

I get there for 10am so I can be in and out quickly. Dont forget they don't take credit cards and you need bags and a pound for the trolley.

I had to wean myself off the toro loco Rose wine though and dh is going cold turkey off the Italian red at 3.99.

The bio washing powder beat persil, surf and daz in Which? Tests and came out the same as ariel but £30 a year cheaper.

I do not work for Aldi. Promise.

[littleladyindoors]

rogue knitting with wool you already have totally doesnt count- can you tell im a knitter with lots of stash!!! I promised hubby I would destash before the baby comes- not sure how far Ill get! Free christmas presents as far as Im concerned.

Got my monitor yesterday, and got it in our original budget of £50 so I am really pleased, it was an RRP of £89.99. Not a NSD but saved a lot so thats a good thing. And we are done buying for baby now. It was a big thing and we have saved a lot buying second hand and in sales so that feels good.

Today will be a NSD for me, and I think for hubby too.

[Fluffycloudland77]

If you see a nice knitted top etc in a charity shop can you unpick the wool and re-use it?.

I have a vague memory of mil saying they used to re-use wool years ago but I dont know if it's different using clothes that have been machine knitted not hand knitted.

If you can then it might be cheaper than new wool.

[roguepixie]

littlelady - I like your thinking ... previous purchases for my stash don''t count . As a fellow knitter I can totally buy into your thinking. If you do manage to go through your stash then you may (unlikely I know) find yarn you don't want anymore ... Ebay it! Lots of knitters search for yarn on Ebay and it seems to go for good prices. Well done on the baby monitor - that's a good saving.

fluffy - I used to do this when I was a teenager!! Wow, I had forgotten. You can knit from used wool - wash it carefully, undo it and wrap it around a bent wire hanger and hang it in a steamy bathroom - many of the kinks come out and you can use it again!!! I had completely forgotten I did this!!! Think I may have a few visits to the local charity shops coming up in my future. Thanks for the timely reminder.

Will be NSD here for me. Currently going through the freezer and fridge to use all the older stuff and clear space. Made a lovely (and cheap) leek and potato soup yesterday with masses left over for lunch today. Can post recipe if anyone interested??? Leeks and potatoes are cheap and cheerful so all good.

Have a smile on my face at the moment ... just checked Ebay and sold more stuff than I thought!! Seems to be a lot of last minute bidding going on - for items that have no bids and no watchers and then...bam...sold!! The downside is the visit to the post office but hey-ho.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Yay for ebay!.

I'm waiting for a spin dryer to finish so I can nip in at the last minute and grab it.

I've been researching them and can't see why anyone wouldnt have one.

Post the recipe please, I havent made leek and potato soup before....got to be cheaper than lentil and ham hock.

[roguepixie]

Mmmmmmmmm lentil and ham hock ... luverly

Ok, Leek & Potato Soup (for 4 people) - double if required.

50g butter
2 large leeks
2 large floury potatoes
100ml white wine
1 litre chicken stock
75g bacon
chives
cream (optional)
salt and pepper

• Put butter in large pan and melt on low heat. Whilst melting clean and wash leeks really well. Slice finely and add to butter. Cook gently for 10 mins until really soft, stirring from tie to time.
  *Meanwhile peel and cop potatoes into bite size chunks. Add to leeks and add white wine. Let wine bubble for 2-3 mins. Add stock and some salt and pepper. Turn heat up and bring to the boil. Let the soup bubble away for 10-15 mins until the potato is nice and tender.
  *While the soup is cooking chop the bacon and crisp up in a pan. Drain any fat and leave on side.
  *Once soup is cooked blend it - using a stick blender is easiest but a liquidiser can be used ... just do it in batches.
  *Taste. Add more salt and pepper if required.
  *Serve - sprinkling a little of the crisp bacon bits in top and adding a swirl of cream if wanted.
  
  ** The cream really tastes nice in this but isn't necessary.
  **If veggie substitute veggie stock for the chicken stock and drop the bacon.
  
  Enjoy.

[littleladyindoors]

only knitters can manage rationalising like that!! I dont count it. Ive seen loads on ebay, Ive given a lot of it to charity, its old stuff and its got to go somewhere, and you can only knit so much in a day shame Ive got some that I have no idea what I am going to do with it, but I love it. Beautiful silk- I get a bit precious about my wool!!!! Baby might think it comes second husband already does

Thankyou for the leek and potato soup recipe, always looking for good things for hubby to take to work with him.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Did you try Aldi Rogue?

I thought afterwords Sunday will be really busy, I get to ours before 10 and I'm back on the road at 10.20 with a weeks shop.

I went in the afternoon once on a sunday, It was packed.

[roguepixie]

Hi Fluffy, no I didn't get there today. MIL pulled out as she wasn't feeling well and, to be honest, if I went I would probably end up doing a weeks shop when I didn't need to. I think I will wait for a week and go early ... perhaps next Saturday morning.

By the way - you mentioned ham hock and lentil soup ... do you make your own? Any chance of the recipe of you do?

[Fluffycloudland77]

I'd get there early and get in and out before the world and his wife arrive!.

I get a ham hock from morrisons when they are marked down and slow cook it, take the skin and fat off and strip it of meat then cut the meat up small.

Then I get a stew pack from Aldi (£1.39) with carrott, parsnips, two turnips, two onions and chop that up cook it in the big stock pot with water and two cups of red split lentils and the meat, I put the bone in for flavour and the gelatine bits sort of melt into it.

Then you can blitz it with the hand blender or, and this is the best bit, blitz half for soup and keep half for stew with homemade dumplings with beef suet (I have issues with palm fat suet due to the orangutans).

I tried doing it without the stew pack but it was too thick and I made a bit of a mess of it really. This way it's edible. It wasnt as nice without the veg at all.