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Original poster

Money-managing Masterfully into May - Frugaleers unite!

988 replies

needastrongone · 16/04/2017 12:37

Thread continued for old faithfuls, new posters and anyone else that would like to contribute.

Financial talk, tips and discussion, with quite a lot of other stuff too. Smile

We are a friendly bunch and there's lots of support for new and old.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
28
Loveabaconsandwich · 03/05/2017 21:10

Poor DH wreck but that is a type job that make them a good DH Grin

DD dropped her toothbrush in the toilet earlier. DP was there washing it and wanted her to continue using it. I may have got a bit cross and grimmed out and told him that we could afford to give DD a new toothbrush Confused.

Loveabaconsandwich · 03/05/2017 21:10

Welcome ravioli, sounds like you are well on the frugal case already

WreckTangled · 03/05/2017 21:10

Yuck bacon! Dh fixed it by putting hand down it Grin

Loveabaconsandwich · 03/05/2017 21:14

Well done wreck DH. Ewwwww Grin

DP did grow up very stingy MIL and I dread to think what he would have been made to use in a similar situation. But just no to a toothbrush that had been in the toilet

Laska5772 · 03/05/2017 21:19

wreck I just read that as you having bacon in your toilet!! I dont want to know what it really was though ...

SnugglySnerd · 03/05/2017 21:31

Welcome Ravioli.

Just did my online weekly shop which came to just over £100. Bloody formula has whacked an extra £33 a week onto the shopping bill plus extra if I get the premixed stuff for when we go out. The babies are still tiny too, it's going to get even more costly as they get bigger. Good job they are cute!

Have also ordered new patio furniture, just a cheap set. £88 inc delivery. We've been tidying the garden and making it more child-friendly so we want to spend some time enjoying it now.

Girliefriendlikesflowers · 03/05/2017 21:40

Anyone else who gets tax credits noticed a difference? Mine has gone down by about £50 a month Sad thieving Tories

Need hope you are o.kay?

SunnyLikeThursday · 03/05/2017 21:41

Tayto I haven't shown ds the starlings yet a they all disappeared after I saw them. I do hope they come back. They looked lovely.

We also had a baby chaffinch the other day, which was nice. I can always spot the babies really easily as they come right up to the French windows looking for grubs. They don't seem to know yet that that that glass is a door, so they are happy pottering around right outside.

I had my fourth Beavers meeting tonight. I'm flagging a bit still, but managed it. I do enjoy pottering about outside with the group. Everyone is always too busy to notice me, which I like, but I can still be useful, which is nice too.

Snuggly It's interesting to hear what the actual costs are of having twins and formula feeding. Whenever ds needs three pairs of new shoes for school I always think of the families with three kids and wonder how that works. Well done for managing there. You're doing a fab job.

MeadowHay · 03/05/2017 22:19

Hmm, have looked into gallstones and I suppose it's a possibility. I do sorta fit the symptoms but I don't fit many of the risk factor groups especially because I'm so young. Have asked my dad what he thinks. Thanks for the suggestion the two of you. This is the second or third bout of this pain thing I've had over the last year or so, so it's possible. Although having a read on the NHS website they don't really do anything for you other than take it out completely if it's bothering you that badly.

Sunny I love starlings!

I wish we had a garden or yard to feed birds, I'm jealous of everyone with bird feeders! My parents get quite a lot in their garden, I enjoyed watching them all whilst I was there. I'm trying to learn more bird names and I want to buy myself some binoculars as I love bird watching. Any suggestions for good and inexpensive ones?

Coppersulphate · 03/05/2017 22:23

Welcome Ravioli,
Em, it was not that long ago that catface was shy and scared. You've done a wonderful job with her.

mammymammyIRL · 03/05/2017 22:26

Snuggly you're feeding 2/5 of your family with 1/3 of your shopping bill that's not too bad in perspective & when they're older they'll be eating what ye are eating too. The premix is very costly alright but sometimes it's a necessity.

Bacon I'm frugal & tough on the kids but I hope none of us are so skint that we've to use toothbrushes that have been down the toilet Grin

Laska love the hotel picnic idea

I'm not long home after doing a first aid refresher course - I'll get mileage, meal allowance & 3.5 hours double time. I never get expenses so this'll be nice. Spent half the meal allowance on a steak sandwich chips & salad le yum Grin

Welcome ravioli you'll fit right in here Smile
Cag hope your ds has a good night

Girliefriendlikesflowers · 03/05/2017 22:28

I was 26yo when I got gallstones!! Its worth getting a diagnosis as it can lead to more serious liver problems, I couldn't wait to have mine removed.

Original poster
needastrongone · 03/05/2017 22:43

Thank you. I'm genuinely touched at how many of you lovely folk have mentioned the pony and asked after me. In fact, pretty much all of you. How fab you all are, and I'm sorry I'm not reciprocating.

I'm just really gutted and struggling. My heart is breaking for DD too, it's gut wrenching seeing her pain. The last X-ray is Friday. Neither of us are stupid though.

I am reading promise!! xxx

OP posts:
mammymammyIRL · 03/05/2017 22:51

Need we weren't even expecting you to be reading Flowers

Cagliostro · 03/05/2017 22:54

Oh need :( big hugs to you and DD Thanks

WreckTangled · 04/05/2017 06:39

Laska I think it was just loo roll! Grin

Girlie it always goes down in April but may well go up again when you renew. They work on the assumption that you get a massive pay increase every year Hmm

Meadow they diagnose with a scan and taking it out is a really simple operation (according to my consultant!) so may well be worth looking into.

Need Flowers how horrible for you all

Well Ds was burning up in the night but we have no one to have him today so I've got to hope he's over it and send him to pre school. I have a hospital appointment at five in the same city I work which is almost an hour away so I simply can't get him. My step mum only works the morning but she won't have a car seat... Argh mum guilt

SnugglySnerd · 04/05/2017 06:53

Oh Need I am so sad for you both Flowers

Mammy that's a great way of looking at the shopping bill, thank you. Dread to think how much more it'll be when we have 3 teenagers eating us out of house and home!

LonelyOversharer · 04/05/2017 07:55

need Flowers doesn't really do it, but you are in all our thoughts.

The gallbladder thing is debilitating. Dp's pain was so bad that they gave him oromorph (sp) to drink at will. It was very scary. His is completely better now. It was a long road for us as he didn't have stones, but when it finally came out, the surgeon said it was in awful condition.

Does the increase in child benefit balance the formula snuggly ? I feel your pain! Have 4 of the eating machines little delights. My food bill is akin to a monthly mortgage.

Need a few bits today, how are we completely out of handwash and soap? But won't be spendy.

SnugglySnerd · 04/05/2017 08:37

Yes it should do, Lonely still waiting for it to be paid but hopefully that means we'll get some back paid which will be nice.

MeadowHay · 04/05/2017 11:40

Hmm thanks all, have asked my dad whether I should go see GP and ask about gallstones. I thought it was more something older people got Blush.

NSD here today. Been to uni for revision class this morning and now back home again. Will chill then lunch then more revision I guess, blergh.

Need Flowers for you and DD and DPony. Sad I would be so stressed if I were you/DD, you poor things.

Original poster
needastrongone · 04/05/2017 15:35

Hi guys, thanks again.

I have had a day to myself today and regrouped mentally. Only been out to walk the dogs. I've done a whole pile of washing, chores and general house stuff. And felt calmer.

I'm so appreciative of your kind thoughts. Really I am. xx

So, I'll post and keep up now, if you will forgive me not reading back.

Spends will be limited, I'm just going to pay the milk bill via bank transfer.

Got a lasagne on the go for tea. Having a cuppa and a read of MN. Done my hair and make up despite not going out as that makes me feel better.

OP posts:
Original poster
needastrongone · 04/05/2017 15:37

And my littlest one says hello!

Money-managing Masterfully into May - Frugaleers unite!
OP posts:
Laska5772 · 04/05/2017 15:58

Lovely doggy need . I am sitting here in poll station and have managed to log in on phone ( am feeling quite techy for managing this!) . . Its a long and so far quiet day .. june 8 wont be though! Oh goody more tea and bics . ( MUST KEEP OFF CLOTHES WEBSITES)

Laska5772 · 04/05/2017 16:02

And chocolate. ... no bics so far thinking bikini ( only 7 weeks to hol now)

WreckTangled · 04/05/2017 16:27

Meadow it's more common in women over 35 but anyone can get it.

I have a hospital appointment in a minute so two lots of parking to pay today. No call from pre school so ds must have been ok. Day of tomorrow as TOIL woo hoo! Also got to take the audiology machine thing home so I can play with it and tests dh's hearing Grin will do the dc too. And anyone else who wants a go!