How to become frugal / save lots

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Hello

I’m sad to say I’m not naturally frugal, I’ve made improvements but really I have a lot of work to do. My mother is very frugal (cuts open the toothpaste to use the last bit, uses all the food up as leftovers, two teas out of one bag type stuff).

I however am not.

I am an nhs nurse, so earn ~ 1.8k ish after deductions, dependent upon unsociable hours worked. I’ve just moved roles but in a few weeks which ramp up my bank and OT shifts again which will boost my income.

I’m only in my early 20s but want to really save up.

I already have 11k in a LISA, partly funds from my grandparents inheritance, partly my savings. I transfer £300-£350 a month, until I reach the 4K.

Other than that I save my rent a month in advance - so from my May pay I’ve got my July rent in a separate account (£500).

I also have a savings pot for car insurance / MOT/ rent deposit. I am aiming to save 4-600 in this a month.

I also have a fund to save towards an MSc, I’m managing around 200 a month in this, ish.

The rest (supplemented by Ot/ bank pay) is what I live on. My car is cheap to fill and run, £30-£50 a month in fuel. I drive sparingly, only to work (20 mins drive) and work 3-4 shifts a week.

I have given up takeaways as used to waste so so much money on these.

Around once a month / every two months though I’ll meet up with friends for food and drink.

I’ve changed / almost changed (will do when run out) my shampoo, conditioner and shower gel to bar versions which I’m finding fine and last a long while. I’ve also trained my hair so it only requires washed weekly.

I have lots of makeup and skincare including duplicates so have a no spend rule for these until they run out. Same goes for deodorant and perfume. I have enough perfumes to last a hundred years probably.

I’ve changed to an eco egg for laundry which has lasted months and will continue to.

I live away from home and it’s a pretty awful very long drive so I tend to get the train instead. I search around and have a 16-25 railcard but this is a necessary expense.

I do have direct debits but am getting rid of ones I don’t use. Even with cutting them down this is still going to be at least £60 pcm.

The only local supermarket is Asda. My food expenses got out of control but I’m making efforts. I’m vegan but trying to steer away from expensive meat replacements and towards lentils 😂

Can anyone advise me of what else I can do. Any cash back / shopping cash back recommendations welcomed.

Many thanks

Will work pay for your Masters ?
You sound pretty good to me.

@JSL52

Thanks, sadly probably not without me being there for years and years first.

For a month make a list of every penny you spend and where you spend it then you’ll have a more clear idea where you could make savings.
Always have a meal plan and a shopping list, cook from scratch, I’m vegetarian (have been for over 50 years) and I’ve noticed a lot of vegans do seem to rely heavily on meat replacements. I don’t like them and so I do eat a lot of lentils and various beans which are very cheap, alongside tofu and tempeh which are not so cheap. Don’t throw out food which is not at its best, make soup with it and freeze in portions. There are money saving groups on Facebook.
You sound like you’re doing really well, good luck!

It sounds like you are doing loads as it is. You don't want to become miserable, so make sure you have some money for treats.

Could you take on extra bank shifts to top up your income.

Looking at selling any unwanted items online.

Do you use NHS discount sites to save money on any purchase you make.

Thanks so much guys

Thanks @Lentil63 lots of good tips, I ate green lentils for the first time yesterday. I’ve been vegetarian/vegan for over 10 years so was shocked I hadn’t 😆

Yes @purpledagger i will be able to do bank and agency shifts in a few weeks/ months, just have to get a few things ticked off first

You already have a good level of savings! Why do you feel you need to be even more frugal?

I think you are fantastic at saving. Agree with doing extra shifts. Reducing your hair washing to once a week is quite the extreme. But you know your goal so its worth it.

I think it is possible to be too frugal. We never now how long we will have on this earth. Don't sacrifice everything for a future that isn't guaranteed.

How much will the masters cost? And is it something you need for career progression?

You are saving or paying rent on 1600 out of your 1800 income already. I’m not sure how much of the £200 a month you spend on everything else is “excessively” on food. You do need to eat it is very important expensive for your health and well being.

Do you think you have a realistic idea about a normal budget? Given your mum was very frugal? I’m sure you could go diving in bins at the supermarket and the like but most people would consider spending 15% budget in food excellent going.

Try to use save the change, most banks do it, I hope this helps

You sound incredibly strict with yourself... Is an £1800 salary the new Mumsnet chicken? Will you tell us you can save 2k a month on 1800 income?

I wish it would rub off on me either way, so following with interest.

How about looking into car sharing when you work?

Is there an ‘unwrapped’ shop near you ie one selling dried foods without packaging?

We have one near us which is great if you only need a small amount of stuff - stock powder, peppercorns, oats etc. it’s also cheap (ours is, some aren’t as they specifically sell organic etc).

What about things like haircuts etc. I only have a wet cut as it’s cheaper.

Do you use milk alternatives? Some of these can be expensive.

Phone contract?

Being frugal can be be great, but not at the expense of it making you miserable or penny pinching.

You could sell your perfume on eBay, even if the bottles are partly used. I have done this successfully.

Also, shop at Asda in the evenings, if you can. They reduce their bread, chilled and fresh food to 10 or 20p. If you have a freezer, then fill it with bargains.

Download the app which lets you buy a bag of goodies for 3 or 4 pounds from shops which have surplus.
You can choose the vegan option in the settings.

Download olio app - food sharing I believe.

Can you reduce utilities?

Some bank accounts pay cash back or cash if you swap to a different bank

Do not auto renew insurance, shop around yearly

After 6pm supermarkets sell yellow sticker food at bargain prices

Work more shifts & save all the extra money that you have earned

I assume that you pay into the NHS pension

You’re doing loads
Don’t forget you’re young and need a social life

How to become frugal?? It seems to me you are already being very frugal with yourself. I agree, you are young and need to enjoy life more, stop being so strict with yourself and try and go out with your friend's more.

£50 off octopus Energy (uk’s cheapest supplier) when you sign up with this referral code:

share.octopus.energy/umber-duck-764

Sounds like a bargain. Recommend to friends - and earn more savings.

How essential is the MSc to your career? I’m an OT and barely any of the nurses I know have gone into Masters level. The only reason I’m saying this is I wonder whether it would be better to use the Masters money now towards your house deposit and then consider whether to restart saving? It seems to me like you’re saving up for two very expensive things at the same time when it would be better to do one at a time. You’re still young so loads of time to do the MSc if you still want to later.

This cannot be real? You are already INCREDIBLY frugal by the looks if it.

sounds great op.
try the packets of lentils which work are more economical than the tins, just need to boil/soak the green/brown ones. red lentils just cook in minutes
bbc good food has money saving meals as well as veggie meals
do you shop in charity shops?
have you ditched the brands? go down a brand.
sell clothes online, books/dvds. the occasional extra shift.

some coach journeys are super cheap, ie Flix bus or Mega bus