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

It’s good that you are so focused and sounds as though you are already saving very well but don’t forget to allow yourself some treats now and again without feeling guilty or that you’re letting yourself down by not saving every penny.

I went on a mega save but I turned into a skinflint watching every single penny and I was miserable. Now I allocate myself a budget per month. Sometimes I spend it sometimes I don’t

Sounds like you arw doing great. I am vegan and do not use meat supplements as v expensive ( apart from.occ greggs v saus roll!)
Make cheap curries with a lentil and coconut milk.base with stock.n spices. Cook 4 portions and freeze 3 so u have food in. Do this with other dishes.
If it gets boring , add a really great chutney with the curry etc.
Jack monroe the cookery writer has a 9 p burger which is vegan ( red kidneys beans, carrot, onion ,spices) they can be frozwn too.
V nice. Have occ treats too !.
Some of the poorest countries in the world eat vegan curry with rice and its a comete protein .
Enjoy cooking and being creative.
I make home made hummus and felafals to put in cheap pittas . V cheap x

You sound like you’re doing very well. Virtual pat on the back. My only thought was is there any sort of employee rewards scheme as part of the NHS where you can buy Asda vouchers at a discount to buy your shopping. My husbands work has a scheme with various shops where we can buy vouchers and save 5/10%. Might be an area to look at.

Why do you need to be more frugal? Sounds like you’re doing fine to me. What do you do for fun? Hobbies? Social life?