If you're trying to save some money....

[JamSandle]

Tell me your tips. I've decided this winter I want to save as much as I can.

Any advice on how to keep going? I've already decided to limit social media so I dont get jealous if I see people doing things im not. There are things I've planned so my winter isn't without its fun. I just want to prioritise saving a much as I can this winter.

Anyone else doing the same and want to encourage each other?

I am going to Farmfoods today to do our big shop which will hopefully last 2 weeks.I have heard that the big packs of pasta,sauces,frozen chicken etc are very good value so I am going to see if,apart from a tiny bit of topping up and school dinners,whether we can go the full 2 weeks without needing to spend extra on food/basics etc.

Farmfoods is great for freezer packs of meat,veg,buying things in bulk etc,and really good at saving money if you have a big family.I went to Iceland as well the other day,I hadn't been for a few months,and I was really impressed with some of the ranges and the fruit and veg.There were loads of nice looking meals plus cheaper,budget things that I hadn't tried.I would definitely use again.

One of my favourite shops for frozen,household goods and groceries etc is Heron foods.You can get some really good deals there,but I don't know if they are nationwide.

The Indian and Chinese food that you can get in Iceland is really good value and tasty too.We really like the salt and pepper chips and ribs,the chicken rogan josh and the chicken biryani.It's a regular Friday night treat to have an iceland fakeaway with a few naans and poppadoms in our house.You really can't fault it for the price.

Well,I filled up the freezer and fridge from Farmfoods and I have got lots of soups and beans,hoops,spaghetti in the cupboards etc,so I am aiming to avoid the local shop/top up shops for the best part of 2 weeks,which will hopefully save a bit.

I've been using the slow cooker a lot,and taking leftovers into work to reheat.I am going to give batch cooking a go this weekend and try to get lots of meals packaged up and chilled/frozen.

I have been eating lots of soups and toasties and noodles.I have been eating quite cheap meals,not having the oven on at all really,just the hob in very small blasts and having the heating on for 10 minute blasts and just wrapping up warm with extra layers,blankets and throws.

I'm going out to see if I can pick up any Xmas bargains in the Black Friday sales.

We've also been cooking near on 100% of meals at home.Every weekend,instead of a takeaway,we have a 'fakeaway'.We either get the king kebab from Aldi and have kebabs with salad,hot sauce,pitta breads etc,or fish and chips done in the oven at home with mushy peas,lots of bread and butter,onion rings etc.or do something in the slow cooker.

I am aiming for a no spend day today.There's fuel in the car,food in the house and so,as it's dry outside,I am planning to take the kids out for a walk in the woods,take flasks and water bottles with us and a couple of snacks.Fingers crossed it will be a happy and cheap day.👌

For Sunday lunch today,I am doing the roasties,veg,yorkshires etc but instead of having a joint of meat,I am just using sausages.I did it the other week,and to be honest,as well as being a lot cheaper,I reckon my children enjoyed it as much,if not more than with the traditional beef or even chicken.

Sausages with the potatoes,veg and gravy eaten as a roast,is really popular in our house too.I enjoy it as well as the family,plus the cost can literally be cut in half from using more expensive meats.

I have been really trying to cut down on my car usage.I have been doing a lot more walking,and have cut out any driving that is less than say,half a mile.It has really made me think about the countless,little tiny trips to the shops,round the corner,that I used to make,and I am putting petrol in a lot less frequently as a result.

Yes, I do all my shopping with my bike now - have some great paniers from Aldi and it doesn't really take any longer.

Yes, I do all my shopping with my bike now - have some great paniers from Aldi and it doesn't really take any longer.

our Aldi is just a 3 mile round trip and tbh its a complete nightmare trying to park a car in the carpark, Its gridlocked most of the time with people looking for spaces. I take the bike and pop down and leave the spaces for others to fight over

Just got my cost of living pay from work. Lumped it straight into savings. I know for many December is an expensive month but i come more to life in the spring so I'm going to keep it simple with presents and other than a few small plans, it will be a quiet one which means I can save more.

To keep me occupied? Exercise, meditation, reading, writing, films and my two jobs plus the desire to get those savings up 💪💪💪

And as mentioned before, ill be limiting social media exposure to avoid FOMO.

I'm usually fine until I see what other people are doing or spending money on. Then a bit of 'should I be doing that?' seeps in which isn't compatible with my savings goals right now.

I have a full time job and a little side hustle that brings in a bit more but not loads. Also thinking of asking for a raise. If you don't ask you don't get.

Great! Hope you enjoy x

@Swissnotswiss @Laalaapopo I meant niche in the sense of only saving you money if you spend a fortune on books like I do. Not that libraries themselves are niche. If that makes any sense! I'm very impressed with my local library and already using it more.