Jumping into July: Frugal Friends Financial Fun

[needastrongoneagain]

New 'Fred.

Very low spend couple of days.

£12 AdBlue but that's expenses.

Will be back to post fully later.

life they had a selection of 5 in Tesco yesterday so I don't think there's much demand on them. He only liked the one he chose.
Bought a skatepark thing for them before but he wasn't impressed with it

Tbh the decks are used most here on home made parks or just to fiddle

@Gensola thank you sweetheart that is so kind of you l am much better thankfully
Hope you and your Dh are well bless you both , that sounds like a good move re your Dh retiring and working part time , it will free you of the housework and the cooking hopefully fingers crossed
Good luck with the job applications too
@kessiebird Thank you so much l am so much better
Fingers crossed re the work move too
@northender thank you so much . l am so much better and yes it seems to be the norm re huge waits to be seen in Hospital unfortunately
We had a new fridge not long back got the best one we could afford and thankfully it is excellent . Good luck with yours
@Tayto so sorry to hear about your Aunt , bless you and your Ddad
@Em good luck with the job applications
Sounded awful with you during Storm Ciaran so glad you are all safe
@lifelongfrugaleer that's brilliant re your bathroom being done yay!
@Girliefriendlikespuppies no l am sorry l haven't noticed with mine tbh , hope it's ok your end
@Happierwithouthim you are so right we aren't half as busy here these days .
I only buy M & S beetroot it's delicious
@needastrongoneagain ahh thank you sweetheart
I am not at all surprised you have dropped off the thread ,you have so much on your hands bless you
@RumBananaSundae hope things went well with the mediator
So sorry of l have missed anyone
Been shopping today
Petrol 147.9/litre , 5 p cheaper than anywhere else spent £55
Asda £24
Lidl £18
Home bargains £50
The range £5
Poundland £2
Farmfoods £5
Morrisons £22
Hope everyone is ok take care all

Hi all, I lost a post the other day and was too sulky to try again 😉

I am sorry I can’t catch up with everyone, I just can’t retain info at the moment! - but glad people have survived the storms without damage, especially Em.

This thread has been very quiet! I miss the chat, which is a bit rich considering I was never a reliable contributor! I haven’t been in ‘business as usual’ mode while renovating and so it’s been harder to get into the frugal vibe.

Things are much better now though. We have a useable kitchen, just waiting for the joiner to come back to install the last couple of units that I had to get replaced. And the hob works, though the extracor vent isn’t connected. Most decorating done, some snagging, and still need all doors replaced to fire doors, and room divider doors to be installed. Then done 👍🏻. We even got loft and stair carpets on Tuesday, though the guy didn’t finish till 9.30pm (I had to miss trick or treating with the kids so I was really annoyed about it, and he rushed so has to come back tomorrow to fix up a couple of less-than-satisfactory bits. Sigh.).

I have bought quite a few things for the house, like shelves, curtains, towels etc. It adds up! And while I cheeks my saucepans were all incubation compatible, it turns out my frying pans /wok/omelette pan aren’t so I will be spending again tonight. BUT. It is an absolute joy to be in my kitchen, the children have really taken to the space and we all love it. It will change how we love and the disruption and decimation of our savings is worth it.

the last job is for us to sort out the current guest bedroom to be DD’s new bedroom. We need to take out a wall of really shit built-in cupboards (I’m estimating from the 80s, with the peeling textured wallpaper interior most likely 50s) and skim the walls to start afresh. But the carpet doesn’t go to the ends of the cupboard, nor the textured ceiling paper, nor the skirting and coving… I don’t have time and can’t plaster so it’s going to be a professional job. We’ll have to dig VERY deep as I reckon at London rates it will cost us a few thousand to do, especially if we move the radiator 😬. But the disruptive work will then be over!

Ds wants a cuddle… catch up later

*induction compatible 😂

Thank you em. It’s a work in progress. Everything seems to be teeny steps at the moment. I saw some photographs of the storm where you are. It was pretty fabulous. Glad you’re safe. Sorry for all the damage.

Happier and Mary I’m not sure what to make (politely) of the mediator. She was trying to push/pressure me towards decisions/say things I didn’t want to and didn’t like it when I pushed back. I think her process is ridiculous and designed to generate income for her, I.e. maximise sessions, and she makes assumptions. I’ll write to my solicitor and then take it from there. In reality unless I want to go to court now I think I have to go with it.

Glad you’re loving the kitchen Half. Sounds like the renovations are steaming ahead.

Spending has been about £11 on pasta and cheese in Waitrose for dinner yesterday to get over the mediator. Have leftovers for tomorrow and maybe Sunday. Today I spent £1.09 on some chocolate milk in Sainsbury’s and £28.58 on some trousers and dinner in Marks and Spencer. Needed the trousers as my clothes are getting too big. I stood up from a video call during the week and my trousers fell down. Glad I wasn’t in the office. Bit annoyed. I spent quite a bit on new clothes earlier this year and most of them are now too big but still unworn.

Transferred some money to the solicitor. Added some money to my travel money card. Not planning on spending too much next week (except the jacket) so hopefully almost all of it will carry forward for my December break.

Was looking forward to a walk in the park tomorrow but rain is forecast for the entire day. Might give it a miss.

Fallen off the thread again too, been reading but not posting. Work has been mad too.

I hope you are recovered now mary
Great to hear the renovations are getting there half
Sorry to hear about the mediator rum.

Spends from our holiday:
£3 cabin bill (we had £210 onboard credit, we don’t drink much alcohol, but we also bought some ship souvenirs and clinique face cream when they had 20% off so this was pretty good. Helps that DD2 only drinks water too)
Spent about 100 euros cash (mainly on Christmas decorations and Belgium chocolate at our port stops) so have 300 euro left for next holiday.
200 euro approx on DH credit card. He’ll pay this off.
£1.75 on my card buying a fridge magnet

I spent about £13 yesterday on a medium Yankee candle and some leave in conditioner spray. I got £5 off so a fairly good price as the candle was already on offer. I do appreciate burning a candle is like burning money though 🤣

Tesco gave me a £5 off £16 spend when I last went, so I must remember to get DH to take it when he next shops.

It sounds very rainy and windy here this morning, but nothing like em’s storm. I hope your island is ok.

I’m hoping to use a day at home today to get all the dates for the DC from school/activities on the calendar and catch up on home chores. We also need to write our Christmas lists for PIL, they have been asking since September and this is “late”. I have no idea, maybe another candle or nice shower gel 🤣

I end up with candles from the in-laws as that’s easy and you have just reminded me I’m seeing my brother at the end of the months. That’s todays job as well as some accessories for the bathroom which I love

saving for next years renos now and the roof needs to be done as well. It’s totally worth it whene your vision is in action

rum lots to think about but that meditator sounds awful.

Horrible wet day here - DH is in the DGOD which is a shame as I had planned to go to the gym and then into town for lunch, not sure that will happen now as the gym is tricky to get to and I usually get a lift with him on his way to work.Two buses otherwise which will take ages (it’s not far away just stupidly located!)
Had a couple of big fails on Vinted recently which is putting me off - I think there’s a lot more unscrupulous people on there now than there was last year even.

supposed to be going to a friends for dinner tonight but depends on DH recovery 😟

Oh that’s a shame gen. Gws dh

i think I’m swerving the gym today as tired and the poop instructor is doing the class.

Posting to keep dropping off the thread
Yesterday was £42.50 out for food with friends, £55 on beading and underlay (saved on buying off ebay).
£10. 07 Amazon - muslin cloths and recycle bags
£12.44 Coop

Got a quote for DDs bedroom to lay underlay, fit flooring and door trims £185. It's a small room but includes a cupboard. He's reliable and lives over the road so I think I'm going with this quote.

Sorry will try to catch up later. Nice to read your progress half I remember getting an induction hob and only one pan working!

Yesterday was a nsd & today is shaping up to be one also.
I'm trying to clear the decks for builder to get on with putting down timber flooring in sitting room & hallway & then move stuff again so he can get into dds room to floor it & to eventually paint dc bedrooms.

Hanging out here on mumsnet will get a lot done won't it!!
I stopped after bf left to do a click & collect order, I've that done now so I can add to it later or in the morning if I wish.

The chimney breast I got tester pots for didn't work out the paint is patchy and difficult to put on, I'll need to go back there and get something else.
Had first fire in my new fireplace yesterday which was lovely & df sent down a few bags of logs so I'm well stocked up for dare I say it winter 🥶

Walked on beach with dog this morning & I needed my woolly cap

Have a lovely weekend everyone

Evening everyone 🤗
@HalfWoman don't worry about catching up and losing your messages, just jump on and post whatever you want to lovely 💐
So glad you are happy with your kitchen it sounds wonderful 😊
@Rum l am so sorry your mediator is like this with you . I don't suppose you can change mediators? 💐
@Time yes thank you l am so much better 😊
Sounds like you had a lovely holiday and managed to stay afloat so well done to you and 👏👏👏😊
@life you are right it's brilliant & easier to save when you can see the end result in your sights 😊
@Gen oh lovely l am sorry Dh isn't well bless him . Hope he is better now. and you can go out tonight as planned 💐
@Kessie that quote sounds very good to me TBF 😊
Your log fire sounds gorgeous @Happier shame about the paint on the chimney breast but you will get there 🤗
Spends today 17 in Morrisons
55 on Approved foods for a lot of chocolate etc for Christmas 🤗
Hope everyone is ok 😊

@HalfWomanHalfChocolate Glad that you're happy with your kitchen. Mine is finished now and I am loving it. The old kitchen is now a snug and almost finished - just need the electrician to return to connect up the new lights and sockets and we will be finished.

We have gone over my £20000 budget by about £1600 but we have added things that were not originally budgeted for such as 2 sofas, TV and shutters (even though my DH made these they were still around £500). I'm pretty pleased with that cost as it covers the new kitchen, the removal of a conservatory to create a courtyard space and the snug.
I now need to stop spending and get back into frugal mode

Grannycake that sounds fabulous

That’s really not a big overspend granny

That sounds a good price granny
Half so pleased you're finally able to start enjoying the kitchen.
Have had a really good, frugal week except Bruce Springsteen decided to announce & put tickets on sale for another tour next year [sigh]. DH is something of a super fan so we spent the latter half of the week getting concert tickets for him (4 shows 🙄), me and DC (1 show each). The tickets are a scandalously high price so now we're figuring out how to do travel & accommodation as cheaply as possible. Although we've spent money now it'll be factored in next year's budget.
Car broke down on Tuesday, the AA tried to sell me a new battery (£167) but I politely declined, got the car to our garage who charged us £100. It's 13 years old & had it's original battery still so value for money!
DH & I are having a big sort out today at home to clear some space in the garage & front room which have both become dumping grounds. So should be a no spend day.

They were bonkers prices north but I passed as not a super fan

Yesterday spent a bit:
£36 Homebase on an led wooden tree thing for the wall
£30 Next on two pairs of work trousers (they sent me a £10 off code)

Day of housework today. First off to Dmums to vacuum her floors, I think I last did it 6 weeks ago. She doesn’t do it, “as they are not dirty” 🤮 I try to do it whilst she is out, as she makes me cross saying what I clean is not dirty 🤣

4 concerts, wow north 😀 something to look forward too!

Thank you so much North! I am a big fan of The Boss as it’s what we used to listen to in the car with DDad on long journeys when I was a kid and I’ve loved him ever since. Had no idea he’d announced a tour until I read your post and managed to get a pair of tickets to go with DH. We don’t get out together much as babysitting is so difficult so I’m mega excited! Expensive but I’m sure it’ll be worth it to us.

4 shows though 😮😮😮 your DH is hardcore!

Granny your kitchen sounds like terrific value for money. Did you go with DIY Kitchens in the end? We did as I wanted a bespoke colour and it worked out quite well for us actually.

otherwise DH has been to ikea today to buy a CD storage thingy that they’re about to discontinue and don’t deliver because no one in their right mind keeps hundreds of CDs these days. No idea what he spent but he got me a washing up brush so I’m happy 😂. We still need an ikea delivery as I need a few Kallax units, mostly for craft storage in my new teeny home office, and don’t think the car can manage the weight.

Busy day today cooking, unpacking and cleaning. We’ve moved the spare bed up to the loft so DM will start sleeping up there. Now I need to get the curtain rails and Velux blinds up today! And ideally put up the bathroom mirror and clean up there too. It’s already 2pm, how?!?!

fireworks tonight, tickets bought but no doubt I’ll
get fleeced for some light up toy tat while we’re there (sparklers not allowed)

People are sounding rather busy and productive today. Unlike me.

Hope you had a great cruise Time. I love candles but had never thought about then just being burning money.

I’ve spent a bit of time thinking about the mediator and the meeting Mary and life. I’m not looking forward to the process but I have realised that there is little I can control. He got in first so he calls the shots unless I refuse to go. I don’t think I can change the actual person.

A new fire sounds just the ticket Happier with this rather autumnal weather.

Laughed at your Bruce Springsteen comment north. I was somewhat relieved that his London date is when I’m in France.

Spending has been a tad heavy these last two days. I’ve taken a punt and paid for next year’s paragliding. I’ve booked and paid for next year’s airport transfers and also booked a ticket for Paris for the book fair next year. Hoping the schedule is released soon so I can swap if I need to. Spent about £15 in Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury. I’m obviously not paying attention as there are now three cartons of chocolate milk in the fridge.

The BNWT gloves I bought on eBay arrived today and I am very pleased with them.

@HalfWomanHalfChocolate I went for the IKEA shaker style in the end. Our previous kitchen was an IKEA one and was still in mint condition 15 yrs on. But we were changing the location of the kitchen and we couldn't reuse as it was the old style I.e.not Metod

We retired last year so tried very hard not to overspend as savings will be difficult to replace. Also had to économise by not having stone worktops. May be able to replace in the future.

Electrician has confirmed he'll be there tomorrow so we will then be done. Just have to find stuff we packed away and find new homes for it or just bin it!

I'm never doing major work again though although I love the end result. We did it as it gives us the option (if needed) to convert snug into a downstairs bedroom. The utility could become a shower room.

We have lived through the decline of an elderly relative who virtually became a prisoner in her home before going into residential care and I am trying to never put our DC through that time

I'm also really jealous of the Springsteen tickets. I thought about the Cardiff gig but we have spent so much lately

£4.55 coop
£55 Lidl including £10 of Christmas bits
£3.87 Amazon

Wow sounds like everyone has been busy and productive! I’m also a Springsteen fan but I’m spent up after a weekend in London. Having said that we were reasonably frugal (went with a good friend of mine). We went to the Islington charity shops and I spent about £50 on clothes and books. Then to a comedy gig which was my birthday present to her, paid for a while ago. About another £50 on food for 3 days as we mainly cooked at our accommodation and took sandwiches out. All in all a great weekend but I’m knackered now! Working from home with week on my PhD which is a good change of pace but I need to get lots done.