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Original poster

Frugal living

64 replies

FairyTaleinNewYork · 20/12/2005 10:55

was chatting to mieow last night about how we used to do food shopping really cheaply, but as we have started going to tesco again rather than farm foods, lidl etc our bills have rocketed. but how do we go back into it? we're not struggling atm, so part of me says stop being silly, but i would like to be able to save up to take the kids to eurodisney at xmas 2007, and this seems a good way to start.

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Yorkiegirl · 20/12/2005 10:56

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frogs · 20/12/2005 11:02

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Bagpussinboots · 20/12/2005 11:02

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Enideepmidwinter · 20/12/2005 11:16

take £100 out of the cash point, put cards in drawer and make it last all week

Enideepmidwinter · 20/12/2005 11:16

or if not £100, whatever you can afford.

OComeOliveFaithfOil · 20/12/2005 11:17

We need to do this after Xmas as we are planning on moving house and our mortgage will double .

Food is our biggest expense, dh wants fancy meals all time, whereas I would be happy with jacket potatoes etc.

shepherdswatchedtheirflockets · 20/12/2005 11:24

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Original poster
FairyTaleinNewYork · 20/12/2005 19:15

so back to dealing with cash only, and no cheques or cards unless needed.

its been so long since i've had to do this, but am interested on how much we can save in a year or 2.

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followthestarlover · 20/12/2005 19:43

do you know, i was just thinking the same thing!!!

we are saving up for house deposit but i just can't seem to stop spending. on stuff i don't even need!

i have been VERY frugal in the past, and used to be fab at saving my money, but now it seems i just can't help but spend spend spend... even when i know i have to save as much as possible

Original poster
FairyTaleinNewYork · 20/12/2005 19:44

we used to spend a max of 30per week on food. now its 100!! and thats with peter in hospital!

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followthestarlover · 20/12/2005 19:47

we have cut our food shopping, although it could easily go lower.
but like i went out to do last few bits of christmas shopping and ended up buying wellies and trousers for ds!

Original poster
FairyTaleinNewYork · 20/12/2005 19:48

i thinks it worse now supermarket stock clothes .

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LucycatsGotTheTurkey · 20/12/2005 19:52

I agree! If I want to do a small shop then I daren't go to the Tesco extra as it's sooooo tempting to chuck other stuff in!

followthestarlover · 20/12/2005 19:53

definitely! i do try and do food shop online
but i am a bit shit at getting organised so we always run out of stuff before i've ordered more! lol

Original poster
FairyTaleinNewYork · 20/12/2005 19:54

right thats it then, after xmas its off to lidl on a monday morning when the kids are at school. cash only. the on tuesday its farm foods for feeezer stuff.

I'll get milk delivered and use milk tokens to pay for it, and get the breadmaker out again.

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followthestarlover · 20/12/2005 20:03

actually i made dp take my credit and debit cards.
and just give me an allowance every week.

worked pretty well til i found the cards again! lol

LoveMyGirls · 20/12/2005 21:53

you have given me some inspiraton i've also been watching "make me rich" on a weekday afternoon ITV at 2.30pm which is also a bit of a kick up the backside.

i have decided i am going food shopping on thursday and i am only going to take cash and i will add it up as i go along and only buy essentials and try to use up the stuff in the cupboards and freezer. (as its hols i will have to take both dd's with me shopping so think i will give dd1 a calculator to add up too so that it distracts her from asking if she can have stuff!)

notasheep · 20/12/2005 22:14

And all these offers are a con-because we just buy more!

Original poster
FairyTaleinNewYork · 20/12/2005 22:17

the buy 3 for 99p, then you look and relaise they are only 34pence each so you save a measly 3p lol.

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notasheep · 20/12/2005 22:19

And they try and make you buy the biggest size,when sometimes its cheaper to buy the smallest!

Original poster
FairyTaleinNewYork · 20/12/2005 22:20

yup. i have become hardened over the years, but still my cupboard s full of 6 different pasta sauces which wont get used.

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followthestarlover · 20/12/2005 22:28

oh yes, ALWAYS check the labels that tell you how much it is per 100ml/100gm/wipe etc!

there are loads of things that are cheaper in smaller packets despite the big "value" packs!

i also get tempted by offers. even if it's a good offer... if you weren't going to buy it in the first pl,lace then you're not saving money! lol

notasheep · 20/12/2005 22:31

As for Christmas food shopping,its only one day!! How much are we suppose to eat?!
I did a spread sheet over one month and was mortified by how much we spend on alcohol! I wont buy it anymore,if dp wants it he has to go and get it then i get a drink!

followthestarlover · 20/12/2005 22:34

oh i know, i popped into sainsburys the other day and it was HEAVING! crazy...
the shops are only closed for one bloody day but people are in there buying like it's going out of fashion

Original poster
FairyTaleinNewYork · 20/12/2005 22:39

arent they shut for 2 days?

i need to go out tomorrow to buy black bags and electricity and gas. so will just go down the shopping parade.

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