Olly Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Surely something like building work doesn't count - it's not exactly 'buying new' is it, specially if you can recycle a lot of material. You go for it, I hate not having a view of the garden from the kitchen. Sounds as if you are doing very well! I have made the effort to sell some stuff on eBay, which I didn't think was worth the hassle although when I ordered a new rose-arch yesterday, I realised that most of it had been paid for by the clothes I'd sold so perhaps it was worthwhile after all. I'm not really doing this, just following your progress with interest - you are very strong-minded! good luck with the next month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LesleyH Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 I have only just read this thread and find it fascinating - as hubby and I are on a huge spend less project ourselves. We have become extremely thrifty - and have enhanced this by severely reducing our grocery bills. I respect anyone who makes an effort to slow down on the manic spending that has gripped the nation over the last few years...and once you get into it it really becomes fun and challenging...keep up the good work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted April 30, 2008 Author Share Posted April 30, 2008 End of April and I have only £25 left out of my £200 monthly budget I know this is mainly due to taking Cheeky to the vet and having her put down, then subsequently purchasing Francesca, but at least I haven't bought much new. I managed to purchase a few chicken necessities on ebay, but used the residue of my Paypal account from items I have sold (the bit I didn't transfer into my bank account to save ) to purchase limestone flour and a cold mixture online for the girls At least the credit card bill is less than £120 for the second month running , and contains nothing but bills and vets bills I try and use my card for bills only, that way when I get vouchers at the end of the year, it is with smug satisfaction that I have obtained something free from the utilities However, I have made some what I would call unnecessary purchases. I did buy a couple of 'green' books the other week, total cost £4 from one of those cheap bookshops (but I don't think it's a big chain one) just to give me more food for thought and ideas in general. I also managed to buy a pair of purple fake crocs for 99p (99p store sells childrens fake crocs up to size 4) which I am genuinely ashamed of now, and a couple of work tops (allowed I know but I just needed to buy something, anything ) for £2 each from a nice independant shop in the centre of Birmingham (where the 'Hustler' shop used to be on High Street if anyone shops in Brum). Lovely tops, they are like the Artscape ones on QVC. Altogether, I think I have squandered about a tenner on things I really didn't need this past month. I am going to be really anal next month and write all my purchases down, just to check if the bits and pieces I am remembering I have bought is really the whole story, I think I can save a few more pounds out of the budget each month, I will see how it goes Just remembered I had the munchies at work today, and bought a pack of Munchies (how ironic ) from a vending machine (I never buy food from work), only to discover they are made by Nestle, so won't be doing that again I think my tax credit assessment is now wrong as I have used the online calculator, it shows I could be getting a lot more this year, but I felt guilty (and greedy) about phoning up to challenge the award I already have as I can manage on what I earn, so am in a bit of a quandry over it Good job I couldn't get through Sorry, I have gone on a bit haven't I How is everyone else doing with trying to buy nothing new???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 Well done, you! Are you going to total it all up at the end of the year, and what will you do - splurge your savings on something, or just pat yourself on the back and consider it an investment towards next year? I don't think you should feel bad about challenging your tax assessment! If you're wrong, no harm done - and if you're right, then you shouldn't be paying more than you are obliged to. Plenty of people don't pay tax at all, you should get what you are entitled to. Phone them up, they're usually very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 Well done Claire! ...and as Olly says, you shouldn't feel guilty about questioning your assessment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 Claire you are doing brilliantly You definitely shouldn't feel guilty nor greedy by claiming what is rightfully yours. There are millions of £'s of unclaimed tax credits sloshing around, because people either don't know their rights or can't cope with claiming them. Fill in that claim today! Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 Well done Claire Make sure you use " say no to 0870 "when you ring the tax credits number. You get through to Northern Ireland on the number on the website Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieR Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Hi all, Im new to chicken keeping, chickens + eglu due 15-05 and this website, but I've found this thread fascinating! I already try to grow as much of my own veggies as poss...(I'm great at some stuff, and hopeless with others) It's given me inspiration to "cut back" myself, and am feeling guilty about so many recent purchases. Well done to everyones efforts, I shall continue reading, and try any use the ideas myself. AnnieR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted May 3, 2008 Author Share Posted May 3, 2008 Thanks guys for the comments! I phoned the tax credit people and eventually got through (0845 number, hope that isn't too bad ) and my assessment is wrong. It was a two figure sum for the whole year and it should be a two figure sum each month So I will have a little extra cash to live on. Mind you, just had the fuel bills and the last quarter has cost me £211 (most of it in gas) Can't wait to get a new boiler now. Hi AnnieR, don't feel guilty about spending money, and feel free to join in this thread anytime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairy&cake Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 Thanks guys for the comments! I phoned the tax credit people and eventually got through (0845 number, hope that isn't too bad ) and my assessment is wrong. It was a two figure sum for the whole year and it should be a two figure sum each month So I will have a little extra cash to live on. Mind you, just had the fuel bills and the last quarter has cost me £211 (most of it in gas) Can't wait to get a new boiler now. Hi AnnieR, don't feel guilty about spending money, and feel free to join in this thread anytime Did you know about www.saynoto0870.com ??????? I hope you do because youc an type in the number youj need to right and it shows you the direct landline number!!!!!!!!! Click in the top left: ''find alternitve number'' bring out a page with two boxes: TOP ONE: for a company name ie: Omlet Bottom one: 0845 123 456 789 or somthing.If youhave a certian number you need to find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 well, i've not been on here for ages. and I have fallen completely off track. BUT IM BACK!!! the shopping is back on "list" the spreadsheet is back on computer and i am now back on track. April was a crud month, what with dad been poorly, i've been buying stuff for mum whenever i've been down, so its cost me a fortune (not that I mind) but the bank account has been hammered so here I am, raring to go. cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted June 1, 2008 Author Share Posted June 1, 2008 Another month gone and this time I can say that I have not bought anything I didn't need I will admit to spending £20 on a night out though, a meal to celebrate a friend's birthday, I also had to buy her a small box of choccies (I'm not proficient enough to make fake Thorntons yet!) to go with the other small gifts I gave her which came out of my sale bargains from last year. However, I don't think this was unnecessary spending so I am really pleased with myself I am starting to get used to buying almost nothing, it is a bit worrying I was surprised that I only had £14 or so left over this month, then I realised I started the month with just £150 not £200, and have a note of everything I have bought, it totals £136 I haven't set foot in a charity shop either, I just don't want to spend. I had a friend over last Friday and we went to Birmingham for the day. I managed to spend less than a fiver, all of it on seeds for my breadmaking, from Holland and Barratt!!! Last of the big spenders, that's me Next month may be a struggle, I would really like a pair of summery shoes, those Clarks ones look nice, the cream flatties on the advert with the crossover strap, or something similar by Skechers or Reiker, so I will have to put some bits and bobs on ebay to go towards the cost. The shoes will be primarily for work so can be purchased under 'buy nothing new' but I prefer to offset as much of the cost as I can. I think it's a 'need' rather than a 'want' as I have a pair of cream shoes which have seen better days and need replacing now. Ho hum, how is everyone else doing? Anyone now at the stage where they don't want to spend yet, or is it just me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted June 1, 2008 Author Share Posted June 1, 2008 . April was a crud month, what with dad been poorly, i've been buying stuff for mum whenever i've been down, so its cost me a fortune (not that I mind) but the bank account has been hammered so here I am, raring to go. Hope everything back home is now OK and you have had a good month saving wise Cathy Ooh, I just remembered I have bought something I didn't need. I bought Home Farmer magazine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 Wow, well done Charlottechicken! Considering everyone is moaning about how the cost of food has gone up, you are doing very well to have anything left out of such a tight budget. I had a very expensive month so I will definitely be trying not to spend much next month, although I am not really doing this I have followed your progress with interest. When I'm trying to economise I find the best thing to do is just not go out; there's always something tempting, even in a charity shop or poundshop. I went out yesterday and forgot to take my purse with me - it's amazing how much I DIDN'T buy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted June 2, 2008 Author Share Posted June 2, 2008 Considering everyone is moaning about how the cost of food has gone up, you are doing very well to have anything left out of such a tight budget. I think it is a case of swings and roundabouts, Olly I have taken out my full £200 for this month, as I am sure all the expensive foodstuffs, like meat, will need to be purchased. Mind you, the price of rice has almost doubled since last year, but I have about 2kg in the cupboard I had a very expensive month so I will definitely be trying not to spend much next month, although I am not really doing this I have followed your progress with interest. When I'm trying to economise I find the best thing to do is just not go out; there's always something tempting, even in a charity shop or poundshop. I went out yesterday and forgot to take my purse with me - it's amazing how much I DIDN'T buy! Now that really is the best solution to stop spending Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted July 5, 2008 Author Share Posted July 5, 2008 Ooh now when did June end, I forgot all about this thread, sorry to anyone still reading it I have managed another month with buying very little brand new, unfortunately I got bored writing everything down, but am now holding steady on about £150 ish a month anyway, so I know I am buying food and petrol and very little else. I know my food budget has increased due to the price rises, but would like to think it is still less than £25 per week. I am really not interested in clothing shops anymore, and have recently purchased two really good pairs of pre owned boots (Caterpillar walking boots, and Timberland pink work boots) from ebay to 'replace' the one pair of cheap Timberland equivalents I had to throw in the bin (the laces were the only parts salvagable ). All in I have spent £155 this month, I will cut my budget to £150 for July to see how I get on Due to impending building work I may not be on the forum too often in the near future, so good luck to anyone else trying to buy nothing new Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 You continue to inspire me - I'm definitely not managing to do this, but every time I think of buying something I do stop and think of you, and think 'do I really need this'. At the risk of sounding very nosey what sort of things do you eat on your £25 a week? I have decided that food is an area where I could really reduce expenditure (and stop wasting so much ) - fortunately I do know how to cook economical meals, but I would be very interested to know what sort of things you eat. Do you make your own bread, yoghurt etc - do you shop at supermarkets or market stalls, or do you scour the aisles for bargains? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted August 1, 2008 Author Share Posted August 1, 2008 At the risk of sounding very nosey what sort of things do you eat on your £25 a week? I have decided that food is an area where I could really reduce expenditure (and stop wasting so much ) - fortunately I do know how to cook economical meals, but I would be very interested to know what sort of things you eat. Do you make your own bread, yoghurt etc - do you shop at supermarkets or market stalls, or do you scour the aisles for bargains? Thank you Olly for continuing to take an interest I have found great food bargains in Poundland and the 99p stores. I recently purchased Jordans organic muesli from Poundland, and Italian balsamic vinegar from the 99p store. You can get bulk packs of branded products too, and sometimes the large pasta sauce bags that are about £1.69 in the supermarket. I sometimes buy frozen meat from our indoor markets here in Birmingham, there is a stall that sells ex M&S meals, and all manner of good quality frozen stuff. If they have something I like, I will stock up (I have recently come to the end of two large tubs of Youngs prawns, can't remember the price but they were no more than a pound a tub). I have found a Co-Op store which has a good 'reduced' section and can pick up organic veggies there, and sometimes quality meat pies, pasties etc. The Tesco in the centre of town sometimes has organic meat on reduced, I clear the shelves and it all goes in the freezer I do make my own bread generally, but now the builders are in there is nowhere to set the breadmaker up I try never to cook too much so leftovers are at a minimum, and not to get carried away buying perishables. If I have ham for sandwiches I always use up any leftovers in a pasta meal at the weekend. Any other s"Ooops, word censored!"s go to the chickens I won't be buying nothing new now the builders are in, but am trying to salvage as much as is practical, we are re-using the back door, and lots of old bricks I was keeping 'just in case' I even found some really chunky long pieces of wood I think will be useful somewhere I hope to resume strict spending in November Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted September 13, 2008 Share Posted September 13, 2008 How's it going Claire, with both the building work & the not spending? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 13, 2008 Share Posted September 13, 2008 Yes, I was wondering that - perhaps posts are suspended till November! Hope the building work is going well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Just wondered if anyone else has read this! I don't think I could do it ... but it makes me reflect on what I'm still spending on food, despite trying to be less wasteful. I think Waitrose shopping would have to end though, I buy lots of bargains there but you don't get much for less than £1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Just wondered if anyone else has read this! I don't think I could do it ... but it makes me reflect on what I'm still spending on food, despite trying to be less wasteful. I think Waitrose shopping would have to end though, I buy lots of bargains there but you don't get much for less than £1. Wow, that must be so hard to do, I bet she doesn't get free range eggs! I don't think I'd manage, I obviously don't have to pay for all the food in the house/bills, but I spend £10 a week for drinks + food at school, I know some people spend well over £10 a day if they include buses to and from school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted December 8, 2008 Share Posted December 8, 2008 we are comming up to a new year so I may have a go at this, now I have all my chickeny things (run etc) & gym membership for christmas(brought it as a joint pressie for me & OH) I'm trying to lose some weight to fit into my wardrobe of clothes that I cant wear because they are too tight - I dont suppose it will rub off on OH but you never know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 I shop pretty carefully and still spend between £40 and £50 per week on food for the three of us.............if the credit crunch gets any worse or work go head with the threatened pay cut, the flower borders in the garden will get dug up & veggies planted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 ok, I admit - ive done rubbish i was doing really well, then in April my dad was taken into hospital and spent months in ITU . I didnt actually get settled - I think that I wrote the year off (he had an op in August - much better now ) so... I gonna try again next year so, in place I have: the allotment all the yarn I can possibly ever need (I'll work through my stash - not buy more ) lots of plans of "green cleaning" so I can save money that way Ive found a super little charity shop (I got 2 new pairs of jeans on Saturday ) Im going to set myself £50 a week for shopping and only use cash (do you think that is fair?) and Im gonna have another go fingers crossed cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
