As I've said before, my main reason for being frugal is so that I can afford to work part time and spend more time with the kids.But (there's always a but).... It's also really important to me that, as a family, we have lots of fun together and even though I know there are plenty of things we can do together that don't cost a penny, there are also lots of things we like to do together that do cost money.We allow a set amount of money each month in our budget for fun things, which could include anything from going to the pictures or bowling (doesn't happen often as it costs so much … [Read more...]
See how much you can save….
I know I'm always telling you about ways to save on your gas and electricity but today I wanted to share with you this:It's my latest energy bill, showing that I'm £858.07 in credit! How fantastic is that?We've tried really hard to reduce our energy usage around the house using all of the tips that I regularly share with you on here but as well as the energy we've saved by reducing our consumption, we've also saved by switching to a different provider.I think a lot of people don't realise how easy it is to switch providers. Everything stays exactly the same other than the company … [Read more...]
How to make a wall planner for your meal plans….
I know, I've gone a bit meal planning mental this week but I promise this is the last post on the subject (for at least the rest of the week anyway).Usually, I have our week's meals written on a scrap of paper, stuck on the front of the fridge if I'm feeling particularly organised, somewhere at the bottom of my handbag if I'm not! This led to us not sticking to the plan on lots of a few times as we couldn't remember what we were supposed to be eating so as part of my New Years resolution to be more organised, I decided that from now on we're going to have the meal plan where everyone can … [Read more...]
Earn money while you spend….
To me, being frugal isn't all about saving money (although that's a definite plus ;-)), it's about maximising what we already have and increasing our income by making a bit of extra money wherever we can. There are lots of ways to do this but one of my favourite ways, and quite possibly the easiest is by earning cashback on a website called Quidco. Quidco is an online company who work with over 3000 retailers to give you the opportunity to earn cashback on your spending. It works because when you click through to a retailers website from Quidco, they earn a commission, based on the amount … [Read more...]
I know it’s only October, but….
There's only 78 Sleeps to go which is just 3 pay days. I now it's only October but I'm going to start my 'How to have a Frugal Christmas' series now because if I wouldn't be a good Frugal blogger if I didn't tell you that you should have started shopping (or at least planning) by now. Christmas happens at the same time every year so there's no excuse - it's not like we don't know it's coming or anything. The first of my 'How to have a Frugal Christmas' is all about presents - don't panic though I'm not about to send you all out shopping or anything but I hope that I can help you plan what … [Read more...]
My Top Ten Winter Preparations….
After this weekend's freakish (but very welcome) mini heatwave, there's a definite chill in the air tonight. So much so, that I've just had the heating on for an hour to warm the house up which is only the second time I've needed it on since before the Summer. Don't get me wrong, I'm not the sort of person who waits until there's icicles on the end of our noses before I turn the heating on but I do try to balance having it on as little as possible with having a nice warm house. I'd love to be the type of person who could just put on an extra couple of jumpers and pairs of socks rather than … [Read more...]
