1 post tagged “saving”

We have been trying to start cutting back on expenses in anticipation of my upcoming redundancy:

I have cancelled or not renewed subscriptions to magazines or newspaper.

I have learnt to say no to charities - ouch - choosing one or two dear to our hearts

No junkfood or eating out - maybe the occasional coffee and cake, but little else. We rarely go out anyway.

Making simpler meals at home - more fresh foods and  less buying of things like prepared sauces.

Buying specials at the grocery market. When I see something on special eg margarine, where once I might have bought 2 or 3 I now buy 6 or more. Luckily we have the extra fridge space. Also buying items of lesser quality - do I really need 52 ply toilet paper?

Buying fewer cleaning products and using more tried and true old homemade products - better for the earth too!

I am gradually buying christmas food before prices go up closer to Christmas. I am also asking family members to bring a dish for Christmas Day celebrations also, where we usually provide all.

I HAVE STOPPED BUYING BOOKS. Time to read the zillions I have waiting to be read anyway.

Not buying clothes unless needed. I certainly don't need office clothes if I am not going to be going to an office!

Cutting back on Christmas gifts - maybe 1 or 2  each for the children not the pile that parent guilt makes me buy each year even though they are adults.

Not using my clothes dryer when it rains - the clothes go onto an airer even if it makes the house look like a chinese laundry.

Growing some of our own vegeables like lettuce and tomato.

Not joining in the bakery run at work - I can live without that sausage roll!

Trying to control wants so avoid places that cause us to impulse buy. Saying no to those things that "speak" to me is hard but not impossible.

This one is a little naughty, but is allowed - driving Mr FD's company car at the weekend rather than our own car. Well it is a fully maintained vehicle, it is just that we normally like to drive our own car more.

Suggestions welcome.