It always seems to me that life gets expensive in the lead up to Christmas, with less frugal bargains to be had. Or maybe, I just haven't made enough effort to look for them these last few weeks. Anyway, here goes with my summary of frugal and not so frugal measures this month.
Freebies and Frugal Measures
1) I paid into my work pension scheme for the first time this month, in order to try to make some provision for my future finances. My employer pays a good amount into it too. It's as good as free money and surely must be worth having even though it meant that I was paid less.
2) I used a 10% off voucher plus free delivery to order an item from LB's Xmas wish list. I saved £2 plus the £3.99 delivery charge, which saved me the bother of a trip to the local mall to get the same item myself, so I'm happy enough.
3) I hand mended a few items of clothing, so I can now put them back into circulation and wear them again.
4) I made an effort to ensure that we ate down the freezer and cupboards this last couple of weeks and tried to use most of the things in them that have been hanging around for a while.
5) I used an £8 off a £40 spend voucher at Waitrose the other day, which allowed me to buy OH a bottle of single malt whisky for Christmas, for well under £20. Result.
6) I bought some envelopes from Poundland for my small business and instead of paying £1 for 18, I managed to find two packs of 15 plus 5 extra free, so I got 4 extra for my money. Not a massive saving, but every little bit of money saved helps.
7) I cut up lots of LB's old school exercise books that she was throwing out, to make a heap of scrap paper for list making. I certainly won't need to buy any for a good long time now.
8) I managed to remove a longstanding mark on our stereo speaker using a solution I had in the house, which saved me from replacing them and buying new ones.
Frugal Fails
1) I paid £3 in bus fares to travel to our local mall to return an item I'd bought elsewhere the day before and to use a voucher at Waitrose. It wasn't a wasted journey though, as a few more Christmas presents came home with me, all paid for from this months Xmas budget.
2) I had to buy another 10p bag for life this week at Waitrose, as I didn't have enough bags with me to carry home the shopping.
3) I bought more Xmas wrapping paper, although I already have loads, but I did want some new designs this year, so I don't mind too much.
4) I bought another silver ring from the CS this week, and this time it was a bit on the large side, although it seemed to fit when I first tried it on. Anyway, I ended up buying a small device on eBay for a couple of pounds, to help it fit more snugly so I don't lose it. I really like it though, so I'm happy enough now. At least I can wear this one.
Even your frugal fails are or will become frugal saves. You did very well.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.