what cut backs have you made

[deptfordmarmoset]

I've not got a job and it's really not looking good for the future. No car or public transport, no holidays, no pub, more visits to LiDL, ALDI and the high street ''scoopermarkets.'' As I'm not very materialistic (trans: don't own much) the economising doesn't bother me too much, though the thought of heating bills (I'm going to have to put the heating on sooner or later) and the family expense of Christmas don't exactly help because you get to the point where it becomes harder to economise further to take those hits. The real killer is being at the mercy of the DWP, and the council Housing Benefit chumps, and all that stuff that really gets me down. Oh, and I've cut back on opening mail. But in the end, the biggest cut back is on optimism.

I thought of volunteering to keep the dust off the CV and even contacted LCC a month or so ago offering my time as a volunteer - they're only a few miles up the road. But my application got ''filed'' and they haven't replied to a follow-up email. It feels like I can't even get a job for free.

It's only the bike and my delightful 14-month old granddaughter that keep me (relatively) sane.

 

[Mozzy]

Use Aldi a lot now ... doesn't always work though as I keep picking the weekly bargains up! Pay as you go mobile, collect fallen trees to save buying logs for the two wood-burners. Put more ice in the daily G&T, sold loads on flea bay that was just sat doing nothing.

Mozzy

 

[Night Train]

I'm on sick pay and not allowed to work yet, can't work safely anyway but getting better.
Everything is cut back and many projects on hold.

I aim for, and get, better then 65mpg in the car and sometimes 75mpg. Just got an old Brompton to help reduce car use further.

Having my folks living with me keeps the overall family costs down quite a bit.
I'm still not using any heating and minimal hot water.

 

[sheddy]

Trying to hold out until 1st November before putting the CH on. Last years 5 layer system may start early....

Just glad I kept the open fireplace.

 

[AnythingButVanilla]

It's not bad for some

I'm not as extravagant as it may sound. I don't smoke, only occasionally drink, don't run a car and have always shopped at Lidl and Asda and very occasionally Waitrose as a treat. I need a reliable broadband connection as my other half sometimes works from home and I do think that paying an extra £15 per month is worthwhile.

 

[The Jogger]

Have stopped the Mrs doing the weekly food shop at Marks and Sparks so she now goes to Waitrose.

Have they got one in Orpington

 

[lukesdad]

Lukesmum s carlsberg tanker has been cut to 3 a week

 

[Piemaster]

Found out today just how bad things are. Theres a local branch of Lidl closing at the end of the month.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

When you start feeling like that, remember, you have everything relative to >75% of the people in this world.

Exactly.

Even the poorest class in Britain are stinking rich by the standards of most of the world.

 

[rich p]

. I'm also shopping in Lidl more.

I'm also shopping in Lidl more than a packet of crisps.

 

[slowmotion]

I'm trying to cancel my subscription to "Which" but I've lost my password.

In August, we used Rent a Wreck rather than Budget. The car packed up within 24 hours and remained out of action for 60 hours, when we didn't need it. The subsequent refund was a bonus.

 

[Davidc]

I've put the butler on a four day week, and the Lear Jet may have to go.

How much for the Lear jet? I'm thinking I may have to do without the specially equipped 777!

As for the butler - how doeos one manage without one to pour ones whisky for one 24/7? Next you'll be telling us you've sacked the manservant!

 

[Vapin' Joe]

How much for the Lear jet? I'm thinking I may have to do without the specially equipped 777!

As for the butler - how doeos one manage without one to pour ones whisky for one 24/7? Next you'll be telling us you've sacked the manservant!

good God man, I know time are hard, but really...

 

[Sara_H]

I sorned my car over the summer (still had the OH's car for big shopping days etc), saved a vast fortune because I quite often had no choice but to bike or walk.

 

[Moodyman]

No cutbacks here.

I live well within my means and have done since I became self-dependent.