Keep going Tania. This is useful content and people will find it helpful. I am a bit further along than you, living on a state pension, with a small top up, for 15 years. Now I have no worries because I know how to budget. I got rid of the TV and have paid no licence fee for 20 years. My utilities are paid quarterly on an invoice, no direct debits, I pay in cash. I have a car and just about to pay the annual insurance. £524, I have put aside the cash for that. Anyone who is struggling to pay their living expenses, follow Tania's advice, and write it all down in a notebook. ilona
If everyone followed your advice ilona they would be rolling in dough...but some people will take time to come to the light and see how easy frugal living is really very easy once you get over the idea that full price is not realistic on a small budget, no one cares what you paid for something and will never know if you have one pound or 1,000 pounds in your bank. ( well the bank manager might ) haha
@dawnmorandin541 I was frugal in Essex for many years and it's only been this last year that I've let things slide considerably. But I'm doing something about it now. I don't have the financial cushion I did have. X
Hi Tania, your channel is so helpful. I am thinking of retiring at 60 on a much reduced work pension, I am very lucky to have this option. I need to start being frugal again after a few years of overspending🙂
I saved myself £15.15p a month by cancelling the tv licence. I never watched normal tv. I kept prime (£8.99?) because I’d rather watch a film, but I shall probably cancel that too soon. I mostly watch RUclips. I’ve built up my dvd collection (3 for a £1 in my local charity shop). And I’ve got 37 unread books on my bedside table. Well done you for getting a handle on your finances 👏🏻 we have to take control of our finances, most people don’t and end up paying for it.
ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 have free apps that you can watch catch up TV on, there are also lots of other free apps such as Freevee and Pluto. I bought a fire stick to watch them. You don't need a TV licence for any of those, as long as you don't watch anything live
Congratulations , keeping a track of the incoming and outgoing cash 💰 flow is the way forward. I always record the supermarket and gas ⛽️ costs. No tv licence in Oz. Just joined you from Australia 🇦🇺👍
I'm so pleased to have found your channel and have subscribed. I was widowed 15 months ago and, although my 27 year old daughter still lives with me at present, I am finding much of your content applicable to my situation as I plan my life moving forward on my own. So thank you for your videos x
@@fionaH101I'm sorry to hear you lost your husband. Although I'm choosing to live on a smaller income in order to build up my savings again. I sincerely believe that little frugal tweeks can have a massive effect on our finances and lives.
@RoslynKilgore Thank you. I'm learning all the time. My filming and editing is getting better. I'm loving the learning curve! Lovely to hear from you. X
Two occasions when it was worth checking on DDs. My daughter after far too long found a DD for a computer insurance that was for a lap top she hadn't had for a few years. The 2nd thing was about water. The bill comes in twice a year for me and the amount owed was ridiculous as I had only lived i my home for 9 months by that time. It turned out that the previous tenant had left over a year before and hadn't notified the water company. It worked out well for me because my account was opened for that date and I had 9 months free water. I did query it but was assured that the onus was on her. to let them know.
I changed monthly water payment to a variable DD that pays the amount in full when each bill is raised (twice a year). I just make sure I submit a meter reading when they ask. I save the amount I've calculated monthly in a savings pot, then transfer it when the DD is due. I did this as I was annoyed that Dwr Cymru wouldn't reduce my monthly DD even though I was using considerably less than suggested. I don't like companies holding my cash unnecessarily!
Sounds like you've got a great plan! Keeping my fingers crossed for you that your water bill comes down. Great tip about filling the kettle with just enough - am guilty of over-filling and this was a good reminder to curb that habit LOL
Just found your channel, I'm British living in Canada, I was brought up in South Yorkshire in a mining town, so yes I'm frugal or as we say cheap. I was frugal before it was fashionable ! because of my frugal ways we have had a very good standard of living, we have thrifted at thrift stores for over 44 years, when I visited England to visit my parents the first stop was a charity shop , clothes for me and the children, I would leave my clothes there but of course the children grew. I don't understand people who seem to think you have to pay full price for everything or else the product is somehow contaminated, second hand is something you bought yesterday and is now second hand !!! it if was never used then really it is not lol. If you wash or dry clean an item it is okay...anyway looking forward to seeing more of you in 2025. ps: I love meanqueensuperscrimper have watched ilona for years.
ILONA commented on here because she remembers me from 10 years ago when I was Frugal in Essex. I go to a charity shop where everything is £1 and I've picked up a few bits, that I absolutely love. I've bought new and old for my home. Buying the new is what caused my saving to shrink quickly.....hence needing to change my ways! Well done on being frugal, there's a lot of people that could hear a thing or two from people like you. Well done. X
I know there is more to come to complete the story and I look forward to that. I live outside of UK and my state pension is not increased but I can live on it and save some. However 1 day I will probably have to return either for my or my family's health. At present at 74 and older we are all fine. It is hard to plan so your numbers are interesting. Re saving water I have a berkey filter so would put the pre-hotwater in the berkey and use it for drinking and cooking. I would use rainwater to flush toilet, especially in the winter months, and shower water. I have a small paddling pool in the shower and save that water also. Looking forward to electricity and gas. I live in the tropics with hydro electric and I pay approx. $10 for each per month I know your bills will be a shock to me.
@joannacurran8475 Wow, that all sounds so interesting. The cost of living is really hitting hard for many people and I think we have more political shocks to come. My situation is self inflicted and I need to get back to my Frugal ways to build up the financial cushion I used to have. I had a friend who would stand in a baby bath in her shower to save the water in. Paddling pool sounds much better. X
Hi Tania.I'm a first time viewer, very interesting video. I moved onto a water meter last June.Not sure how it will all pan out but I was paying close to £60 each month so Im convinced its going to end up cheaper than that. Another tip for people on a low income.Most water companies have social tarriffs now.They all have different criteria in order to qualify but sometimes if you have just a limited income you can apply & they cap your bill at a low amount.Its probably worth checking out with your water company, just a thought. All good luck with your new venture.
I would almost guarantee your water should work come out cheaper now you're on a meter. I wouldn't qualify for any social tariffs because I have my Civil Service Pension that I'm currently choosing not to spend. But thank you for the info, I'll pass it on. X
Summary: Write everything down No control over Control over Sometimes its worth cancelling you get deals. Check your direct debits, down pay what you dont want. Water, check your meter, reduce your consumption. Reuse your water. Alter direct debit. Take a meter reading. Put brick in your system, or a range of products from water company Smal bag to fill with Airaited shoeer head Nozel for taps Swell gel to allow for less watering of hanging basket. Rain but Only fill your kettle with the amount of water you need. Wear a Jumper before swiching on heating fully. Part 2: covering gas electric and food. Video to come of food purchased for the last 4 weeks. Lx
Sky tried that with me 2 i just cancelled the direct debt and they wernt long in closing the account. They sent me the boxes to send back the boxes still havent done it
My water bill is due any day now. So i'm giving them the benefit of the doubt until I read what that says. Thanks fir the information, much appreciated. X
Keep going Tania. This is useful content and people will find it helpful. I am a bit further along than you, living on a state pension, with a small top up, for 15 years. Now I have no worries because I know how to budget. I got rid of the TV and have paid no licence fee for 20 years. My utilities are paid quarterly on an invoice, no direct debits, I pay in cash. I have a car and just about to pay the annual insurance. £524, I have put aside the cash for that. Anyone who is struggling to pay their living expenses, follow Tania's advice, and write it all down in a notebook. ilona
Thanks Ilona I remember reading your mean queen blogs. They were always useful.
If everyone followed your advice ilona they would be rolling in dough...but some people will take time to come to the light and see how easy frugal living is really very easy once you get over the idea that full price is not realistic on a small budget, no one cares what you paid for something and will never know if you have one pound or 1,000 pounds in your bank. ( well the bank manager might ) haha
@dawnmorandin541 I was frugal in Essex for many years and it's only been this last year that I've let things slide considerably. But I'm doing something about it now. I don't have the financial cushion I did have. X
Hi Tania, your channel is so helpful. I am thinking of retiring at 60 on a much reduced work pension, I am very lucky to have this option. I need to start being frugal again after a few years of overspending🙂
I saved myself £15.15p a month by cancelling the tv licence. I never watched normal tv. I kept prime (£8.99?) because I’d rather watch a film, but I shall probably cancel that too soon. I mostly watch RUclips. I’ve built up my dvd collection (3 for a £1 in my local charity shop). And I’ve got 37 unread books on my bedside table. Well done you for getting a handle on your finances 👏🏻 we have to take control of our finances, most people don’t and end up paying for it.
ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 have free apps that you can watch catch up TV on, there are also lots of other free apps such as Freevee and Pluto. I bought a fire stick to watch them. You don't need a TV licence for any of those, as long as you don't watch anything live
Absolutely right. If you don't know where you are spending your money than how do you have control. Thanks for commenting. X
Congratulations , keeping a track of the incoming and outgoing cash 💰 flow is the way forward.
I always record the supermarket and gas ⛽️ costs. No tv licence in Oz.
Just joined you from Australia 🇦🇺👍
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail is what my husband used to say 😊
It's so true isn't it. A little bit of planning can go a long way. Thanks for commenting. X
I'm so pleased to have found your channel and have subscribed. I was widowed 15 months ago and, although my 27 year old daughter still lives with me at present, I am finding much of your content applicable to my situation as I plan my life moving forward on my own. So thank you for your videos x
@@fionaH101I'm sorry to hear you lost your husband. Although I'm choosing to live on a smaller income in order to build up my savings again. I sincerely believe that little frugal tweeks can have a massive effect on our finances and lives.
I LOVE your lounge chair you are sitting on! All good advice
Thank you for your comment, is really appreciated. X
Well done on your video. I think I used to read your blog a few years ago. Glad I found your channel.
@RoslynKilgore Thank you. I'm learning all the time. My filming and editing is getting better. I'm loving the learning curve! Lovely to hear from you. X
Two occasions when it was worth checking on DDs. My daughter after far too long found a DD for a computer insurance that was for a lap top she hadn't had for a few years.
The 2nd thing was about water. The bill comes in twice a year for me and the amount owed was ridiculous as I had only lived i my home for 9 months by that time. It turned out that the previous tenant had left over a year before and hadn't notified the water company. It worked out well for me because my account was opened for that date and I had 9 months free water. I did query it but was assured that the onus was on her. to let them know.
That was am honourable think for the water company to do. Good to hear. Thanks for commenting.x
I changed monthly water payment to a variable DD that pays the amount in full when each bill is raised (twice a year). I just make sure I submit a meter reading when they ask. I save the amount I've calculated monthly in a savings pot, then transfer it when the DD is due. I did this as I was annoyed that Dwr Cymru wouldn't reduce my monthly DD even though I was using considerably less than suggested. I don't like companies holding my cash unnecessarily!
Sounds like you've got a great plan! Keeping my fingers crossed for you that your water bill comes down. Great tip about filling the kettle with just enough - am guilty of over-filling and this was a good reminder to curb that habit LOL
I've always found small regular changes become ingrained after a while. Thanks for watching and commenting. X
Just found your channel, I'm British living in Canada, I was brought up in South Yorkshire in a mining town, so yes I'm frugal or as we say cheap. I was frugal before it was fashionable ! because of my frugal ways we have had a very good standard of living, we have thrifted at thrift stores for over 44 years, when I visited England to visit my parents the first stop was a charity shop , clothes for me and the children, I would leave my clothes there but of course the children grew. I don't understand people who seem to think you have to pay full price for everything or else the product is somehow contaminated, second hand is something you bought yesterday and is now second hand !!! it if was never used then really it is not lol. If you wash or dry clean an item it is okay...anyway looking forward to seeing more of you in 2025. ps: I love meanqueensuperscrimper have watched ilona for years.
ILONA commented on here because she remembers me from 10 years ago when I was Frugal in Essex. I go to a charity shop where everything is £1 and I've picked up a few bits, that I absolutely love. I've bought new and old for my home. Buying the new is what caused my saving to shrink quickly.....hence needing to change my ways! Well done on being frugal, there's a lot of people that could hear a thing or two from people like you. Well done. X
Just found you. Enjoyed very much. Subscribed.
Thank you, much appreciated. Thanks for commenting.x
New subscriber here. I am living on social security and saving $$$. Always looking for like minded folks!
@@lulucly well you've found one here!
I know there is more to come to complete the story and I look forward to that. I live outside of UK and my state pension is not increased but I can live on it and save some. However 1 day I will probably have to return either for my or my family's health. At present at 74 and older we are all fine. It is hard to plan so your numbers are interesting.
Re saving water I have a berkey filter so would put the pre-hotwater in the berkey and use it for drinking and cooking. I would use rainwater to flush toilet, especially in the winter months, and shower water. I have a small paddling pool in the shower and save that water also.
Looking forward to electricity and gas. I live in the tropics with hydro electric and I pay approx. $10 for each per month
I know your bills will be a shock to me.
@joannacurran8475 Wow, that all sounds so interesting. The cost of living is really hitting hard for many people and I think we have more political shocks to come. My situation is self inflicted and I need to get back to my Frugal ways to build up the financial cushion I used to have. I had a friend who would stand in a baby bath in her shower to save the water in. Paddling pool sounds much better. X
Hi Tania.I'm a first time viewer, very interesting video.
I moved onto a water meter last June.Not sure how it will all pan out but I was paying close to £60 each month so Im convinced its going to end up cheaper than that.
Another tip for people on a low income.Most water companies have social tarriffs now.They all have different criteria in order to qualify but sometimes if you have just a limited income you can apply & they cap your bill at a low amount.Its probably worth checking out with your water company, just a thought.
All good luck with your new venture.
I would almost guarantee your water should work come out cheaper now you're on a meter. I wouldn't qualify for any social tariffs because I have my Civil Service Pension that I'm currently choosing not to spend. But thank you for the info, I'll pass it on. X
Summary:
Write everything down
No control over
Control over
Sometimes its worth cancelling you get deals.
Check your direct debits, down pay what you dont want.
Water, check your meter, reduce your consumption.
Reuse your water.
Alter direct debit. Take a meter reading.
Put brick in your system, or a range of products from water company
Smal bag to fill with
Airaited shoeer head
Nozel for taps
Swell gel to allow for less watering of hanging basket.
Rain but
Only fill your kettle with the amount of water you need.
Wear a Jumper before swiching on heating fully.
Part 2: covering gas electric and food.
Video to come of food purchased for the last 4 weeks.
Lx
Thanks for the summary, much appreciated. I hope you enjoyed it. X
I had the same experience with SKY!!😊
@lynnoorman2144 it's dreadful. And they use so many different phone numbers you can't always tell when it's them calling. Thanks for commenting. X
Sky tried that with me 2 i just cancelled the direct debt and they wernt long in closing the account. They sent me the boxes to send back the boxes still havent done it
Might be worth contacting the water ombudsman ofwat re your consumption and direct debit.
My water bill is due any day now. So i'm giving them the benefit of the doubt until I read what that says. Thanks fir the information, much appreciated. X
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