Showing all posts tagged frugal

In MoneySaving

Slashing Back to School Costs #FrugalLiving

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

Money Money MoneyI’m on a mission to cut back on expenses this summer. School uniform and everything else that comes with a new school year tends to cost me a fortune however this year I’m really pleased at having saved myself a fortune.

I now have everything delivered or en-route and have spent a total of £21.27.

Do I Need That
It is tempting over the summer to make a list of everything your kids use or wear at school and then buy it so that everything is shiny and new. This year I made the list and then re-checked drawers and wardrobes for t-shirts, stationery and anyting else that would do fine until at least Christmas time. Kieran’s winter coat (a Slazenger one bought for an absolute song in a size slightly too large earlier in the year in the SportsDirect sale) is absolutely fine, I replaced a load of PE kit before sports day (as you do) so that’s covered and I’ve more pencils and pens than I know what to do with so they’ve been knocked off the list.

Uniform
Fast growing boys who play football on the school yard will wreck or grow out of their trousers at an alarming rate. I’ve shopped just about everwhere for uniform that lasts and Tesco has always come out on top price and quality-wise. I doubled up some of my Tesco Clubcard vouchers in the Boost and got all of his shirts, trousers, new swimming shorts, new socks etc all for £0. In fact, £3 will be credited back to my account to use next time.

School Shoes
Sadly our local shoe shop is closing in a couple of weeks (I’m furious about this, it’ll be such a big loss to the town). What this does mean however is that I’ve been able to get a really nice pair of school shoes, new plimsols and a swim bag for the grand total of £18.97 with cosing down reductions.

School Bag & PE Sweater
Kieran desperately needed a new school bag and a sweatshirt to put in his PE bag for outdoor autumn/winter PE. Using some Nectar points I’d built up I cashed out some for a £10 ebay voucher and so the order for these (all new) came to £2.30.

So, everything sorted in good time and for a grand spend of £21.27. I am calling that a budgeting win!

 

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In Family Time, Food, Frugal Living, MoneySaving

A Frugal Summer Holiday – The Beginning

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on 4 Comments

Today is day one of the school and pre-school summer holidays and apart from the two days a week that Taylor will be with his childminder I’ll have both boys at home. I’ll be working throughout the hols and as ever am supremely thankfully that I am my own boss and that I’ll be able to work flexible hours around the kid. There will be many early mornings and late nights over the next six weeks but I like a challenge and previous summers haven’t beaten me yet!

Due to changes with husband’s job recently we’ll have to tighten our belts somewhat over the coming months however being of a moneysaving mind anyway and being no stranger to frugal living we see this as a challenge as opposed to something negative.

I’ll keep posting as we move through the summer about saving money on food, treats, activities for the boys and more and perhaps some of these posts will be useful for others?

Here’s to a fabulous fun and frugal family summer holiday!

Dropping down a brand, shopping around, meal planning and being clever with leftovers are all part of how we are saving money this summer.
Dropping down a brand, shopping around, meal planning and being clever with leftovers are all part of how we are saving money this summer.
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