We’ve made some super savings this week by being frugal. Here we are sharing in the hope that you too can have a think about some of the ways you have made some saving, and other ways you could have saved more too. Thankfully we are learning about more and more ways to save money. Coupons, discount codes, and so on, are just a few.
Also, I’m offering you a freebie that you will be delighted with.
Prom Season Super Savings
I don’t know about you but when I went to Secondary school, there was no such thing as prom. In fact, I went to college and then University and there still was no such thing.
I’m glad now too because I most certainly would not want to splash out any cash but also would not want to miss out either. And for sure, our parents wouldn’t have been able to afford it.
Well, the kids these days have prom as an integral part of their educational experience and I certainly would not want to deny them the experience. However, I do not want to fork out large sums so they can enjoy a few hours of prom time.
This year, I have two young people who have prom so I reckon if I were to go with the crowd and splash out, then prom could easily cost me over £1000. No way! I cant afford that. You can check out the savings I made on prom two years ago when the now 18 year old was having her high school prom.
Well this year, since my 18-year-old has herself a part-time job, she has been able to pay for her requirements for prom herself. (You gotta raise them right!) She didn’t go the expensive route either. She wore the same shoes that I had blinged up for her 2 years ago when she went to her first prom.
And she went for a black dress without all the shiny bits and the cost was reasonable. She sourced it at Everything Five Pounds. They have really nice dresses for a fraction of the cost and most people don’t even know about that amazing site.
She went to a nail bar to get her nails done. That cost £30, which was the biggest cost of prom and I am proud to say that I did her hair myself! Normally that would cost about £65. And on top of that, she would have to provide her own products.
My younger daughter was having her first prom and I am so glad she was enthralled with the dress the older one wore 2 years ago, so I saved it for her. She looked just as beautiful in it.
Some parents I think wouldn’t do that but for me, it was ok. They go to different schools, have different friendship groups and I didn’t force her to wear it, she wanted to.
Her nails were done at the same nail bar, thanks to a gift voucher I had bought her in April for her birthday. At the time, I did ‘suggest’ that she save it for prom time and she did! Phew!
Her make-up she did herself and again, I did her hair and she was really pleased. So prom for two girls cost less than £200!
Super Savings from Free ‘Solar’ Light
At night, for safety reasons, we always leave one light on in the house. Most times, it’s the light downstairs in the hallway or it might be the light on the landing upstairs and occasionally it has been the light in the upstairs bathroom.
Well, as you know, this uses a little electricity which means money spending. It is only a little, but every little adds up.
So I was really pleased to be gifted a motion sensor solar light. You know me. I love a freebie. With my solar light, in the daytime, I put it in the conservatory to charge up and then at night time I just place it on the stairs and it gives a lovely bright glow which dims when there is no movement.
Then when one of us get up in the night, it senses the motion and shines bright. I count that as big savings over time. This comes with a big recommendation from me as well as I think each of us need to do what we can to save the earth. So cliche I know, but so true and practical.
Savings From Free Sunlight
For the past couple of days, most of us have been basking in the amazing sunshine that is around. Whilst many bare a lot of flesh at this time, I take the opportunity to wash any and everything in my home that can be washed. Duvets, blankets, towels, thick bedding, mats and rugs and of course clothes get washed and put out in the sun to dry.
The smell and feel, once they are sun-dried, is amazing and I am glad that I don’t have to use an electrical dyer, I don’t have one anyway. Haha!
So I count myself blessed to have free sunshine for many hours each day. I also am grateful because I have one child who is prone to having Vitamin D deficiency so when there is an abundance, I encourage her to soak up some. After all, it is free and saves the NHS some money at least.
Super Savings From a Baby Gift
After my firstborn, I had to return to work after 3 months. My baby was left in the care of a lady who provided excellent care. She herself had two children, one of whom I fell in love with.
She had the most beautiful eyes and I often told the nanny that I was going to ‘steal’ her daughter. Well, fast forward 18 years later and I have just heard that this ‘child’ is expecting her first child. I was delighted to learn and the first thing that came to mind after the excitement subsided was ‘What can I get the baby as a gift?’
Almost right away, I thought, make her a blanket. So that is exactly what I am doing now. I am making her shades of pink crotchet blanket in waffle stitch. It will be big and beautiful and will cost me just the money for the wool, about £10.
I know it will be loved and treasured for a long time to come. And to think that the real cost would be nearer to £100 if I were to buy it, puts a smile on my face. I have got a pleased look on my face now, just thinking about it.
I am also going to be gifting her a cuddly little pink hedgehog that I made. If you have a skill or can do craft of any sort, consider using that skill when you think of gifting. After all, handcrafted gifts might give more pleasure to the receiver! Think about it.
Savings from Meal Planning
Meal planning continues to be an integral part of our plan to save money. There was an additional dimension this week. We decided to not buy any drink or teas this week but to have our hydration completely from what we have at home in the fridge, freezer or in the garden.
So far we have managed some savings as at-home drinks for the week could cost about £10. So instead we have made, smoothies, iced teas, and milkshakes. They have been a welcome addition as it has been so hot recently. Try it. Especially if you have fruit trees in your garden, you can go on quite an inventive adventure. Make the kids a part of it too. they will love it!
So for the giveaway, you have the chance of winning for yourself a portable sun lounger! How cool is that? Just comment telling us anything you have done recently to save money. That’s it! And just like that you could be the winner of this giveaway.
We are linking with Cass, Emma and Becky again this week. Do let us know what frugal things you’ve been up to.
Your prom savings were fantastic. I’m like you, I don’t get the whole prom thing, but I thought it was great how your girls got themselves all done up for so little cash. It’s still lovely to get dressed up and have a fancy evening, especially when you’re a teenager!
I think my favourite money-saver this week was white vinegar – we managed to eradicate an ant infestation and clean up some battery connectors using vinegar. Who knew?
Lee recently posted…Five Frugal Things We’ve Done 12/07/19
A couple of times a week, I visit my local convenience store shortly before they close in the evening. They reduce the prices of items that have reached their sell-by date and put them on a shelf by the door. Yesterday I bought 8 nectarines for 80p, and last week I bought 2 punnets of grapes for 50p each. In both cases the fruit was still in good condtion, and was less than half price.
I try and go online and compare all of the offers for specific products. When I go to the stores (I live near a city) I always go when they are reducing products so I can get my meats much cheaper.
Up here in Edinburgh we have a “Quali” at the end of Primary School and Prom at the end of High School. This year my youngest had his Quali and I also managed to ensure less than £50 was spent by pricing everything rather than buying on impulse, some friends spent hundreds!
By not going to the local shop every 2 minutes
Our local cafe is also a library, so we have shared taking our own drinks, saving nearly £5 for two of us each visit – and we go so often the cafe staff are now good friends!
I shop at Lidl these days and have saved a fortune by so doing.
Lovely read 🙂 Thank you
I always walk to the supermarket – lidl & morrisons good value
Finally managex to give up smoking – yay! Whos’ in the money?!
That’s the best news ever! So pleased for you. Hope it goes well.
We shop at our local Co Op at 5.15 pm most days when a few items have been reduced. We never know what we will get but it’s very cheap and has saved us loads.
I have signed up to the app Too GoodTo Go
I went through topcashback to get my pet insurance, saved £40.
BY USING TOP CASHBACK WHEN I PURCHASE THINGS I WOULD ANYWAY
Used the Shop and Scan at Sainsburys which adds it up as you go along so I could budget
I’ve cut down on spending money on stationery as I am a little bit of an addict! It’s really worked, I have a total ban for the entire year and I am appreciating the pieces that I already have.
We decided to get milk delivered by our local milkman 3 times a week and it’s saved us a fortune – purely because we would ‘nip’ into the supermarket for milk every couple of days beforehand and come out with a basket or trolley full, now we only go in with a list once a week.
By using vouchers in stores i have managed to save money on my food shopping
We just got an amazing deal on a holiday through Groupon!
Well done and enjoy!
Making a shopping list and sticking to it when food shopping
I’ve walked to town rather than catch the bus
I went to my father in law’s allotment and picked a load of raspberries – free, and better than shop bought!
We have saved money by making our own end of year teacher gifts rather than buying. Weve had loads of compliments on what we have made and a few have even paid us to do them for their child’s teachers!
That’s amazing! Would love to hear what you made.
I’m another one who swears by a shopping list to save me money.
i try and research the cheapest price for items before i buy them. i recently managed to get a double usb plug reduced from £15 down to £3.50!
My home insurance
having a water butt has saved me a lot of water with this dry weather
I use receipt paying apps and one which pays me for playing solitaire!
Being savvy – not buying the first item we liked – shopped around
Even borrowed some costumes from a friend for a school play – saved a packet
Making a shopping list and sticking to it.
I used my Blue Light discount card to save £50 from PC World on a new laptop
I always check sales and discount codes as well as cashback sites.
I also do surveys and last week drew out £60 I had made to put towards starting the Christmas shopping.
You can never start to early and priced wre cheaper earlier in the year
I’ve discovered that shops like B and M sell exactly what I need for half or less the price of my supermarket (oven cleaner, cat litter and, strangely, garlic paste) being a few examples). All just as good quality, so I make a monthly trip and stock up.
We just bought a second hand bedside table for my daughter which she wants to upcycle. It cost £10!
Taking a staycation this summer, to save some cash towards a car
Way to go!
I have decided to take my lunch from home every day this month, except for pay day when I will treat myself at the canteen. This will save me approx £4 per day!! we are going to use the money saved for the kids in the summer holidays
That is such a good plan. Good luck and we are with you all the way. Enjoy your canteen treat too!
I moved a couple of months ago so I’ve been going through boxes of things I haven’t used since moving and putting them on ebay!
Making space and money
I’ve been trying to cut back on un-necessary spending which is difficult with being a single mum/sole parent to three children
Selling grown out of toys clothes and using comparison sites for shopping, utility bills etc saves me money
I saved £18.72 on my shop with Aldi this week compared to other supermarkets
Awesome. Love hearing these stories.
I switched taxi firm, the new one recommended to me is a quid cheaper each journey
th eold envelope theory – 4 envelopes each for 1 week of the month – its saved me a fortune.
Changed shopping in tescos to aldis and lidis
I’ve made the change too and it has saved me hundreds. Well done you!
I always write lists when I go food shopping and plan my meals, it saves a lot of impulsive buying!
I have saved money lately by writing and emailing brands and companies that I use regularly to ask if they have any samples or coupons available, worked a treat and I got some lovely surprises. I’ve joined money saving groups on Facebook too. Entering competitions helps too, as well as shopping at certain times to get reduced items
staying at home to save the pennies
Write a comment about one way that you have managed to save some money recently.
l stocked up my freezer with fresh reduced items from the supermarket
We buy second-hand pine beds to upcycle for DIY projects as a planed bit of pine is £10 in a local shop or £5 on eBay for the bed.
I’d love to see some of your handiwork! In any case, well done and thanks for sharing.
Getting cashback from shopping online!!!
It looks like a decent bit of kit, who gets it? Me or the kids?
I try to look online and compare prices
I’ve started buying fruit and veg from the local market- saving money and packaging at the same time.
i do cash back sites x
We are renovating our house at the moment and on a very tight budget so lots of money saving going on. We shopped around for the best/cheapest tiles and found nicer ones than a big brand shop at half the price which was lovely. We did the tiling ourselves and my boyfriend even studied wiring and did the lights (he got an electrician friend to check them over when he had finished to make sure they were safe). We are looking for furniture on Freecycle and on market place cheap or free and this week I have borrowed a strimmer and a rake and tackled the garden 🙂
You both are doing well! I love hearing about those types of savings. Awesome and thanks so much for sharing.
chnaned supermarkets – now shop in lidl!!!
I have saved every £2 coin in my piggy bank.
Every little adds up.
Dying my own hair and plucking my own eyebrows instead of going to the salon.
By switching our tv/broadband/phone company, got pretty much the same bundle with a different company for half the price!
Way to go!So many people feel like they are stuck with their old supplier and don’t know how to change/move. Well done you!
Amazon prime day deals saved me a bit on baby essentials and i save up all our small change pennies etc (you look after the pennies let the pounds look after themselves)
My bank was offering cashback for shopping at Pets at Home so I ordered some things I needed for my dog going via Quidco as they also had a cashback offer. I just doubled up on the cashback for the same shop!
Well done, you! That’s what I am talking about.
I’m constantly saving money. I’ve shopped around for the things I’ve bought, I’ve also stocked up on items that I can get from poundland etc and I’ve done some DIY.
I am shopping more locally via facebook sites and using cashback sites
I buy a lot of reduced food, and recently I went to a farmers market not long before it closed and bought loads of heavily reduced veg which I froze and used for soup
Way to go!
I get my partner to cut my hair as he makes an amazing job of it! Xx
By not going back to Tescos after it turns out they have put prices up on over a 1000 products
We bought a tent and decided to go camping instead of booking a holiday abroad,
I do a lot of meal planning and bulk cooking which seems to help.
I have managed to reduce my gas bill by £30 a month by ringing my gas supplier and changing the tariff to ‘fixed rate’
Hi, I live in Kent and love to save money on parking. Last weekend we went to two festivals one in London and one in Tunbridge Wells Kent. Both events didn’t have parking included and directed you to the nearest car parks which were costly. We could of used the train but also costly. We parked on the street in London and Tunbridge Wells for free just diesel for the car. Our friends drove to London and we convinced them it was ok to park in the street ( they were nervous even though we showed them the parking sign) I saved around £30 – £40.😁x
That’s such a clever idea! But I can understand your friends’ reservations. We’ve been stung by parking fines more than once!
We’ve been doing it for years and been okay. Must just be lucky thankfully 😉
When we have been having days out I’ve been taking sandwiches and bottles of juice instead of buying something to eat and drink. x
Kim Carberry recently posted…She suddenly seems so grown up. #MySundaySnapshot
Trying to take food to work instead of buying stuff and not drinking so much wine
You’ll certainly make savings that way! Good luck with it!
I have Scottish blood, so i am a natural at saving money! plus the hubby is tight as houses!
i love to forage and recently picked gooseberries and plums growing wild, and made jams and chutneys for my store pantry – also, found some bilberries which we just washed and ate with yogurt – the crop i am looking forward to, though, is blackberries – something very satisfying to think of the tiny punnets for a couple of quid in supermarkets, when i have a basket overflowing for – FREE x
I have taken a long hard look at our shopping bill and we have made changes. Not fun, but we have enough for a short get-away this year already!
Best news today! Good for you.
I have made the swap to Aldi to save money and I do save half of my shopping bill each week. I also try and get vouchers for days out in the summer from cereal boxes etc and take advantage of London Kids Week where kids go free to shows and that helps with fun days out in the summer too
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing
I am trying to make small changes in the products I buy all the time and switching to cheaper ones, I recently changed bin bags which I was paying £1.95 for and now paying £0.65
I always search for discount codes when shopping online!
That’s something I need to get used to. Thanks for the reminder. And good luck with the giveaway.
we have been batch cooking at home and not getting takeaways
That’s a great idea! You will definitely be seeing savings.
We have saved money by not using the tumble dryer as much now the hot weather is here and the setting on the shower which runs at 9Kw has been turned down to no heater.. the water is heated in the loft by the sun so therefore no need for the heater to switch on…… No heating on in the house either ……….. love the savings. x
I love this! Simple yet effective ways to save money. You’ll be so glad you did.
I got a nearly new bike on Facebook – saved myself hundreds and its as good as new
Going to Asda on a Saturday morning and buying Woopsie sticker food mainly meat and fish and freezing it
Great idea! Way to go!
we aren’t going on holiday this year but we have a couple of days out in August. We are going to London on London Kids Week and have booked to see a show as the kids go free that week. I have also brought the train fares now as they are cheaper than buying the on the day
I’ve given up fizzy drinks so that has saved a bit recently.
Buying woopsys at the supermarket or only buying when there is a decent offer on
Girl after our hearts!
I have also made my own playdoh this week as my daughter loves it and we had everything we needed to make it in the cupboards
I use the app Shopmium to find offers in supermarkets
I love this
I have been unplugging and switching off item I am not using to save Money.
i struggle to save, i do online surveys and have a seperate account for that
Taught myself hedgerow wine making. So haven’t bought a bottle of wine in a year.
I created a spreadsheet showing my income and expenditure so i could see what i could cut out to save money.
I was in Tesco last night and found I was there at the right time for the bargains. I bought loads of strawberries at 1/4 the price I’m now making jam with them. Should last my family a wee while.
If you see something on Amazon you want put in your wish list and keep a check on prices. Sandals I wanted were reduced last week, so I purchased and they have now gone up again by 50%. The prices on some items can vary day to day.
Picking up reduced meat, veg etc from the supermarkets
Using a spreadsheet to track my expenses and give myself a set budget
I have bought all my new holiday dresses from either everything five pounds or eBay auctions new with tags. I have a lovely outfit for every night of a weeks holiday for probably around £60
By searching for vouchers online before buying anything. Saved money on our new shed and some new waterproof trainers 🙂
l have started shopping in small trips so we dont have lots of food spoiling or going to waste! You would be amazed how much we saved
I have basically given up having a social life. It’s certainly cheaper this way!
By cutting out my morning coffee
Buy stuff out of the sale fridge that I have regularly, and has limited date and freeze it until I want it
Haggled with Sky to bring my bill down!
I’ve stopped going to the pub!
We’re doing a no spend week once a month (I’d like to increase this to the whole month as some point). I found that it’s made us really think about where we spend and what is a necessity. I also find that a treat means so much more!
not buying stuff i dont really need
I love fresh flowers and they are my treat from Aldi however in the summer I grow sweet peas. 3 small plants on a trellis beautiful in the garden and a vase full every day pretty and smell gorgeous
We do love sweet peas too. Every year Leisa makes sure we have some.
Start using cheaper Supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi and Asda to save money instead of using expensive places like M an S and Sainsbury’s to buy cheaper food to save Money.
Using Charity Shops to get cheaper clothes at good prices instead of paying lots of money only get something similar you like instead of paying much more money for something maybe only a little bit better or not.
We went for a free day out at Legoland using Sun Saver tickets 🙂
Shopping online saves a packet on petrol, taxi and bus fares
Through illness we have had to survive long term on my minimum wage, so belts are well and truly tightened.
I have learnt the best time and day to shop and with yellow label items, imaginative meal preparation and freezer use my weekly shopping bill is now under £20.
Cutting down on food shopping by weekly meal planning
I save all my coppers and silver for a rainy day and it works !
Great job! I used to do that, so I need to go back.
I have been buying cheaper food and less branded versions
I never order anything online without scouring the internet for a voucher first.
That’s something I need to get used to doing. Well done and I hope more of us will start doing this.
look at the super market for all the special offers, then plan my meals around the items.
Raising money with my son for breast cancer – he is saving all is pocket money for little jobs done around the house and being good
That’s a good boy. Well done to you too.
fingers crossed lovely prize x
We got married last month. I saved a fortune by doing my own hair and make up, we got married abroad and for my hair I picked some local flowers and pinned them in my hair.
Awesome! And I am sure you had a blast on your big day! way to go and congratulations
I use coupons from the local paper to save money on days out with the kids in the summer holidays.
Great going! It will all be worth it.
i do the sun thing too i wash everything i can from the bedding to the little rugs in the bathroom and hallways 🙂 i love a bit of free
I look for bargains I got loads of meat on the sale for £5 x
I always make a shopping list and stick to it – no browsing! Also never food shop when you are hungry – you will end up buying more than you need.
I picked up some short dated sandwiches (25p ) for my lunch, lots of thinking do i really need this item and putting things back
I have started only buying things I need when I need them.
We watch fuel prices. And aim to buy at cheapest price. So if means it’s out of town :- Then we fill up / fuel up when we are in the area of cheapest price. As we also do supermarket shop for bargains available in the supermarket nearby. As well as visit nearby shops :- Given sufficient time on occasion.
We tend to watch fuel prices. As require fuel in order to get out and about :- Essential. We tend to buy other essentials in town supermarket, as cheaper than local shops. We have to watch prices as we are on a very limited budget. So finances and prices impact immensely on our quality of life / health and wellbeing, etc.