Hey,

JUst wanted to say thanks for all the advice. Think we've managed it!! Here's what I've done

Switched to own brand foods, which along with online shopping has saved us about £45 a month (cant believe its that huge a saving but we did 2 baskets to check and thats about right!!!)

Reduced our virgin package, we're now on the cheapest for everything but the phone but as I use that a lot during the day it would be silly to change that one! And I've convinced DH to cancel the sports with the deal that he can go to the pub with his bro for the major games (about once a month and he'll spend less than the sports package is)

Instead of freecycling all the stuff I've been planning on getting rid of we've put it in the loft and are gonna do a car boot sale soon

We've planned free days out over the next few months as we're so near loads of great places

No more takeaways!!!

Making my little bro get a job of some sort and pay his way!!!!

We were actually doing quite well until he moved in so the last one is probably the really important one!!! We'll never be rich but we were coping! We'd even managed to save for a nice holiday which we go on next week so can't have been doing too badly!

Childminding wise...I take dd out every day to something so hopefully that's something. A couple of mums are heading back to work soon so fingers crossed! I've had 2 enquiries now and they both said that they found out about me from the leaflets we posted in our area last week! Both also only part time but its a start!!!

Ali

Good work Ali!

Hey, never say you'll never be rich - some of the wealthiest people around are frugal types so once you're over the hump and you can start making your money work for you, who knows where you might end up!

Hope your brother manages to find a job soon, I'll keep my fingers crossed for him. Keep letting us know how you're getting on with the childminding and everything and most of all enjoy your holiday :-)

Agree with Sam and Moss.It isnt only poor folk who have to be frugal at times.Also the saying take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves is a very useful saying.Choosing to be frugal is different from having to be. I actually am too frugal to do the lottery but not too frugal to save using premium bonds. You never know one day!!!!Re paying keep. My ds has to pay a third of the utility bills even if your bro on benifits he should be able to pay a percentage for everyday stuff . If he is under the age to claim jobseekers it is worth looking into the education allowances for apprentices ships
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/OptionsAt16/DG_4001327

Hope this is some use. If he is under 19 put this under his nose!!!!It may get him focused.

Good luck and congrats with what you have done so far.

 

Ancarra