Every Friday I share five frugal things that I’ve done to save or make money. I believe that a frugal lifestyle is an individual thing and there is no right or wrong way of going about it. From the smallest of savings to the greatest it all adds up and contributes to us living the life that we want for less.

Five Frugal Things

I thought I would get the year off to a good money-saving start by checking Olio before going shopping this week. There was so much to choose from and I was actually quite shocked at the sheer amount of surplus food available.

I collected two bags full of tinned goods, the things I couldn’t make use of have already been donated to the food bank.  There was also lots of fresh offerings so I stocked up on essentials for the week, lots could be frozen too.

I updated all my financial spreadsheets for the new year to look at where savings could be made. I’ve cancelled some subscriptions we were no longer using and also made a note in my planner of renewal dates for utilities and services. Being organised like this always helps to save a lot of money.

I’ve done lots of paid surveys this week as well as signed up for some more market research companies. Just before Christmas, I did an online diary followed up by a zoom call focus group which I really enjoyed and it was really well paid. I’m hoping to find even more opportunities this year and build up our savings with any money earned.

My first prize for 2022 arrived this week and it was a great one. I won a £150 Theatre Token gift card. We just need to decide what we want to see as there are so many great shows on at the moment. I’m going to try and win an overnight stay and a meal to go with it so we can make it into a real winning weekend.

I’ve been testing out some of the other settings on my washing machine to see if I could reduce the energy consumption. I have a habit of finding one cycle and washing on that no matter the load which is silly when there are so many options to reduce washing time. Not only will I save money on energy but clothing also lasts much better when not overwashed.

If you have enjoyed reading this you might also like last weeks Five Frugal Things.

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