Dear reader,
A big welcome to New World-thanks for reading and following. I now have 11 followers!
It's so lovely to read your comments and see new followers. It's the first time I've ever written a blog and I'm enjoying it greatly.
My blog was inspired by looking up money saving ideas on the Internet and ways to pay off our mortgage by saving money elsewhere. I didn't realise there were so many brilliant blogs out there with like minded people all doing their bit to save money and try to live on less.
I am hoping to get more followers but I must admit I do find it hard to think of things which you might find interesting, after all I can only give you snippets of my life and hope you might like them.
I often get writers block and wonder what on earth to write.
I'd thought I'd tell you a bit more about me tonight.
I'm a 42 (Scorpio) female.
Have put on weight which I'm cross about and am about 2-3 stones over what I'd like to be.
I smoke, which I am desparate to stop for both health and money reasons but mainly health.
I love cooking (and eating, hence the overweight)
I can take or leave alcohol-Vodka and diet coke or wine
Love holidays abroad but have very recently developed a hatred of flying. Totally petrified! To the point of tears. Don't know why.
No children-met the right man too late.
Love animals especially dogs and horses but anything really.
Work full time (long hours)
Like gardening and general home making
Enjoy long walks and try to on days off wherever possible.
Love National Trust days out which we joined this year.
Goal this year- to find willpower to stop smoking, get slimmer and fitter. I have others but think these are most important to start with.
Any tips for quitting the deadly cigarettes? Have tried patches, spray and hypnosis.
Please, please do add a comment if you have.
Sarah x
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Mortgage vs Flash show offs
Dear reader,
Big man and I bought our house last March. We are no financial whiz kids but we know our interest rate, the years we have left and how much we pay per month.
We are extremely keen to overpay when we can afford to and reduce this as well as saving a substantial amount of interest.
While at work, Big Man and his colleagues were discussing house purchases and mortgages and he told them about this link to work out how much you can save by overpaying,
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/mortgage-overpayment-calculator
How shocking is this: None of them knew about over paying, one of them thought you got penalised however much you over paid, none of them knew the interest rate they had signed up to, a few of them didn't even know how much they pay each month. One of them was paying interest only and had forgotten this didn't pay back the capital and one of them had a 10 year longer mortgage than he realised.
These are the same people who holiday abroad, who feel hard done by if they don't eat out, who insist on designer goods and clothing and all the latest gadgets. They mock me because I don't have an up to date, trendy mobile phone that tells me when to change my socks!
They can tell you the exact price of the new Fruit named phone due out and all the rest of it.
One of them actually brags that his girlfriend expects designer gear for her birthday. Is that something to be proud of?
I was proud of my boyfriend today, he knows all the important things about our mortgage and that his girlfriend only wants a kiss on her birthday.
She who laughs last, laughs longest!
On a nicer note, my food shopping is lasting well. Made one chicken do 3 meals for the two of us.
Cooked it on Sunday and had a roast dinner, did loads of veg, roast spuds, yorkies. Plated up 2 more of the same meal to have on Monday evening. Saved a breast and chopped it up with red pepper, mayonnaise and salad for lunch today. Very pleased.
Do have a look at the overpayment calculator, it's any eye opener.
Have a great evening readers.
Sarah. X
Big man and I bought our house last March. We are no financial whiz kids but we know our interest rate, the years we have left and how much we pay per month.
We are extremely keen to overpay when we can afford to and reduce this as well as saving a substantial amount of interest.
While at work, Big Man and his colleagues were discussing house purchases and mortgages and he told them about this link to work out how much you can save by overpaying,
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/mortgage-overpayment-calculator
How shocking is this: None of them knew about over paying, one of them thought you got penalised however much you over paid, none of them knew the interest rate they had signed up to, a few of them didn't even know how much they pay each month. One of them was paying interest only and had forgotten this didn't pay back the capital and one of them had a 10 year longer mortgage than he realised.
These are the same people who holiday abroad, who feel hard done by if they don't eat out, who insist on designer goods and clothing and all the latest gadgets. They mock me because I don't have an up to date, trendy mobile phone that tells me when to change my socks!
They can tell you the exact price of the new Fruit named phone due out and all the rest of it.
One of them actually brags that his girlfriend expects designer gear for her birthday. Is that something to be proud of?
I was proud of my boyfriend today, he knows all the important things about our mortgage and that his girlfriend only wants a kiss on her birthday.
She who laughs last, laughs longest!
On a nicer note, my food shopping is lasting well. Made one chicken do 3 meals for the two of us.
Cooked it on Sunday and had a roast dinner, did loads of veg, roast spuds, yorkies. Plated up 2 more of the same meal to have on Monday evening. Saved a breast and chopped it up with red pepper, mayonnaise and salad for lunch today. Very pleased.
Do have a look at the overpayment calculator, it's any eye opener.
Have a great evening readers.
Sarah. X
Monday, 28 January 2013
The price of beauty.
Dear reader,
I have just come home from work and as always, I read any comments you have sent me and do my replies. I always reply and I love to hear from you.
I then read the Daily Mail online..... I found a great article today called "What's the price of you daily routine-from Skinflint to Spendthrift, three women's beauty secrets"
One woman spends £907.90
Quote, "I'd rather scrimp on other things and face the world full of confidence."
One woman spends £550.78
Quote, "But, compared with previous years, believe it or not, this is beauty austerity for me."
One woman spends £69.76
Quote, "And with that, I’m ready — as I’ll ever be — for my close-up.
I have just come home from work and as always, I read any comments you have sent me and do my replies. I always reply and I love to hear from you.
I then read the Daily Mail online..... I found a great article today called "What's the price of you daily routine-from Skinflint to Spendthrift, three women's beauty secrets"
One woman spends £907.90
Quote, "I'd rather scrimp on other things and face the world full of confidence."
One woman spends £550.78
Quote, "But, compared with previous years, believe it or not, this is beauty austerity for me."
One woman spends £69.76
Quote, "And with that, I’m ready — as I’ll ever be — for my close-up.
I found it strange that they only bought one bottle of shampoo and one of conditioner for the whole year. Anyway, I decided to tot up my own beauty goods, here goes......all my prices are a rough guide but not much more or less.
Revlon colour stay foundation £9-last me a year. (I mix it with moisturiser)
Cheapest blusher £5
Eyeliner £1 (black)
Lipstick £5
Mascara £10
Eyeshadow £10 (still using stuff I bought in 2008)
Hairdye £20 (4x£5)
Shampoo and conditioner £10 (a few bottle of the cheap stuff)
So about £70. They haven't included hair dye and only x1 bottle of shampoo a year!
I have had all my make up at least a year or two so I'm probably half that.
I've done all the top brands before. The special under eye sticks, the puff your lips up lipstick, the dewy eye drop stuff, the make your teeth as white as snow paste, the make your eyes big, your bum small and your boobs as pert as an 18 year old, the heated eyelash curlers, hair extensions to give you more hair, the hot waxes to give you less hair, you know where (leave all dignity at the door,)
The spray tans, the false eyelashes, the French manicure, (hands and feet if you please!)
I'm exhausted just typing it all..........
No more, enough is enough. I am enough as I am. Yes, a little make up is a great confidence booster and we all like to look good but I am refusing to spend any more money on all this stuff. If you don't like how I look, best not to look then. I do my hair, I put on a bit of make up and that's my lot. Take it or sod off.
I will use what I have, I will make it last and do the best I can with what I have.
I will drink water for my skin, eat well and go to bed earlier. That's the best I can do for myself.
You know, I looked at the three pictures of these women and a small part of me begged for the £900 one to look loads better.............you know the answer.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Supermarket cheesed me off!
Dear reader,
It's sunny here in Buckinghamshire, my garden is green once more, the birds are singing, it's warmer, I can walk down my path without fear of ending up on my bum, (which still has a most impressive purple bruise)
I was wondering what to blog about today and decided to make it something we all have to do. Purchasing, buying, shopping, spending our hard earned cash.
I did a load of food shopping the other night and now, due to my desire to save money, not get ripped off and pay the best price, I look at the price per kilo, or whatever they show it it.
Dear reader, DO WE LOOK STUPID? This cheesed me off.
There was cheddar cheese with "special offer" shown on the shelf. It was placed at eye level, where they put everything they want you to buy. People were just picking it up. Not me, oh no. I wanted to know the price per kilo £8.70 or something similar when the regular cheese was only £5.71 per kilo. I checked all the other chedders and the special offer was among the most expensive. So what's special about it? I reckon the cheese chairman plays golf with the supermarket chairman on a Saturday!
It was the same with the smoked salmon, Special Offer , buy me, buy me was much more expensive than the decent regular one.
In fact it was the same all round the shop. They even had a section with different items "all on special" which in fact were the same or more expensive than other items in their section.
What are they doing? Why do they try to get us to buy something by making out its a great offer when it's not? It really annoys me.
I refuse to be bamboozled into buying something by confusing prices. My bank are the same, they are always asking me if I want to upgrade my account and get a load of "free" stuff. They then tell me is £10 a month fee. Well it's not free then is it? In fact, they are crafty buggers, it's £15 fee a month but they give you £5 bonus if you pay in over £2k or something and they knock this off the fee.
Don't try to bamboozle me with word playing, I keep on and on asking this and that and getting them to explain it fully. They don't bother asking anymore! I was in sales for 17 years, I know all the tricks and phrases, the power of silence and the selling points.
I really dislike this perception that the public are a bit thick. Am I the only one who thinks the TV adverts are patronising and childish?
I know from reading some of your blogs, we refuse to be taken in by clever marketing and we are a clever lot when it comes to saving and shopping.
What things do you look out for when you are shopping?
Have you got any tips or things that make you cross?
Sarah. X
It's sunny here in Buckinghamshire, my garden is green once more, the birds are singing, it's warmer, I can walk down my path without fear of ending up on my bum, (which still has a most impressive purple bruise)
I was wondering what to blog about today and decided to make it something we all have to do. Purchasing, buying, shopping, spending our hard earned cash.
I did a load of food shopping the other night and now, due to my desire to save money, not get ripped off and pay the best price, I look at the price per kilo, or whatever they show it it.
Dear reader, DO WE LOOK STUPID? This cheesed me off.
There was cheddar cheese with "special offer" shown on the shelf. It was placed at eye level, where they put everything they want you to buy. People were just picking it up. Not me, oh no. I wanted to know the price per kilo £8.70 or something similar when the regular cheese was only £5.71 per kilo. I checked all the other chedders and the special offer was among the most expensive. So what's special about it? I reckon the cheese chairman plays golf with the supermarket chairman on a Saturday!
It was the same with the smoked salmon, Special Offer , buy me, buy me was much more expensive than the decent regular one.
In fact it was the same all round the shop. They even had a section with different items "all on special" which in fact were the same or more expensive than other items in their section.
What are they doing? Why do they try to get us to buy something by making out its a great offer when it's not? It really annoys me.
I refuse to be bamboozled into buying something by confusing prices. My bank are the same, they are always asking me if I want to upgrade my account and get a load of "free" stuff. They then tell me is £10 a month fee. Well it's not free then is it? In fact, they are crafty buggers, it's £15 fee a month but they give you £5 bonus if you pay in over £2k or something and they knock this off the fee.
Don't try to bamboozle me with word playing, I keep on and on asking this and that and getting them to explain it fully. They don't bother asking anymore! I was in sales for 17 years, I know all the tricks and phrases, the power of silence and the selling points.
I really dislike this perception that the public are a bit thick. Am I the only one who thinks the TV adverts are patronising and childish?
I know from reading some of your blogs, we refuse to be taken in by clever marketing and we are a clever lot when it comes to saving and shopping.
What things do you look out for when you are shopping?
Have you got any tips or things that make you cross?
Sarah. X
Saturday, 26 January 2013
What do I know?
Dear reader,
I was having a read of some of the blogs I follow and a lot of people write with great authority on subjects they are good at, hobbies such as quilting, crafts and cooking.
There are blogs from wonderful people who have paid off vast sums of money, paid off their mortgage or have a really good life for very little money.
Yes, I could tell you about what I've cooked but I'm a basic cook and am sure you have better skills than I.
It got me wondering, what do I know about that could save people money?
I do all the usual things we read about, cutting down on energy consumption, shopping clever, making our own products and so on.
I used to work in the travel industry and thought that some of you may be booking or thinking of a holiday this year?
There are many, many ways to now book a trip. Internet being the main way now although some people do still use a travel agent for the face to face experience.
However you book, either flights and find your own accommodation or the full package there is one thing that all the companies will be trying to sell you.
Travel Insurance. This is a minefield and lots of people get caught out.
The reason they try so hard to flog it to you is the mark up. From 50% upwards I would suggest.
A lot of companies won't take your booking unless you already have insurance in place. Why on earth not? Just another way to try to get you to buy theirs.
Here are my tips on travel insurance. (I am not an insurance broker or expert and have no interest in the selling of it)
Do not be rushed in purchasing it.
Shop around but be aware you get what you pay for.
You must be aware of pre existing medical conditions. This will include diabetes, high blood pressure, previous illness. You must say what medication you are on.
If there is anyone who may affect you travelling, ie: you have a relative who has a pre existing medical condition and fall ill before or while you are away, (even if they are not travelling but you may cancel if they fall ill) the insurers may not pay out unless you told them beforehand.
Any insurance you get free via a bank account or credit card will probably only be very very basic cover and you MUST check the policy before you rely on it.
I wouldn't want to pay more than £30 max for an adult for 2 weeks in the med. There will be cheaper and I have had a look at these cheap ones before. great price but i wouldnt want to try to claim on them.
A lot of talk about the EU health card but it only gets you what the locals would get in that country.
I decided against a holiday this year but I have to admit after the cold spell I am feeling rather tempted by a bit of sun and sand.
How about you, have you plans for anywhere abroad this year?
Sarah. X
I was having a read of some of the blogs I follow and a lot of people write with great authority on subjects they are good at, hobbies such as quilting, crafts and cooking.
There are blogs from wonderful people who have paid off vast sums of money, paid off their mortgage or have a really good life for very little money.
Yes, I could tell you about what I've cooked but I'm a basic cook and am sure you have better skills than I.
It got me wondering, what do I know about that could save people money?
I do all the usual things we read about, cutting down on energy consumption, shopping clever, making our own products and so on.
I used to work in the travel industry and thought that some of you may be booking or thinking of a holiday this year?
There are many, many ways to now book a trip. Internet being the main way now although some people do still use a travel agent for the face to face experience.
However you book, either flights and find your own accommodation or the full package there is one thing that all the companies will be trying to sell you.
Travel Insurance. This is a minefield and lots of people get caught out.
The reason they try so hard to flog it to you is the mark up. From 50% upwards I would suggest.
A lot of companies won't take your booking unless you already have insurance in place. Why on earth not? Just another way to try to get you to buy theirs.
Here are my tips on travel insurance. (I am not an insurance broker or expert and have no interest in the selling of it)
Do not be rushed in purchasing it.
Shop around but be aware you get what you pay for.
You must be aware of pre existing medical conditions. This will include diabetes, high blood pressure, previous illness. You must say what medication you are on.
If there is anyone who may affect you travelling, ie: you have a relative who has a pre existing medical condition and fall ill before or while you are away, (even if they are not travelling but you may cancel if they fall ill) the insurers may not pay out unless you told them beforehand.
Any insurance you get free via a bank account or credit card will probably only be very very basic cover and you MUST check the policy before you rely on it.
I wouldn't want to pay more than £30 max for an adult for 2 weeks in the med. There will be cheaper and I have had a look at these cheap ones before. great price but i wouldnt want to try to claim on them.
A lot of talk about the EU health card but it only gets you what the locals would get in that country.
I decided against a holiday this year but I have to admit after the cold spell I am feeling rather tempted by a bit of sun and sand.
How about you, have you plans for anywhere abroad this year?
Sarah. X
Friday, 25 January 2013
Trying to buy organic
Dear reader,
Just come back from supermarket as I went late on my way back from work.
As you may know I have decided to copy some of you and buy less meat but what I do buy will be organic. Easy? That's what I thought......
Have e-mailed someone who offers a service of buying your meat directly from Smithfield Market in London. He replied and asked what I needed. I gave him, what I thought was quite a large order of 20-30chicken breast and the same of steaks and asked for a price.
Never heard from him since.
I then contacted an organic beef and lamb farm and asked for a mixed beef pack and half a lamb.
Never heard back from them either.
So, reluctantly went off to the supermarket and found a very dismal range.
Managed to get some lamb and minced beef both organic but had to have a free range whole chicken.
I have bought a months worth of food for £150 and hopefully we will manage with that and just top ups for milk etc.
How do you manage if you buy organic?
Sarah x
Just come back from supermarket as I went late on my way back from work.
As you may know I have decided to copy some of you and buy less meat but what I do buy will be organic. Easy? That's what I thought......
Have e-mailed someone who offers a service of buying your meat directly from Smithfield Market in London. He replied and asked what I needed. I gave him, what I thought was quite a large order of 20-30chicken breast and the same of steaks and asked for a price.
Never heard from him since.
I then contacted an organic beef and lamb farm and asked for a mixed beef pack and half a lamb.
Never heard back from them either.
So, reluctantly went off to the supermarket and found a very dismal range.
Managed to get some lamb and minced beef both organic but had to have a free range whole chicken.
I have bought a months worth of food for £150 and hopefully we will manage with that and just top ups for milk etc.
How do you manage if you buy organic?
Sarah x
Monday, 21 January 2013
Are we paying for nonsense?
Dear reader,
I was walking behind a girl wearing a smart pair of Ugg boots today and I smiled as I remember buying my first pair in a previous life when named stuff was important.
It was 2003 and I bought them in Harrods, as you do! A long tan pair, £125 and I hustled other girls out of the way to get the last 39 in stock. HA!
I remember wearing them when I was at an airport going on a short weekend break to the Canaries, as you do when you have a free weekend! I saw a couple of young women nudge each other and point to my cherished boots as I walked past. I had a right old smug look, another HA!
That was several years ago and I do laugh a bit when I think of those times. Times when labels were important and smugness was a plenty.
Now, I wear my beloved fur boots from Marks that big man bought me two birthdays ago. They have a proper sole and don't flop over at the sides.
I buy clothes from boot sales and ebay and can make make up last, oh for years. I know there are some who say its past its sell by date and unhygienic but I'm not bothered and a bit of old foundation won't kill me.
I have a stash of creams in my drawer that I am making last and I don't mind telling you that, at the moment a rather rich cracked heel cream is going on my face and its very nice too!
I'm sure the cream doesn't know if its going on my face or my feet.
I buy the cheapest shower gel and you know what? It works.
I buy the cheapest shampoo and it works too.
I'm not buying any clothes this year, I have plenty. (I'd have loads more if I could ditch a stone or 2)
I buy the cheapest anti-persperant and it works. I hope so anyway.
I read an article about £650 face cream yesterday. It's this, it's that, it will make you look younger, blah, blah. The trouble is, when you're 70 how will you know if its worked or not? And will you even care?
Perfume cost pennies to make but if it was really cheap no-one would buy it.
So, my thought for today as I rub foot cream into my face, is HA! to over priced, designer names that are probably all made in the same place and my new smugness comes from the extra money in my bank account.
What do you use that's cheap and cheerful?
Sarah
I was walking behind a girl wearing a smart pair of Ugg boots today and I smiled as I remember buying my first pair in a previous life when named stuff was important.
It was 2003 and I bought them in Harrods, as you do! A long tan pair, £125 and I hustled other girls out of the way to get the last 39 in stock. HA!
I remember wearing them when I was at an airport going on a short weekend break to the Canaries, as you do when you have a free weekend! I saw a couple of young women nudge each other and point to my cherished boots as I walked past. I had a right old smug look, another HA!
That was several years ago and I do laugh a bit when I think of those times. Times when labels were important and smugness was a plenty.
Now, I wear my beloved fur boots from Marks that big man bought me two birthdays ago. They have a proper sole and don't flop over at the sides.
I buy clothes from boot sales and ebay and can make make up last, oh for years. I know there are some who say its past its sell by date and unhygienic but I'm not bothered and a bit of old foundation won't kill me.
I have a stash of creams in my drawer that I am making last and I don't mind telling you that, at the moment a rather rich cracked heel cream is going on my face and its very nice too!
I'm sure the cream doesn't know if its going on my face or my feet.
I buy the cheapest shower gel and you know what? It works.
I buy the cheapest shampoo and it works too.
I'm not buying any clothes this year, I have plenty. (I'd have loads more if I could ditch a stone or 2)
I buy the cheapest anti-persperant and it works. I hope so anyway.
I read an article about £650 face cream yesterday. It's this, it's that, it will make you look younger, blah, blah. The trouble is, when you're 70 how will you know if its worked or not? And will you even care?
Perfume cost pennies to make but if it was really cheap no-one would buy it.
So, my thought for today as I rub foot cream into my face, is HA! to over priced, designer names that are probably all made in the same place and my new smugness comes from the extra money in my bank account.
What do you use that's cheap and cheerful?
Sarah
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