Fabulously Frugal

Frugal Ideas To Help In 2010

Since launching the blog I have been inundated with lots of idea, hints and tips to add to 'Fabulously Frugal' so first of all a huge thank you to all of you who've been in touch - I'll be adding your information day by day!

Lorraine Lorrimer, whose blog you can read here sent me these tips to share with you but which of them will you be doing?

1. Switch energy suppliers

Loyalty is rarely rewarded so swap around and get the cheapest utility provider possible. Also don't forget to pay by direct debit - it's much cheaper!

2. Be Careful With Your Food Shopping

Walking round the supermarket can cost you a lot more than ordering online so why not look at having your shopping delivered? Plan meals in advance and that way you'll avoid waste and can use the leftovers the next day. Also why not get some additional exercise by growing your own food? It'll be much healthier and tastier!

3. Shop Around For Insurance

With so much competition out there, everyone will want your business so compare quotes - you'll probably be able to save more than you think

4. Make Some Extra Money

If you have a skill that other people need then why not consider making some extra cash by giving lessons or doing some work in your spare time. Just swap watching soap operas for earning some extra money and you're already better off!

5. Stop Smoking

Do I really need to justify this one? Cigarettes now cost around £5 a packet and just stopping one packet a day will save you £35 a week, that's £1825 a year. Just think what difference nearly two thousand pounds in your pocket would make. Incredible!

So  what are you doing to be 'Fabulously Frugal'? Please do keep sending us your ideas - we love them!

It's Not Too Early To Think About Christmas!

Before anyone shouts "Please No - not Christmas!" I really can't avoid suggesting that we all get as organised as possible ready for Christmas 2010 as there are lots of ways in which we can all save money.

I was prompted to think about this when I was listening to Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis who is such a gem, when he was talkin on Radio 2 on Friday and his advice was superb and literally came down to the fact that you DON'T have to spend a fortune on Christmas but for some reason we think that we have to!!

So I've already saved some money personally on Christmas 2010 and here are just a few hints,tips and suggestions that you could use:

• Supermarkets are still selling off their stocks of Christmas cards, crackers, wrapping paper and decoration so why not buy now in the sale? Typical savings are 75% off what you would have paid before Christmas!
• Budget for Christmas - if you know how much you spent this year and know what you need for this year, simply divid that figureby 12 and put a monthly amount away each month. Other alternatives could be to save supermarket saving stamps or purchase gift cards for yourself - a little bit each week soon adds up!
• Christmas cards - ever consider reusing the ones you received this year? I know someone who gets her children involved and they make new ones from the old ones!
• Plan to get together! Instead of hosting and paying for the whole of your Christmas day gathering, why not ask your guests to be involved and make one of the courses? You'd be surprised how much this can save.
• Consider alternative Christmas presents. Why do we tend to give people we love, something that we've bought for them? One of the nicest presents I received involved the recipients time and thought, not their money. You could give a voucher for a day out in the country and have a walk and a picnic. How about a romantic meal for 2 cooked by you?  A pampering or romatic evening in? I'm sure your imagination could come up with lots of suggestions!
• Think about presents you could make yourself this year? I came across some easy and wonderful ideas in the Mail on Sunday for gift ideas that could be easily made at home - candles in china cups and fir cone firelighters. A little bit of gorgeous wrapping and you're giving a very personal present, made with love!

Please do send your ideas to us at info@fabulouslyfrugal.co.uk and we'll share them all here on the blog. Together we'll live fabulously and save lots of money!!

Welcome To Fabulously Frugal - The Blog To Help You Save Money!

Welcome to 'Fabulously Frugal' -the site for anyone who wants to save money whilst still living a fabulous lifestyle!

Can it be done I hear you ask? Of course it can, you simply have to think a little bit more whilst appreciating the life you live. Cava can be as wonderful as champagne after all!

So if you think like we do that there are products out there that can save you money, we'd love to hear to hear from you and share as much information as possible. Together we'll be able to hopefuly earn more, spend less and save more...... sound like a good plan? I hope so!

Watch out for lots of blog posts on products we come across - try and adore, sites we love that will save you a fortune and special offers that we find whilst out and about. The more we share, the more we'll all save!! We'd love to hear from you with all your info and suggestions, please do email us at info@fabulouslyfrugal.co.uk and we'll post as much as we can.

So here's to lots of fun living and being 'Fabulously Frugal'!