Update on Frugal February

Tuesday, February 21, 2012



Essential spending only. Just three little words, to which I've applied three simple rules.

Use existing products.
My moisturiser, cleanser and favourite mascara ran out, and although these could be seen as an 'essential', I decided that it was time to use all the samples I have, items from Glossybox and travel size items. I'm actually rather enjoying seeing the stock diminish but that's just my inner neat freak.

Make a list and stick to it.
I pop to the supermarket on a daily basis to buy ingredients required for supper but often buy a magazine or treat of some kind. I've banned myself from doing this and to help I write a list, including my lunches for the week - if its not written down it ain't getting in (to my basket).

Avoid temptation.
I've unsubscribed to emails from high street retailers (I wonder if they've noticed the dip in sales). It has stopped my lunchtime browsing and I've avoided going into the town centre as I am physically unable to just window shop.

All of these things could be applied year round really. I think with a little planning a lot of hidden expenditure could be avoided. Taking lunches to work for example and writing a shopping list, it takes a few minutes but saves £'s.

Have you been taking part? How do you cut back?

Check out how everyone else has been getting on during Frugal February.

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17 comments

  1. Great tips Hazel!

    My boyfriend and I have direct debits to pay our bills and take a set amount of money out for petrol and food and put it in a jar. We send some to a savings account every month and whatever is left we divide by 4 (the number of weeks in a month) and that's our weekly "pocket money" to spend on treats, nights out etc. and we don't go over that amount!

    Lisa x

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    1. That's very organised! It always tends to be my pocket money that gets out of hand... but a new app, MoneyBook is helping me keep track of it.

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  2. These are great tips, I really need to start writing a shopping list. It's the number one thing I waste money on!
    I awarded you a Versatile Blogger Award over on my blog =) x

    http://emsipop.blogspot.com/

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    1. Aww thank you... I'l pop over and take a look :)

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  3. You are fabulous! I might have to adopt this for March! x

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  4. Good idea, I wish I could be er controlled enough to do the same. Buying things makes me happy at the moment...I realise how bad that sounds!

    Anyway, great blog, I'm now following xx

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  5. I like trying to use up bottles of stuff. I'm sick of bubble bath and moisturisor, never use it and always accumulate. Gah.

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  6. Really? I use gallons of bubble bath! Body lotion on the other hand is another matter entirely.

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  7. Hi - this title caught my eye as I have been frugal since the end of December. I wish I could say it had enriched my life but instead I just struggle through! No, it's really not that bad. I too have staved off going to the shops of looking at what is there through email and scanning the web. It does work; what you don't want you won't buy. I have caved a couple of times - for kinda essential items, but otherwise I have been pretty damn good! It does feel good. Yey! Lou x

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    1. It does feel good doesn't it? The further into the month I get the more I've found myself saying 'I really don't need that', I may even continue after the challenge has finished...

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  8. I love using up samples, I have so many hair products stashed in a box that I need to get through. I've put a ban on buying all beauty products unless I run out of every type! xx

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    1. I'm becoming a little obsessed with finishing things - each one feels like a little victory lol!

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  9. I am learning to avoid the temptation. I have to make a conscious effort not to go on certain websites because I know I will buy something.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  10. I am a nightmare I have so many half used bottles of things!!! I need to try and use things up xx

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  11. Planning out a week's worth of meals before going to the grocery is the biggest money saving tip I've come across.

    I'm also trying to use up some of my products, I have a cabinet stuffed with sample and trial sizes of everything. It feels so good to use things up and recycle the empty bottles!

    Another thing I've found that really helps is when I want something, I wait a few days before taking any action. Usually by that time I realize that I don't really need it.

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    1. Thats a good idea... I'll give that a go (no promises though!)

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  12. great ideas here, I really need to take note! I'm guilty of buying the odd treat when doing food shopping too :p I've also unsubscribed from a few things.. xx

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Thank you for taking the time to comment x

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All products that are featured on Hazel’s World of Joy have been purchased by me unless otherwise stated. Any PR samples, items that have been sent to me for review or similar will be declared as such at the end of the post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.