Useful money-saving tips for Winter 2022

I've two steamers, one electric which has one or two layers but the other is just like a double pan which goes on the hob.

Potatoes go in the lower saucepan part and vegetables go in the top a bit later to be steamed.

It would be interesting to find out which is most economical.

Thank you.
Any idea how to adjust times to cook 4 poached eggs at once?

No idea Suzique, I think you'll have to experiment.

I’m avoiding using hot water, washing hands and animal bowls in cold. Washing machine is at 30 degrees, dishwasher on Economy. Switching plugs off at the wall. Not charging devices overnight. All cooking done in microwave or toaster. Shop in market. My only supermarket is Waitrose so looking always for reduced items but their own-brand instant coffee is horrible.

I have noticed, seeing out of my upstairs windows when I go to bed. Always in the past, there were some lights on, maybe outside lights, a few house lights. From a week or so ago, nothing, no lights on by any house. I am not alone

Yesterday I finally switched large appliances off at the socket, except the microwave switch, which is in the back of a cupboard near the ceiling

It is getting cooler day by day, not when the sun shines in but the bedroom at night. I have a thermometer/humidity sensor in there. I am still wearing nightwear for a hot summer but bit by bit my body has to adapt and I have just re-made my bed with one extra layer, which will enable me to get to sleep faster

Getting up today, I felt cool but persisted with my very thin cotton gown on top. I cannot adapt unless I allow my body to feel the cool step by step. I saw the comforting woollen housecoat with a hood, wool washed and hanging on my door, not to wear yet. I could not find a decent woollen housecoat with a zip. so I made one. I cannot bear fleece, I saw and felt sparks every time I wore a fleece dressing gown. No sparks from wool

I don`t think there is anything else I can do, just need to allow my body to adapt and it will and it will then cope better with the cooler but not cold, temperature in my home, which I am certain will kick in from october. I have set every thermostat to 18 day and night. I will use savings rather than risk my well-being.

Just need to insert a word of warning. People seem to be very intent on going along with the idea of cutting back on home heating and using things like hot water bottles, heated throws etc. etc. All very good BUT, particularly for those of us who are older, and less mobile - sitting around breathing in cold air can be very, very harmful.

So, it is important to ensure that any room in which you are likely be sitting for some time (say an evening). the air is around eighteen degrees. No point in desperately trying to make extra savings and ending up in hospital or worse!!!

Do think most of these ideas are just tinkering - after all no matter how much you save (use candles to heat a living room??) you will still be having to pay the ridiculously high standing charges. Hope people will put as much effort in letting government know their feelings about this - and not be put off by the on-going 'newspeak' that it is duke to the Ukrainian war. Amazing how other countries in Europe are managing to keep their charges down (mainly by nationalisation).

Anybody on these threads, (or it maybe someone that people know), who are on certain benefits (incl Pension Credit), can obtain a special deal from BT which will give them their landline rental plus broadband for just £15.00 per month.

I have used my microwave for poaching eggs for the last ten years at least. I do have a small 2 egg container - think they cost about two pound to purchase (The Range, Dunelm, etc).

Do remember to prick to the yoke with a fork before putting in the microwave. Cook on a low heat (450), and a little bit of trial and error to find out how long your eggs need in your microwave. Mine are about 1 minute 50 seconds. Quick, easy and cheap. Just a warning, no matter how experienced you are with this, the occasional egg will decide to explode. Just put it down to experience, and remember to clean the microwave immediately, so that nothing sticks in it.

My favourite lunch is half a tin of reduced sugar, etc baked beans (supermarkets own make), on two slices of toasted nimble bread, topped with two poached eggs, plus a large mug of tea. Time to prepare from scratch three minutes, cost - under a pound, nutrition = excellent, - calories about 300.