Cutting back

Apart from the central heating and a few other gadgets like washer-dryers, most of the ways in which people say they are cutting down are really negligible in the amount of money they will save over a year. However they do provide a vehicle for virtue signalling of the highest order.

Peaseblossom

I don’t understand why people are unplugging toasters etc. it’s not like they’re n standby like the TV. I don’t want to have to keep resetting the microwave clock either!

Trickle current.its a thing.

I don’t understand why people are unplugging toasters etc. it’s not like they’re n standby like the TV. I don’t want to have to keep resetting the microwave clock either!

I've never planned meals ahead. But I have started. I plan meals for week and shop with list from that plan. Along with other necessities, and some treats of course. I find things get used up in my freezer, because I remember to defrost things, instead of food remaining at bottom of freezer forever. I get virtually no waste. And if somethings not available in supermarket I just substitute. It's not set in stone. I am definitely saving money.

Before the present rate of inflation we were already being careful, turning shampoo bottles upside down when they were thought to be emptied, which gives about six more uses of the bottle, only using LED bulbs, washing when the machine is full etc.

So what have we done: turned the heating down ever so slightly, shower for a shorter time, turn the tap off while brushing teeth and on to rinse mouth and basin. Fill the oven when using it.

In short; the same things as everyone else.

We are also being more careful regarding how much cold water we use, as well as warm water, and have managed to reduce our water rates a very little amount.

Cook on the top of the wood burner when it is on, if whatever we are making like soup, or boiling potatoes does well there, and when the top is not occuppied by a pot I have a kettle on, and use the water for washing up.

We ride our bikes whenever possible instead of taking the bus.

We are also eating more home-made soup - it is still the cheapest form of food even when you take the cooking time into consideration.

Rarely use the dryer, and as a rule only have one light on at a time.

Bought an air fryer
Try to use small oven more than the main
Got rid of tumble dryer
Turning un needed lights off
Drawing curtains earlier at night to keep cold out ..live in a listed building no double glazing but very small wooden windows
Bulk batch stews, spag Bol etc
When on my own I keep bleach in the loo and don’t flush for pee every time
Don’t use dishwasher
Mix more clothes together and wash on shorter settings
Hover less sweep more
Don’t use hairdryer as much unless going out etc
Don’t bath use shower
Keep throws about for evening once settled down
And keep heating lower unless I’m feeling really chilly
Buying less on impulse in general and watching for reduced items when buying food shop
I also buy more supermarkets own brands, many I’ve found just as nice …
Roll on spring

I live alone so any cut backs I make only affect me! Bought a small air fryer for my small meal portions. Limit heating to one room only when necessary, hot water bottles and warm clothes/blankets do the rest! Stopped using the tumble dryer. Less branded food and even less meat than I’m used to eating which was not much anyway! The only ‘luxuries’ I won’t cut down on are side lamps in rooms. I hate overheads and looks cosier (and less empty) in the evening. Also my weekly baking session for my children and grandchildren-even if I don’t use the oven the rest of the week! And top quality Greek yoghurt-my very favourite food and I just CAN’T eat the cheaper varieties!

Shopping at lower price supermarkets (Aldi/Lidl/Heron/ B&M etc.), and always on the lookout for bargains/offers. Also invested in an air fryer, and now seldom use the oven. Heating turned down a couple of degrees, and showers rather than baths. Batch cooking for curries, chilli, stews, casseroles, hearty soups etc., in a large slow cooker. Seldom need to use the car, so am considering whether I actually need one any more.. although I know I'd find it difficult to ditch. O.H. and I have agreed that we don't need anniversary/birthday/Valentines or even Christmas gifts from each other, as we have everything we need. Also not averse to buying stuff in Charity shops, where bargains abound. We're doing OK, but do appreciate that many less fortunate are suffering. Difficult times.

I try to buy bread & cakes when cheaper ....usually Tesco's ... my son has bought a place with his fiancée, will definitely save when he moves out ! Have central heating on for about 4-5 hours a night ... have a bath & shower after work ... got a cold & dirty job ... this is 5 nights a week ... 5 days a week central heating on every morning for about three quarters of an hour ... also he spends time in his room , with light & tv on , only comes down for his tea
... when he leaves I will definitely save ... also will on other things aswell ... cheaper council tax ... food etc ... yes he does give me money, but no where near what I spend ... yes I will miss him though

I used to have the tv on most all day, for company, being relatively new to living alone

now I don`t.

BlueBalou

Not buying meat until I have used all that’s in the freezer, and running down my huge larder full of cans and packets. It’s ridiculous how much I have stocked up for just two of us!
Trying to stop impulse buying online, far too easy 🙄😳
Using the wood burner instead of radiators downstairs and only using the oven if I have to (I have an air fryer and slow cooker)
I’m sur3 there’s much more I can do!

Oops that's me all over! Although I do use it all eventually but as you say, why am I holding so much stock?! I'm not a shop and just us 2 !!! Very good point!

And I'm still trying to stop buying on-line! I've cleared my wardrobe out several times but fing it hard to get rid as I've made some real gaffs! Gave away a gorgeous grey military style coat I miss! And ditched some jumpers in summer, a big no- no!! Online is far too easy to return!

my biggest saving is using Olio for a lot of my food and use two social larders if we are in the area on the days they are on. Rarely buy veg, tatties or bread and do get some main courses out of them as well, sadly just means you have no choice over what you eat. this allows me the budget to buy the dairy free foods that I need.
My living room is set at 17, and if cold up the stairs it is kept at 14. NEVER use my heating but find it cheaper with plug in heaters.
Use a dehumidifier and a 300w heater to dry washing rather than a tumble dryer, and both heat the spare bedroom up ( used for crafting and hubbys computer) while they are on.

We use little power were luck to have a very warm house. We don't do shopping trips to a fab boundary mill outlet store much any more, every trip would costs minimum of£60 and usually topped £100!! Then lunch at their yummy for places but NO! restraint! Instead I do themed meals instead, i.e. "tonight Matthew (remember that?) We're having a chippy tea/Indian/Chinese/spudulike(!?) " Etc all cooked by Moi! It's fun as the costs are teeny compared to eating takeout/in! I can do anything for next to nothing and when I do a special Banny's cheese and onion/beef nad mushroom/chicken leek/ ham pie I can usually freeze another 4-6 portions so rarely run out of ideas. Use soup maker slow cooker air fryer I've used for years anyway rarely use oven. Only thing? I've been out maybe a dozen times( yes) in last year!!!! Becoming a hermit? Yep...but a well fed one

Not buying meat until I have used all that’s in the freezer, and running down my huge larder full of cans and packets. It’s ridiculous how much I have stocked up for just two of us!
Trying to stop impulse buying online, far too easy 🙄😳
Using the wood burner instead of radiators downstairs and only using the oven if I have to (I have an air fryer and slow cooker)
I’m sur3 there’s much more I can do!

Soup, and more soup is the answer! I make all kinds of them and freeze them in tumblers. I often leave them extra thick, and then add more liquid when defrosted. I use everything left in the salad drawer: onions, tomatoes, broccoli, carrot etc. I experiment with spices and often add lentils, or perhaps potatoes. They all cost very little and can be enjoyed at lunch or dinner.
I haven't 'cracked ' soda bread which is a very simple recipe, but often doesn't rise. I'm trying to do that because my favourite organic bread is now over £4.

Weekly shopping. Go every eight (8) days instead of seven, whilst still shopping for seven. I can always find enough to make it last one more day. Bonus is every seven or eight weeks I have a weeks shopping money to spend how I like.

Sell good clothes and other unwanted items on Vinted.
Use an air fryer/microwave/slow cooker instead of the big oven.
Use TopCashback when buying online.
Cut back on birthday and Christmas presents - make your own cards.
Look for over 60s discounts everywhere!

I read a report on appliances electric usage and it turns out that an instant pot uses significantly less electricity than a slow cooker. That explains the big savings I’ve made since I bought mine. I use it all the time, hardly ever switch my oven on. It had an air fryer lid so if I make a dish I can brown it with that, or cook things like roast potatoes, chips etc

I have slowly changed my grocery shopping. Top of my list is now milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables. I mostly buy shops own brand. Little meat on offer. Cut down on anything coloured brown. Try to make rainbow plates.

Freezing leftovers and then make a new - layered - ovendish with them : that's a free meal! Growing my own herbs : those in the supermarkets are very expensive and they wither so fast! I boil potatoes for several days at once : first day regular potatoes, next day pan fried potatoes, the rest in a mash. I use a timer for the shower, 5 minutes top - that's plenty of time if you have everything ready. Shaving my pits and legs befóre stepping in the shower (using a small bassin with warm water) saves a lot of showertime. Saving the water from rinsing fruit and veg to water plants.

MSE and Martin Lewis mantra is being used by me, alot. Do I want it or do I need it.

This is especially helpful when it comes to clothes which so far this year I've resisted buying. I don't need them. Yes I want. I don't need though. I’ve a wardrobe full and more.

I've also gone back to shopping trips being made weekly on hanging on an extra day. Every 7 weeks you get a weeks free shopping by pushing forward 1 day a week. I read about it on MSE years ago.

I use TopCashBack online too, for purchases online

I won't give up my regular trip to the hairdressers. I have gone from 8 weeks for trim and colour to 9 weeks which saves one trip a year.

I make sure I check for discounts and shop around online before I buy to make sure I'm getting the best deal

Iceland do a discount for over 60s on a Tuesday 😊

Not using the tumble dryer. Not ironing much. Unplugging everything when not in use. Using my 3 tier steamer for veg rather than separate saucepans. Trying to use the CH less without being cold. I’ve hung a curtain across the front door to cut down drafts. Use the slow cooker much more often. Stopped using hair straighteners. Not filling the kettle so full. Hopefully our energy bill won’t be too much of a shock 🤞

We have an oil fuel AGA for central heating and water that came with the house. we switch it off when the log burner goes on.
I try to batch cook and make mashed potatoes with baked ones. All veg,meat and fish in the AGA.
I hate doing the next and think we might smell of food but I dry tablecloths, tea towels, napkins and hand towels on the aga.
We try to make Sunday's lunch do Monday's supper and often batch bake, using the electric oven as little as possible.
Our local gastro eatery has been closed for a year which has certainly helped the finances.
If I need an item of clothing I shop around in the sales. I only iron once every two weeks or even three. I have been looking for the excuse for years.!!!!!!!!!!! I hated the AGA and wanted it taken out now I can see how handy but oil-guzzling it is so have learned to use it.