What are your thoughts about the cost of living crisis?

[Sherliarty]

Honestly, when will things get better, I definitely feel poorer this year than last. I dread to see the new utility bills once the heating has to be turned on. Crisp was awful over the summer. Seems a little better this month.

 

[EdibleDormouse]

Honestly, when will things get better, I definitely feel poorer this year than last. I dread to see the new utility bills once the heating has to be turned on. Crisp was awful over the summer. Seems a little better this month.

You and me both. I'm making a financial commitment to myself to a) halve my debts (mostly through topping up mum's care) by this time next year, AND be earning a steady £3k per month from all avenues. And that might just about cover the bills each month with nothing to spare.

I NEVER wanted to go on-staff at a college or university, but I think I might have to consider it.

 

[Sherliarty]

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing! Sadly I don't think things have improved at all for anyone apart from the super-rich like our dear PM. I have been watching a lot of Gary's economics on YouTube, he has a book out soon and you may have seen him on tv/radio as he is being interviewed pretty much everywhere. I studied economics myself back in the day and agree with a lot of what he says. My latest utility bill was painful despite me turning lights and devices off religiously.

I hope you guys are all ok and finding ways to make money. My online work has been pretty slow although has seen some improvement this last month, no sign of a pay increase. I have also been keeping an eye on real-life jobs but so far nothing. If anyone has any ideas to share or some useful frugal tips, please share. I have dug out old solar-powered power banks to try and save a few pennies from the sun!

 

[mrcbo]

Yeah the energy prices haven't really gone down huge amount. It's mad how just basic luxuries have become expensive. Had a good January but February was tougher. Focus groups are helpful. Ebay can be so unpredictable!

 

[Frugalgal]

Yes, I have watched several of Gary's Economics and like his take on the reality of Finance and the Economy. It is worrying to see how so many "middle class" people who should be classed as being on good salaries are struggling with the cost of living. It shows how we all need to educated more in Finance management, and so have a hedge against when times are hard. Read "The Psychology of Money", by Morgan Housel.

I am about to do an AngelFish focus group which should earn me £75 gift card. I have also applied for some Bunnyfield surveys but am yet to hear back. My Foresters Financial membership has also helped me earn a £50 Amazon voucher. Had an odd referral earnings win too.

 

[Frugalgal]

I have been listening and chatting to people about the cost of living, and have been interested to hear about the things people have said they have had to cut back on. Some of the things I would not have been spending money on anyway, and am just interested to hear other people's thoughts...such as

1. Not washing bath towels after every use
2. Not putting the washing machine on every day
3. Not having the heating on all day
4. Having to wear clothes more than once before washing
5. Shopping only once a week
6. Taking a shower instead of a bath
7. Buying second hand

To me, these things are not cut backs because I was not doing them before, but have they been for people and what are your thoughts?

 

[Jute]

1. Not washing bath towels after every use

Now, I consider myself to be Mrs Hygiene and run a very tight ship with the house. But no, I am a complete slattern it seems...

 

[mrcbo]

Never thought about washing bath towels after every use, sometimes wear clothes more than once. Bit of a slob though Shopping more than once a week but usually buy some small treats

 

[Mojopearlxx]

It seems everyone is talking about the cost of living.
I'm certainly trying to wear clothes more than once, but that's easier to do in Winter. Jeans now get a sponge down and I try to make then last longer.
I used to be very fussy, but Ive had to adjust. Less clothes washes clearly helps the enviroment.

The garden bin collection is going up from £45 to £80 a year. It's that sort of extra expense, which makes me acutely aware of the need to cut back everywhere.

I think many companies have been opportunists. They've over-inflated prices and shrunk sizes.
Charity shops have bumped up their prices.

I've just grabbed a free two months Apple TV. It's little treats like this, which give me a boost.

Get 2 Free Months of Apple TV+ (new and returning subscribers) | hotukdeals

www.hotukdeals.com

 

[Frugalgal]

Just come to the end of my latest free trial Amazon Prime deal. Will check out that Apple TV deal too thanks, as we made use of a deal a few months ago.

Certainly grabbing freebies is great. Have been enjoying the regular freebies Lidl has been offering with their Free Spin thing on their app.. Got sent a free session deal at Mecca Bingo for me and a friend, which includes a free burger and drink!. worth up to £50..which we are going to make use of in the next few weeks. This will have come from being registered with them online, but have never stepped foot in one of their Bingo Halls as yet.

 

[Sherliarty]

Yep I agree that big companies have taken advantage. British Gas profits went up tenfold to over 700 million last year, this isn't revenue, this is profit yet you can bet your bottom dollar that they will pass on costs if they need to update infrastructure and blame it on Ukraine or Middle East or climate change. I am not sure what is left to cut for a lot of people. Yet the super-rich will lobby their politician friends if any mention of taxing them is mentioned, saying wanting to tax billionaires an extra 1% is the politics of envy! No at this point, it is the politics of survival!

 

[Frugalgal]

Yes, just imagining what the super-rich are having to cut back on.....the nanny, the cleaner, the cook, heating the swimming pool, the chauffeur, the private jet, the fois-gras??.......

 

[Sherliarty]

Yes, just imagining what the super-rich are having to cut back on.....the nanny, the cleaner, the cook, heating the swimming pool, the chauffeur, the private jet, the fois-gras??.......

They cut back on nothing as they are actually richer since the cost of living crisis, that is the sad thing about it all, their assets have gone through the roof, their passive income has gone through the roof yet the idea of paying some tax gives them a sense of victimhood.

 

[weriseagain]

Its all planned by the WEF look it up all by design