FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Are you cutting back because of the cost of living.
Are you cutting back because of the cost of living.
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One thing that has reduced my electic consumption is switching to my laptop for main use. I got lazy and just started up the main desktop gaming rig each day. I've been monitoring the usage and it's worth doing. |
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"No. We saved money in the lockdowns by being stuck in the house month after month after month. So fuck it, time to spend a bit and have a good time."
Hear hear! At least I’m stuck in the house & working from home with the heating on  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Nothing drastic. Will be making sure I have my showers at the gym and make more use of the hot water bottles, but won't know how much needs to change until later in. |
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no, i don't need to. but i am helping out some people who would be struggling otherwise. i froze the rent for my tennants a few years back. this year i'm taking on the council tax for my rented properties amongst other things. |
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Have had a chat with 2 daughters but I'm sure it's gone in one ear and out the other with one of them! About showers instead of 2 baths a day using tumble dryer for pair of knickers! Not putting the heating on though till least Nov no matter how cold it gets! Plus as of next month thir rent going up £50 each per month x |
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I have always lived a relatively frugal life so I'm not making changes.
If I'm cold I will already have an extra jumper and socks on, so I'll put the heating on. I buy relatively cheap foods (cheaper cuts of meat, lots of dried pulses) but it's what I like and I've no plans to change.
I'm in a fortunate position that I can carry on living as I normally do. |
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"Nothing to worry about.
Boris says we are the fastest rowing economy in the G7.
Surely that enviable status is worth paying for with hardship?"
Classic Oxford and Cambridge elitism wanting the economy based on rowing.  |
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"Have had a chat with 2 daughters but I'm sure it's gone in one ear and out the other with one of them! About showers instead of 2 baths a day using tumble dryer for pair of knickers! Not putting the heating on though till least Nov no matter how cold it gets! Plus as of next month thir rent going up £50 each per month x"
£50 each per month  i was giving my mum £40/wk back in 1988. |
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"Have had a chat with 2 daughters but I'm sure it's gone in one ear and out the other with one of them! About showers instead of 2 baths a day using tumble dryer for pair of knickers! Not putting the heating on though till least Nov no matter how cold it gets! Plus as of next month thir rent going up £50 each per month x
£50 each per month i was giving my mum £40/wk back in 1988."
They pay £250 per month now its going up extra £50 still bargain for them without fleasing them! X |
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By *avie65Man
over a year ago
In the west. |
I don't think I have cut anything down drastically, I have just changed what I do really but that was because of Lockdown.
I do use the showers at the gym but that happened before LD. I bought a coffee machine 2 years ago and that saved me a shed load if money.
I'm back to saving money on loo roll though, I'm back in work most days.  |
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Have had a mass getting rid spree (selling online/sending to specialist auctions) in preparation of the energy hikes. Already buy meat reduced at our local Spar every week (good meat and feeds 3 well) and like others use extra jumpers/blankets etc. Playing it by ear as to the rises as of yet |
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By *ad NannaWoman
over a year ago
East London |
My son doesn't roast the house by turning the heating up to 24 degrees any more.
I'll probably cut down on the sugary snacks I buy, which will be good for my health any way.
I don't have the heating on if I can help it as it gives me a headache. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
The forum seems quite elite as people are happy to spend lots of money on weekends at clubs and lingerie. I don't think it's representative of what many people are now facing in Britain. |
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I rarely put the heating on, have bought big hooded fleecy blanket things for us all to wear. Am considering going back to the office another day per week, possibly full time.
Food is another issue, not just on cost but because I’ve got to alter what I eat for medical reasons. Hopefully we will all benefit from this though my bank balance won’t.
I really feel for anyone who is genuinely unable to work & scrapping every penny together just to exist. My work load will go up because people can’t afford to live.
J x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I’m working from home and sat freezing layered up with a blanket over me rather than put the heating on.
I’m sure that I’m still comparatively doing ok, I genuinely feel for people. "
I have a thread I put up yesterday about a friend who’s struggling so badly, she’s turned off her heating, got the warm clothes out, has no hot water as can’t afford to heat it, her two kids get a shower at their dads/step dads. She lives on Lewis. Thanks to two people on the thread, I sent her details of how to get some help and how to make a ceramic plant pot heater, which she is considering doing as it will be cheaper than buying an oil burner. I’m not wanting pity for me or her for this comment, but it’s just to highlight that islanders will probably feel this more than mainlanders, unless of course there’s disability, age illness involved.
In answer to your question though, my house is freezing in winter and a hothouse in summer (totally the wrong way round) at the moment the heating is still on twice a day, but the thermostat has been going up and down for some time lol. It won’t be long til it’s off completely. And I have a various blankets to use if needs must |
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
The forum seems quite elite as people are happy to spend lots of money on weekends at clubs and lingerie. I don't think it's representative of what many people are now facing in Britain. "
I suspect there's an element of keeping up with the Joneses going on, that people won't admit they're struggling and will highlight what's going well. |
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
The forum seems quite elite as people are happy to spend lots of money on weekends at clubs and lingerie. I don't think it's representative of what many people are now facing in Britain. "
I agree with your point about the forums but I think it is slightly slanted by when people choose to post on a particular thread.
If someone posts about lingerie you rarely get people responding "oh I can't afford it, so I haven't bought myself anything", the only people to respond are others in the same position of having recently bought some.
There are a lot on here who don't go to clubs (myself included), but who just won't post on any club threads, so only regular club-goers tend to post on them.
It does give a particular viewpoint but I don't think it's representative of forum users as a whole, much less Britain! |
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By *tephanjMan
over a year ago
Kettering |
I'm not really cutting back yet as got gas/electric deal that runs till end of April. I have put off my retirement again for another year. I'm lucky my mortgage is paid up and a tank if petrol lasts 3 weeks |
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Few things ,nowt major . I heat my lounge n kitchen up with my hairdryer to save putting central heating on and ive blocked some of the holes up in the shower head with chewing gum so less hot water comes out.  |
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"Sky TV is cancelled once contract up in May.
That will be quite a saving I bet. I subscribe to Netflix and will keep that going.
It’s cheaper than going out. "
Yep big saving but only going to cover the energy increase per month.
We have Netflix and prime and Disney. Mostly for kids mind. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
The forum seems quite elite as people are happy to spend lots of money on weekends at clubs and lingerie. I don't think it's representative of what many people are now facing in Britain.
I suspect there's an element of keeping up with the Joneses going on, that people won't admit they're struggling and will highlight what's going well. "
I'm sure you're right. I must say it seems like a different world on here sometimes if the only impact of a cost of living crisis never seen before is fewer visits to a club. A very different perspective. |
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids. "
Always put our kids first. If we go without so be it but our kids will have what they need. We save all year to ensure they have the best Christmas we can give them. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
The forum seems quite elite as people are happy to spend lots of money on weekends at clubs and lingerie. I don't think it's representative of what many people are now facing in Britain.
I agree with your point about the forums but I think it is slightly slanted by when people choose to post on a particular thread.
If someone posts about lingerie you rarely get people responding "oh I can't afford it, so I haven't bought myself anything", the only people to respond are others in the same position of having recently bought some.
There are a lot on here who don't go to clubs (myself included), but who just won't post on any club threads, so only regular club-goers tend to post on them.
It does give a particular viewpoint but I don't think it's representative of forum users as a whole, much less Britain!"
Yes of course you've a good point. But I guess I see very few people say they're affected by the cost of living crisis on various threads. Perhaps that's not something people want to admit to. |
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
The forum seems quite elite as people are happy to spend lots of money on weekends at clubs and lingerie. I don't think it's representative of what many people are now facing in Britain.
I suspect there's an element of keeping up with the Joneses going on, that people won't admit they're struggling and will highlight what's going well.
I'm sure you're right. I must say it seems like a different world on here sometimes if the only impact of a cost of living crisis never seen before is fewer visits to a club. A very different perspective. "
Absolutely.
From where I am, I can't decrease my club visits because they're already sitting at zero. Ha. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
Always put our kids first. If we go without so be it but our kids will have what they need. We save all year to ensure they have the best Christmas we can give them."
I'm a bit bemused when you've said above you pay for Disney, Netflix and Prime for the kids. I can't afford any of those. It's a different level of going without, I think. |
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
Always put our kids first. If we go without so be it but our kids will have what they need. We save all year to ensure they have the best Christmas we can give them.
I'm a bit bemused when you've said above you pay for Disney, Netflix and Prime for the kids. I can't afford any of those. It's a different level of going without, I think. "
Total cost is under £30 a month. We don't drink, smoke or go out. Hence we have those little treats. Have to allow yourself something. We sold 1 car and manage with 1 family car. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Not changed much yet, though I think the real hardship for many will be the next massive rise which is expected in October, when heating, lighting etc are more used and the pressures of Christmas, especially for those with kids. |
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"Nothing to worry about.
Boris says we are the fastest rowing economy in the G7.
Surely that enviable status is worth paying for with hardship?
Classic Oxford and Cambridge elitism wanting the economy based on rowing. "
What an apposite wisecrack triggered by my typo. Probably not far from the truth.
Some of my laptop keys need a harder press but that is no excuse for not poof reading!!! |
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"Nothing to worry about.
Boris says we are the fastest rowing economy in the G7.
Surely that enviable status is worth paying for with hardship?
Classic Oxford and Cambridge elitism wanting the economy based on rowing. "
The boat race is fixed. Always the same two teams in the final. |
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"Nothing to worry about.
Boris says we are the fastest rowing economy in the G7.
Surely that enviable status is worth paying for with hardship?
Classic Oxford and Cambridge elitism wanting the economy based on rowing.
What an apposite wisecrack triggered by my typo. Probably not far from the truth.
Some of my laptop keys need a harder press but that is no excuse for not poof reading!!!"
Sorry I couldn’t resist. It did seem to fit the bill. |
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Making a few tweaks. I’m preparing for the winter now by installing a new burner in a different room that will supply heat to that side of the house. The storms blew down a lot of trees round here so I’m clearing a lot of wood for people and then keeping it.
The burner people have upped their prices accordingly due to the demand by 50% which is a bit shit.
Will take a look at solar as well.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
Always put our kids first. If we go without so be it but our kids will have what they need. We save all year to ensure they have the best Christmas we can give them.
I'm a bit bemused when you've said above you pay for Disney, Netflix and Prime for the kids. I can't afford any of those. It's a different level of going without, I think.
Total cost is under £30 a month. We don't drink, smoke or go out. Hence we have those little treats. Have to allow yourself something. We sold 1 car and manage with 1 family car."
Not sure you're getting my point that for many families in the UK £30 a month for TV/Films is just unachievable. Running a car is unachievable. That's what I was trying to say about the gap between the forum and real life. I'm glad you're doing ok. I don't have to think about selling my car yet.
I'm very concerned that we live in this supposedly first world nation and some people won't be able to afford to heat their houses or food this year. |
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"Yes, I didn't have many treats before and no holidays anyway but now I have to limit things even more. Makes me sad for my kids.
Always put our kids first. If we go without so be it but our kids will have what they need. We save all year to ensure they have the best Christmas we can give them.
I'm a bit bemused when you've said above you pay for Disney, Netflix and Prime for the kids. I can't afford any of those. It's a different level of going without, I think.
Total cost is under £30 a month. We don't drink, smoke or go out. Hence we have those little treats. Have to allow yourself something. We sold 1 car and manage with 1 family car.
Not sure you're getting my point that for many families in the UK £30 a month for TV/Films is just unachievable. Running a car is unachievable. That's what I was trying to say about the gap between the forum and real life. I'm glad you're doing ok. I don't have to think about selling my car yet.
I'm very concerned that we live in this supposedly first world nation and some people won't be able to afford to heat their houses or food this year. "
Agree with you on all points. At the moment we are in a comfortable bracket, yes somethings have been cut but we aren't in a situation of food or heating. I truly feel for those families that find themselves in that position. |
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"
Agree with you on all points. At the moment we are in a comfortable bracket, yes somethings have been cut but we aren't in a situation of food or heating. I truly feel for those families that find themselves in that position."
I suspect that it is all a crafty ploy to make sure that nobody has any savings left for a rainy day and therefore the vast majority will have to borrow money to pay bills and, guess what, the interest rates on borrowing will rise.
There might not be such a thing as 'a comfortable bracket' for too much longer! |
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"
Agree with you on all points. At the moment we are in a comfortable bracket, yes somethings have been cut but we aren't in a situation of food or heating. I truly feel for those families that find themselves in that position.
I suspect that it is all a crafty ploy to make sure that nobody has any savings left for a rainy day and therefore the vast majority will have to borrow money to pay bills and, guess what, the interest rates on borrowing will rise.
There might not be such a thing as 'a comfortable bracket' for too much longer!"
A desperate indebted populace doesn't have the mental energy to stand up to government |
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I’m being more careful. I sound like my dad now. Turn those lights off. Do you really need a bath every day. Have a shower! Turn that telly off if you’re not watching it. I’ll be ok but I’m being a bit stricter x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
Agree with you on all points. At the moment we are in a comfortable bracket, yes somethings have been cut but we aren't in a situation of food or heating. I truly feel for those families that find themselves in that position.
I suspect that it is all a crafty ploy to make sure that nobody has any savings left for a rainy day and therefore the vast majority will have to borrow money to pay bills and, guess what, the interest rates on borrowing will rise.
There might not be such a thing as 'a comfortable bracket' for too much longer!"
A crafty ploy that means hardship, poverty and illness for millions. Right. |
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I have never lived beyond my means and I'm not one for takeaways or going out, buying named coffees, needing to have the lastest gadgets...etc, etc. I have no dependants which in todays world, I am glad about. I am in a position to help family members should they need/ask for help.
It really is a sorry state of affairs where people have to decide between keeping warm and eating  xx |
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We've sacked the chauffeur; reduced the butler's ration allowance and the gardener will be living in his potting shed. We'll cope. Just about...
In all seriousness though, we managed to save, increase our income and cut costs considerably in the past year and a bit, so we are lucky not to be needing to watch things so carefully.
We are naturally frugal people. We've never wasted money, we rarely go "out" or get takeaways and so we don't have much frivolous stuff to pare back. We don't have Netflix or any other subscription services, no Sky, no expensive gadgets, one 10yr old car. So, we're currently in the lucky bracket but well aware many people are finding it very tough going. Like my Dad and brother. |
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Not really much I can do to cut back... The only real luxury I afford myself is going out for coffee once a week, take it in turns with my friend to pay. Usually no more than a tenner.
I don't have any subscriptions, no insurance, don't drink/smoke, don't get hair/nails done.
I get a monthly massage for health reasons... That might have to go, or be less frequent.
Just waiting on all the new bills to come out so I can budget.
Son will have to contribute when he's home from uni. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've lined my house in tin foil and have bulk baught 600kg of pasta. The water I'll be getting from the canal and I'll be burning twigs to boil it. Dark days ahead wish me luck. |
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Giving up smoking is a big one for me, two weeks in 
