FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Are you ‘feeling the pinch’ from cost of living increase yet?
Are you ‘feeling the pinch’ from cost of living increase yet?
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By *aytie0 OP Woman
over a year ago
Seaham |
Slightly off topic just curious how everyone’s finding things lately with the costs rising. If I’m honest, I’m fully aware of the situation and try to make sensible choices but not counting the pennies just yet. Generally if I want something, I’ll still get it but I do debate for longer than. I usually would.
However, I have noticed that when it comes to the end of the month, I have less and less money leftover, no chance to save and the last week before payday makes me nervous if I was to have an unexpected bill. I’m also getting a little nervous about Christmas costs.
You hear all sorts of sad stories on the news about people making hard choices in these times between heating / eating but I’m not sure I personally know anyone in that situation fortunately |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm in a similar situation to you. I haven't had to make any changes just yet but my bank balance is dwindling down more every month. I feel really awful for those who are struggling to heat their homes and eat. It's 2022! We shouldn't be having to worry about this. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Like yourself I've been conscious of the situation and have been making decisions in trying to lessen the pinch. Which so far have been sufficient.
The real boon has been the warmish weather. Once it gets cold that's when it's going to really bite and people's heating bills really rise. |
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I'm OK at the minute, but it is very unnerving. I know a lot of friends and family are going to feel it,they have been over reaching for years, adding new cars lavish lifestyles and big house moves, all on the baises that interest rates would be forever low. Add the increase to the cost of living energy and food prices, I fear a lot of people will struggle.
The media are plugging that people on benifits and low incomes will be hit hard, yet I know a lot of people that are on good money that are finding it tough and fear the the next few years. As I said, they have been living beyond their means for years now and it will all catch up with them, sadly.
It's a scary situation. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Yep my fent gone up £100 in the last year as well as all the bills fuel cost to actually get to work to earn the money to pay for all this shit but il manage and thats exactly what there counting on so they dont have to bring the prices down |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yep my fent gone up £100 in the last year as well as all the bills fuel cost to actually get to work to earn the money to pay for all this shit but il manage and thats exactly what there counting on so they dont have to bring the prices down "
rent not fent ffs  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Not at the moment, only need to drive to work a couple of days a week. And that £66 a month for heating more than offsets any rises in food and fuel for me. My energy bill is currently £20 a month because of it! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Yes definitely... Food is far more expensive - even oil etc.. And my electric /gas bills are quite a bit higher
I'm looking at my monthly outgoings to see what i can reduce
I have prime, netflix + virgin subscriptions - my virgin is £93 a month (i pay for fast Internet... But its really unreliable) |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Firstly I'm buying in bulk a lot more. It reduces the variety of meals but makes a huge difference in price and the number of trips needed to go to supermarkets. I'm also buying from the bottom shelf a lot more which saves money. However I will never go cheap on eggs and bread. You get what you pay for with those. So if you are able to get a Costco and Makro card then do so. |
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"Yes definitely... Food is far more expensive - even oil etc.. And my electric /gas bills are quite a bit higher
I'm looking at my monthly outgoings to see what i can reduce
I have prime, netflix + virgin subscriptions - my virgin is £93 a month (i pay for fast Internet... But its really unreliable) "
If I was you I’d look into getting a different tv provider. Virgin has famously been terrible at providing a reliable service. I was with them after switching from Sky and it was the worse thing I ever did. I’m back with sky now and never had any issues with them. I’m on a new build so my internet can only be provided by 4 companies and it’s the fastest I’ve ever had. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Currently ok, though seeing a slight increase in some of my bills. Very fortunate to work for a decent company who are doing well, so got a cost of living increase and a decent performance related increase this year. I'd be less comfortable without.
The thing that gives me pause is whether my rent may go up. A big jump would be inconvenient. I'm just extremely lucky to have entered this year comfortable. A lot of people aren't in that place and I feel for them. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes definitely... Food is far more expensive - even oil etc.. And my electric /gas bills are quite a bit higher
I'm looking at my monthly outgoings to see what i can reduce
I have prime, netflix + virgin subscriptions - my virgin is £93 a month (i pay for fast Internet... But its really unreliable) "
£93/month is excessive, you should definitely shop around to notice there are better deals to be had & consider leaving Virgin if you can, that in itself will get Virgin to offer you a much better deal than the one you ate currently on, since it’s in their best interest to keep hold of a loyal customer...!
pays to shop around (esp. nowadays) |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
Not through need but being more sensible on big purchases , less holidays etc because things could get worse although it’s unlikely. My income is recession proof and rises each year by at least 10% |
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We have noticed the end of the month there's less left, it does make me worry about heating costs, we've managed not to put it on as yet except once for drying clothes and at £5 for a few hours it won't be going back on.
Mrs |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes definitely... Food is far more expensive - even oil etc.. And my electric /gas bills are quite a bit higher
I'm looking at my monthly outgoings to see what i can reduce
I have prime, netflix + virgin subscriptions - my virgin is £93 a month (i pay for fast Internet... But its really unreliable)
If I was you I’d look into getting a different tv provider. Virgin has famously been terrible at providing a reliable service. I was with them after switching from Sky and it was the worse thing I ever did. I’m back with sky now and never had any issues with them. I’m on a new build so my internet can only be provided by 4 companies and it’s the fastest I’ve ever had. "
Virgin are shite, so i will start looking.. I'm really crap at phoning around |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes definitely... Food is far more expensive - even oil etc.. And my electric /gas bills are quite a bit higher
I'm looking at my monthly outgoings to see what i can reduce
I have prime, netflix + virgin subscriptions - my virgin is £93 a month (i pay for fast Internet... But its really unreliable)
£93/month is excessive, you should definitely shop around to notice there are better deals to be had & consider leaving Virgin if you can, that in itself will get Virgin to offer you a much better deal than the one you ate currently on, since it’s in their best interest to keep hold of a loyal customer...!
pays to shop around (esp. nowadays)"
Yeah i agree.. That doesn't even cover the full tv package! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Not so much as heating not on yet, and petrol actually cheaper than a couple of months ago. Food obviously gone up but have kept costs down by shopping a bit smarter. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've been feeling it for months. All those money saving tips that people have been putting forward on these sorts of threads? I've been doing them for years. There isn't much more I can alter before going into food bank and no heating territory.
Nell |
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By *TG3Man
over a year ago
Dorchester |
"Yes definitely... Food is far more expensive - even oil etc.. And my electric /gas bills are quite a bit higher
I'm looking at my monthly outgoings to see what i can reduce
I have prime, netflix + virgin subscriptions - my virgin is £93 a month (i pay for fast Internet... But its really unreliable)
If I was you I’d look into getting a different tv provider. Virgin has famously been terrible at providing a reliable service. I was with them after switching from Sky and it was the worse thing I ever did. I’m back with sky now and never had any issues with them. I’m on a new build so my internet can only be provided by 4 companies and it’s the fastest I’ve ever had.
Virgin are shite, so i will start looking.. I'm really crap at phoning around "
phone me instead I'm a mind of information  |
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By *arkus1812Man
over a year ago
Lifes departure lounge NN9 Northamptonshire East not West MidlandsMidlands |
I am fortunate in that I am Mortgage free so minimal housing costs.
I too am with Virgin and my monthly cost is around the £95 mark, I rely heavily on the landline element of the package as can get no mobile signal and I have friends in faraway places, will change when my contract ends next year.
I do my weekly grocery shop ay 7am on Saturday mornings, disadvantage is that some shelves are not restocked, advantage is the yellow label section is well stocked and I buy as much as I can which I will freeze and use as required.
Using my slow cookers I will make batches of ready meals, being on economy 7 tarriff I use timers to start the cooking at midnight and by 7 am next morning all are ready to be portioned into ready meals.
I too have noticed how my bank balance is slowly getting lower, in addition to the £400 energy relief I , being a pensioner, will get £600 in November, Cost of living and Winter fuel allowance, plus of course our £10 Christmas Bonus.
Not really looking forward to next year though if prices still keep rising. |
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"Yes definitely... Food is far more expensive - even oil etc.. And my electric /gas bills are quite a bit higher
I'm looking at my monthly outgoings to see what i can reduce
I have prime, netflix + virgin subscriptions - my virgin is £93 a month (i pay for fast Internet... But its really unreliable)
If I was you I’d look into getting a different tv provider. Virgin has famously been terrible at providing a reliable service. I was with them after switching from Sky and it was the worse thing I ever did. I’m back with sky now and never had any issues with them. I’m on a new build so my internet can only be provided by 4 companies and it’s the fastest I’ve ever had.
Virgin are shite, so i will start looking.. I'm really crap at phoning around "
If you need any help DM me. I’m a dab hand at doing things like this. Helped my family and friends so many times. |
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By *tephanjMan
over a year ago
Kettering |
I'm not noticing it yet, but luckily my house is paid for so not getting hit by higher repayments. Petrol and gas/electric that's a different matter, but as we managed to build up a big credit during the summer it may not be to bad. Well I'm keeping my fingers crossed |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Money used to run out the last week of the month, now its the second to last. I normally get dizzy with excitement when my wages go in and have a whirl round the charity shops as a treat. Not this month, I am keeping the whirling in check. Sad days  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm in a similar situation to you. I haven't had to make any changes just yet but my bank balance is dwindling down more every month. I feel really awful for those who are struggling to heat their homes and eat. It's 2022! We shouldn't be having to worry about this. "
I agree totally. Are these the good old Victorian standards Maggie Thatchers was on about !!  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I've been feeling it for months. All those money saving tips that people have been putting forward on these sorts of threads? I've been doing them for years. There isn't much more I can alter before going into food bank and no heating territory.
Nell"
Same, It's a bit shit isnt it. X |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It's when I get to the point where I can't save for Christmas, put money aside each month for the car maintenance, and money aside for appliances (instead of paying warranties) that I will feel it.
I'm not there yet. I'm very much a do I NEED it or just WANT it person at the moment.
T |
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When things went low we doubled down on clearing the mortgage etc. Lockdown as renovation so we are now able to weather this increase. We don't use supermarkets, as we found them too expensive and low quality even before. Prices have increased, but actually our changes have meant food costs have gone down. So far, fuel and utilities are stable and we've dropped most of the car use also.
Not really noticed much, but we adapted our lives to cope. Only really difference is my coffee bean delivery is massively up |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I wouldn't say we're struggling but we're definitely having to look at how we use our money left over for the month.
We'll have enough to have date nights, coffee's, etc but recently we've been looking at doing activities that cost nothing like trail walking.
As a side hustle we've been selling items on Vinted as it's free and no hassle (unlike eBay), so far both of us combined have made roughly £500. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I’m doing ok, haven’t really been affected, except notice the cost of some foods, but a switch on what products I get from where, ability to adapt and we are still continuing to eat well. Fruit & veg now delivered direct from farms, all things that supermarkets won’t take as to large, too small or wonky.
I’m lucky as had a huge credit in my energy account, so my DD is minimal each month, but my overall energy costs are really low compared to others.
I don’t own a car so don’t have that extra expense to worry about either. |
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Mortgage has not long left & is fixed until the last payment so that's handy,
Everything else is creeping up - direct debit totals are 50% more than about 18 months ago....
Thinking I might have to lett the butler go!  |
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" I rely heavily on the landline element of the package as can get no mobile signal "
Our mobile signal at home is just about non existent but we use wifi-calling on our mobiles. Most mobile operators offer now so if your handset is reasonably modern you should be ok.
HTH |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I have lived frugally for the last 15 years, however this year things are worse, I am definitely in a heat or eat situation. The food banks are doing a great job and churches are offering cut price or free meals, bless them all, I volunteer my spare time there, I don't put lights on when I don't have to, candles are well used and I don't have TV, but I can be imaginative in the way I spend my free hours. |
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I'm ticking over ok, but have been making changes for months now that have cushioned the rise in costs (cut electric use savagely, changed the food I eat, etc). No rent/mortgage or car helps a lot. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Hi. I notice a lot of the posters on here are from the UK and I'm from Ireland so some of what I say and you say may not work in terms of cutting costs. But we have for a number of years constantly switched Internet providers, energy providers once our 12 month new customer special offers run out. We have no loyalty to any of these companies we get the lowest price we can and when they want to increase the price we just go bye bye and find the next deal. We always use price comparison sites they normally have all of the updated deals and you can easily compare deals so you get what you want. Sometimes there's even a bonus for using a particular comparison site. As an example our broadband, landlines and TV was costing 110 euros per month 5 years ago. Since we started the switching its been between 30 to 40 euros per month. Add in house and car insurance and you can make significant reductions in your monthly bill.
As for groceries people in the UK seem to have some real problems shopping in lidl and aldi. Guys there is nothing wrong with the quality of fresh veg, fruit and meat in those stores and they are cheaper. If a supermarket has a reward card get it. Then check online what their special offers are this week with the card and without and just buy those items on special offer in that store do the same in all of them it does take a bit more time and effort but it definitely keeps the fridge and cupboards full. Another one is if you can afford to get one buy a chest freezer and when there's special offers on meat, frozen products buy a little extra and put it in the freezer for when your short of cash then you still have something for the dinner.
I know it sounds like a pain in the ass to do it but we do it all the time and it has meant we aren't being constantly shocked when we hit the checkout and see the cost. We have our list we get what we need, then what we want and we know before we hit the tills. Hope something I've said helps someone. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Only really affects me food wise atm which is a massive difference monthly on the food shop. I am going out alot less for coffee and meals and travel than what I was. More than likely will affect me more in April when my heating goes up to whatever the rate is by then. |
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Foods gone up, that's noticeable - fuel is just volatile (scuse the pun), trying to use the bike as much as possible it's fuel economy and the 20-25p/litre petrol/diesel differential makes it a no brainer. Other costs have risen but so far cope able (some of the work on the house may be put on hold until things have stabilised) |
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By *arkjackMan
over a year ago
West Cork |
"Hi. I notice a lot of the posters on here are from the UK and I'm from Ireland so some of what I say and you say may not work in terms of cutting costs. But we have for a number of years constantly switched Internet providers, energy providers once our 12 month new customer special offers run out. We have no loyalty to any of these companies we get the lowest price we can and when they want to increase the price we just go bye bye and find the next deal. We always use price comparison sites they normally have all of the updated deals and you can easily compare deals so you get what you want. Sometimes there's even a bonus for using a particular comparison site. As an example our broadband, landlines and TV was costing 110 euros per month 5 years ago. Since we started the switching its been between 30 to 40 euros per month. Add in house and car insurance and you can make significant reductions in your monthly bill.
As for groceries people in the UK seem to have some real problems shopping in lidl and aldi. Guys there is nothing wrong with the quality of fresh veg, fruit and meat in those stores and they are cheaper. If a supermarket has a reward card get it. Then check online what their special offers are this week with the card and without and just buy those items on special offer in that store do the same in all of them it does take a bit more time and effort but it definitely keeps the fridge and cupboards full. Another one is if you can afford to get one buy a chest freezer and when there's special offers on meat, frozen products buy a little extra and put it in the freezer for when your short of cash then you still have something for the dinner.
I know it sounds like a pain in the ass to do it but we do it all the time and it has meant we aren't being constantly shocked when we hit the checkout and see the cost. We have our list we get what we need, then what we want and we know before we hit the tills. Hope something I've said helps someone. "
Definitely buy into the idea of bulk buying, it makes more sense when you've the space and cold storage though.
I bought supplies for the pandemic in bulk in February of that year, still going through them. Wouldn't say it saved me money as some of the flour is spoilt but don't regret it - very cheap form of insurance. |
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"Only really affects me food wise atm which is a massive difference monthly on the food shop. I am going out alot less for coffee and meals and travel than what I was. More than likely will affect me more in April when my heating goes up to whatever the rate is by then. "
Ending the subsidy will be a huge shock for a lot of us, I think |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Only really affects me food wise atm which is a massive difference monthly on the food shop. I am going out alot less for coffee and meals and travel than what I was. More than likely will affect me more in April when my heating goes up to whatever the rate is by then.
Ending the subsidy will be a huge shock for a lot of us, I think "
True it will be a shock. Will more than likely close more businesses also. |
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By *arkjackMan
over a year ago
West Cork |
Personally - not well off, but I've reduced hours and increased prices.
Fact is that there is infinite demand and there's no point in working harder - we're overdue a serious price rise in my sectors. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Shocked at some of the broadband costs
We use mobile broadband because the fastest speed the BT line could offer was about 3mbps!
They've since improved that to about 20 but the mobile broadband we've used for the past three years gets 50-60 and only costs £16 a month. |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
"Hi. I notice a lot of the posters on here are from the UK and I'm from Ireland so some of what I say and you say may not work in terms of cutting costs. But we have for a number of years constantly switched Internet providers, energy providers once our 12 month new customer special offers run out. We have no loyalty to any of these companies we get the lowest price we can and when they want to increase the price we just go bye bye and find the next deal. We always use price comparison sites they normally have all of the updated deals and you can easily compare deals so you get what you want. Sometimes there's even a bonus for using a particular comparison site. As an example our broadband, landlines and TV was costing 110 euros per month 5 years ago. Since we started the switching its been between 30 to 40 euros per month. Add in house and car insurance and you can make significant reductions in your monthly bill.
As for groceries people in the UK seem to have some real problems shopping in lidl and aldi. Guys there is nothing wrong with the quality of fresh veg, fruit and meat in those stores and they are cheaper. If a supermarket has a reward card get it. Then check online what their special offers are this week with the card and without and just buy those items on special offer in that store do the same in all of them it does take a bit more time and effort but it definitely keeps the fridge and cupboards full. Another one is if you can afford to get one buy a chest freezer and when there's special offers on meat, frozen products buy a little extra and put it in the freezer for when your short of cash then you still have something for the dinner.
I know it sounds like a pain in the ass to do it but we do it all the time and it has meant we aren't being constantly shocked when we hit the checkout and see the cost. We have our list we get what we need, then what we want and we know before we hit the tills. Hope something I've said helps someone. "
I dint do any of that switching circus none-sense and pay the same as you. Just keep telling Virgin you are leaving and it keeps going back to £33 a month , much easier than constantly changing suppliers.
Insurance , depends what you want , I like to claim often so need good policies and happy to pay for them.
Utilities, I’m not a fan of these guys at all. They can wait until they threaten court action , thier money is invested in one year bonds and high interest savings and I’ll negotiate & settle only when needed , currently they are not chasing anyone for payment
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"Only really affects me food wise atm which is a massive difference monthly on the food shop. I am going out alot less for coffee and meals and travel than what I was. More than likely will affect me more in April when my heating goes up to whatever the rate is by then.
Ending the subsidy will be a huge shock for a lot of us, I think
True it will be a shock. Will more than likely close more businesses also. "
I'm not sure I think the current situation is the best solution, but just letting the real prices loose on us will be devastating for society, commercially and socially. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I mean I've just given up smoking so that's a bloody saving every month!
Our old freezer packed up that was the over flow one and realised that was costing a pretty penny to run, so another saving.
Did go to Aldi today and we did get some little luxuries granted but spent over £80 which I have no idea how as we didn't spend that much on ourselves, probably about £25. We didn't even get a full weeks shop. |
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Fuel going up was a drag, but working in the IT dept I helped push the business to work from home, now I go in the office one week in eight, so even if fuel is double I'm paying a quarter from previous. That goes to the heating and electricity. |
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Cut right back on frivolous spending.
All shopping is done online now.
Cook our own food, so takeaways are very rare. Perhaps 1 every 2-3 months, if even that. No holidays planned. Wait for films for come on streaming (No change there, we're not cinema lovers). Small changes really, but they add up quite well.
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