Cost of living #2

[nightshade]

Shoplifting has definitely increased lately, we've had the police around to reassure people that they're aware of it and given us a list with photos of people to look out for.

I must remember to empty the dehumidifier, I did the small one earlier and need to do the larger one as well, but it's more awkward to get out as it's mostly under the clothes airers, which are full.

There's been issues with Welsh Water here recently, I had low pressure one day, but others have had no water at all, and I saw a water leak outside earlier as well, lots of bist pipes around. I really should get organised and at least keep a couple of water bottles in the fridge just in case. I used to always have some in the fridge and freezer but I never got around to replacing them from the summer heatwave.

 

[November]

Yeah crime has really increased here too. Everything from home invasions to violent rape. When the borders were closed for covid, barely any meth could get in. When covid restrictions lifted, the flood gates opened! People are back on the gear big time. Sometimes I am glad Lilah barks at people on our walks.

Heaps of shoplifting and burglaries too. I totally get that part. When people wealthier than you are buying up all the low cost items, there is no choice! For me, its no where near as desperate, just because I have a house. For plenty others, they dont even have that. Coastal towns have no limits on air B&B/holiday rentals. Loads of people have been kicked out to make way for tourists, especially on the coast. There was an article on ladies over 50 with full time jobs living in cars and tents. They cant move because thats where their jobs are, but they cant afford homes either. There arnt enough homes to have tourists AND workers. Its a weird world when permanent residents are forced into caravan parks and motels, while tourists take the homes and units.

Yesterday I saw a press release from the gov asking people to board international uni students in their homes. The gov would give $295 a week to people who own their homes to ensure "safe" places for the international students to live ... Rent assistance at its highest rate for those who already live here is around $70 a fortnight. I get that they want to get money flowing back through the universities, but it really drives the divide. If population is going to increase so dramatically, the infrastructure has to as well. Dont even get me started on the health system!

Yikes! My water/sewer/garbge bill was $214 this month! That's twice what it was in November. I guess I'm going to stop using that dishwasher and taking baths so much...
Also I found a way to save at the laundromat...I was gifted this cute little vintage portable washing machine that sits on the countertop, and it works great! You just fill it with warm tap water and put some detergent in it and it does its thing!
It looks like this:

Tub Dyeing with Wonder Washer

When I’m not ice dyeing, I usually low immersion dye which often produces uneven color which I love. Here is an old blog post on low immersion. However, there are times when I want uniform or…

lyndaheines.com

I love those little counter top washers! I wish I knew about them years ago! I have a washing machine now but if I ever see a little hand crank one I will grab it. Sometimes I do just wana do a little load! Washing in Cold water will save money too.

I duno if the dishwashers are the same in the US, but we are encouraged to use dishwashers in Australia because they use less water than handwashing and we're all about saving water here! There are signs in the shops telling us "NO more than 4" (minute) showers.

 

[Anyanka Bunny Slayer]

@Octavia What with rising prices, looks like we'll soon be paying more for our sex toys. It's so bloody unfair! 😅

 

[November]

@Octavia What with rising prices, looks like we'll soon be paying more for our sex toys. It's so bloody unfair! 😅

Ha, I guess its lucky the antidepressants totally killed my sex drive for good. Cost cutting all round!

 

[November]

Ok I defo need new clothes! I just stretched up as tall as I could to secure a rope to the high pole and my pants fell clean off!! Just as the coles van rocked up... I dont think they saw me, I was out the back. At least my undies fit, I didnt lose them!

I am going to have to start leaving an esky out for the delivery. It wasn't on the porch more than 7 minutes and the chocolate was melted and milk warm. I hope the chicken is still ok. Not their fault at all, I had to finish what i was doing and get my pants back on before I went to the front door.

I realized I dont actually have to use shade cloth, so i have an old sheet strung up as shade for some of the parts. Still not finished an how i want, but i think once its all done it will make a HUGE difference to the heat in the house. I'd like one for out the front too but i think it would be a bit too close to powerlines to risk it out there.

 

[nightshade]

Ok Christmas is done, spending wise, now to figure out January. My car insurance is due mid month so I need to look around for cheaper options. I was supposed to have saved up to make it easier on me, but I paid off the credit card instead.
We didn't pay our holiday last month so instead of £50, that's now £100 in January as well. I can push it back to February if need be, but I'd have to pay £150 then as its £50 a month. I'll wait to see what I can get the insurance for first. I am wondering why I thought going on a coach trip with my mother was a good idea, but it's booked and I do need a break away.

 

[Joan the Vampire Slayer]

I'm working on my January budget now! So fun! Ha!

Today I noticed they raised the price at my laundromat for a large load to $9. Yikes! Good thing I have that little countertop washer and hand wash a lot too. I think I can get away with only doing one large load at the laundromat a week - mostly bedding, towels, jeans and the like.

At this point, there's not much I can do to trim my budget or save on expenses. I think I may need to get a second side hustle...

What are y'all doing to make extra money these days? I need ideas.

 

[Skanky Vamp]

At this point, there's not much I can do to trim my budget or save on expenses.

What's your cell phone plan? price per month?

 

[Joan the Vampire Slayer]

What's your cell phone plan? price per month?

It's $85. Unlimited talk/text and uh, not sure on the data but I don't normally run out.

 

[Skanky Vamp]

It's $85. Unlimited talk/text and uh, not sure on the data but I don't normally run out.

I switched a few years ago to Google Fi, it's unlimited talk and text and you pay for what data you use (I think its $10 per GB). But as most of my data is over wifi it's dirt cheap.

The last three months bills are $30, $27 and $28. I've been on Fi for several years and have had no issues.

My highest bill since 2016 was $36 (had to use it as a hotspot) and my lowest bill was $16. Usually they are no more than $30.

Could save you maybe $50 a month. $600 a year added money ain't bad.

 

[nightshade]

What's your cell phone plan? price per month?

This is something that I'm hoping to reduce as soon as my current contract ends. I had to get a new device last time as my last phone completely died, but next time I can hopefully keep this phone and just pay less for the calls/text/data.

 

[TriBel]

It's $85. Unlimited talk/text and uh, not sure on the data but I don't normally run out.

I pay less than that for Wi-fi, landline and phone combined (and I'm paying over the odds for Wi-Fi). My phone's a fairly cheap Samsung (less than £200). I use a Giff-Gaff sim - £10 a month for unlimited calls/texts and 12GB data. Youngest pays £15 for the same but 35GB. I think unlimited data is £20 a month.

 

[nightshade]

I pay less than that for Wi-fi, landline and phone combined (and I'm paying over the odds for Wi-Fi). My phone's a fairly cheap Samsung (less than £200). I use a Giff-Gaff sim - £10 a month for unlimited calls/texts and 12GB data. Youngest pays £15 for the same but 35GB. I think unlimited data is £20 a month.

Mines £31 but I had to get a phone that day and didn't have much choice (only one place in town) so come November I'll be able to reduce it down. I do need to check the internet contract date, but I think it's a while away as I have reduced it already recently.

 

[November]

My phone is pre paid, no plan purchased outright (moto type). $60 for 6 months unlimited talk/text basically just to have a phone connected. I rarely use it. I use the internet at home which is unlimited.

If I knew how to make money I wouldnt be in this thread so much 😂 but some of my cleaner friends have started doing air tasker stuff. Loads doing cash work on farms during harvest.

 

[Ethan Reigns]

I buy my meat at Walmart, but I have noticed what this girl has seen:

 

[Bop]

I bought my phone for £50 but I have to top up £20 a month for data, calls and texts. Well I don't have to top up, it's optional which is why it's better than having a contract.

 

[November]

I spent way too much on food this week. When half the stuff doesn't come on delivery I have to drive to get it. I ordered delivery twice and then had to drive twice anyway in one week! So its been an expensive annoying and tough week. I like driving, but I am not recovering well from it lately.

I need to buy more masks soon, used my last sealed one on the weekend. I can re-use it a couple times but do need to buy a bulk pack soon. I do have a bunch of paper type that were given to me but they are useless and seem to be the sort people got just for show. No protection whatsoever and end up in my mouth if i try to speak with them on.

 

[nightshade]

Had the electric bill come in, and really hoping we don't have it as cold as we did last month. Having to put the heating on really made the bill jump up.

Not doing my tesco shop this month, going to try and spend no more than £30 on food. Do need to buy dry food for the cat though, so that's another spend

 

[TriBel]

Had the electric bill come in, and really hoping we don't have it as cold as we did last month. Having to put the heating on really made the bill jump up.

Not doing my tesco shop this month, going to try and spend no more than £30 on food. Do need to buy dry food for the cat though, so that's another spend

IDK what mine is - I've had the central heating on for a few hours a day. I've checked on line and my credit's gone up to £595 (from 495 from 400). That said, I'm paying £102 a month DD. I'll submit readings in the next few days and let you know.

I bought my mum a "snoodie" for an extra Christmas present and was 99% certain she'd give it me back. She didn't fail. It was only from Primark and only £25 (which I suppose is dear for Primark). God - it's warm! I'm hoping it pays for itself.

 

[November]

I have my post bill coming up soon. And then begin saving for the car service again, then power and then another gas bottle. It has been nice to have these things start to be predictable over the last couple years. Now that I have a solid home it is SO much easier to plan for bills. (@Joan the Vampire Slayer it will get easier for you with your new place, moving is harder than people give credit to! Hang in there)

I must order some of my rosehip oil today. It has only gone up $2 in price and I always feel torn about buying "beauty" products as they are a luxury and not a need, but in saying that it keeps my face happy and is better than the roaccutane the doctors kept trying to drug me with. I want to get some vacuum bags too, but that would have been one of those things I didnt need to buy if I wasnt such an unorganised dumbass.

Luckily it hasnt been too hot here yet. That usually means it will be ridiculous heat in March. I have been spending way too much on food though. I will have to reaccess in regards to petrol vs delivery because of the delivery doesn't deliver it costs more in the long run.