It's Fashionable Being Frugal....

... or is it just a necessity now we're in the "Global Economic Slump"?

So, time to think about things.... I am taking stock again and looking at how not to credit card the big things for a while.

I have a few trips planned and in the past I would have just whacked them on my credit card - but I'm in the fortunate position that I don't HAVE to pay for them for a little while - so I'm working on saving/gaining £1000 by the beginning of MAY.... better be a good holiday! :)

One suggestion for a small additional income has been to make some more of the things I made as Christmas presents and to try to sell them on Etsy (www.etsy.com). I'm very flattered that my friends think that these things are worth selling and will definitely be giving that one a go - watch this space! Also, it seems to be time to bite the bullet and get listing on eBay once more.

I had a great deal of success a few years ago listing things on eBay and made a decent wedge of cash from the things in my wardrobe that I didn't wear. However, I think (please correct me if you think otherwise) that the eBay market has changed somewhat over the past couple of years. I think that the popularity of the site has driven prices down and the dearth of goods available on there has created less demand - and some people really do list items for a very small fee. But, there are benefits on both sides. It's great if you're keen to find a bargain – and even better if you shop off season. For example – buying a winter coat in June is in less demand than in October, though the range available might be fewer you’re more likely to land a bargain. It’s also very good for people like me who may not have certain kind of shops nearby. Living and working in the City makes my local fabric and haberdashery shop John Lewis, and though they stock well they don’t always have the least costly items. You can find pretty much anything you want on eBay – and a whole lot more that you don’t!

So, Etsy, eBay….. I don’t have a car. So car boot is out (but eBay’s just that online really). I’m terrified of the whole meal planning approach to food shopping. I understand that this is a necessity when it comes to family frugality –but I’m all about the single girl here! J

Which brings me to living alone, the most expensive pass-time of the lot. Some would even go so far as to say – self-indulgent. Hey, more and more people live alone year on year – evidently pooling your income becomes less and less attractive the harder you work for it! I’m not a gold-digger – I’m looking for a kind, sensitive, generous man with good looks and a sense of humour – is that too much to ask from a millionaire? Seriously though, financial independence and all the responsibilities that come with it is sometimes a cross to bear. With no one to be accountable to with your money, you discuss it less and you find that your financial freedom can be somewhat daunting.

I use some really good websites for advice in such matters: www.fool.co.uk is really helpful as is www.moneysavingexpert.com - but I would love to hear your top money saving tips to get me up to a grand in 3 months!

I’m setting the following rules:
No more than one night out per week – makes use of all inclusive minutes on these call packages I have invested in!
No more money wasted on walking kit – I can just walk!
No meat (Unless it’s free)
No eBay purchases (Help me!!!)
No fabric shopping – I must deal with the addiction and I have LOADS – will encourage me to be more creative.

Do you think I’m being too easy on myself?

After May – I’ve got the credit card debt to sort out – that’s just a little bit more.... perhaps I should do that first!!!