frugal belt tightening

Well with the rent, bills and food prices going up it's time to re-evaluate the budget to see if I can squeeze it tighter!  I love to read about other people's ways of saving money. Currently watching superscrimpers with pad and paper to see if I can gleam any ideas of saving money.

I'm hoping to get a second job to earn some extra pennies but I need to cut back at home also.  I need to check my gas/electric supplier to ensure that I'm getting the best deal before prices rise which they always do in the autumn. I'm already on a water meter but I need to economize further there.There is room to squeeze this part of the budget a tiny amount. My rent goes up from the 1st of October and there isn't much I can do about that!  I pack lunches to work and eat left over food which is a huge time saver and isn't a problem for me.

My biggest splurge if I can call it that is coffee - no not daily but once a week as a treat and the occasional slice of carrot cake.  As I live alone, weekends can feel a bit lonely so off to M&S for coffee and cake.  Yes I'm still alone but I'm surrounded by people so its a lovely time eating my favourite cake and people watching.

I've been buying cat food when its been on offer - they will only eat felix good as it looks - fussy monsters but managed to get a good deal with my clubcard points - £50 of cat food for zip!!!  I had £25 in vouchers from Tesco who kindly doubled it so happy cats and happy cat owner!

I'm planning to make all my own presents.  I sew, knit, embroider and crochet and not too bad in the kitchen.  I have told a few people that presents including homemade ones will be only small this year as I don't have any spare money.  One person didn't look too happy but that's life and I'm sure they'll get over it, if not - tough! that's life.

Like the majority of people its tightening the belt time.  I'm fortunate in that I have a job which I not only like but also if fairly stable I hope. I don't have any debt and like where I rent so I'm very lucky and very appreciate of my fortune.

So I'm off to see if I can make my budget scream!!