Is your frugal lifestyle permanent?

[CatAndFiddle]

As the economic crisis/credit crunch enters it's 6th year, I've realised that all the frugal behaviours I've adopted thus far will be a permanent change for me.
As things gradually return to 'normal' over the next few years, credit becomes more readily available, consumer lending rules are relaxed (as they inevitably will be to stimulate 'growth')...do you think you will return to your previous spending habits?
My Nan never forgot the experience of rationing and the 'make do and mend' mentality of the war and the years that followed (though I don't think this was true of all her generation)and I can honestly say that the experience of the last few years has completely changed my attitude towards money.
Do you feel the same or are you just biding your time and riding out the storm?

[happyhorse]

I've become really good at being frugal and don't think I'd suddenly start splashing the cash if we suddenly had more. I'd have more clothes but they'd probably still be from supermarkets . I'd get a better, more reliable car but it would still be a used car. I'd buy more joints of meat and other costlier things for dinner but would still meal plan. I'd probably still cut my own hair seeing as it looks just the same as it does when the hairdresser does it.

So I think the habit to get the most from my money has become ingrained, but I'd certainly have a bit more fun if I had more.

[LaurieFairyCake]

There is only one area in which I'm frugal - I will never buy full priced clothes, eBay all the way.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I think I'll always do it, I kick myself when I think of how much I've wasted.

[Amilliondifferentpeople]

Oh god - my financial circumstances dramatically changed for the better. I'm such a dick though - I went crazy. I've had a few months of not living frugally and feel a bit sick. Back under control now though :)

[Lizzabadger]

Since the credit crunch I only buy reduced food (or on offer or at the market); buy clothes from charity shops; don't run a car; haven't been on holiday; don't have a TV; have taken in a lodger; never get take-away; have not joined a gym; almost never eat out. I also stopped having my hair highlighted but have recently started again. I will keep some of these habits when I have more money but would dearly like to be able to buy new clothes.

Unfortunately my lodger is moving out next month which will leave me £350 a month worse off. If anyone has any suggestions how I could cut back further (reducing food spending is the obvious one) then I'd be very grateful.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I've found going veggies helped massively, plus cooking from scratch and freezing things works well.

I do like lentils though so it's easy for me. Are you going to get another lodger?

[AnotherFineMess]

I think ours will become so, more for ethical reasons than any other. Now I've realised that walking an hour to work is not only possible but preferable, and that charity shop clothes shopping is not only charitable but stylish, I don't want to change back!

[moisturiser]

I eat much more vegetarian food and I can't see myself stopping. It's a nice feeling seeing my food bills staying low, and I feel healthier for it. I also joined a mending group and have learnt how to darn and I feel so much more eco-friendly for it.

[VerySmallSqueak]

I always have been frugal.

Even if I suddenly started getting enough money to not be frugal,I would still be frugal in every day life to save money for fulfilling some dreams of things I'd like to do,and for saving a bit for the DC's.

[SEWannabe]

Once my financial position improves I'll be planning to end my council property tenancy and rent privately, so that'll be an increase of £200 a month.
I'll also spend a little more on food.

Just got to make sure that i earn a packet!!

[LadyMaryQuiteContrary]

I buy (and throw away) far less food. I only really buy what we need rather than lots of convenience food/enough to fill the fridge; no ready meals/pies etc. Travel costs have been slashed as we've moved and we don't eat out as much as we used to but all of these savings have been absorbed elsewhere.

[TheCrackFox]

I honestly don't think the credit crunch will ever truly end - this is the new normal.

[MorrisZapp]

Why are people skint because of the credit crunch? I realise that's a stupid sounding question, but I genuinely don't know, redundancy notwithstanding.

[expatinscotland]

'Why are people skint because of the credit crunch? I realise that's a stupid sounding question, but I genuinely don't know, redundancy notwithstanding.'

Mainly because of inflation, rise in the cost of food and transport and the spikes in the cost of power and gas to eat and heat. In many areas, too, the cost of private renting has risen as fewer and fewer people are able to buy and the demand for private renting has increased.

[Amilliondifferentpeople]

Benefit cuts
Higher cost of living
Interest rates rising on mortgages
Pay cuts
Wage freezes

[Badvoc]

Morris:
Because my food bill is 30% at least higher than it used to be- for the same food.
Fuel prices are high.
Utility costs going up.
Banks won't lend so people are stuck in high price rentals.
Unemployment over 2 million and rising.
And dh has not had a pay rise for 3 years.

[Lizzabadger]

Thanks fluffycloudland. I am vegetarian already but I'm not sure that saves me money (have no idea how much meat and fish cost though - never bought them). I will get another lodger in a few months but need to have some work done on the roof first (which will be £££).

[AntoinetteCosway]

I can't really see an end in sight to be honest. That sounds maudlin and I don't mean it to, but I just think this 'crunch' is going to be permanent in many ways.

[Badvoc]

I have had to cut back on lots of things.
Get the dc clothes from e bay.
Clothes for me and dh come from supermarkets.
Colour my own hair, do my own eyebrows (badly)
Uk holiday for the last 3 years.
No take aways/treats.
We don't go out.
Our one "luxury" is cable tv so we can have film nights.
I can't see things changing for a old while tbh....in previous years (I remember 89/90 crisis) inflation was very high (15%?) but the govt weren't keeping interest rates artificially low so the market eventually adjusted.
How is that going to happen this time?

[Badvoc]

Depends what sort of meat you buy tbh..you can get cheap cuts to use in a slow cooker that are lovely.
We also eat mostly meatballs and goujons so not too pricey.
In fact ATM I can get 12 beef meatballs for £1.25 at my local co op so you do need to shop around.
I use ocado too and have a delivery pass so I pay £6 per month which works out pretty cheap per delivery.
I also find fruit and veg very expensive ATM. My dc eat lots of fruit. It's costs a fortune!

[LadyMaryQuiteContrary]

Food prices are silly, as are transport costs and gas/electricity. Prices go up, incomes go down. Why don't prices every go down?

[Piemother]

We are vegetarian too now. That was easy since dd doesn't really like meat and I'm too lazy to do seperate meals. Also the waste with meat JD we didn't eat it in time vexed me.

It used to be that I'd buy food out and eat out as a treat - now it make me anxious and the forward planning makes me feel organised and safe.

I have lots of examples but I'd sum it up as being frugal makes me feel empowered