My Budget Bucket List

Until this post, I'd never really devised a bucket list before.  Embarrassingly as it may be to admit, I hadn't even known of the term until the movie 'The Bucket List' came out starring Morgan Freeman.  I thought it all seemed a bit morbid, that a list of a few activities can define a life.  But, then I remembered the lists I make every now and then, the 'how to better my life' list scribbled onto a Post-It note; the lists I gradually crossed off as I achieved my goals: learn to drive, go self employed, learn to horse ride (yet to cross off) and 'get out more'.  I guess without thinking I've already been making mini bucket lists.

When I went on tv series, Brides on a Bus, four years ago I was unaware that I'd take part in some fantastic and once in a lifetime experiences that I'd still think about today.  Challenges I got to do included playing rugby with a top Welsh player, putting my hand into a chamber of bugs whilst blindfolded, sheep herding and 4x4 off roading (which was fantastic fun, I must add!).  These are the kind of things you may put on a bucket list, although never in a million years would I ever have thought I'd be doing them!

Me off-roading it on Brides on a Bus

The problem with bucket lists is that, although they're hugely inspiring and fun to compile (and complete) they're usually pretty expensive.  It would be nice to have a never ending pit of money to fund these dream experiences but sadly most of us can't afford to do many of them.  In these cash strapped times doing anything is impossible, isn't it?

When Money Supermarket asked me to make my own bucket list of budget experiences, it really made me think.  So, here's my list of exciting and soul satisfying budget activities with one silly-money experience (well, I can dream!):

Learning how to make a dress for myself from scratch is something I've been wanting to do for quite a while now.  I've been into crafting and sewing since I was a teenager and only two Christmases ago I got my sewing machine.  I've been making odd things here and there, mainly cushions and decorations that I've given as gifts but I really want to venture into making pieces of clothing.  Looking through books and trying to follow online tutorial videos isn't really cutting it for me so in an ideal world I'd jump on a local course so I can properly learn how to craft some clothes and make use of old clothes and fabric.  *Thinking thrifty!*

To fly to space?  Come on, who wouldn't?!  The A list celebs and wealthy are all signing up to be the first to jet off into space so imagine being on that same craft.  The view of Earth would be breathtaking.  I bet it would feel like an out of body experience, other worldly.  So amazing.

I throw the Money Supermarket budget bucket list challenge over to my fellow bloggers:

Paint By Light, Maid in Scotland and The Scrimpy Student.

What would be on your bucket list?

Becky x

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Retail Royalty: The Charity Challenge

When Money Supermarket asked me to get involved with their latest blogger challenge - Retail Royalty - I didn't hesitate to accept.  The concept was simple: I would be provided with £30 to gift in goods to a charity of my choice.  As a bargain hunter with quite a thrift savvy head on my shoulders, I knew this was the perfect challenge for me!

It's all too easy to look out for ourselves and only do things with the anticipation of personal gain, which is a sad truth, especially in the current money tight climate when many single people, couples and families are struggling.  If you read my challenge intro post you'll know that the charity I chose to support helps those in financial crisis with the aim to keep people from going hungry - my local food bank, Food Store at King's Church in Darlington.

I could have headed off to the supermarket but instead I had a good think about how I could maximise the value of my funds.  At first I contacted various food manufacturers which didn't prove fruitful, but then Approved Food, who specialise in selling discounted food products online, came to my aid.  I'd asked them if they could help me out and they agreed to match my funds, doubling my £30 to a massive £60!  I was overwhelmed by their generosity and was so happy to have them on board.

I spent hours trawling the online store looking for the best deals, bearing in mind the type of food that would be most appreciated.  Staples such as packets of pasta, rice and soup and tinned fruit and vegetables went in my virtual trolley first as simple to cook foods are quick and cheap because they use less electricity.  Chocolate bars and biscuits may seem unnecessary purchases but little treats can make a massive mark on lifting a person's spirit.

When the food parcel was delivered to my door I was amazed by just how much I was able to buy.  In total I'd managed to buy 205 products!  The fact Approved Food helped me by doubling my funds made a big impact, and the offers I made sure to utilise - such as 3 or 4 for £1 - meant I had bought so many more items than I would have done by going to the regular supermarket.  The extra food meant only one positive impact: more families and individuals would be eating and benefiting from this food parcel.

This is what I bought ->

But that's not all...

A short while ago I got in touch with leading local newspaper, The Northern Echo, who were really interested in what I was doing and said they'd love to run the story.  A reporter called me to chat about the finer points and it was agreed my photographer fiance, Sean J Connolly Photography, would take photos for the article.

We went down to the Food Bank earlier today where we finally got to hand over the two big boxes of food.  I was so excited and I didn't anticipate how humbling it would feel.  The volunteers were so friendly and appreciative, I knew I picked the right charity.

The story is going to press as I speak, but here's the photo that was taken and will be appearing imminently in the paper: (I'll add a copy of the paper later!)  You just can't put a price on media publicity like this.  Many eyes will look upon the Food Store and donate or help in other ways from seeing them in the paper.

Myself, volunteer Ac and manager Lisa Marsh
Image Sean J Connolly Photography

I want to take this opportunity to thank Sean J Connolly Photography for the fantastic photo, Mandi Bishop at The Northern Echo for her brilliant report, Approved Food for matching my funds so generously and finally Money Supermarket for devising such a selfless challenge, providing the funds and giving me the opportunity to give something back.

*The Food Store at King's Church, Darlington are always in need of donations for their continually depleting supply.  If you're an individual or business and want to help with the supply of food, then Kings' Church would love to hear from you.*

Becky x

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Retail Royalty: The Charity Challenge Intro

The massive popularity of Superman: Man of Steel, the 2 hour sell out of Capital FM's Summertime Ball, even tv shows such as the likes of Made in Chelsea would have you believe we live in a time of affluent wealth.  True, many have seemed to have escaped the redundancy roulette and they're still able to enjoy life's luxuries but just as many people have genuinely been hit by the recession.  

The credit crunch is very real, and when the government makes cuts and rents still need to be paid there are people living in crisis that means the difference between eating and going without.  Financial hardship through job losses and ill health is not a situation most people would choose to create because it's frightening not being able to rely on yourself.   I believe charity begins at home and it's our duty to look after our neighbours.

When Money Supermarket launched their 'Retail Royalty' blogger challenge and asked me to donate as much as I can to a charity of my choice from a fund pot of only £30, I was really keen to accept the challenge.  I support many charities' works but on this occasion I felt passionately inclined to help a local food bank.  I chose to donate to the charity Food Store run by King's Church in Darlington, Country Durham.

The Food Store at King's Church, Darlington

The Food Store is provided with goods both by a national food bank scheme and King's Church own funds, with the additional aid of donations made by local businesses and individuals and it's a constant effort to maintain stock.  The demand by those in need at the Food Store is ever growing and donated food to enable a single person, couple or family to survive for a minimum of 3 days is always needed and humbly appreciated.

I'm going to start working on this challenge right away, maximising the value of my £30 funds to help this brilliant food bank help those in my community most in need.  

Becky x

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Thrifty Living - 30 Ways To Save £1

It's the great British £1 coin's 30th birthday and to commemorate Money Supermarket asked for '30 Ways to Save £1'.  As much as I love spending, I live for saving.   My bargain obsessed brain had a free work out thinking of this little lot to hopefully save you pounds!  

From beauty buying to keeping up with the trends, here's a range of thrifty tips and all the savvy techniques you'll ever need to save you loads of cash:

1.  Before buying anything online first look for discount codes.  They can save you huge amounts including 10% off, 20% off and even free delivery.

2.  Make sure you're the first to know about exclusive offers from your favourite shops and brands by subscribing to newsletters and following social media accounts.

3.  Sign up for loyalty cards - and remember to use them each time you shop - not only are they free, you quickly accumulate points worth real money to spend.

4.  Don't be store loyal.  Always price-check rival shops so you don't miss deals and pay the best price.  You'd be surprised by the difference in prices.

5.  Most shops have sale or clearance sections; make a point of checking these areas first to snap up a bargain.

6.  If you're looking to buy a specific item it's worth browsing online auction sites where savings on used, reconditioned or brand new items can be huge.

7.  When sending post don't assume the Post Office is the only and cheapest way.  Compare against couriers online and send with the best value.

8.  Keep up to date with current trends and celebrity stories by reading your favourite magazine's website and save pounds on buying the magazine!

9.  Shop with friends.  If a product you both want is on a multi-buy offer or buy 1 get 1 free, split the cost by paying together.

10.  Make up products have a quick turn around and last season's must have can be found in discount shops at slashed RRP prices.

11.  Keep an eye out for competitions and enter those that you really want.  If you win them, you save on the cost having to buy them!

12.  Going to see a movie?  The day and time you go to the cinema can cost you pounds or save you as much.  Look for discounted days and go earlier in the day for off peak tariffs.

13.  There's no need to purchase expensive eyebrow taming gels.  Instead, buy a low price clear mascara, they're cheap, conditioning and do the job.

14.  When going on holiday don't buy expensive mini bottles of shampoo and body wash.  Keep sample sachets and free trial size products aside to take with you instead.

15.  Like a designer garment but not the price tag?  Check out the high street for quality, catwalk inspired trends.

16.  A few drops of fragrant essential oil into a bottle of distilled water makes excellent - and cheap - laundry water.

17.  Pick wild fruit and forage natural edible plants and flowers to make gorgeous, free infusion drinks and puddings.

18.  Always write a list when shopping and stick to it, it keeps you focussed on what you really need which can (help) avoid temptation.

19.  If you still love your dress but hate the colour, dye it.  It's cheaper than buying another.

20.  Don't waste your money on costly gym membership, instead find something you enjoy doing that you can do in your own home or garden.

21.  Ditch the razor and invest in an epilator, it'll last you years and quickly pays for itself.

22.  When trying on bras, make sure it's firmest on the first hook; as it wears move along the hooks until the last one.  It'll last much longer.

23.  If you resist the launch of a new product and purchase it a few months later you can often save half the price.

24.  Buy products from an independent over a chain store, they are often the cheapest prices while some are happy to do deals and price match.

25.  When trying out products at the premium beauty counters ask about samples to try at home to be sure a product is right for you before buying.

26.  Before spending on pricey furniture check out free recycling websites to see if someone is getting rid of what you could make use of.

27. Keep wallpaper and paint samples - they come in handy for crafty projects such as card making.

28.  Provide your small animals with cheap and fun toys using empty toilet rolls, cardboard boxes and paper shopping bags.

29.  Keep an eye on magazine cover gifts; free tubes of hand cream and pots of nail polish save you buying new ones.

30.  Don't throw away your loose pennies - they soon turn into pounds!

I'd love to know if you live by any money saving mantras.  Know some good tips I've not mentioned?

Becky x

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