The Coin Challenge Week 3

So not a bean to be had this week.. Bugger.

We drove to Scotland today, over five hours in a car, and we are both shattered.

So there it is, nothing to report .....so um off to bed.

Frugally yours

Abigail

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A Week Off

So I start my new job tomorrow after a week off.

I have been busy today getting ready for starting and we are off to a wedding in Scotland on Friday. So up for an appointment at 8.30am this morning then off to buy a new tie for The Chap and matching pocket chief. Then picked up our dry cleaning. Back to pick up something my sister ordered before putting it in the post to her.  I finally got home at around 3pm. Then as always washing and ironing etc.

I got a great deal today as Debenhams had a sale on of up to 70%.

There has been a coat in Debenhams for weeks I loved but at £100 it was too expensive for my taste. Last week it was reduced to £49 in the sale. Nope, sorry still to expensive.

When I was in there today it was reduced again to £29.70. A massive 70% discount. 

All the back is box pleated and it is so smart. My dress for the wedding is black and white, as is my hat.  This will be perfect if it rains or doesn't get any warmer up north!

Whilst out last week I picked up a new pair of black trousers for work too from M&S. £16 is pretty good to start with, but I got them on a day with a 20% discount off all tops and bottoms so for £12.80.

Bargain can still be had peeps! You just need to keep an eye out.

Frugally yours

Abigail

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The Coin Challenge Week 2

Another week gone by and it has been pretty fine. I left my job and managed to add to my collection of found coins.

To clarify all money must be found and not just discovered down the back of the sofa or at the bottom of a handbag.

It all started well last Saturday as I was walking back from the Sorting Office after picking up some parcels. 

There it was just lying on the floor... 1p on the pavement. I swooped in and pocketed the cash pleased I would have more money to blog about.

So imagine my delight on my last lunchtime on Monday when as I wandered off to pick up some cat treats there was more money lying on the pavement. Three 1p coins begging to add to the pot. 4pence in one week, almost enough to retire.

I have since scanned all walkways in the hope of more funds. No luck... 

But yesterday it was time for the big guns. This time thanks to my Mum.

We went to M & S together as she offered to buy me an outfit for my new job.

As you walk in there were trolleys, the kind you have to put £1 in to release the trolley.

Knowing of my new feature on finding money she spotted a solitary pound coin lying under the trolleys. I suspect a customer had dropped it whilst returning their trolley, dropped it and it had rolled under the line. Is a pound coin worth loosing one's dignity. It sure was!!

30 seconds later I was to be found lying full length on my stomach at the entrance to Marks and Spencer's Tamworth arm outstretched to obtain the cash.

Money found this week: £1.04

Total Money Found: £1.09.

£999,998.91 left to go

What £1.09 could buy me? 30mm price labels http://www.labelsonline.co.uk/RE1763R

Frugally yours

Abigail

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That's That Then

So I am no longer a sales person...that's that done! 

I finished work today and have a glorious week off work before starting with my new employer.

Sad really after 16 years. My friend G at work and I both cried a little after 7 hours together 5 days per week. I am really going to miss that lady. She has been so supportive and friendly and in the last few years the only thing that made going to work bearable. Thanks G and good luck!! Xxx

Because of holiday owed I was able to leave at lunchtime.

The plan was to mow the lawn and do some tidying at home.

Then I discovered my friend D was off work for a week and was gardening.

So we went shopping. Well, we went looking....

And then a cup of tea and a cake.

What a wonderful day!!

Frugally yours

Abigail

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I Bought An IPad

I bought an IPad over the weekend.

It is a purchase I have been thinking about a long time.

The Chap has a tablet, but it is clunky and The Chap often gets fed up with its functionality.

I have been saving ready to pick one up. I had the money saved and ready to go for a couple of months. I just could not get to the final stage and actually buy it £399 is so much money to spend. I could not bring myself to spend the money. 

I was at an impasse, my natural frugality was holding me back. That is not a bad thing, it gives you time to think. £400 is a lot of my money. The first thing with spending so much money is to be sure you really want to buy it

Friday night I went off to get food for the next two weeks at Tesco. As I was wandering round, I noticed a sign up offering 6 months interest free credit for electrical purchases over £389.

Getting a deal on iPads is impossible, Apple just do not allow it and they do not need to. It is brand that everyone wants.

So I checked that they would let me buy an IPad on this deal. 

They would.

I still walked away to think about it.

Saturday I popped off after to breakfast and signed up.It's way I keep my capital and am paying no interest so six months at £65 per month.

I can pay the money back early if need be and the agreement is done via Barclays a reputable high street bank.

It's a good deal, plus I got £400 worth of stickers for Tesco's new promotion on saucepans and club card points too. 

I also bought an own brand Tesco iPad case. So far just as good as Apple's case at less money.

I am pleased to keep my capital and spread the cost, plus if I do change my mind it is no problem to pay it back.

And finally, it's amazing!!! I have been playing on it all weekend and love it. I have also been face timing my family which is so easy.

Living frugally means you can make these decisions. 

Frugally yours

Abigail

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Coin Challenge Week 1

Did you know that an estimated 2% of all coins ever minted have been lost?

They are lying stuck in the crevices of our couches, the cracks in our pavements and trodden into the mud in our back garden.

According to Royal Mint’s own website (you can view it here) they produce almost 5 billion coins per year.

In the UK alone 100 million coins are lost in 365 days, and that is only last year.

If all those coins were 1 pennies, that means 1 million pounds is lost every year. But they are not all one pennies, there are 2pennies, and 5 pennies, and 10 pence and 20 pence and 50 pence and one pound coins.

 

I calculate there are millions of pounds under our feet, in our sofas and buried in the garden. (have you heard of the staffordshire hoard?)

Careful consideration of the problem has led me to the decision I could manage on £1million pounds. Of course there would have to be some economies here and there. But I am confident it could be done..

So from now on I am making it my task to start finding this cash. It is mine for the taking.

I am calling this new feature The Coin Challenge, and every Friday will post about the amount of money I have found and where.

I started thinking about this post middle of the week after I had cleared the bottom of my handbag and managed to amass over £1, enough to buy me a can of pop to go with my homemade sandwich.

As I started thinking about it, my eyes drifted downwards and a flash of silver caught my eye. With all the grace and elegance of a ballet trained magpie I stooped down and picked up said coin. A 5p.

 

An excellent start. £999,999.95 to go.

Total Found this week:- 5p

Total to Date – 5p.

5pence would buy me a plastic bag.

Frugally yours

Abigail

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Keep Working

Thank you all so much for all your Congratulations and good wishes in my new job! X

My head is down and I am beavering away at the office trying to leave everything tidy and ready for a replacement.

I have agreed with my employer that I can leave Tuesday lunchtime and so have a week off before starting my new role.

I cannot wait, so very excited. I had a long chat with my new boss today about what to expect and my timetable for the first couple of weeks.

I really feel so energised at the thought!

2013 is so far a life changing year for me. Moved in with The Chap after 10 yrs leaving alone and new job after 14 yrs with the same company.

My Goodness it is only June!!

What's going to have happened by the end of the year?

Frugally yours
Abigail
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