As one of nine children, my mum and her siblings grew up with ‘little of nothing.’
This fact was repeated to me and my two siblings throughout our childhood, particularly around birthdays and Christmas time when we’d be tempted to overdo it, circling our wish lists in the Argos catalogue.
For my sisters and I the situation was more comfortable. We always had what we needed and often got the main thing on the wish list. All enabled by my Dad doing shift work and my Mum managing everything at home.
For most of us today, living on a single wage is impossible since crucial roles like support work pay the littlest of nothing. Even with the change in government, systemic change around wages and support seem far away, with little to nothing that any of us can do about it. Except try to help each other out when we can.
To this day, my mum delights in making something out of nothing. At the weekend, I tried to throw out two empty bottles that were standing on her kitchen worktop.
‘Leave those exactly where they are please, they’re bound to come in handy!‘ she said.
‘Really? Name one use for them Mum,’ I challenged her. To which she promptly slipped off her marigolds, popped them on the bottle tops and stood back absolutely beaming at her ‘rubber gloves dryer.’
I was less impressed by the dead hands rising from the worktop.
But my mum is never one to be outdone and so began to work her magic with the cellotape…
‘And whenever you’re having a bad day, you just tape down the two little fingers and the thumbs, stick them on the windowsill, and everyone will leave you well alone!’
It’s actually kind of genius isn’t it? I’ve begun to think that everyone should have some.
Here are some of the creative things that staff and individuals in Ripon and Harrogate are doing to reuse, recycle and try to make ends meet.
Fingers crossed they add up to a little of something.
Ten Top Money Saving Tips from our staff and individuals in Ripon and Harrogate
1. Keith is batch cooking on a weekend.
“It’s cheaper on the wallet, better for his health and one less thing to think about in the week.”
2. Louise checks the Money Saving Expert website every payday, looking for the latest deals and money saving advice and tips.
“It’s full of good practical advice for managing your finances.”
3. Rachel has stopped doing a ‘big shop.’
“I find I waste less when I shop daily and I can often buy things on the day at a reduced price.”
4. Gary uses the ‘Too Good To Go’ app. Businesses list their unsold food items on the app at discounted prices.
“You can generally buy a bag of food worth £10 – £15 for £3 – £5 … cha-ching!”
5. Since lockdown Rae has grown her own fruit and vegetables.
“You can even save the seeds from the fruit you’ve grown! Just dry them out in the sun and plant them on again.”
6. Hannah is using the Olio app. Olio operates on the principles of community sharing and sustainability, fostering connections between neighbours.
“Lots of food and household items on there are given away for free!”
7. Individuals at Allison House are saving money by walking to places whenever possible and by unplugging electrical appliances when they’re not in use.
8. Nisrine is more mindful about clothes shopping. She buys only what she needs and chooses items that are versatile.
“I’ve started to use the charity shops too; it saves money and is much better for the environment.”
9. Rae makes her own birthday cards and presents for people.
“This year I crocheted hats and scarves for everyone for Christmas!”
10. Lucy uses the TopCashback UK website, which allows users to earn money back on their online purchases.
“It’s great for Christmas shopping and they produce a money saving blog too!”