money saving Archives - John Large - Technology, Hardware,Web Development, Digital Privacy & Ethics

A Year Without Spending – Day 13 – Almost Human

21st January 200918th July 2017 John Large Leave a comment

Epson Recycling stuff arrived in the post

Finally back to writing the blog, after what feels like a lifetime of sneezing and moaning and groaning. Things got so bad yesterday with the fever & temperature that I found myself in hospital (well the walk in centre) for an emergency appointment to find out what was kicking my ass. Apparently, after a pee test and various temperature measurements, it was decided that I’m suffering from a viral infection which cannot be treated directly. The order of the day is to stop myself overheating by keeping the layers of clothing off, and to take piles of paracetamol and ibuprofen to try and control the fever and aches. I must admit I feel a lot better than I did 24 hours ago. Read More....

A Year Without Spending – Day 9 – Home Entertainment

17th January 200918th July 2017 John Large Leave a comment

During this next year I'm determined not to buy books. I'm heading down to St. Helens library this week to re-activate my youth Library membership, in the hope that I can find stuff in there which is relevant and not out of date. We also have an abundance of books on our bookshelves as Vicki is a hard core readist (I would say reader, but she is a little more hardcore than a reader, so a new word has been coined to describe her). I'm going to raid the bookshelves for inspiration. I already have my eye on the copy of George Orwell's 1984, and may even give some of the Penguins Banned Books selection a go.

A Year Without Spending – Day 8 – Shoes & Views

16th January 200918th July 2017 John Large Leave a comment

One of my big worries for this year was running out of shoes. Seeing as though I'm a 25 year old guy, and I tend not to wear the type of shoes that can be easily repaied (I wear skate shoes as they are tough as old boots, but still look modern and young), so keeping my feet in shoes for the year was going to be a real headache. Repairing old shoes is out of the question, and sourcing cast offs from family and friends would be almost impossible as nobody I know is a size 10.

A Year Without Spending – Day 5 – Recycled Jiffy Bags & eBay

13th January 200918th July 2017 John Large 3 Comments

So to distract myself from not buying, I am selling and sorting, and saving Jiffy Bags - Gosh do I sound like the saddest 25 year old on the planet? Saving Jiffy Bags!

A Year Without Spending – Intro & Day 1

9th January 200918th July 2017 John Large 1 Comment

Well I feel inspired. After reading a few books & articles on the subject, not to mention podcasts, I have decided to spend 2009 without spending. I know it will be a tough year, but the groundwork is already in place.

3 Books on Frugality to start the New Year

8th January 20098th January 2009 John Large Leave a comment

Well at last my three New Years purchases arrived. I ordered these around a week ago from Amazon to start the new year off right. Vicki & I have been talking for ages about consumerism and how we feel we have been sucked into the whole “I buy to feel happy” movement. What with the impending Financial meltdown, and the fact we are now home workers, it only seems right that we take the time to learn how to avoid consumerism. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a rant about capitalism, after all our economy is built on capitalism. it is however an effort to cut out frivolous spending and to enjoy the things we do get. Read More....