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Prices ,we all know,are increasing. Mainly fuel and food it appears. And whatever else causes it… I don’t waste time anymore analysing all that. So here goes. Our own domestic environment is very rural and ‘preppy’ ,and the way * we* live,so my suggestions are personal,so don’t think I am being pig headed. In fact fresh ideas from members are looked forward to!
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FUEL: Now to me/ us ,this is fairly basic . We heat 99% of space with solid fuel. Because of increases and potential shortages,I made sure that coal and firewood was stocked well. It is in mind now,for Winter 23/24 ,of which wood will not be an issue,as son in laws both have access,and already are arranging supplies,as I can no longer drive,and my wife’s lovely little motor is too small and clean! Coal I keep an eye on,and we have now headed towards a ‘shopping trip’ once a week ,to use Jan’s very low mileage ( nice) car and take me out,so our food,a bag of fuel,birdseed can be picked up in one go,build up steadily,and save petrol - another fuel issue.
We have a gas cooker,so that’s the only part of that fuel bill,and no problem,for what we use,although doing research,we use it as little as possible,as there are other ways to cook, which are ironically,slow cooker,microwave and air fryer.So be it.
So ELECTRICITY! Well we all know,this is the big’un don’t we?
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We have back up radiators - electricity- which are rather good TBH. Depending where,we have German infrared,rather posh glass wall radiators,but the *best* ( to me) are simple fan radiators. They heat quickly.The stove is still warm from last night,but as we know,it’s damned cold out there,so the fan heater set to come on for short moments works well to take the edge off the temperature. We pay our bill monthly ,and we are very average each time,the £66 GVT discount making it VERY good! In fact,the saving will go to next Winter!
Madam has surrounded the house with appropriate blankets and ‘throws’ and we are ,frankly, more than comfortable. Which is a good job!
Water heating is set as close as needed via digital timer. We * could* cut it down,but we like hot water, and the steady supply stops any FREEZING issues on mornings like this! Which saves cost. The shower is the same,electric,and used quickly ,so really the cost is fair in total. Our average monthly bill,taking out the 2022 six month discount,is currently £30 a week in total.
In there of course is lighting. We are all LED now,and they are on movement timers too,so if they get left on lazily,they eventually turn off!
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Another big ‘electricity’ job is the KETTLE .Now,it appears that at current rates,it’s about 5 p PER LITRE.Surprise that,and if I am wrong ,tell me. I am home and drinking tea!
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One of the beautiful situations,indeed THE situation with our firewood,is that is zero cost. Massive saving. It’s minus 5 out there, so obviously getting cool inside. Firewood is in the stove now,and we are warm down there.
I cannot say how difference much my lack of income will make ,so we are prepping now. Any emergencies will suck the savings quickly,so I want alternatives.
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That’s our fuel as it simply stands right now.
FOOD and groceries.
Well , I cannot comment to other people about what WE eat ,as we are all personal there aren’t we? Right now,my appetite is superb so it’s an issue!
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FREEZERS: Right now we have a good 6 weeks of stuff in those freezers. Of course they too are part of the cost of fuel. We will work through and reduce,so nothing is wasted,and we know what we have. We consider the freezer to be simple two week ( ish) storage right now. If they should go wrong, as they are old (!) we won’t waste…
I’ll carry on later.