Aldi/ASDA - Saving tip

[SharonOR]

Hi Mel

Thanks for that. At the last review in January I asked for £400 and was told that it wouldn't be allowed. We are 4 adults as I care for my parents. No matter how I scrimp and save I cannot give my parents bread and beans to live on I have to make sure they have fresh fruit and vegetables. We hardly ever eat meat so that is not where the expense goes. I can're remember when last we had chicken let alone any red meat. I try and buy soy products and disguise them as best I can, as they are cheaper but it is really hard. I have just received our review notification and in the IP I+C they state our dispoable income to be £302 but we are paying £500 to the IVA. With the increase in expenses and me insisting on £400 for food and toiletries, our actual disposable income is £222 but we still have to pay £500 - I just give up!

[MelanieGiles]

Which IP firm are you with? And are your parents making any contribution towards the household costs?

[SharonOR]

We are with Freeman Jones. My parents only get £200 pension from SA which just about covers their odds and sodds for the month and they have to save as much as possible to get their Indefinite leave to Remain. £950. They help us as much as they can. I have sent through revised I+Cs regularly but to no avail.

[chardonnay]

Hi Sharon,
Gosh I really feel for you and I really hope you get your allowance increased. Have you tried soya mince? I can't remember the brand, but I'll look out for it and let you know, but it's great!! It looks like cooked mince and I've used oit for chilli, spagetti Bols, etc. I've fed it to meat eaters who wouldn't touch it if they knew what it was but no-one has ever known they weren't eating meat!!
Good luck,
Chardonnay

[aguise]

Hi sharon
We are with Fj and were allowed more due to health needs, I am surprised that they will not review you nfood allowance. As you know we do have a lot of overtime and this does make a major difference to how we manage but I wuld have thought if you sent proof of costs they would consider a better allowance. You have expensive health needs I know how much the bread etc for coeliacs is and though you get some on prescription they dont allow a lot do they. I would send them proof of these costs and ask that the Ip contact you to discuss. I have to say I have never had a need to go further than my account manager, but hope if needed I would be able to.
I hhope you can sort something.

Ang x

[jpj]

try mysupermarket.co.uk.
you can compare your trolly load of shopping with all the other supermarkets...then just press a button and turn it into an order!!

[doesntstop]

Saturday now consists of a shopping trip to Aldi, Lidli and Asda. I am one of the lucky few that don't like Heinz baked beans. Give me the cheap ones any day.

Only problem I have at the moment is that the last time I was in Asda I brought two pairs of knickers. Everytime I look at them I can't help thinking £6.00 - two cooked chickens

[SharonOR]

We have been buying from Aldi, Lidl and Icelands for years. Only go to Sainsbury's or Tesco when I have to. I haven't bought clothes in ages - probably about 3 years now. Just make do with what we have. When I look at a blouse I think £40 - feed the family for a week. So back it goes. I buy my fruit and veg from the market in Croydon just before they close as then they tend to give you extra for less to get rid of it.

[rayb]

Ah the good old Surrey Street Market!!! Nice to see a fellow croydonian on here

[kallis3]

I wish I could make do with the clothes I already have! I wear a uniform for work, so at least I don't have to fork out for clothes for that, but I have put loads of weight on and so do have to buy bigger clothes (Ebay).

Done our weekly shop at Asda this morning - £46 with our discount. Just need to get the milk from Tesco as Asda didn't have the stuff we use.

[michael.t47]

i been converted to aldi

[kallis3]

When the daughter finishes Uni and gets a full time job, thus having to give up her Asda job, I will probably be going to Aldi. I only do Asda because of the discount.

[michael.t47]

i been converted
cant believe the value never been before

[Skippy]

I'm going to have to go and have a look in Aldi, I'm intrigued now! The only problem is the nearest Aldi is a few miles away, whereas Sainsburys is much closer, so by the time I've paid for the petrol I probably won't save a lot!

[michael.t47]

you will still save, trust me