East Midlands

Here, Ray gives Inside Out his tips on how to make your money go further.

Ray Gosling's personal guide to living frugally...

To live frugally don’t buy cheap - not necessarily.

Don’t go for bargains - and don’t buy in bulk.

(Cardinal rules from Ray who has been poor when young) - at times in the fullness of life I’ve had weeks and months when I’ve been scratching.

And now I’m old it’s pretty permanent, I have to be frugal.

But I learnt from young - to live.  GET OUT and have a life. So some tips...

On clothing...

When it comes to underpants (annual) it’s quality department stores - pack of three - new. 

Underpants - go for quality, don't skimp

Socks - the same: don’t skimp.

But otherwise for threads I'd rely on charity: that's charity shops.

On food...

When it comes to cheese it has to be the market - where you can buy slithers - a two ounce of Sage Derby: a just under a quarter of Grandma Singleton: a smear of Colston Bassett.

Different cheese: different weeks.

And the time to shop - 5 o’clock (p.m.).

The reason why? Good God, good stuff comes cheaper - particularly in slithers. 

Same with veg - fruit.

Buy individually

Tomatoes - buy one. Same with potatoes - maybe two: and Lincolnshire.

Sausage - Polish pepper edged 50p's worth.

Bread - very rarely and then only one miniature granary roll at 35p from a major multiple store.

That’s it - don’t be tempted by 'owt else.

You buy more - I see them in the supermarket with laden trollies - they’re going to chuck half on that away. 

Fish - again the market. Oh yes - one piece of halibut £2 and eat it all.

Same with meat - quality and small.

I’m talking of a meal £2/£3 a day per person.  You don’t need more.

Eggs - keep yourself in with a mate who keeps hens and sells produce in the pub.

Don't buy cheap

If you have to be frugal, nothing will do but the best.

Don’t buy cheap.  And don’t buy bulk. 

"Two for one" - turn your eyes away.

The fridge should be empty and the freezer non-existent.

Herbs - try to grow your own.  You can in a window box - rosemary, parsley, basil - fresh.

Raise a glass...

Stay fit by living frugal and I’m nearly 70. 

Stay bright by eating fresh and GET OUT daily.

And the big supermarkets - that's where to go for wine. 

Raise a glass!

I’m there for that.

£2.58 a bottle a day - French red: plain: 12%. 

So I’m spending under £10 a day - on an OAP pension of £67. 

Ah - and the rent. That’s another story - but for living just remember to smile - it can be fun and keep you fit and gosh some of that frugal stuff is tasty. 

Just empty plates every time. 

Be Biblical - sufficient unto the day... waste not want not. 

Consider the birds and the bees - do they worry. 

Raise a glass - and always bank in the best bank in the world - the bank of good friends.