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From using a free food-sharing app to cutting out the car, one islander is finding resourceful ways to live on less – and helping others do the same.
Jersey-born Rose Le Mottee is the face behind the Instagram page Penny Pinching Bean, where she shares her journey to saving money and living on less.
She set up the account in December 2021 after her own financial situation changed.
“I had recently started a new full-time job, just started my first degree in forensic psychology, enrolled on a counselling Highlands course to support my career goals and my living circumstances had also changed; meaning I was now living alone,” she told Express.
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“There were now a lot more financial and time pressures on me than ever before. Each month I have to pay all of the bills alone and a single income and on top of that pay university and college fees.”
Working a second job was not an option, so Rose looked for other ways to cut costs and save money.
“I figured when I’m doing all this work to save myself money, why not share my journey for others to learn from. And with that, the page was born.”
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Rose has seen a steady increase in followers on her account, but recent rises in the cost of living have prompted her to reflect on her content.
“I have needed to find more ways to survive on less or just cut things out of my life that I can do without.
“You would also be surprised at what you can live without.”
Rose regularly uses the free food-sharing app Olio, where volunteers pick up and distribute food from supermarkets that is past its sell-by date.
“I love how it saves waste and I love how it saves money,” she says.
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She also cycles to work to cut down on using her car, which saves her money on fuel.
During the summer, Rose will always line-dry her clothes outside. In winter, she turns on a heated rail or puts clothes next to her dehumidifier or hangs them up in the shower.
“Dryers cost far too much for me to consider using and so often on a weekend my house turns into a maze of clothes rails.”
Rose highlights that her priorities may not be the same as the next person's, but says that other islanders reach out to her for advice and to talk about their own circumstances.
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“Though I am no expert, I am happy to share my thoughts and help them figure out what would work for them.
Jersey has always been expensive and right now it’s getting more so every month.”
She adds that although it’s getting ‘harder and harder’, she’s determined to continue ‘pinching pennies to survive’.
Biggest jump in cost of living since 2008
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