A mother-of-two who found herself homeless after her landlord sold the property has turned to TikTok to share money-saving tips, including how to feed a family on £10 a week. Alison Crawford, 34, from Falkirk, Scotland, now posts under the name Mrs Frugal, offering advice on budgeting and frugal living.
In September 2022, Crawford and her husband Scott, 32, along with their daughters Holly, five, and Olivia, four, were forced to leave their rented home when the landlord decided to sell. Without sufficient savings for a deposit on a new rental or mortgage, the family declared themselves homeless in February 2023 and moved into temporary council accommodation.
In June 2023, they secured a council house in Falkirk, prompting Crawford to start meticulously tracking every penny. She now shares tips on TikTok, including second-hand clothing and cheap meals, to help others in similar situations. 'Having to declare ourselves as homeless was horrible – it makes you feel less than other people,' she told PA Real Life.
Crawford, who now works as a social care officer, and her husband, a clinical support worker and student, have set aside £500 monthly for food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. She has managed to feed her family on £10 a week with meals like overnight oats, homemade soup, and spaghetti bolognese. 'I will be teaching my kids how to handle their money,' she said, adding that she was not taught financial skills growing up.
