NST April 2024: April appreciation
NST April 2024: April appreciation
How to pronounce it: /əˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃn / for you phonetic people!
What it can mean:
1. recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something. Gratitude.
2. a full understanding of a situation.
3. an increase in monetary value.
It is quite a holistic word, encompassing many areas of life. And that is what we turtles are all about. Sure, we’re here to be careful with our money, but we’re also here to enjoy life, to thrive. We try to face our finances head on and be in control of them. Life throws us curveballs which we try to manage as best we can.
Appreciate what you have. In a culture of ‘more is better’ it is hard to resist the inner child’s voice of ‘I want …’ but it is not impossible, as many turtles will tell you. Recognise the abundance that you have.
Pay to your debt/savings first. This is a good habit. Know your income and outgoings and live within your means.
Plan, plan, plan. The month kicks off with Easter and those with grand/children will be very aware of the school holidays – half the month! If you have littlies, aim to get them outside and tire them out for free. What does the month hold? Appointments, travel, social occasions, food…
Recognise the good qualities of other people and pay them a compliment. Equally important is to recognise your own qualities and successes and embrace them.
Exercise. We all know how good this is for us. So plan it into your schedule. Be it chair yoga or marathon running. Do it for yourself.
Cheerlead your friends and family. And be your own champion cheerleader. Lycra and pompoms are optional.
Increase your monetary value. Do you know the interest rates on your debts/mortgage/savings? Do you have a plan to repay and a debt-free or mortgage-free date? Can you bring this forward? Are your savings getting the most interest they can? Are you frittering money away? You’ll only know this if you are keeping a spending diary, so get one set up if you think you might need it.
Appreciation and gratitude can help with your mental health. Come on here on a daily basis (or as often as you can) and let us know three (or more) things you are grateful for.
Think about others – donations to charity, donations to the foodbank, volunteering, helping a neighbour.
Increase your fruit and veg intake. Seasonal produce is the best, but frozen or tinned is also good. As a counterpoint, decrease your intake of processed foods. You know it makes sense!
Out and about – it is April. It will rain. But there is more daylight and warmer temperatures, so get yourself outside on a daily basis. It’ll boost your mood and energy.
Non-negotiables:
-15 NSDs please (you don’t lose one for travel costs, including parking; medical spends; buying only reduced items) If you have random payments to make in the month, then set the money aside at the start.
-the challenge runs for all of April 2024, come rain or shine!
We share our lives on here, encourage each other, support each other, seek and give advice from each other, cheer each other on and celebrate the wins together.
Who is with me?
Comments
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April appreciators:1 apple_muncher2 beanielou3 grandmanerd4 DawnW5 Starlight _at_Sea6 weenancyinAmerica7 leftatthetrafficlights8 lcc869 Flying_By10 Toni'sfriend11 FrugalAspirations12 Shrewbie13 ditty123414 Esmeralda266215 laura_lau18 ThriftyTaylor55 f0xh0lesNST March lion #8; NSD ; MFW9/3/23 Whoop Whoop!!!7
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I am in. Thank you @apple_muncher for our shiny new thread.I am a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Mortgage Free Wannabe & Local Money Saving Scotland & Disability Money Matters. If you need any help on those boards, do let me know.Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any post you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button , or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own & not the official line of Money Saving Expert.
Lou~ Debt free Wanabe No 55 DF 03/14.**Credit card debt free 30/06/10~** MFW. Finally mortgage free O2/ 2021****
"A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of" Jane Austen in Mansfield Park.
***Fall down seven times,stand up eight*** ~~Japanese proverb. ***Keep plodding*** Out of debt, out of danger. ***Be the difference.***
One debt remaining. Home improvement loan.5 -
Me please apple5
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Yes please @apple_muncher
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me too! thank you!5
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I'd like to try again. It has been helping even when I am only reading along and not posting.6
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I'm in again please! 😁Tilly Tidy Fund 2024: £66.09/£100
Weight loss challenge 2024:
4/24lbs
1st quarter starting weight: 9st 13.1lb
2nd quarter starting weight: 9st 9.2lb
3rd quarter starting weight:
4th quarter starting weight:
GC 2024 - Annual Target: £2712- Running total:£629.12/£2712
Monthly Target: £226
Jan: £74.12; Feb: £300; Mar: £190; Apr: £65; May: £; Jun: £; Jul: £; Aug: £; Sep: £; Oct: £; Nov: £; Dec: £6 -
Count me in please I won't be here every day but enjoy staying accountable.Save £3,000 emergency fund #79 - £1,796 as of 04/246
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I'd like to join up too please, apple. I love April, it's the month I was born (a loooooong time ago!)4
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Pinch, punch! First of the month! No returns.Have a lovely day and don't get caught by any pranks...!NST March lion #8; NSD ; MFW9/3/23 Whoop Whoop!!!5
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