Time to turn this around

I’m still writing out the Christmas cards, must get them posted off tomorrow. Why is it such a slog? I start off trying to write something meaningful and profound in each one, at this point the last ones are getting a brief scribble. Seriously considering donating to a worthy cause instead next year, the money could be put to much better use. I’m starting to really hate waste in any form, I know that most of these cards will be opened, glanced at then put up somewhere until they go into a bin or recycling pile. I’m full of the joys of the season tonight! Giving serious thought to an extremely frugal Christmas next year and until a house is purchased. It won’t be forever, but who knows Frugal Festivities may become the norm chez Pickle....

I’ve already started to think about my resolutions for 2018. The main one and the biggie is clearing the CC debt. The others are generally health, wealth and wellbeing focussed:-

1. Continue decluttering – eBay at least one item per month

2. Purchases are to be absolute necessities only – once the question “Do I need it? Is it worth it?” has been asked. Particularly when replacing clothing.

3. Lose the excess weight gained this year – goal is a total of 21lbs, broken down to 2lbs per month which is achievable. I’ll use the MyFitnessPal app to track my food intake, this is a free app with a good support network online

4. Increase outdoor activity – a minimum of 2 decent length (30 minutes minimum) walks per week as a starting point. Ensure this is a regular habit by end of February then re-evaluate with the better weather approaching

5. Clear the total almost £7k of CCs, along with regular DD payments towards HSBC loan and car loan. Total planned repayments = £10k

6. Start building emergency fund – goal saved by end of 2018 = £600

7. Start car maintenance fund of £50 per month saving, this to cover insurance which I plan to purchase outright in September, which will save money. This will also cover the annual service/MOT and any repairs (I hope!)

8. 200 Day No Alcohol Challenge – this is something I’m doing just for me, I won’t expect friends or family to join in. I’m not even going to broadcast that I’m doing this. The reasons are that alcohol is an expensive luxury and certainly not a necessity whilst in in debt. Going half a year without will do me and my weight loss efforts no harm at all. I'm not really a big drinker, but I often get carried away in the flow of what others are doing. I want to feel more in charge of what goes into my body.

9. Learn a new skill – this will probably be something craft-y. I’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar, but I’ll save that one for next year as that will involve a financial outlay and I already have a ton of crafting supplies. It gives me a year to source a second-hand guitar and maybe some lessons, as I’m not very good at picking things up via YouTube. I need someone with said skill to actually show me how to do something. I tried to learn crochet via YouTube and my efforts were decidedly naff and wonky.

10. Live in the moment – notice things like nature, appreciate what I have rather than what I don’t have, be more thankful for the fact that I live in warmth, safety and with those who I love around me. It’s so easy to focus on the negative or the debt or what I wish I had, it will be a good thing to stop for a moment and be a little more appreciative now and then.

I kept a log on my phone of everything that I paid cash (plus the occasional debit card purchase) for using my October pay. I'm very much still new to this so there is a lot of room for improvement, I've broken this down by category and will aim to beat each month:-

Lunches/coffees/milk for office
£20.89 - this is still bad, but not nearly as bad as before LBM. I would estimate £100 easily then.

Socialising
£66.20 on two nights out - apart from this time of year I don't go out to pubs much, would rather go to a friend's home than get into expensive alcohol rounds

Household
£9.36 (new secateurs)

Entertainment
£27.40 on the cinema twice, went with friends which was £8 and it was my turn to pay for me and Mr P, we're going to the new Star Wars this month, paid last month

Takeaways
£6.50 on one takeaway - huge improvement for me, ideally this will be a few times a year treat only

Toiletries
£4.22 - hairspray and cotton pads

Total £128.07

I did buy gifts and spend money on postage, but that was accounted for in the Christmas budget. The rest of my spending was household bills or debt repayment. I will do the same for my December pay throughout January, although that will be a little spendier with Christmas parties and other things that are going on.