NST - Stupendous Sextilis

Well I've not had the best start to the month already (I know it's not officially until tomorrow, but I got paid on Friday so I always feel like the month starts on payday). My phone died, I have savings but it's all allocated for one thing or another so I bought a new handset - £200 - from Very as they had a 0% for 12 months offer. Basically going to make a payment a day until it's paid for, should only take a couple of months.


I also had to take my gpig to the vet on Friday as he's been unwell - not sure what the matter is, he's perked up a bit but still not 100% bless him. £70 lighter again and the vet fund is empty. I predict further visits :eek:


Aaaand finally, I went to get in my car last night and I had a flat tyre. As it's a small car there's no spare, so I've had to work from home today to get it sorted - still waiting for the man to come back with the fresh one. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but yesterday morning I bought some new brake pads and discs so I actually used what was in my car fund, only for the puncture to happen the same day! Another £85 spent. I had to rejig my budget, have been able to cover £60 of the cost, £25 is on the cc which I use for emergencies, not a massive drama but the worst timing!


Here's hoping that's my bad luck out of the way lol.

Rules:

Allocate – set your budgets for the month – my budget is all done, and done again thanks to car probs. August is a 5 week month between paydays so always a bit tight. I'm hoping as a treat I'll be able to spare some money to go horse riding in Norfolk when I visit my parents in a few weeks' time as the scenery there is lush, but we'll see how we go. Got a few other fun things planned which are already paid for.

Use (Up) – no new clothes needed, holiday has been and gone and I think I only bought one new item for that! I'm going to try and use up food as I did a big clear out of the cupboards over the weekend and found food (mainly snacks) that was over a year out of date :eek: I HATE wasting food, but that was pushing it even for me.

Gratitudes – hopefully have had all my negatives out of the way in this post so can start with the positives on 1st August lol.

Upcoming (holidays) – I'll just be working - no kids here so no ideas I can share unfortunately.

Spends – going for 18 NSD's.

Time (for yourself) – really want to get back into meditation so have set myself a target of meditating twice this month, and also going for a nice walk around my favourite park. Small things do make a difference (to me anyway!).


Happy (almost) August everybody!

Hello, can I sign up please?

Just back from our holidays and need to take control again. Family is nearly paid off but the CC crept up again.

Rules:

Allocate – set your budgets for the month – this needs to includes any money needed for holidays away, days out, maybe even school uniform/items. Make sure you have something allocated for treats.
Once you have done your budget you then need to pay any surplus to your debts or savings.

Done. I had an extra £153 from overtime this month so a bit more to play with.

£850 straight into joint (OH will match this) - this covers all bills/direct debits and food. £275 for food (this includes alcohol). £50 'entertainment' money - This is extra treats money. Hope we don't touch it but I'd rather allocate it out than not for peace of mind.

£200 straight into wedding fund

This leaves me with £347. £100 straight onto credit card (I have done this and updated my signature). £25 on credit card min payment leaves me with £222. £50 on petrol for the month, £50 on new clothes (both of my jeans now have inner thigh holes - I've worn them out. I think it's safe to say my want has turned into a need as now I have no jeans at all!!) That leaves me with £24.40 per week for personal spending money - bit I'll call it £20 per week and keep it at that.

Use (Up) – we are going to try and use up as much as possible, whether that is clothes/food etc. Do you need new clothes for holidays or will your current clothes be suitable? Do you need those sparkly sandals when you have a similar pair in the wardrobe? Do the children need to replace all school items/clothes or can some from last year be reused?

Will endeavour to use up the food in the freeezer this month and eat from cupboards as much as we can.

Gratitudes – each time you post I would like you to post at least 3 gratitudes.

Will do (from tomorrow)

Upcoming (holidays) – what plans has everyone got for August? If you haven’t yet decided and are worried about keeping the kids entertained then now is the time to plan the month. Get yourself an A4 piece of paper and draw 31 squares and start filling in the days.
Free activities are preferred - can we all share some tips?
is there a friend or family member you haven’t seen for a while – plan a catch up with them.

No holidays here until after the wedding!

Spends – we will have 15 NSD’s (unless you want to set a separate target).
Medical spends or days when the only purchase is reduced items do not count as spends.

15 NSD target set! I can do this!

Time (for yourself) – make time for yourself this month, I know its hectic for a lot of people so take time to have a coffee in peace, a bubble bath, indulge in a good book, do some colouring or something else that takes your fancy.

I have some wedding things planned this month - cake tasting. Will make sure I have a bubble bath and relax.

The challenge will run from 1st August 00:01 until 31st August 00:00.