Long time lurker, made an account today. Time to get my head out of the sand.

cheel · 18 April 2016 at 4:39PM

Hello everyone,

I have been reading the old style area for a couple of months now, so that's why I'm posting here first. Hope that's ok?

I am a single mum to a beautiful 'almost eight' son, self employed and live in Cornwall.

I have found the courage to make a profile and post as I am trying hard to overcome the long term effects of severe trauma (PTSD ) , and the wonderful therapist who is helping me says that the things I am ignoring need to be dealt with one by one. And I have absolutely been avoiding managing my money. So I have set myself the target of going into the bank to get online banking, and knowing what comes in and goes out and when . I know vaguely but not as much as I need to.

I just tried to do a state of affairs and I am not even sure of it enough to get a semblance of one together.

However its not all that bad. I'm self employed so mainly get paid cash and my tax credits go into the bank.

So I'm hoping that I can face it and share what I find here. I have found so many excellent tips while I've been reading I'm sure you will all be able to offer me much needed pointers.

Thanks for reading!

cheel

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply!
[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

maman · 18 April 2016 at 4:43PM

Didn't want to read and run so stopped to wish you luck.

Why not start with keeping a spending diary. Keep all receipts and write own every penny you spend. Then every week you can review your spending and see where you've 'wasted' money and can improve on it the following week. I find it acts like a bit of a brake too as I don't want to write things down that aren't essential so I ask myself 'do I really need this or just want it?'.

MandM90 · 18 April 2016 at 5:03PM

Hi cheel,

I use a programme called you need a budget (YNAB) which helps me to feel 'in the loop' where my money is concerned. It was scary at first, but I found the more I faced things, the better they got.

I'd advise you make a cuppa and read the Old Style Archives (saved near the top of the board). A wealth of info. I've been reading this forum since I left home, and it's saved me £1000s!

Best of luck! xx

cheel · 18 April 2016 at 5:14PM

Thank maman, yes I have a little notebook I've been popping my receipts into since Thursday, when I took cash out for the week, I will tot them up tonight. &#55357;&#56842;

Hi mandm , there is so much knowledge here, its amazing. Even in the few weeks I've been reading I've seen things I can easily change. My habit of using cleaning wipes for example! Thankyou for the luck &#55356;&#57152;

meritaten · 18 April 2016 at 6:31PM

just wanted to say Welcome cheel! this is a wonderful board and the posters are so supportive and helpful. Once you really get 'into' the moneysaving and keeping a tight rein on the budget it becomes quite enjoyable!

Tink_04 · 18 April 2016 at 7:22PM

Hi and welcome - one thing at a time is a great approach and think the OS board is a great help for family tips and ideas!

Anne_Marie_2 · 18 April 2016 at 7:29PM

Welcome Cheel, and well done you on joining us, must have been a big thing for you to do, so a big hug. Haven't got anything to add at the moment to what others have said, just take things a little at a time, so that you don't feel overwhelmed.

cheel · 18 April 2016 at 10:09PM

Thankyou meritat, tink and anne-Marie.

Well I just attempted to add my little book up and I couldn't get the figures to match what's left in my purse. Then I realised that id only been keeping the receipts and so had forgotten the little things, were you dont get one , drink while my son was swimming, a taxi fare the pound the school seem to ask for every Friday for something or other!

So a bit of a failure, but a lesson learned! And its a shocker how these little bits here and there add up!!!

Cheel

meanmarie · 18 April 2016 at 10:15PM

Welcome Cheel, you will soon wonder how you managed to spend so much before!

Marie

maman · 18 April 2016 at 10:24PM

cheel wrote: »

Well I just attempted to add my little book up and I couldn't get the figures to match what's left in my purse. Then I realised that id only been keeping the receipts and so had forgotten the little things, were you dont get one , drink while my son was swimming, a taxi fare the pound the school seem to ask for every Friday for something or other!

So a bit of a failure, but a lesson learned! And its a shocker how these little bits here and there add up!!!

Cheel

That's not a failure. The spending diary is working already because you've learned something to help you going forward.
I'd suggest you carry a bottle of water which will save you buying a drink and be healthy.
I've reverted to old fashioned dishcloths (very retro) and they go in with the white wash so I never buy Jcloths or cleaning wipes any more.
It all helps.

summerlady_2 · 19 April 2016 at 8:57AM

cheel wrote: »

Thankyou meritat, tink and anne-Marie.

Well I just attempted to add my little book up and I couldn't get the figures to match what's left in my purse. Then I realised that id only been keeping the receipts and so had forgotten the little things, were you dont get one , drink while my son was swimming, a taxi fare the pound the school seem to ask for every Friday for something or other!

So a bit of a failure, but a lesson learned! And its a shocker how these little bits here and there add up!!!

Cheel

I have exactly the same problem so I now write things like my craft group subscription in my little book. I also ask for the till receipt even if I spend a small amount. Shops are obliged to provide one.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Long time lurker, made an account today. Time to get my head out of the sand.

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