Staying on the thin and narrow

cashwise_2

Quite pleased with myself today, I have not spent a single penny. Infact I was so good I did some bulk cooking and have at least four meals in the freezer for when I come in late, tired etc.

cashwise_2

I would have given up on my spending diary by now as I am sort of spending. Anyway, I think I am a little better when I know I have to write it down than when I don't. I had a down day on Friday and had a manicure for £10 which should come out of my personal allowance. Also had a fruit drink for 2.50 and car park for 1.00. So in total 13.50. I am trying to just note down what I am spending and how this month pans out then redo my diary next month. I realise my SOA maybe off the mark in more than one category - car park for example is unaccounted for above. I find it really hard sticking to budgets, I don't know how people do it but will try and keep trying.
Yesterday thankfully was a fun no spend day. Spent the day with a friend who needed help buying a few things. Got treated to Lunch and didn't spend a penny, she was surprised with my self control as I watched her spend. For some reason I am really proud of that.

OliveOyl_2

Cashwise I find I have constantly to adjust my budgets as my spending has changed over the last 18 months. Many things have reduced, but gradually (my food shopping for eg). It would be too big a leap to go from £400 a month to Weazls 25p a day :rotfl:
Other things I didn't account for have gone up hugely (used to use OH's car and he got "free" petrol. My petrol has gone from £20 per month to £150 :eek: ), I drive very economically (like an old lady :rotfl: ) a small car, but now visit my parents twice a month.

cashwise_2

Thanks OliveOly, it is reassuring to know that. I can't believe you managed to get nearly 16000 off your debt in less thna a year - wow!

Anyway, since my last update I spent 26.00 on food shopping, mainly fresh stuff - fruit, veg, cheese milk etc. Also spent 29.00 in next on some curtains and a couple of tops which were reduced. And also spent 14.00 on hair dryer in boots. Mine's cranky and switches itself off when it feels like at times.

So in total spend for last 3 days is
Food - 26.00
Petrol - 10.00
Stuff - 29.00 and 14.00 -43.00
Water/coffee/lunch - 5.00
Library fines - 13.00 - really depressing I iknow!

I promised to be honest which is why I am making myself put these down. I know it doesn't look good in terms of tightening my belt but I just want to put things down honestly then come back and rearrange and decide what happens next. So in some ways this is more a spending diary than anything else.

Positive thing is I have signed up for 7 NSD in August and will sign up for a grocery challenge to have a target for food. Also got £100 from a friend who had my money after reminding her.

OliveOyl_2

Signing up for challenges is good.

and wimping out of them quietly is something I am also prone to doing

But we're human and fail sometimes. You'll find regular posting here helps. When you want to beat yourself up another poster will reassure you, calm you down, and then warn you not to console yourself with another spending spree :rotfl: It all helps you to stay on the path you've chosen.

cashwise_2

Yesterday I spent a grand total of 50p at the corner shop, very very pleased with me as I even talked myself out of going out so as not spend money on parking etc.

Following your advice OliveOyl I looked at some of the other challenges and was tempted to sign up to make £5 a day extra in August, to be honest I think I'll quietly aim for £2 and see what happens. Will try the grocery challenge for this month though.

I never thought any of my things would be of value but after reading a thread on here about some of the things people have sold, I thought maybe someone will pay a few quid for my junk and have registered on ebay. All I need to do now is have a good declutter and get rid of things with the hope of making a few quid.

Will let you know how I get one.

cashwise_2

Please to report that I had a NSD yesterday, so 1/7 for August. If I can do two of those a week then I will definately manage to hit my target. No chance of being able to do the same today, need to go and see a friend and her new baby and need to take something for her. Also looks like I need to top up the petrol. Looking at my SOA, it is yet another thing I had not accounted for in my budget.