SmlSave MFW diary - where to start?

SmlSave

No no...don't nag! ...look....I've written 'do finances' on my hand!

You're so good with your running evab, I've been naughty and not gone to the gym for a week and a half. promise I will go tomorrow - if OH's cold is better. lol

Don't you find that planning is more fun than doing? I'm very good at planning...

Is everyone starting to think seriously about Xmas now?

evab_2

I love lists! I make lots of them and enjoy crossing off each task. I especially do this for work because after observing one candidate making a meal or doing activities they all start blending in and I forget who did what!

I definitely need a goal to keep running as otherwise I can quite easily say 'it's nice and warm in here and irksome outside, should I just cosy up with the kids!'

r.e Xmas I started making hampers in February although I haven't done as much as I wanted to by now. I've got another prezzie winging its way in the post.

shirlgirl2004

You are doing so well not to have put the heating on. Neutral pressies are great too. I've only had one of those but one is better than none.

SmlSave

r.e Xmas I started making hampers in February

Gosh, you're so organised! I've a fair few pressies in the box but need to decide who gets what. I'm finding that its the main presents that I get stuck over i.e. Mum, Dad, Bro and OH.

3 days till central heating!

evab_2

Only because I won a couple of things so they are now presents, I'm doing themes for each hamper e.g. for my mum a book, some nice tea and chocolates; for my father-in-law a dvd, some of his favourite sweets, and a small bottle of whiskey. So not very expensive especially with using vouchers where possible.

frazzmunch

i am fortunate with christmas...i never buy for anyone other than the kids and as my ds hates shopping as much as me we have decided that we won't bother this year...:j so, just the dd & her bf to buy for this year...and that will probably only extend to giving her the cash!!:rotfl:

gallygirl

Last year I heard Martin say that Xmas comes at the same time each year and we really shouldn't be surprised. So, I decided to put it to the test. On the off chance he was right :rolleyes: I decided to start saving for it - a small amount per month, plus all comp winnings & sale of Pigsback vouchers on ebay (or if I used, I put equivalent in savings).

I can report that he is correct, it does come at the same time every year . And I have just under 1k in savings - enough to pay for Xmas with CASH :j , plus pay for NY trip, and should also have spending money by Feb.

Plan is that next year I will continue to save for Xmas but then all will go to mortgage, as is right and proper

Lily2009

will probably be able to give you some more input into your sums - however one thing I would say is that it sounds like your windows need to be dealt with sooner rather than later. Is there any way you can patch them up, or maybe fit secondary glazing panels inside to take you through the winter? Otherwise you;re going to lose a fortune in heat escape, not to mention the uncomfortable draughts.....if I'm honest I;d say that considering the time of year that is far more of a priority than the garden.

SmlSave

I admit I like buying people presents. I've made my list and budget to stick to for all but the OH. Its our first real Xmas together and I want to get him something special

I can report that he is correct, it does come at the same time every year .

He normally is, isn't he? I've always had a special account that gets 'fed' for presents all year round .... but I spent it on the flights to NY Thankfully the big box of pressies turns out to be two big boxes which I've sorted and just need to match pressie to person. I still have £300 in reserve savings - all I've got left - but I'm trying hard not to dip into it.

The new budget for next year includes £25p/month to Xmas savings - fingers crossed a nice Reg Saver turns up in the new year.

if I'm honest I;d say that considering the time of year that is far more of a priority than the garden.

I agree, but there just isn't any money We decided to go ahead with the garden because it was more hard graft than cash.

I did give in and put the heating on for an hour last night :eek: Very almost made it to November :rolleyes:

frazzmunch

SmlSave wrote: »

I admit I like buying people presents. I've made my list and budget to stick to for all but the OH. Its our first real Xmas together and I want to get him something special

awww....thats so lovely!!!


don't worry about the heating...i think that you have gone above and beyond the call of duty lasting this long without it!!! :A

have a great weekend!