I'm Done Moaning !

hypno06

All the best people are disorganised.........:D

At least you got your tax return done. All out of the way for another year (ish).

Different_Corner

Well doing the tax return paid off - they owe me Add this months Quidco payment and I'm £200 better off this month. Can't throw it at the debt, because I need some serious work done on my roof, been quoted just under £400 to replace flashings, felt and batons around chimney. And given the downpours experienced over the last few days, it needs doing PDQ.
Add the need for a new boiler installation at £1700, I'm keeping local tradesman in work in my village.

Still I'm not moaning. I've got a good feeling today, something wonderful is going to happen soon, don't know what it is.

Happt Friday everyone.

hypno06

Good news on the tax return! Not so good news on the work that needs doing, but at least you have some money towards it!

ixwood

Where did the debt come from? Where are you overspending?

"unexpected" things are to be expected. Boilers and cars break down, houses need mantenance, appliances need replacing. Best way is to to put money aside each month for these things and then when they happen, you've got the cash ready.

If you don't, you're effectively overspending, even if you're in the black every month.

nellis10

Just done reading your journal DC!! I'm the worlds biggest procrastinator myself!! And I am always falling off the wagon....end up paying £350 charges this Christmas because I totally cocked up my current account...had lots going in, but spent it before it got there..went over my overdraft limit and Hey Presto...I'm now down £350!! All because I don't keep a close eye on my balance and thik I have more money in there than I have!!! Dumbass I know!!!:mad:

But the good news is...I've asked for internet banking...AGAIN...and have my spreadsheet before me....and I'm determined to be a scrooge with myself from now on....in fact if I do ever so well this year I might even do a little accountancy course as a reward....:D :rotfl:

Different_Corner

Just been playing with the budget planner, I'm £100 under budget, so it's the usual question, where does it go ? Or maybe I'm kidding myself with a grocery budget of £250.

hypno06

I would guess that you are kidding yourself with the grocery budget - that is what happens in our house all the time - grocery and petrol budgets never seem to be quite what I want!

So.......for February, make a real effort to write everything down - I will do it if you do.....I know you don't like "challenges" as such, but this one is necessary for us both if we are going to get on top of it, and if we aim to do it for a month, (and a short month at that) we will be fine. Even if we only manage to do it for 2 weeks, that will give us an indication of whether we are in the right sort of area or not.

Up for it??

Different_Corner

Brilliant idea Hyno, 28 days...do i really need to spend over £8.90 a day on food alone. I think not. The children use the school canteen, but obviously come home 'starving' start rummaging, cupboard doors slamming, fridge door fights you know the scene. I can get a 'free lunch' at work, I don't always have it as it's very stodgy and heavy (for the more mature generation) and stops me doing anything after work !So I'm talking breakfast and evening meals only on weekdays. Looking at it like that we should be eating fillet steak and the like.
Hmm if ever there was food for thought.
Will peruse the OS board for ideas, dust off the breadmaker and start a foodie spreadsheet I think.

Different_Corner

*Runs back in after browsing the OS board*
Going to join the Feb Grocery challenge, aiming for £200.

Lewby

Hi DC.

I think you'll be fine with £250 for the Grocery Challenge. I firmly believe in this meal planning milarky! 2 weeks ago I managed to plan 4 weeks worth of meals from what I have in my freezer and cupboards. I allocated myself a £250 budget and have only really had to buy fresh fruit, veg, milk and bread (must get my breadmaker dusted off too).

Apart from the savings I have made in not popping into the supermarket and avoiding the temptation to spend £30 while in there, the best thing is knowing what's for tea each night and not having the kids asking me what we are having the minute they hit the door mat!! It's on the fridge door so they look themselves. OH has been looking at the list and getting things out of the freezer the night before and it's taken so much 'stress' out of the day as one of my pet hates is the chorus of 'what's for tea?'!!!!!

I'm sorry to hear that you have to get the roof fixed etc. We can always do without the extra expenses..... and I definately don't suggest you get up there yourself!! My tiling adventure starts on Monday!!! OH and I are having a few days off to have a go at it. I think he'd rather I was out of the way as he prefers to be left alone to decorate but I want to have a go myself!

Good news about the tax return though. I had my tax code info through today and it's gone up very slightly. Not sure how much that will mean in the purse at the end of the month though.

Good luck with you foodie spreadsheet. I wish I'd done it ages ago!! :T

Lewby xx