urg's 123 Back to Basics Debt Free Plan

urg123

Ok

Still not done any of the July plan but I have been really busy and also really tired.

Today was a good day after quite a bad few days where I have felt quite low.

I have been thinking about applying for a maternity post - I don't really want to as I want a permanant post. I have had differing information about whether I can be seconded.

The Head of Department is someone I really respect and we spent some time discussing my career options. He made me think about a few things. I have been getting interviews for the posts I have been going for so that is good. He did say that given that there is usually a shortlist of 5 or 6 for each post then I should, in theory, get a post within 6 goes. In the last 18 months I have had 4 interviews for posts at the next level up so I am hoping that I will get a 'strike' soon. He also said, if I don't then I am doing something wrong at the interview stage and I need to investigate this.

I have just found out that I have an interview at the end of the month and I am hoping that it will be a strike. I was getting really worried that I wasn't going to get the interview as it took so long to hear about it. There's all sorts that will make the job hard (inlcuding the travel 1 and a half hours each way!) but I am also aware of how 'ripe' I am for moving on. It's not the best time for my institution but I know now that I don't owe them as much as I owe me.

I also had a really good meeting at work this afternoon - I was dreading it. It's what I should be doing at work rather than chasing my my tail trying to keep up with my heavy workload.

I then had a free coaching session - it was really useful. It's given me lots to think about in the way that I deal with things. I have arranged another one in a month's time.

Wedding plans - OH and I have narrowed the dates for the wedding. We are going to see a venue at the weekend. It is too expensive but I really want to feel like I am getting married at a venue that I like.

My brother came over to see me (or should I say use me) to help him get cashback while he bought his iPhone. It was really nice to see him.

I am going to get through this week and then have a re-think about my finances.

Enough of my wittering.

urg x x

urg123

Hi

I have quite a lot to do this week and work will be busy but here is my list of things to do this week (in addition to my usual tasks and my daily DFW tasks).

• exercise daily - really need to make this part of the routine
• [STRIKE]clear out the spare room in readiness for being advertised[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]Photograph said room and [/STRIKE][STRIKE]list on free websites[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]email ex-tenant and ask him to collect his things[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]ask mum to make relevant calls to check that the proposed wedding date is ok[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]contact venue and request proposed wedding date - there is someone ahead of us and we will have to wait to see if they will book:o[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]stick to Hypno's £20 challenge[/STRIKE]
• Monitor food portions
• [STRIKE]Take in lunch and snacks everyday[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]confirm attendance at interview later this month.[/STRIKE]

That's all for now

urg x x

Swinstie73

Hi urg,

Your plans always sound so good, I write mines down then promptly loss the piece of paper - guess I should post it instead then I might stick to it. When is the proposed wedding date? Exciting stuff! x

urg123

urg123 wrote: »

Hi

I have quite a lot to do this week and work will be busy but here is my list of things to do this week (in addition to my usual tasks and my daily DFW tasks).

• [STRIKE]exercise daily - really need to make this part of the routine[/STRIKE] Managed a Yoga class today - feel pretty goo.
• clear out the spare room in readiness for being advertised
• Photograph said room and list on free websites
• [STRIKE]email ex-tenant and ask him to collect his things[/STRIKE] Done - have heard nothing yet
• [STRIKE]ask mum to make relevant calls to check that the proposed wedding date is ok[/STRIKE] Done
• [STRIKE]contact venue and request proposed wedding date - there is someone ahead of us and we will have to wait to see if they will book:o[/STRIKE] Contacted them but must have missed them this evening - will call first thing tomorrow
• [STRIKE]stick to Hypno's £20 challenge[/STRIKE] Not spent a penny today - NSD 4 for me!
• [STRIKE]Monitor food portions[/STRIKE] Hmmmmm must try harder
• [STRIKE]Take in lunch and snacks everyday[/STRIKE] Achieved for today
• confirm attendance at interview later this month.

That's all for now

urg x x

Update as above! Woo hoo. Quite a lot done - more to do!

Swinstie73 wrote: »

Hi urg,

Your plans always sound so good, I write mines down then promptly loss the piece of paper - guess I should post it instead then I might stick to it. When is the proposed wedding date? Exciting stuff! x

Just popped to your page - I think you do have a plan - it's just cleaning focused. I think I need you to help me with mine. I am so bad!
Re the wedding - OH and I are hoping for 28 May if not we will be going for 21 May. It is a Friday so will be cheaper than getting married at the weekend. Please keep your fingers crossed.

Am really tired so am off to bed now - will have to get up early to do my outstanding homework from my course:o.

urg x x

urg123

Just a short update

Not doing too badly with my list. I am really struggling with the getting fit and losing weight side. Portion control is not going well at all - I ate a whole pizza to myself last night and tonight I ate a lovely meal but I am sure that it could have fed me comfortably for 2 days! As for exercise...

I'm still waiting to hear from the wedding venue - we should hear by the beginning of next week.

My former tenant will be coming to collect his stuff next week. I am hoping that he will also write a letter to the Council Tax office so that I can claim the single person's discount. What a nightmare!

The great declutter is coming on - I managed to get quite a lot done the other night - I might try to do another hour this evening.

I have also sold all 5 items from my ebay sales - they were all items that hadn't sold before! I will have to identify 10 more things to go on next week.

Better get on. I need to update some of the challenges that I have joined!

urg x x

urg123

Hi

It's a busy day today - I've got a training session to deliver at my training job. I have done no preparation so have to get there early so I can swot up!

Not much else I can do today. I am getting a bit panicky about my tax stuff. Will have to dig out the paperwork today so that I can call them on Monday. I should be able to pay the bill - I will need to raid the sealed tin money.

I have had 3 queries about my spare room already so have emailed 2 of
them and will call the other later today.

I need to go back to my July goals to see what I need to do in order to achieve them!

Better get on with my day - I can do a small whizz around the flat before I leave. I am getting bored with the daily swine flu updates on the news.

urg x x

urg123

I liked having a weekly set of challenges last week so am going to have another go - this week I will also add some goals from my July list. This week is a very busy week at work but I will have a go.

• Create and stick to meal plans for the week
• 20-30 mins of excercise every day
• Sort filing
• Contact tax office re query
• Collect information to work on the latest tax return
• Update my spending diary
• List 10 items on Ebay
• Bake a cake
• Continue to clear bedroom
• Clear all 'shared' spaces for potential viewings next weekend
• Only 1 hour of evening surfing a day.
• Read and sign papers for wedding venue and send off with deposit!

urg x x

Swinstie73

Hi urg,

Just popped onto see how you are getting on - really we are the same person - I am currently trying to de-clutter the bedroom too! It is a nitemare how much stuff we accumulate.

Did you get the date for the wedding you were after? Sounds like it, you're sending a deposit - well done xx

david_hellier

urg123 wrote: »

I liked having a weekly set of challenges last week so am going to have another go - this week I will also add some goals from my July list. This week is a very busy week at work but I will have a go.

• Create and stick to meal plans for the week
• 20-30 mins of excercise every day
• Sort filing
• Contact tax office re query
• Collect information to work on the latest tax return
• Update my spending diary
• List 10 items on Ebay
• Bake a cake
• Continue to clear bedroom
• Clear all 'shared' spaces for potential viewings next weekend
• Only 1 hour of evening surfing a day.
• Read and sign papers for wedding venue and send off with deposit!

urg x x

Another way of using a spending diary is to allocate a specific amount from your budget and deduct spending through the week. Try to end the week with some over to carry forward to the next week. This avoids overspend and monitors your buying habits.

Swinstie73

Hi David,

I do exactly what you suggest and have my spreadsheet deducting what I spend and carry it over - I do it monthly though and so far it doesn't work for me - I am still over-spending! My colums are all minus, LOL! Any other tips?!