Project Budget starts here - clear the debt and save for second childhood

rupe34

MOney continues to flow out of the account. DD needs yet more school uniform - and it all has to be the proper school stuff with the badge of and everything. There is one shop in town that sells it (and you can bet they aren't giving it away, as they can set there price where they want, as there is no competition).

Also, for the first time in about oooh, a decade, we have 2 parties to go to. So:

2x Babysitters
2x Cards and presents (they are both wedding anniversaries - and big numbers at that)

ANd just to add to the fun - there are two collections going for people at work. One is leaving, the other has started her mat leave.

ON THE PLUS SIDE....

I sat down with our bank statements yesterday and IN THEORY we don't need my wage to live on - so we ought to be able to put my wage in the savings each month for the next year. If we do it, that will give me nearly 2 years uni fees (note the use of 'in theory').

OK off to try and avoid spending more money today....

rupe34

Sometimes I would like to hand my life over to someone else to deal with! :rolleyes:

My mobile rang most of last night (while I was out enjoying a very rare night out with OH) - and it has continued this morning. I can't explain in detail, because I love the anonymity of DFW and almost any detail would identify me to those who know me iyswim;)

Its nothing serious - but its also nothing I can do ANYTHING about. Just sometimes I REALLY want to say - 'You are an adult. make your own decision'.

OK enough vague ramblings. Am off to my friend's for lunch today with the rugrats. I can rant to my hearts content over there.:D

rupe34

Well here I am - its Sunday, I should be writing a presentation for Wednesday, but distraction techniques have kicked in.

OH has just got back from Tescos - I wonder how much it was...

redstararnie76

Hi Rupe,
Know the feeling about all the expenses - last week I had two people's leaving presents to contribute to and another colleague's wedding present, and I've got another leaving present to contribute. I'm also expected to go out to lunch for two of the people's leaving do's this week. I feel really awkward, and haven't been able to say no, so it'll have to be the cheapest thing on the menu and tap water both times I think - hopefully they'll both do soup and a roll or something! There really ought to be a way to 'opt-out' gracefully of these things...

rupe34

Right - I have a cheque sitting in my bag waiting to be posted, which will CLEAR the MBNA CC!! Tra la laa. Looked at the interest I was being charged - much higher than M&S (which surprised me actually) - so have bit the bullet and got rid.:T

Feel a bit fed up with myself though. :mad:I could have done this ages ago, but didn't. So we've just sort of frittered money away here and there when if I (or OH) had been more intentional, the cards could have been cleared last year.

Said this to OH and he said all the things that we've said to each other, to excuse our laziness about money 'Oh, but we had to pay for...', 'Oh, but remember we put...on the card' and 'oh, but we've done a lot with the money'. I couldn't get irritated, cos thats what we've both been like for ages.

Rant rant

redstararnie76

Rupe - well done on clearing the CC. Don't get annoyed - I know I do sometimes, I just wish I had really gotten into the budgeting/saving mindset ten years ago - we just need to concentrate on looking forward and being pleased that we're doing it now.

laura2481

rupe34 wrote: »

Right - I have a cheque sitting in my bag waiting to be posted, which will CLEAR the MBNA CC!! Tra la laa. Looked at the interest I was being charged - much higher than M&S (which surprised me actually) - so have bit the bullet and got rid.:T

Well done on getting rid of that pesky card! :j:j

No need to be cross with yourself- that was then, this is now.. and you will soon be DF with your PMA (how many acronyms can I fit in one sentence? )

rupe34

Thanks dudes for the encouragement. You are :A:A.

Hmm haircuts today - me and eldest rugrat. We both have LOOOONG hair at the moment which makes our haircuts instantly more expensive:rolleyes:

Definately not a NSD for me - as well as haircuts - lunch was a big old slab of coffee cake with a friend in a cafe. Nom nom nom

rupe34

Another weekend - another babysitter to pay. This time its because I have to work tomorrow - as does OH. Did send the kids out to buy popcorn though - having Strictly back felt like a good enough reason to celebrate!

Yesterday was also a washout NSD-wise. But I did buy lots of Christmas cards - and for a good cause. Now that its dark by 7.30pm it doesn't feel quite so wrong to be thinking about Christmassy things. May have overdone it by looking at the Lakeland catalogue.:rolleyes: I think middle-age is sneaking up on me. Next it'll be cocoa and slippers...:rolleyes:

But its only 19 days since I started this diary, and I've cleared 2 credit cards since then :T - and I'm thinking twice about things I previously would just have opened my purse for. HMV will be sending me little notes soon saying 'We miss you!':D

Swinstie73

Well done on clearing 2 cards Rupe! I can only dream about doing that! Hope you enjoy the popcorn x