Russell's 'New Leaf' Spend Less, Make Money, Pay off Debts Diary

rustysmart

Need some inspiration for the new year for money making schemes!

I've looked over outgoing direct debits / other commitments but can't cut down in that area any more.

Current spending is relatively now, could be lower but it's manageable at the minute.

Tried Amazon book sales, eBay and Music Magpie, but kind of out of ideas now.
I already do the odd bit of mystery shopping here and there, but my wife and I use these as an excuse to go out rather than make money.

I know you guys will have loads of ideas though!! Help!!

rustysmart

Had a letter today stating that my bank charges claim has been denied. There's no surprise there and I wasn't claiming anywhere near what some people. Thought HSBC were very quick to send out the letters though - Merry Christmas HSBC!!

rustysmart

Decided to go for a change of tack with regards to updating my signature. Previously I have always done it on the 13th of each month simply because my LBM was 13th Sept.

However, I've decided to update it on or around the 23rd as that's my pay day. The tricky bit is that my spreadsheet takes into account all my direct debits and commitments so if you take my actual overdraft for example, I am currently in credit, but by the end of next week I will be overdrawn.

I suppose it's swings and roundabouts really, but updating on the 23rd feels right so that's what I am going to do! I've also taken in to account my savings which I have not done before - although savings will ultimately pay off one of my overdrafts in a few months time. Quite liked the 'paid off' line on my signature too which I've added - something to celebrate each month then!! :j

Make sense? Not when I read it back, but I was bored so been playing around!! :j

rustysmart

Hi All, well a last ditch push for money saving before Christmas by listing a few of my xbox games on ebay - not expecting to make loads, but I'm going to use the money to buy new games rather than have old un-played ones on the shelf.

Anyway, Merry Moneysaving Christmas everyone!! I'm sure I'll be online before New Year so have a great couple of days. :beer:

rustysmart

Evening money savers!!

What a busy few days it has been! Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Not too much to report other than I have had my first money saving Christmas and did not find it too hard to cope with. Only expense so far has been 3 pints in the pub with the father-in-law!!

Anyways, just signed up to the Sealed Pot Challenge which is right up my street as it's something I'm already doing, but not seriously, so we'll see what Christmas 2010 brings when I break open the sealed pot!!

(I've also just worked out how to put hyperlinks in which is quite cool!!)

rustysmart

Off in to town later to get my costume for New Year - Super heroes and Villains theme and I'm going as The Riddler because I thought it would be easy but proving not to be!!

Everyone else has either bought or hired their costume but I am determined to make mine - on the cheap I would like to add!! Will update later today on my success - or otherwise!!

rustysmart

Oh and I now have 43 users 'watching' my 4 eBay items - let's hope a bidding war commences soon on them as they end in 3 days! My wife said I wouldn't get much for the games, but I think I might have just timed it right!! Wish me luck!

rustysmart

Well that's the costume sorted... a little easier than I was expecting.

31/12/09 I will be donning 'The Riddler' costume, handmade as much as possible with expenses kept to a minimum. Not sure my friends are ready for me to be in purple tights and tight green t-shirt, but that's what they are getting!

Grand total spent = £11.22 of which £4 was spent on items I will wear again. Sounds more than needed, but when you compare it to the £40 the majority of my friends have spent on costumes that may not be worn again I thought I did quite well.

rustysmart

Oh, just noticed that 994 people have read my thread - thank you to everyone who has read some or all of it, I am really touched.

I know it pales in comparison to the 'thousands' of entries on some other diaries, but it's keeping me happy!!

When will it reach 1000??

TheLightFantastic

Hi Rusty

Congratulations on your diary and the progress made thus far!:j

I will definitely be subscribing and keeping an eye on your strategies! Here's to being debt free!