Not so good this month

Jo_R_2

Hi all

Feeling a bit disappointed with things today. Checked my balance online just now, knowing that the DDs scheduled for beginning of month will have come out, and yep we are broke for a week or so.

Now, for the last three months or so, we have been turning things around and haven't gone over my overdraft at all, haven't spent anything out of my account we shouldn't have. What it is is that since March I have been signed off sick from work, and this month's pay the the first where my occupational sick pay payments have ran out and I have just received statutory sick pay, so have had significantly less going in. All of my DDs that should have come out have done, except for one, and I have another due out in three days. Also have part of final electricity bill to pay, along with council tax and water rates.

Luckily, having envisioned this was going to happen, I had put aside some money from last month to cover the shortfall. Unfortunately it was not as much as it needed but it made sure the rent and new DD for electricity was paid. Council tax and water rates have been short for before at beginning of month and they are always fine when I contact them to explain and arrange a payment date.

I guess I am disappointed really. Not that with being off sick there is much I can do about the pay but hey... Whilst we are on the way to sorting out our finances, I was so proud that for three months now, we have avoided paying bank charges by staying within our limits, but these DDs have put me over and I know the dreaded letters will be dropping through the door soon. We don't have savings yet to cover this eventuality and I feel like it has been a setback.

Am staying positive though, I know that next month my pay will be pretty much back to normal as my initial maternity pay starts so it is only a temporary blip in that sense. Also our next steps are sourcing better deals on our internet and phone services, and cutting down our shopping budget a little further. I am also in the process of reading up about reclaiming bank charges (the irony ) so that provides a little comfort.

I guess it goes to show that Rome wasn't built in a day as they say... Eventually (prob post-return to work) we hope to start paying extra on our loan repayments to be able to pay it off early so it's all steps towards that.

Thanks for reading.

Annie_Fanny

Jo_R

Sorry this will be a quick message because my eyes are very sleepy!

But the first thing that sprung loud & clear into my mind when I read your post is that instead of feeling down with yourself is that you should feel
PROUD. You have done SO well thus far and you are going to continue whooping a**!

Well done Jo!

Annie
Xx

CosmoCat

Jo_R

I agree with Annie, you should feel proud of what you've achieved so far.

You know the saying 'the best laid plans of mice and men....', life happens and all our planning sometimes comes under strain. But you have really done well so far and will continue to do well when you get back to work because you have a clear goal in sight.

so (((((hugs))))) and keep looking forward. it's definitely going to get better.

Jo_R_2

Thanks Annie and melabarrie.

I think I feel a little disappointed, but what I have kept in mind is that even though this has happened, we are still on a 'new path' if you like, we are still working with 'new' spending and budgeting habits and I know that despite going over my overdraft, I am pleased that still this month we have budgeted with shopping, bus fares, etc, and not spent any more than we should have in that sense.

Definitely having a goal (paying more off on loan repayments when I get back to work after maternity) helps, and of course when I go back to work my pay will be back to normal, and there is even a promotion/pay rise that I will be training for.

In the meantime, there are still more areas to look at to ease back on and the bank charges to claim back so these will all be a help - as have yr kind words of support :T

Thanks again.

beanielou

I think you have done really well as you have been on reduced pay.
Good luck when the baby comes & enjoy!