Newbies' 10K in 2010 Challenge!! :)

t4mof

NewlyFrugalMumof3 wrote: »

On this note, does anyone have any ideas for a 9 year old boy's party. DS1 is 9 in 2 weeks time and I suggested a swim party with a few friends and home cinema after - as swimming for kids is free) but he wants to go to a theme park or tobogganing, which is obviously a LOT more expensive.

My DS1 is 9 in just over 5 weeks and he's adamant on Quasar. Haven't costed it yet but he wants to invite half the world!! I wouldn't mind so much but he hasn't been invited to a single birthday party all school year so either other parents aren't doing the big birthday thing as much this year or he's not as popular as he thinks he is :rotfl:

My DS2 was 6 last week and we took 6 kids to Paint a Pot and then back to ours for food and the Wii. Went really well and cost us £56 which I thought was OK.

Let me know what you decide, it might give me an idea too

banwa

Morning all,

You lot are so good and virtuous, and I need a smacked bottom.

Please someone help me refocus. The debt is still going down but I have been quite naughty....my sisters came through last weekend, and we went shopping:o. So after 2 dresses, leggings, sunglasses and lovely lunch, I was £90 lighter. Then spent a further £12 on clothes in Tesco last week and then £90 in B&Q yesterday:( (although £50 was a voucher that needed using). But overall I have spent £150 that I didn't really need to.

We have in theory £900 spare per month for debt repayment so I think I have relaxed and thought, what the hey? But I have relaxed too much and now feel a bit dirty:rotfl:

Help me get back on track:A

Btw NewlyFrugalMumof3, I think a new little economical car is a great idea, and it will save you money if your old one was on the way out.

Banwa

peetzil39

Hi everyone,
Oh Banwa, your post really made me laugh, I am not virtuous at all - did I forget to mention I have a new TV?! Other than that I am doing Ok though, think we all have moments when we think 'what the hey' but as long as they don't happen often, and lead to our old spending habits, I think we are doing alright. Learning curve ....:D
Peetzil x

banwa

Ooh what telly did you get?

peetzil39

Hey all,
Banwa, new telly nothing fancy, 37" Samsung LCD (decided against the fantoosh LED that I had my eye on, which is progress in itself!) and the sound on my old set was dodgy - honest Had a BBQ today first of the year as lovely weather and invited all family round, spent a fortune, my grocery budget has taken a battering and with the kids off for another week, I forsee lots of long walks, and any other cost free activities I can think of:rotfl:
Peetzil x

museumworker

PrincessLou wrote: »

To everyone taking part in the challenge, just to get some ideas, where does your money for the 10K challenge come from? Is it from your normal work pay each month or is it from doing extra things like taking on extra work or doing a bit of ebaying etc?

Hi Princess Lou and welcome to the challenge:wave:

I get my money from savings made and extra income earnt.

Savings made have been my main focus the last few months. We've slashed our grocery budget to around £250 a month, about £100 a month saving, for 2 adults and 1 child. The Old School forum has a grocery challenge, I don't follow this but basically plan our meals in a similar fashion. We've also cut back on presents, cards by ordering ones printed with our own photos, utility bills, insurance.. and basically not buying anything unless you're sure you need it and can't get it cheaper any where else! We're going out a lot less, although still have had some special times this year. I also do the £100 dress challenge.

Extra income has come from amazon sales of books, cashback on essential items, a couple of focus groups, surveys, an unexpected bonus at work, a bit of ebaying... the £10 a day challenge is great to follow to give you ideas and the motivation to do so!

Good luck, and let us know what works for you.

Amatheya81

peetzil39 wrote: »

Hi, and a warm welcome to all new joiners I am on Easter hols from work - yipeeee! hope to find the time to list a pile of stuff that has been gathering dust in my bedroom for ages. OH will also have a good bit extra in pay at end of month due to o/t, but not sure how much will go to paying off debt, as we are planning to get another beagle pup at the end of June! (£800 :eek:) On the downside, one of my daughters rats has been unwell, think she has had 2 fits, so a trip to the vet also on the cards. Amatheya, is it you that also has rats? and if so, have you ever heard of them having fits??? Really dont know what to make of it, and not confident the vet will have much of a clue either
Peetzil x

Hi Peetzil,

How is the ratty doing? Yes rats can have fits, it's usually a sign of heart problems or stroke. If you ever need help or advice or even a chat about rattys please feel free to PM me... I know a fair bit about ratty medical probs and if I don't know I'm sure I'll be able to put you in touch with someone who does

museumworker

Just booked my summer holiday, a week in a campsite near Snowdon! Am very excited, and hoping for good weather. Total cost will be about £90, for 2 adults and a child. We already have a tent and things, so will only cost petrol. Last year we went camping in Cornwall and budgeted £40 a day spending money on top, that was for all food and entrance fees, we were just under budget.

Making choices like this will really help with the 10K challenge.

Has anyone else made their summer plans yet?

peetzil39

Hi Amatheya, have sent you a PM re the rattie. Any help/advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Peetzil x

t4mof

Made a £142.50 payment to MBNA yesterday - unfortunately that will probably only cover the interest. I have spent on the card this month as we booked a summer holiday. I had the savings to cover the cost but me and hubby have had our bonus details today (we work for the same company) and after a year of no pay rises etc we should clear almost £1500 to be paid in 10 days time :j

It means I can clear Argos and my HSBC overdraft in April and pay for most of the holiday leaving my savings intact for spending money on holiday

Looking forward to payday and clearing more debt.