Into the unknown....

AnnieG

Hello!
I've been lurking for some time now, but as this week marks the beginning of a new chapter for me, I thought I'd look for some support / advice from the experts.
I'm a single parent, and several years ago was massively in debt. I sorted out my own DMP, sold my house and pretty much clawed my way to living a reasonably comfortable lifestyle. However, I've just lost me job (great timing) and although I've had a bit of a payout from the company I was working for and therefore have a bigt of a cushion, the prospect of surviving on benefits until I can find another job is quite frankly terrifying!
I'm dreadful at sticking to a budget and hopelessly disorganised.

However, I'm determined that I'm not going to let it beat me and figure that keeping a diary might just help me to be disciplined and cut down on spending as much as possible.

So, this evening I shall mostly be having a look at what's in the freezer and the cupboards and making a menu plan for the week... it would have to be half term so my 9 year old with hollow legs will be at home all week and eating anything that sits still long enough.

Anyway... here goes... I'd appreciate your help as I have no friends living nearby and spend an awful lot of time on my own.

Thanks for reading
Annie

Herewego

Welcome Annie,
Looks like you have been doing very well at clearing your debt, sorry to hear about your job. I was in a similar position at the start of the year but found a new job quite quickly so good luck I will be following your journey.I love ebay and amazon for a bit extra cash.
You will meet lots of new friends on here, I'm sure you wont get lonely

keza

hi annie! sorry to hear the loss of ur job! menu planning is a great way to save the pennies! i do it every month. good luck! here for a chat anytime! *subscribes* xx

AnnieG

Hi both and thank you!
I've seen a couple of jobs, but both would involve me moving :0/ but... I've applied anyway and will see what happens.

I've just discovered that I've got LOADS in my freezer, so there's no chance of me wasting away just yet (damn!)

Herewego

I went through my cupboards a few months ago and found loads of tins out of date.
We had 2009 beans last night and 2008 spaghetti tonight just dont tell my DH , last year they would have gone in the bin :money:

AnnieG

Haha!! I approve, and think my meals for the coming week may be very similar!

Krisp_3

Pah! Use by dates! I see them as a challenge rather than a rule to be followed...

Mrs_Jojo

Use by matters, best before is just a guidline:-)

Hi Annie, I'm sure you will be back in work before you know it, and at least you are planning not to get into debt while you are out of work - well done you!

jtr2803

Hi Annie

I am sorry to hear about your job but from your sig it looks like you have done very well already :T

Good to hear you aren't old Mrs hubbard just yet . Lets all keep our fingers crossed that a nice new shiny job appears for you this week.

x

AnnieG

Thank you... I emailed an application yesterday, and have another one nearly ready to go, so hopefully I won't be twiddling my thumbs for too long.
So.... today I need to go to the shops for a couple of bits. I usually go to Mr S as it's right opposite the house, but think I might venture to Mr M's today as I think it might be a bit cheaper. I want to make a proper 70s pineapple upside down cake (glace cherries included!) and some biscuits. DS is back from his weekend at his dad's later, but is going to a party so I don't need to feed him properly but he'll want snacks... he always wants snacks! He's sleeping over so it'll just be me again tonight.
I've got an appointment to sign on for income support tomorrow so I need to dig out the hundred or so documents they need to see... which means the afternoon will more than likely be spent trying to sort out the chaos that is my cupboard under the stairs. Unfortunately my filing system pretty much amounts to opening the door and flinging stuff in there. Sometimes it gets 'filed' in a carrier bag first. Must be more organised.....
Righty, I'm going to get started with the day, I got way-laid by a double bill of Will and Grace this morning so I'm a bit slow out of the blocks today!

whatatwit

Hi Annie, another person that went to the same filing school as I did.
I have got folders for most things, so why does it all end up in carrier bags slung into a cupboard?

Good luck with the job applications.