Savings Log of a 26yr old on low pay

mw2655

hi,

remember it's better to be "bored" as a debt free non smoker who is making the effort to improve both your future health and financial wellbeing.

rather than the exciting path of increasing debts/stress.

keep up the good work.:T

cheers matt

Primrose

Well done for perservering with the non-smoking. If you can keep this up you'll save yourself a fortune of the years which can be used for other things which benefit you more.
As regards wanting something a little more fulfilling in your spare time, might you think about investigating the Rotary Clubs or Lions in your area. They're charities which get involved in fund raising for their local communities but often have social events as well which might enable you to meet a few new like-minded people. If you enjoy some gentle exercise, the Ramblers group might also be a way of meeting people of your own age for sociable outings.

linz

MW, you could also think about putting the amount you'd normally spend on cigarettes each week/month into your ISA..

ampersand

Well mw, had a post all ready that disappeared, so I did too - it's sooooo frustrating.

Started by flagging up this one:

...because that is terrific.

I'm sorry you're feeling low because of the reminiscing kicking in[I can join you there, despite being Ancient Crone:) - there's no difference when this one's around. Hurt hurts at any age.]

This grey weather never helps and you're wise to go along to Mum and Dad's, however boring and same-old, same-old it seems. The point is this - you're lucky they're there just as a stop-in point to get you through today.
Also, it looks as though your ISA could hit £1k by Easter!!!:j - that's brilliant. Thanks for explaining the t.v. licence split - another PLUS.

Go back to page 4 for ideas and encouragement again.

Also, I've no idea what your local library is like these days, but Cambridge has become a state-of-Art Meeting Hotspot, since big refurbishment within the Grand Arcade redevelopment. I wouldn't knock it one bit. If you haven't been to see what's happening around yours, go and have a look. Pay attention to all the What's On noticeboards there.
Decide to try One New Thing.....at worst you can come here and tell us what a disaster it was!

Hopefully, you've spotted this too:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-restaurant-deals#costa5
Did mine last night after picking up card on quick visit to Library, so enough for 2 free coffees lined up = treat. I'm a Costa virgin:D, so will see what's what. Starbucks' equivalent last year was v.g.

I can't make the sun shine. mw - wish I could - but hang on in there.
You are doing so well; you are exceptional; you will attract The One, the Right One who's worthy of you. Suddenly, she'll be there....this is how it happens.

Read yesterday's Grauniad and take heart:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/feb/12/train-railway-romance-travel

SliAbhaile

I've been lurking here for a while and reading this through has prompted me to join in.

Firstly, congratulations on your attitude and application. It is heart warming to see the country can still produce grounded, articulate, intelligent and hard-working people.

Stick on the path you've chosen, it's not easy. I can speak from experience; when I first arrived in London in the eighties I was earning £4,500 per annum, the place I was renting was £450 per month. I could only make it work by sub-letting the flat to as many as I could cram in and by being ultra frugal and careful like you are.

I climbed out of there by constantly asking for a rise. I took on all the jobs no one else wanted to do, did all the overtime, worked my ar5e off and kept asking my director for a rise. It worked, when I left that company one year later I was on £8,500. I changed company several times over the coming years and maintained this tactic until I worked my way up to a decent wage.

On the frugality side I would suggest you buy a bike. Car boot sale or ePrey. £70 spent on a second hand bike will solve most of your transportation worries and keep you fit at the same time.

I would certainly be cautious about owning a car. If you have decided that you absolutely NEED a car then you have two paths open to you: firstly, the one you have is tying up too much capital. In your position I would buy £100 bangers, with MoT, and run them until they break, then walk away (or have the AA tow them to the scrapyard). Your car has already cost you £1,000 and when it next needs work done to it, as they all do, you won't want to "throw away" that investment so you will be forced to pour more money into it. Secondly, learn to fix your own car. If you are going to do economical motoring in old cars you should never go near a garage. Buy parts online after much research on forums for the cheapest then fit them yourself.

Other than that I think you are doing a great job and I hope you will continue this interesting thread.

MoneyWaster2007

Lots to say, lots to thank, hmmm...where to begin??

Once again thank you to all that have taken the time to post replies in my thread - they truly are appreciated that's old and new posters.

And sorry for the delay since my last post, must keep more on top of this thread..

I particularly like the glittering text from Ampersand saying 'have stopped smoking and am on day 16 of being a non -smoker.' Well that now needs to change to 'day 31.' :j Still worried about certain situations knocking me off course but doing ok generally.

SliAbhaile - Thanks for your post. Some great tips there. As regards the car, I don't need it, but I am going to keep it as it makes life so much easier in terms of not having to rely on anyone and having the option to drive anywhere I want, any time I want to.

As you may have noticed from my signature, I am now up to £900.00 in my ISA and £201.00 in my Car Fund. So...I have protection over my 'main pot' should there be any problems with the car.

Another £100.00 and I will be at the £1k mark which I think will be a good hurdle overcome. So by the end of March that should be what I'm looking at.

Got some extra expenses coming up this month though - it's my mums' and dads' birthdays in March. They both want a new mobile phone each so me and my sister are going to go halfs on a cheap one - most probably from Argos - anyone know of anywhere cheaper?

The swimming is going well - have got to grips with front crawl which burns more calories than breastroke and so is giving me greater benefit. Have also altered my eating so that I am not eating any saturated or trans fats and just eating carbs + protein ie. meat, fish, fruit, veg, etc. Only 2 weeks into the eating plan so not seeing any results as yet but it will surely come...

..seen some nice girls at the pool, but not a great deal I can do about it as don't want to come across as being pervy so just keep myself to myself...

Anyway, thanks for reading, I'll monitor this thread a lot more closely now and get back to your replies quicker, cheers.

somethingcorporate

MoneyWaster2007 wrote: »

Got some extra expenses coming up this month though - it's my mums' and dads' birthdays in March. They both want a new mobile phone each so me and my sister are going to go halfs on a cheap one - most probably from Argos - anyone know of anywhere cheaper?

If you buy through argos make sure you use Quidco to get a few pennies back!

sarahevie

well done you

best thread I've read today:j

No complaining, woe is me, getting on with saving, shared house.

So many think the world owes them somthing. well done for getting on with it.

You are doing amazingly:j

ampersand

re:
'I particularly like the glittering text from Ampersand saying 'have stopped smoking and am on day 16 of being a non -smoker.' Well that now needs to change to 'day 31.' :j '

##############
I'm up for that. mw -

You are continuing to do brilliantly, mw.

Mmm, 2 b'days in proximity is a squeeze, but you seem to have matters in hand[as usual], so take another pat on back:T.
I'm really glad you're staying with the pool - it's the best sort of minimal body stress toning and you can stay with it lifelong now. What's the betting a couple of the girls are feeling shy and thinking 'I wish...' thoughts about a certain Mr Mw[who#s looking better by the week]:D;)

I'm still awaiting rtn>gym clearance after kneecap injury/fall. It's taking a while.

re: phones, my Clubcard+ with Mr T means I'd drive best poss. bargain there, but others will prob. have better knowledge.

It's all good mw, and I am just SO pleased about the NON-smoking. Best have another burst of
Nighty-night!

Primrose

Well done on all the changes you've been making, both on your lifestyle and your savings. On days where the going sometimes seems tough remember the old fable of the The Hare and The Tortoise. It was the tortoise that won the race !