why oh why cannot i am not stop myself

MrC1977

hi all

just me getting something off my chest.

My LBM was forced upon me about 2 months ago and was the best thing that happened to me. Started a DMP and for me, importantly, started a proper budget and a spending diary. this month i have been so good - in fact i am well with my budget and for the first month in years i can honestly say i have lived within my means.

so as i have a little extra money - do i put aside for when i need it. No. I agree to go out tonight and a have a few drinks.

i am mad at myself for argreeing to it as this is only my first real month of trying!

sorry just wanted to get it off my chest and has anyone any tips for the future

Jesthar

Hey, don't go beating yourself up over one night - you haven't had the night yet, and you can make it an MSE one! Challenge yourself to limit yourself to £10 for the whole evening, don't take the cash card, and you can still have a well deserved 'reward' time without breaking the bank.

Drink soft drinks if you need to remain sober to stay in control (use the "I'm driving/have to be up early" excuse if you need to), but being in debt doesn't mean you have to become a hermit - unless you *really* can't control the spending.

Being MSE the whole time can be *very* draining, and a carefully budgeted treat can make the difference between steady progress and going round the twist! For example, I treated myself to a big bag of posh crisps the other night cos I'd stupidly dinged my car, was feeling totally down in the dumps and they were on special offer for £1...

*hugs*

~Jes

moriarty888

Everyone is allowed a little bit of fun occasionally. You are on the right path and have a little bit of extra money. Set yourself a limit tonight. Leave all your cards at home. Don't get into rounds, just buy your own drinks. See this as a small reward for your hard work.
You do need to budget for a little enjoyment otherwise you go crazy and end up wondering what the point is and blowing your budget.
Sitting at home every night sure can get depressing so a bit of a social life is a must!
Give yourself a pat on the back.

persian_star

Totally agree with Jesthar.

Sounds like you're at the beginning of a long road, and it is pretty hard work, so feel proud of what you've already managed, don't feel guilty about the occasional treat, and learn that treats can be MSE too!

Just 'cos you're taking control of your finances, doesn't mean you must stop living life, just means you need to be a bit more creative with how you're doing it

Best of luck with it all!

saltnvinegar

Absolutely you should have an entertainment budget, even if it only allows you £10 a month for a beer once a week.

In fact, in addition to the self control thing, drinking soft drinks is a MSE dream:

1) If you're going with friends ask them if you'll drive if they will pay for your soft drinks all night (say you're on some wierd diet and alcohol is bad for your aloe vera pentipeptides or alternatively you just can't stand the hangovers any more!!)

2) Some pubs do free soft drinks for drivers (if you're buying a round for a group) - worth finding out any pubs in your area that do this

SnV

MrC1977

thanks everyone. taken a lot of advice on board and you are right. told people i am going to drive as i cant get there til a little late - that way should spend not to much at all. plus it is a good chance to catch up.

i guess i was just annoyed that i said yes originally without thinking about it.

appreciate the help all

tellmeitsfriday

Have (cheap) fun

barbiedoll

Even MSEers are allowed a night out now and again! As long as you don't go mad in the shops and buy a new outfit first (as if!!!) then a few soft drinks isn't going to break the bank. Have a good time...:D