Sorting through my rubbish

trixiepix

Hey lovely,

Well at least we're both singing from the same song sheet (so they say) and with each others support (and a lottery win ) we should start heading towards the financial 'straight and narrow'!!

I hope you are feeling a little better this week and gradually heading towards getting back to full fitness.

So back to a new week of procrastinating about what i shall be doing and you never know a small percentage may actually get done:rotfl:

Whilst the girls are off of school i just need to accept the fact that it's really difficult to try to get much done, it gets somewhat frustrating after 5/6 weeks though!! (thats my excuse for this week anyway..........)

Well - ebaying - nil!! - had great intentions but just didn't happen, had a couple of pre-arranged nights out last week plus i have a couple of friends who are really struggling with family and health issues so they spent an amount of time at mine, at the end of the day people are far more important than money but i do need to dedicate equally as much time to generate some much needed funds!!

Popped out on a freebie family day out yesterday, museum etc and popped into book shop to check out the craft books for some much needed inspiration, bought a lovely book (sadly full price £12.99) so currently my profits from crafting is -£12.99 - Eek!! - i'm hopeful i'm speculating to acculate!!, we'll see!!

Ooh, but the shopping budget went ok last week - so at least thats one thing!!, the freezer is looking a tad sparse in comparison to normal but that's a good thing as can now fit milk/bread in to save me doing the mid week emergency supplies shop which should cost me £3 and ends up £30!! - also i can actually see what's in the freezer without it all being jammed in, so makes it easier for meal planning (when i get around to it, tra la la........)

Hope you have a good day hunny and will pop back in soon xxxxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi Trixie

Right, we have both done enough procrastinating! Once the kids go back to school we need to seriously kick some @ss and pay down these debts!!

Personally that means Facebooking heavy/bulky items, Ebay clothes (still think I will get more for clothing on Ebay), meal planning and keeping shopping to a minimum, using up toiletteries etc.

I will also be re-decorating parts of the house, using existing paint supplies. Decluttering and deep cleaning as I go.

The loft is fit to bust so I really need to to tackle that before the weather gets too cold for me to be up there. This should also mean more to Facebook/Ebay.

All proceeds from Facebook sales will be put in the Xmas fund and Ebay proceeds left in Paypal for future purchases.

I need to draw up a new monthly budget but haven't had a 'normal' payday yet to base my figures on. I want to aim to pay off an additional £200pm from my debts, maybe more once I have re-jigged the budget.

Food wise, once DS1 goes back to base on 9th September we will be living a lot more frugally, DS2 and DD are not fussy eaters and will not criticise what DS1 might refer to as 'not a proper meal', plus he has got used to the Army feeding him 5000 calories a day!


No family birthdays now until the New Year (well only Mum's but I have her present already), just a few friends that we give small pressies and I'm sure I will have something suitable in my pressie stash.

Right Trixie, that's my battle plan, what's yours??

321 xxx

trixiepix

Right then!!!! - let the battle plan commence!!!!!!:cool:

Well, i need to try to generate more funds into the monthly budget, so ideally need to find something that will be ongoing rather than just a single hit - DH overtime has been savagely cut so is virtually non existant and we've realised we now have to budget on the reality of it being continually 'flat months' - in my job there isn't any opportunity to increase my hours and even if i offered to do 'overtime' (which rarely occurs) you are 'paid' with time rather than money, so that's of no financial benefit!!

So like you it's back to ebaying/crafting/selling my soul:D and basically monitoring every single penny in and out of the house!!

My mood has been swaying over the weekend between feeling more in control (even though we have no money!!) and then feeling really fed up at knowing this is how it's going to be for the forseeable future

Well, food shopping over the weekend took place in 3 different shops - i've realised i need to shop around a bit more and we're lucky where we live we have a wealth of supermarkets in the local area, i've even considered day to day shopping but not sure that's particularly practical!! - DH at home today- left him instructions on cooking a 'basics' range from Sainsbys bacon/gammon joint - was surprised how cheap they were, just over £3 when i normally pay double elsewhere!!, trouble is DH and DD's are big meat eaters (whereas i'm virtually vegetarian) so i'd like to think it will last a few days but with the scoffing whilst carving that will take place i seriously doubt it (they must think they should be getting 5000 calories army training rations!!):cool:

DD2 back to school today whilst DD1 is back tomorrow (as inset today) both girls in tomorrow and Wed and then DD2 has inset days Thurs and Fri - Arrrgghhhhhh!!!!! - i know already what i'll be asked first thing on Thursday morning - ' mum, what are we doing today??'
it's going to have to be something 'Free' so hopeful the weather will hold to be able to make use of the park!!

As of this morning i have £1.64p in my purse to last for the 2 work days - which shouldn't be any problem as have lunch with me, so hope there aren't any collections this week!!

Hope all ok with you hunny, and you're in fighting mode!!

trixiepix

Oh and just to waffle on a little more..............

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:xmastree:

In light of funds being a tad lean (understatement of the year ) i've started with gathering pressies as we seem to have so many to buy for!!- even though most are token pressies or vouchers it still mounts up!!

Mr T's have had a sale of homestuff of late so picked up some beautifully unusual photo frames (looked more TK's than Mr T's) that were less than half price - Matalan end of summer sale fetched up beautiful candles in ceramic pots (teachers gifts) for £2 instead of £8, Sainsbys had toy sale, £2.50 instead of £10 for 2nd cuz plus i have a few gifts that i'll be recycling

I noticed in the attic of doom i have lots of kids wrapping paper and cards but need to stock up a bit on adult stuff - gonna wait for autumn/winter nexxt catalogue as they usually do 3 for 2 on that kinda stuff when the book first comes out.

Another goal for this year is to wrap stuff as i'm buying it and put in attic so i haven't got the stress of trying to wrap everything on the last few days :eek:

Needless to say as soon as the kids go back to school my mind turns to christmas............:rotfl:

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi Trixie,

I'm fighting fit and ready for battle - bring it on!!

The kids have both gone back to school today, DD has started Middle School (3 tier system here) so no children at primary school anymore:(. She looked very grown up and confident as she strolled into school, we weren't 'allowed' to take her in even though some of her classmates had parents with them! Purchased uniform through school where I HAD to (jumpers and ties) but the rest is from Mossies and I see they have now reduced the prices even further, £1.50 for trousers/skirts! Finally raided the loft and found 6 jumpers and 8 polo shirts for DS2, should see him out for his final 2 years at school, no way he wants to wear the new uniform of blazer, shirt and tie!! I cant believe your DD is back to school for a couple of days and then has 2 inset days, how bizarre is that!

DS1's car in for MOT today, the deal is he pays the insurance (it's in his name) and I pay tax and MOT so fingers crossed it's not too much!

Finances looking really sick atm, Need to do re-budgeting on my next payday when I will finally know what my monthly take home will look like. In my new job I too have no chance of overtime, just have to take TOIL, which is a shame as last month I could have earnt an extra £200! Nice to be able to take extra days off though.

I have actually got around to selling on Faceb@@k!! DS1 and 2 both been having a clearout and had loads of fairly expensive footwear that has been outgrown but barely worn (most of which they have bought themselves or had a presents - I don't buy them the expensive stuff as a rule). They were just going to throw them out :eek: so I rescued them, cleaned them where necessary and now have an extra £40 - £50 in my Xmas pot!! I have huge pile of things to Ebay/Facebook on the landing where it is in the way and REALLY annoying me so I will be forced to list it soon:rotfl:. My DD has also got the bug and has been sorting through her room to see what she can sell.

Shopping wise I am trying to keep to a bare minimum, DS1 leaves next Monday (which means his gf will be going back home too) and we will be living off of what is in the stores from then til payday. Plenty of meat etc in freezer and it will be good to clear out some space ready for Christmas:xmastree:!!!

I have already got some pressies for THAT day in December but unlike you I actually enjoy the last minute wrapping of presents, glass of wine and I'm in the festive mood!

Right I'm off but will be back soon with another Battle update!!

Take care

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi Trixie

Just popped in with a very quick update.

Yesterday I spent - NOTHING!!

Dinner was Laver sausages from the freezer, new potatoes from the garden, frozen mixed veg and homemade onion gravy - lovely!!

DS1's MOT, with the fixing of an oil leak plus sorting out of rattling exhaust cost him £40 (mates rates) plus the £30 or so he spent in the car shop prior to the MOT on bulbs and wiper blades etc. I haven't offered to reimburse him as he earns more than me, will see if he asks me for the money!!

Couple more pairs of trainers sold yesterday so less clutter in the house and more pennies for Xmas!! Must list some of the landing mountain tonight!!

DH has been sorting out the house insurance paperwork as I spoke to my solicitor last night re my medical negligence claim and she said that our house insurance may cover the costs, if not it will be No Win No Fee. Not counting my chickens though as I doubt the NHS will agree I have a case.

Finances looking very tight, expenses for the month due on 12th, Child Ben and maintainence on 18th and then payday 26th:j.

DH has increased my phone contract by £3pm which will give me an extra 300 mins as with DS1 being away from home I keep going over my 100 mins and its costing me an extra £20 or so a month!!

That's about it from here today.

Keep fighting the good fight!!

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi Trixie,

Popped in for another quick update, hope you are ok.

Had a good week this week, DS1 headed off to his new base early on Monday morning so we had a nice big roast on Sunday to send him off. I used a free range chicken and gammon joint out of the freezer, just had to buy veggies to go with it also had a couple of desserts in the freezer so that was all good.

The leftovers have since made a lovely big pasta bake (leftover gammon), chicken and ham pie (leftover chicken, gammon and served with leftover veggies). Tonights dinner is corned beef hash, again with ingredients from the freezer/cupboards.

I haven't spent anything since Monday morning (mainly cos no money in my account!!).

The kids are in the process of moving bedrooms but it's a bit like those sliding tile puzzles we had as kids, you know the ones where you have to move one piece before you can move another! It's chaos, there's stuff everywhere, all over the landing etc but it's also good cos we are having a good clear out at the same time!!

Haven't sold any more items but have a huge pile of stuff to sell so must get back on facebook this weekend.

Hubby has been shortlisted for his dream job, fingers crossed he gets, it will give him a huge boost, not to mention our finances!!:j

Right must dash as I am at work, take care

321 xxx

trixiepix

Hey lovely lady,

Sorry for delay in getting back on!! - have been a tad poorly over last couple of weeks with tonsilitis kindly followed up with putting back out AGAIN!! - not only was i in pain but rather crabby (to say the least) with a sprinkling of feeling sorry for myself thrown in as seem to have a succession of minor health issues over the last couple of months that have amounted to getting right on my nerves!!!

Anyway, i'm back on my feet (and back at my desk) again now!! - you did make me lol at the 'sliding tile puzzle' comparison - thats what the whole of my house feels like at times!!! i seem to spend my time thinking, ' ok if i move that to there then i can put that over here and if i shove that in there then i can squeeze that in here.......... and so it goes on........
I'd like to think that at some point in my life i could finish the ironing without having to think, right am i going to be able to squeeze that in my wardrobe and drawers??? - bit of an indicator that i still have too much stuff :embarasse !!!!!

Well done with your nsd's - i think i've only managed one this month, but i'm continuing with keeping the shopping in budget - i've actually added another £10 a week to shopping costs which has made it a more realistic amount, so rather than going to the shops and thinking there's no point even trying to keep within budget as is virtually impossible, the extra £40 a month means i can keep within the budget by meal planning etc - i do have to admit that we have been having far nicer meals now that i've set my mind to cooking more again.

I'd promised a friend i'd make some cakes for a party for her yesterday so put a tray bake in the oven as well which i sliced up and filled some with raspberry jam, topped with jam and coconut and others filled and topped with choc frosting and sprinkles and some with strawberry frosting and sprinkles - enough to fill the lunchboxes all week with what amounts to leftovers from someone elses order!!

Well done you on the uniform bargains - it's such an expensive past time buying for school!! - i've noticed in our asd@ they've had their school summer dresses reduced but seeing how DD2 is such a tomboy, she would laugh if i bought dresses for her!!

Starting making my craft stuff over the weekend (well yesterday actually!! - proscrastinating due to dodge back, honest!!) and listed first thing on ebay today! - booked in to do 4 craft fairs before christmas and currently have no stock made yet :eek:
Has DH heard any more on the job yet???

'Speak' soon hun xx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi Trix,

Sorry to hear you have been unwell again (()) but glad you seem to be on the mend:). It gets you down when you pick up one illness/injury after the other, then your immune system gets suppressed and you pick up even more, vicious circle. I'm still have daily dressing changes etc but can see the light at the end of the tunnel now:T

Have been keeping the shopping to a minimum, and aiming to spend just over £35 per week so that I get my payday bonus at Mossies, £10 free shopping at the end of the month - lovely.

Being more organised with meals etc, hubby made a chicken and potato curry yesterday and I have put a spag bol in the slow cooker this morning.

No news on DHs job, got I/v on 27th, I am thinking of applying for my bosses job, just secondment for 12 months but £6k payrise!! That would knock my biggest cc on the head!!

Still playing the sliding tile game, I am determined that no rubbish is being transferred to the 'new' bedrooms so everything is being sorted, room, rubbish, recycle or charity. DH is facebooking larger items ie furniture etc for the xmas fund.

Well done you with he 'leftover' cakes, I really must start baking again, got loads of ingredients but since I've been poorly have got out of the habit.

Right must dash.

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi Trix,

Busy couple of days at work, but very satisfying at the same time, helping homeless youngsters! Very tired though and have long drives after work the next 2 nights which won't help!!

Spag bol last night was yummy so the same again tonight to eat up whats left. Will do something quick and easy tomorrow as I am out and friday night I am picking up DS1 from the airport so may get a cheap takeaway or do beans on toast:rotfl:

Did a rough budget last night, trying to work out how much I can reasonably afford to pay off and what I should pay first, think I have it sorted and will post the definate version on payday (26th). Hope to have 2 debts paid by the end of January!

More money from facebook sales put in the xmas fund last night, think thats almost £100 but haven't been keeping a tally - will be a nice surprise when we open the tin (it's one of those that you need a tin opener for so I can't 'borrow' from it during the year!!!).

Have loads of Xmas pressies at home but need to sort out who they are for and who I still need to buy for so that I'm focused in what I buy, will start watching the Grab-it board again for bargains. Cards and wrap in the loft, no need for me to buy anymore of that!!

DD came home with a letter for a school trip, £250 for 3 nights, her brothers did these trips so I will have to send her, luckily we can pay in installments so will try and balance that with my debt repayment plans.

Still sorting the bedrooms, I wasn't around to organise them last night so not a lot was done but will kick some butt tonight before my meeting!! I need it all done before the weekend when Ds1 and his g/f descend upon us!

Must fly as I am at work, hope the crafting is going well, what sort of thing are you making???

Hope to hear fom you soon

321 xxx