urg’s Happy, Healthy and Wealthy 2011 Diary

urg123

Hi All!!!

So lovely to see those messages when I logged on. Shed Tetris - now that is definately what I do! Move clutter from one spot to another where there seems to be a bit of space!

I did manage to get the list done (except the ironing!) I was really pleased with myself! I even managed to get my computer sorted (it wasn't starting); cleared out two shelves of the fridge and got rid of 10 items of clothing and managed to get a load of unused body lotions from my brother. I really need them as I have really, really dry skin.

Today was a busy day at work (and it will get busier as we get to the start of the academic year). I bought a few bits to keep me going for lunch = pitta, houmous and apples. I hope that it will help me keep on track.

Rather than waste our evening (and use up our precious weekends) DH and I have just done the shopping. If we didn't have to add the birthday cards and the DVD that my DH 'had' to add to the shopping trolley it would have been a reasonable shop for a week and entertaining friends later in the week. There weren't any bargains this evening though!

I've had a few successes with the budget recently (and a couple of set-backs). The gas and electric cost has been reduced by almost half. I hate it when NP*wer do this as they never can give me a steady monthly sum. I will ask them to increase it by about £15 as I don't want to be surprised after the winter!! My employer has also offered to pay for professional association membership so that is 6.50 saved per month. Not alot but it all adds up.

I also will have to go overseas for a family wedding later in the year. It's not a cost that I was expecting so I am going to 'borrow' from the emergency fund. It's not ideal but I will be able to return it early in the new year.

Right enough about me - hope all is well with all of you. Need to check that the lodger's rent has cleared and then head off to bed.

Will catch up tomorrow.

urg x x

taxi73

All sounding very positive and organised..think we are all trying to fit all chores in to the week at the moment

hypno06

That all looks reasonable, Urg.....to try and smooth out the utility bills so you don't get a shock later etc is a big step forward. In years gone by, we would simply have taken the reduced payment and not given the future impact a second thought!

As for the wedding - well, these things crop up from time to time, and you have a fund there to dip into if needed. Perhaps not a "true" emergency, but that is only a word at the end of the day!

urg123

So very true Hypno! I think that seeing the bigger picture, preparing for those annual spends, and having funds to dip into are all lessons that I learned here! I still need to have better control but I know that it is when I keep my eyes close to the ball ( if not quite on it) are really my way of moving forward!

I went o to the first post just now and I realise that I am on the road but my sense of urgency is not there anymore. I also realised that there are some things that I want to achieve that I have been avoiding. It's the weightless that is my nemisis and for me there is always an excuse. This is my next major project and I have to really want it.

I read something on a Flylady email that spoke to me! Someone wrote - self discipline is remembering what you REALLY want. I think that is something I need to remember with food and money!

We had a lovely evening tonight with my old flatmate and her hubby tonight! It was so lovely to see them! I do miss her terribly - she's become like a sister to me.

Right - better get to bed! I have an early ( for me!) meeting so need to leave at 7.30.

Night!

urg123

Morning - been up for ages! Sadly not been sleeping well this week - not really sure why. I don't think that there is something that is bothering me particularly.

This month has been a bad month spending wise. I've got over £500 spent on the cc which I'm not pleased with. I really do need to keep a tighter reign on my spending. I think I have had a bit of a 'scr*w it' attitude that needs to be taken into control. Payday is next week so i'll have to watch my spending til then. The finances will cope with the spending but I won't be able to safe which is annoying. DH will give me some money towards a couple of the joint expenses. We've got lots of birthdays coming up so will need to be good for that!

Hope you are all okay - will probably get up soon and not rush around to get to work for once!

Urg x x

hypno06

So.....I challenge you to a month of being savvy, enjoying life but within budget. This time next month, we will both post that we have been successful in making the money last. And there will be :T:T

urg123

You are on! My challenge will start on Tuesday when I get paid! Will work on a plan this weekend!

Urg x x

hypno06

I got paid today, so have made a start.....We can do this

urg123

So I have spent some time getting ready for my October budget! I've arranged for my annual costs and my money towards the kitchen/bathroom funds to be transferred tomorrow. Lets see if I can stick to a budget!

The weekend was busy as ever - birthdays for both dads which was nice. I do have to say that I am exhausted though, there is very time to chill and 'be' at the moment. I do love DH but there are days when I just want to be 'all by myself'!!

Moneywise - I went food shopping on my own and was well behaved and stuck to the list. Lots of fruit and veg to help keep me on track. I'm sure not having DH in tow keeps things a bit more in control. I managed two NSDs - yesterday and today! It really does help to take lunch in!

So - let the challenge begin!

hypno06

Bring it on