Debt free by Summer 2012 (if not sooner!)

Skint_but_Optimistic

I do a cake and a pie a week these days. Its lovely being off isnt it I am in the same boat as you, worried about Christmas, worried about the price of drying things all compounded by the dark nights and the fact that I cant get my washing out.

Im off at the end of the month for a couple of days and then from the 22nd December for Christmas I cant wait either!

Will be scrimping and saving my way to the end of the month too.

You can bake a pie blind, fill it and then freeze it and then bake it when you have defrosted it.

LivvyLoo_2

Hi DF,

Glad you had a lovely time off, I feel us mummies deserve to spend quality time with our kids even if we do overspend a bit...they are worth it. The main thing is you can meet you payments, don't stress about the rest just think about the good times and how far you have come. This time last year you probs wouldn't have been able to have a week off without spending on CC's.

Good luck with the pie making.

LL x

DebtFree2012

Thanks girlies. The pie night is tonight and I have cheated and taken out a shop bought puff pastry but at least it's using from the freezer and not buying fresh. The chicken from Sunday was used for Sunday roast, stir fry last night mixed with a few prawns and then tonight in pie. I'll knock up a quick gravy and add some cranberry sauce, mushrooms and onions to pad it out a bit, maybe some veg and all will be good. I have frozen mash in the freezer which I will take out at lunch time and do some frozen peas or such like with it. Have brocooli and sweet potatoes but the SP will have to wait as they aren't pre cooked so don't fit in to my plan!

I was wanting to have something in the slow cooker every day and so far have managed 1 in 3 however this is better than 0! I have red cabbage there that I want to test a recipe on for Christmas day which is a SC recipe so will put that in tonight. I can't remember what tomorrow's meal is so will have to check spreadsheet tonight as it's at home - I'll make sure it's ready just to reheat when we get in from work - that too is part of the plan as we're eating later and later as I want HM food however takes too long to do when i get in at 5 and everyone's starving.

This is keeping my grocery costs stabilised and helping us eat a varied and balanced diet.

The heating came on last night for an hour so the temp must have dropped unless someone switched it on when I wasn't looking - naughty! However if it feels cold tonight I will tell DH to put the wood burner on.

I've paid a 1 CC bill and need to pay another today. The next 1 isn't due until 11th so will hold off a while and assess the money situ nearer time as CB due on 8th (also DH birthday so will be paying for a meal!).

We're getting DS christened on 4th Dec so that is added cost however I think I will do the after do at home as I can't afford caterers etc and this way DH will buy the boose and I'll do the food which I can be frugal with. Will plan that in.

We do a bran tub at work where we pick 3 things up to £10 we'd like and then put in a bucket and choose someone;s then you buy them one thing off the list. I can't think what would be best to ask for!

xxx

DebtFree2012

Well the pie filling was gorgeous - the pastry was a bit squishy - shop bought puff. I think I had rolled it too thick and had oven too high. Was all eaten despite that though. Will do one a week with left overs so I should master them by the summer when I'll stop doing them lol.

I didn't spend anything yesterday however today is £23 for school photos, £20 petrol and £10 (MAX!) for pub lunch which I don't even want to go to but have to as I cancelled last time to save money.

So at least all spending done in 1 day. Oh I will also pay the other smaller payment CC so that's done. The biggy will be paid on the 8th when CB goes in and I know where I stand.

My insurance is due for renewal in Dec (though Nov previously) so wuill change suppliers and get cashback however will change the date they take it out also as it's a pin that they take it just before pay day.

So I have £38 coming out for DH bday present that's ordered, £23 for school photos so must make sure that's covered at all times. Then I need the rest of DH present which I will get tomorrow and then a meal for him on Tuesday. I really really need to have this all saved before hand next year. That was the plan this year and I am still swimming upstream!!!

We are going to book a holiday for easter time next year - DD gets a week off after the schools go back so 2 in total. We'll go the week all the other schools are back so it's cheaper.

I also need to get a diary bought for 2012 - could add it to my secret santa / bran tub list maybe. I need one that will cover everything. Organisation is key!!! Or should I ask Santa for an iphone (money towards given the cost) and then use an app instead of a diary n pen?

I have loads to go on ebay now and DH is wanting to do something in the spare room which currently stores it so I need to get everything listed and money towards christmas.

xx

DebtFree2012

Right accounts checked after doing some work. Going out for lunch today as mentioned so going to try and keep that cost right down with water to drink maybe and starter for meal.

Accounts have settled down now after the madness of half term and back to penny pinching. I feel so much better when I am in budget mode - in control. I hate feeling the old me coming back which is what I feel when I am spending.

I am really really looking forward to the new project once my DFJ has come to an end - using all the skills I have learnt to allow us to get some land with farmhouse, animals and start the self sufficient lifestyle.

Every penny I spend on nonsense is a penny that could have taken me closer to the farm. I will keep that in mind.

xxx

DebtFree2012

Another day!

It's raining cats and dogs here today yet still fairly mild - for Nov!!! Go figure.

Yesterday's spends were £9 on lunch which included a tip of 50p lol so that was under budget and the school photos haven't been taken yet, not has DH bday present but that won't come out until it's despatched on 8th Nov when it's released. Also got petrol which will last me a few days into next week all being well.

My exam date is 10th Dec so I need to revise LOADS from now until then. Topping up what I already know to allow me to pass this time. Will get the train so I'm not driving there and back after a 4 hour exam.

Out tonight for a tribute act night thing and also tomorrow to a friend's for a bbq bonfire night. Sunday lunch is at parents too so busy weekend. I need to get the house in order and the ironing done as it's doing my head in!

Lunch time today I will pop into town and get the rest of DH birthday presents, card and wrap. Then I will wrap with the kids when he goes to the gym at the w/e. He is SO hard to buy for!!!

Right off to check no one's deposited 1 million into my account by mistake.

xxx

needingaccountability

I'm loving the dream of your future

DebtFree2012

Me too!!! That's my countdown - it will be fantastic for me and my family. Makes the journey easier in those darker moments!

DebtFree2012

Ps: Love the sig!!!!!

Skint_but_Optimistic

Love your dream too,,,, needingaccountability, you have done brilliantly!