Just another DFW diary - Mizmir's progress

hypno06

Hi Mizmir, hope you are having a good weekend.

Just to let you know that I used the snowball calculator. FAB! If (and a big IF at that) I can maintain the current level of repayment, then I will be debt free by November 2011! woo hoo!

Having seen it all written down makes me really determined to do this.

Now, what can I sell? Do we really need a washing machine? sofa anyone? air???

Have a good moneysaving week!

mizmir

It helps to see it laid out in front of you doesn't it? Glad it was useful - it is a great site. Am hoping that I am going to be able to revise mine to make it come sooner .... and sooner....

mizmir

I've been checking out a site recommended on here by lynzpower - http://www.est.org.uk - really great site on saving energy. So my DFW activity for today has been to audit our energy use to try to get our bills down (and help the environment).


Their key tips are:

1. Don't leave appliances on standby Have been trying to remember to do this - will definitely do this.

2. Install at least 3 Energy Saving Recommended bulbs. I think I can replace 5 at least for starters. Picked some up on BOGOF at homebase a few weeks ago so need to get round fitting them.

3. Only boil as much water as you need A no brainer.
4. Insulate your loft Am going to check how much we have - we definitely have some but not sure if we have enough.

5. Install cavity wall insulation Not sure if we have this - how can you check? Not that we can afford to get it if we haven't but would be good to know.

6. Upgrade your boiler We are OK here - had a new boiler earlier this year and it is an energy efficient one. :T

7. Buy Energy Saving Recommended appliances Got these too - all A grade I think :T

8. Turn your thermostat down by 1oC Off to do that now

9. Wash your laundry at 30oC Mmmn - will that work for most washing? Think normally do it on 40? Will give it a go next wash!

10. Don't use the car for short journeys Am really bad at this - must try harder.


Anyway - was food for thought and hopefully will save us money.

miggy

mizmir wrote:

9. Wash your laundry at 30oC Mmmn - will that work for most washing? Think normally do it on 40? Will give it a go next wash!

I was surprised to find it often works! One of the kids persuaded me to try the Ariel 30o washing powder (which is far more expensive than my normal one but I got the first packet with 25% extra free and the second with a discount). I have found I can usually wash at 30o and what's more, I only need 50ml for most loads, whereas the packet recommends 195ml per load!!! (I live in a hard water area.)
I increase the temperature for germy things and stains - and put in 100ml powder for mud (can't believe how much of the football field those boys bring home!) and use the stain program on the machine - but I would recommend cutting down the temperature and amount of washing powder till you find what works.
I've also heard people recommend vinegar instead of fabric conditioner. I haven't tried it but am using half the fabric conditioner I was for most things and it's ok.
Oh, one thing the new economies didn't work entirely for - swim suit & towel that had been left to moulder (yuck) - there is still a faint whiff despite disinfectant and washing. Other than that the washing is going well. Give it a try!

miggy

mizmir wrote:

I am a lapsed fly-baby - house is back in chaos I'm afraid - hoping to get a grip on some of it over the holidays as it does make such a huge difference. Just not enough hours in the day [sigh].

"You are never behind...just jump in where you are...!"

mizmir

All this talk of Flylady has given me an idea - a "baby step" every day towards being debt free.... I'll endeavour everyday to do something that will work towards bringing down my debt - whether it is money saving or money making. I'll post it here and keep a note of how I am doing. With luck focusing on lots of little things will have two effects: to get my debt down and to get me into better money saving habits. So here goes...

Today I got an electricity bill - and actually checked the estimated reading against the real one. Turns out it is way over. Rang up and a revised bill is on its way - it seems they may owe us money....! :j Note to self: get into the habit of checking bills!!

taxi73

Well done on your progress so far:beer: you are doing really well:j it's amazing on here ...I feel cheated if I don't try and find something moneysaving everyday:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
it really does brainwash you this place....all be it in a good way...lol

mizmir

taxi73 wrote:

Well done on your progress so far:beer: you are doing really well:j it's amazing on here ...I feel cheated if I don't try and find something moneysaving everyday:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
it really does brainwash you this place....all be it in a good way...lol

Doesn't it just? Addicted - completely addicted...!



:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

miggy

mizmir wrote:

Today I got an electricity bill - and actually checked the estimated reading against the real one. Turns out it is way over. Rang up and a revised bill is on its way - it seems they may owe us money....! :j Note to self: get into the habit of checking bills!!

Fabulous! Don't you love it when that happens!
I checked a statement yesterday and found I had been charged twice for something - faulty till from what I remember - so I have that to follow up.

mizmir

It is a great feeling - and good to feel in control of it too - makes me wonder though how much I have overpaid in the past by not checking things :eek:. I had a double payment go out a couple of months ago - for insurance - £208 each time! They refunded it as soon as I told them but they hadn't noticed it. As it was such a lot I did - but a smaller amount might just have slipped through. I'm going to check every entry on my bank statement from now on!

Not a bad day today all told. Made £25 from my "extra" work dog training which will see us through till Christmas - and my OH got £80 of expenses refunded from work. :j