301k in debt and morbidly obese - things aren't great!

Soapy955

Does MrsB know you are now a celebrity on Facebook and MSE.com? :rotfl:
I came here on Martin's recommendation from Facebook too. Keep on doing what you're doing, both with your health and moneywise, and also with the diary as it is very entertaining!

short_bird

donny-gal wrote: »

The aforesaid Spending Diary is the way to go, for all the family, yes it is a PITA, but it does show how the pounds slip away and add up. Maybe a easier way is to count the cash in your wallet/purse/pocket in the morning, try to get receipts for everything during the day, and then see what you have left at the end of the day, and see if you can account for it all . DG

Yep, worked for me, along with a food diary...

OTT888

Hi Mr B

I too have subscribed and love the way you write. I've been reading since the beginning and picked up some tips!!

I too need to lose about 5 stone so you have given me the kick up the rear end I need.

Keep up the good work - onwards and downwards!

OTT

MrBloater

Big result today was the car insurance - following word for word the advice on MSE we checked the two comparision and the two other insurance sites, but there was no obvious facility for getting a multi-car quote so Mrs B rung up and procured us a deal that will save us the rather splendid figure of £476 for next year. I'd always been somewhat sceptical of the savings possible and this was beyond my wildest expeactations.

Then moved onto the utilities and despite us being on standard tarriffs with 2 different suppliers, the potential savings outlined were very little and temporary so we'll hold fire for now.

And looking around at the mobiles and landlines we appear to be in a poor bargaining position on the former and on the best deal for our needs on the latter.

Most pleasing thing on the weightloss front (maintained yeterdays 23-2 this morning) was that for the first time I can remember, I left some food on the plate at dinner - feeling full is a rare feeling for me and another positive sign.

The boy is doing his bit for the moneysaving, his new favourite hobby is finding Mummy's purse and Daddy's wallet and hiding all the credit cards. If only we'd trained him to do this a couple of years ago.....

Karmacat

£476!!! Hurray! I tell you what, keep a running total of what you've saved/cut down on, especially for big stuff like that - thats *so* encouraging, good for you!

MrsMoo2U

Excellent saving Mr B. You so deserve all the attention that your diary is drawing. I agree that I would love to read a column by you on your endeavours. So full of humour but with a good sprinkling of innovative ideas on money spending. The supermarket self serve is the best I have heard yet.

Great too that you had something left on your plate. This may seem a bit of an oddball suggestion but I have found that it works for me. I chew my food slowly and really think about eating when I am eating. I have noticed that at times when I am stressed or rushed I shovel the food in, dont chew, dont think about what I am eating and can easily clear a plate of my OHs cooking (He cooks for a whole family of 10 when there are only 2 of us). Taking time and being mindful of what you are eating makes a really big difference to noticing when you are full. Sounds to me like you are already on your way to that anyway.

lucielle

Great news on the moneysaving. Well done.
L

Bitsy_Beans

Wow I might get my H to try that tip on the car insurance, well done on your savings

I agree with Mrsmoo re mindful eating. Now if I could only practice what I preach I'd be well away

Sammy85_2

MrsMoo2U wrote: »

Great too that you had something left on your plate. This may seem a bit of an oddball suggestion but I have found that it works for me. I chew my food slowly and really think about eating when I am eating. I have noticed that at times when I am stressed or rushed I shovel the food in, dont chew, dont think about what I am eating and can easily clear a plate of my OHs cooking (He cooks for a whole family of 10 when there are only 2 of us). Taking time and being mindful of what you are eating makes a really big difference to noticing when you are full. Sounds to me like you are already on your way to that anyway.

It apparently takes half an hour for your brain to register that your belly is full, so if you bolt your dinner you'll most likely eat more than you actually needed to.

Its also common for thirst to be mistaken as hunger. A good way to avoid that is to have a glass of water a little before you eat.

MrBloater

Just woke Little Boy B with my stumbling through the door at 5.30am from.. another 3k run. Mrs B will also be displeased to know that the only socks to run in I could find were hers. Anyhow, will soon be changing my username to St. Bloater at this rate - 4th day on the spin of serious exercise. Again, to anyone out there reading thinking "yeah yeah, it's all very well for him, but I couldn't do it" - you could, and you could start loving it. I have abhorred taking part in sport throughout my life - I was always the last one picked for anything at school - this was due to a killer combination of my lack of physical prowess and tendency to walk home during PE lessons. In my adult life I've had numerous gym inductions and have never gone back after the first time because quite frankly, they ain't my kind of people in there, and whilst it might be sold as all happyclappy and everyone's welcome and nobody judges you know damn well that all the buffed bodies are laughing their well toned backsides off at the fat bloke in the corner struggling. But running/jogging/walking is different cos it is on your own terms and you can pick when and where. Anyway, can hear more stirring from upstairs so best go else cover will be blown.