We are about to pull the purse strings soooo tight!

Alice_in_Poorland

Thanks brizzle, just got to keep plodding.:)

I forgot to do the meter readings last weekend......not like me:or took the readings on the way out to work this morning, have just submitted them and we are -£24.22, which means we have used £40 in 3 weeks. Really need to get back on track and get in credit!

We've been invited to a family meal out tonight. The relative has chosen a carvery which is quite good value for money, think it will cost £26 including drinks for 5 of us. Going to take half the money from food budget and half from entertainment budget.

Loving this weather, asked the kids to get the washing in at 1.00pm so it doesn't dry to a crisp.:)

Off work tomorrow, nothing planned as such but DS2 needs new trainers, I hoped his others would last until the end of the summer but sadly not.:o

Xx

brizzledfw

Both my kids need new shoes too....cost an arm and a leg these nippers eh?

Alice_in_Poorland

brizzledfw wrote: »

Both my kids need new shoes too....cost an arm and a leg these nippers eh?

They certainly do Managed to get DS2 some trainers for £24, certainly not the height of fashion but for what he wants them for they will be fine. He's going to walk to the field in his trendy trainers then change into his new ones to play footie in.......that's the plan anyway.

Had a good time at the family meal last night. We were absolutely stuffed, I think I went a bit over board with the veg.......eyes bigger than my belly and all that.:o. Cost £27, I forgot the include DS2 & DS3 having ice cream.....unlimited ice cream too.:)

Called into sburys armed with a list, spent £67, but that does include a 'bottle' for a birthday gift £17 and another bday present £4.

Also called into 'cheaply shop' they had a cricket set in a bag reduced to £4.99, an idea Christmas gift for one of our nephew so I thought, picked it up and about to pay when I notice the original price...which was just a few pounds more....was on the card that was stitched into the top of the bag so there was no way I could erase/remove it. So didn't get it in the end.......so close to starting my Christmas shopping I was.:(

Got cash for haircut tomorrow. Childcare paid for at the beginning of the week so no need to worry about that. Got money for DS2s pocket money. DS1 has booked his ticket to go back on his travels so need to sort his insurance out....our contribution.

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Had haircut.....that feels better, have lost that 'dragged backwards through a hedge look', mind you did cost £22. They've had some new hair products in which would be fab for my hair.....but not at £18 a bottle, even if I do only need to use a 'tiny bit';)

Have only just pegged out, got a dark wash in, I've noticed how much the darker and coloured clothes are fading when they are out all day.....and these clothes have got to last. I hoping DS2s school trousers will last another year, and his blazer, it still fits and is still in a good condition so why not??;:o

Hope everybody has a great day.

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Yesterday I gave our car booting stuff to the Brownies/Cubs for them to sell at their fund raising fete. I decided that although we need the money by the time we've paid entry fee etc we'd only make pence. Plus we've got a few busy weekends coming up and I just wanted to get rid of the stuff. I have kept some bits that I am....yes I am going to put on fleabay.:o

Paid this weeks childcare today. Today was pay day for me, although the first of the month seems like ages away, the account will look great for a few days.:)

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Yesterday morning I notice a little water mark on the drive under the front of the car, didn't think much of it (thought it was condensation to be honest.:o) anyway it was there again today, OH had a look and it looks like it's leaking from the radiator. Can't believe it, will need to arrange to take it into the garage and get it checked.

Another great day for pegging out. . And a NSD too, although no idea how many this month.

On the money front will pay DS1's trip insurance on Friday. Next week is another full week of childcare.:eek: and family members want to go for a meal before DS1 goes off on his travels......tricky one, want to go so DS can see everyone but can't afford it.

I've got a voucher for £20 off a £80 shop at 0c@rd0, never used them before so not sure if it would be worth it??

Xx

pennywisepoundstupid

Sorry to hear about the car I hope it doesn't end up costing too much.

I think Ocad0 can be quite good for deals, could you go onto mysupermarket and do a shop so you can compare what it would cost you at other supermarkets and see if it would be worth using the voucher.

Alice_in_Poorland

pennywisepoundstupid wrote: »

Sorry to hear about the car I hope it doesn't end up costing too much.

I think Ocad0 can be quite good for deals, could you go onto mysupermarket and do a shop so you can compare what it would cost you at other supermarkets and see if it would be worth using the voucher.

Thanks pwps, the car with 'the problem' is the 'other car' which also has it's MOT coming up at the end of August. The water in the radiator is at the correct level so who knows.:o blooming things.:(

I've had a look at 0c@d0, they've got some goods deals particularly on store cupboard stuff. The voucher also gives me 12 months free deliver on tue-Thur min spend £45. Will have another think about it.

Tomorrow will need to get petrol and a food top up, mainly milk,fruit and bread. Also need cash to pay window cleaner.......only for doing the front.:o

Xx

dawnybabes

Ova do is expensive but they do send you offers through quite regularly (just log on to site and look round and amazingly an offer comes through a few days later :-) ) for between 15% and 20% off your shopping

starfish1975

Alice... I have read your entire diary over the last 3 days.. It's addictive. Like a real life soap opera!

You are an inspiration.. I really admire you. You have achieved so much.. Juggling a full time job and a busy family life.

I have worked hard to clear my debt over the years.. I had accumulated quite a lot after my separation and setting up a new home for me and my daughter. I don't have any debts now apart from my mortgage.. But reading your diary made me realise that I have no grasp over my money.. No idea what I spend on grocery bill, electric, oil etc.. Kids hobbies etc.. I just spend money willy nilly.. Although I live within my means.. I would like to manage my money much better and feel in control of it. Maybe I should start a diary too!

I sympathise with you on the problem with your husband... I have been in similar situations.. Ex girlfriends.. Esp with kids involved have been the bane of my life! Facebook is also a curse.. But that's another story!!