We are about to pull the purse strings soooo tight!

Alice_in_Poorland

Hi EE, so sorry to hear things aren't running smoothly with STBEXH. I was wondering how you were getting on during my radio silence this week. Its the 'firsts' of everything that adds to the pain. Try and keep your chin up. xx

Thanks brizzle. I know your right, I don't know why I can't seem to get my head around it.

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

I have been struck down (how dramatic!!) by some sort of virus, hence I've been quiet this week. Just what I need at this time of the year.

On the plus side I have pegged out this morning. I've just got some coats in the machine to put out when finished.

We're in the midst of a spendy weekend. Yesterday we were out for a family meal. Today we're out with friends. I've ordered some presents this morning so that just leaves the more tricky ones.

I'm trying so hard to keep the spends under control. Whilst I don't want to wish my life away I can't wait to start a new spending diary and budget.... Is that sad?

Right I'm off to put the coats on the line, and make myself look presentable. Housework is just going to have to wait this weekend.

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Good morning, hope everyone has had a good one.

The last few weeks have been a bit hectic. DL had to stay for a few nights. That generally isn't a problem, it's all the trappings he brings with him. Im not sure if he'll stay on the right path but fingers crossed.

We were very reserved with presents this year. There weren't any what I call big presents, but everyone got what they wanted. I don't believe in spending the same amount on each child. If one child wants something (or would like!! ) and it costs £50 and the other child would like something that costs £25, I don't feel the need to spend another £25 on him just because I spent £50 on the other.......if that makes sense.

We have spent quite a bit on socialising and entertaining over the last few weeks. We have one more meal out and we are hosting once more. I have tried to keep food costs down, and it's worked we really haven't had to throw a lot away. I think we'll do the 'pantry challenge' in January again.

Money........I have to confess I haven't kept the spend diary/budget up to date during December, and of course the account doesn't so a true figure because some of the DDs/payments which are due aren't showing up. I think I'm going to wait until 2nd/3rd Jan to start again.

We are also going to do the 365 jar again, although we had to use it to repair the car half way through the year this year I think it's worth doing again. I'm also going to try and keep a better tally of the NSDs.:D

DS1 is due to come home in the spring but he has been offered a contract as long as he can sort his visa out....for this he needs a lawyer, a lawyer in the US.:eek: We are hoping that some of these costs will be paid for but we have to see. I won't go into this too much on here but will obviously keep a track of the spends this will involve.

On the housework front, we took the dec's down yesterday......love 'em but it feels good now they're down. I've pegged a load out this morning and got another two loads to do. Also had a declutter of my shall we say accessories (not clothes as I don't have that many ), sorted handbags, scarves and jewellery.....no silver or gold unfortunately. They've gone off to the charity shop. I was going to hold on to sell but as I have already got a mahoosive pile of stuff to fleabay etc I just got rid of it.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. Once I've checked our outstanding debt figures I'll update my signature.

Hope everyone is enjoying the festivities.

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Happy New Year:D:beer::T

Not feeling very shiny and new this morning. :rotfl: but we are up. :T

We have family coming for dinner today, then that is it we are back to 'normal'.

Haven't had chance to update figures but today will be a NSD so that is a start.
I'm not starting a new diary/budget book as there is still plenty of room in the one I have been using.

Hope everyone has a good day.

Xx

brizzlegirl

Have a good one Alice, sending lots of love x

amber03

Happy New Year Alice, I've been quiet on the boards for most of last year but back with a vengeance. Not any debt thank goodness but really need to get saving as not convinced my job will be here in twelve months time, well no point in worrying, just need to be better with my money. Looking forward to following your journey in 2019.xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Thanks brizzle.


Hi Amber, sorry to hear about your job situation. Good luck in getting fund together just in case. I'm back on it too. :-)


Well I'm up to 3 NSDs, spent £12 in supermarket, just got a few things to top up but we are doing the 'Cupboard challenge' again. Looking forward to some strange meals.


Haven't had chance to update figures. We have a quiet weekend planned just the kids sports clubs, but will need to get petrol. OH planning on doing some painting, only white emulsion which we already have so that should freshen up.


xx

Alice_in_Poorland

I've pegged out today (and yesterday) which always makes me happy. Its great not to have the airers up and washing hanging around the house. It was more or less dry yesterday, so hopefully the same today.


We are up to 5 NSDs. Over the weekend got petrol £50, and spent £78 in supermarket, but this did include to birthday cards, birthday present, socks, cleaning/washing stuff, and food. Still working on using all the bits and pieces from the cupboards/fridge/freezer. The only other spends are £20 on DSs dinner money and bus money.


We have started the 365 jar, still collecting 20ps and 5ps.


Must must update signature!!


xx

amber03

I do sealed tins, one started 1/1 till 30/6 then the second tin 1/7 to 31/12. The tin I opened 31/12/18 had £84 in it which I have put into my savings. They have to be sealed otherwise I would dip into them.xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Hi amber, yeah having them sealed sounds like a plan. The one we did last year wasn't sealed but we had to dip into it for the car repairs.

Fingers crossed we don't have to do the same this year.

Xx