Muchin's diary of recover; becoming debt free and being happy

Munchin

Hi all

I'm just back from a few days away at a nice hotel courtesy of OH:D. I tried to see if he would fund a nice sandal purchase by pointing out how lovely they were but it didn't work:o.

I have been feeling good the last few days but its back to reality now and I have a kitchen to tidy and dinner to make. I love going away as you don't have to worry about dishes or what to make for tea.

Still no unnecessary spends but I have a list as long as my arm which I would love but really don't need.

Munchin

Morning all,

I've had to spend money on a flight to visit my sister and I head over in the morning. I think it will still be a low spend week as we don't plan on doing very much and apart from a grocery trip and then it will be just walking and talking.

I think the only planning today is the British grand prix and a trip to B&Q with OH.

Tomorrow I'm visiting my friend whose baby died. I also have a ton of ironing to do and need to try and pack everything onto a carry on bag. It will have to take some inventive packing.

Munchin

Morning all

I came back from England last night and I've been thinking and planning to see what I can do to help my sister. I can't really help her emotionally apart form offering support but I can try and help her financially.

Basically my mini fund is out the window and my "Save every penny just in case fund" has started. I need to get as much money into that fund within the next 6 months so that I look financially secure if I need to lend her money or be a guarantor on a mortgage.

On the frittering front and my 100 day challenge it is going well - I think when you suddenly have a strong purpose for not spending it really focuses you.

Eating front - have stuck to the plan my ED therapist has given me and it seems to be going well. I had to cut out stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol and I have reduced my sugar intake. I had such a headache it was unreal:o.

I'm going to a bbq tomorrow but so far the weather isn't looking good but I think that is expected at a bbq:).

Munchin

Morning all

I'm a bit dosed with the cold at the moment so am wrapped up warm watching the rain outside. I have a BBQ to go to this afternoon but I reckon a lemsip before I head out the door will keep me going.

I have been reading a money saving blog from a woman called Cait -"Blond on a Budget" - (http://blondeonabudget.ca/) which inspired me to do the 100 day challenge. She did a 1 year shopping ban which has just ended but as I wanted to ease myself in gently I thought i would do 100 days. However Cait has now decided to extend her ban for another year and I'm going to start that now instead. I have a few things to buy for my holidays so over the next 2 days I'm going to check my holiday clothes and see what I need. I honestly think I only require 2 vests and possibly a beach coverup which I can get at Primark. I really don't need very much as like a lot of people I wear the same things repeatedly and I fritter just because.

I shouldn't need to buy any books for ages as my Mum's friend gave her another massive bag of books yesterday.

We have 2 bank holidays now because of the 12th holidays and I'm going to use the days visiting my brother in his new business. Visiting my friends, checking the holiday wardrobe and maybe doing some gardening. I feel like doing all these things because lemsip is so effective but when it wears off I will probably just want to stay in bed.:o:)

Have a great Sunday all.

Munchin

Morning all

Another week has merrily skipped past:) and I made it back into work without killing anyone.

Work news - I got offered a new post but I turned it down. I was tempted but it was only covering maternity leave and I was afraid that as it was a high profile post I wouldn't be able to contribute anything positive as it would take time to build up the knowledge and I wouldn't have that time. I know that something else will come along..... hopefully.

Money front - I have very little left in my budgets thanks to having to get a flight at short notice but although it is a tight squeeze I can do it. I've not frittered anything and I know what I need for my holidays - beach bag, cover up, towel & 2 vests. Primark here I come....well within the next month.

Groceries - £42.14

OH is working tonight which is a total pain as I had hoped we could do stuff tomorrow but basically tomorrow will be spent with him sleeping so I will visit my friends.

Munchin

Morning all

It's amazing how things change in week - I turned down the previous post I was offered and then I met with the boss of that section and the post was tweaked and I accepted it:D. I start next Monday and am sort of nervous and excited at the same time. I'm moving into an area which is growing at the moment and there should be lots of development opportunities....and I will have no staff:D. It is further away from home but they will pay my excess fares.

Of course I have become a bit spendy:o - I bought 3 presents for my managers to say goodbye and thank you. I've also bought some sweets for the staff and will buy buns on Friday.

I'm going to see my ED counsellor tonight. Things have been going really well on that front. I've told her that I'm worried it will all come crashing down round my ears as it is going so well and we are to look at ways of coping if things do crash. We are also going to look at coping strategies for my new job. I can't believe how much better I feel in such a short period of time.

It is now less than 3 weeks til I go on holiday with my family. It's probably not ideal that I go on holiday 2 weeks after I start my new job .

Have a good day everyone.

Munchin

I was awake at ridiculous o'clock this morning and I've looked at my debt plans so once I have a small nest egg built up then I'm going to do the following probably starting Nov.

- envelope system & stick to it - start Aug;
- increase credit card repayments to £200 a month;
- "save everything fund" - £200 a month;
- reduce holiday fund by £50.

It should mean that I will be debt free by August next year but I will hopefully hit my target before then.

Greying_Pilgrim

Munchin - i'm assuming the new post is with the same organisation? Therefore continuity of payroll etc? I was just wondering, as you talked about starting the envelope system in August, just was wondering whether that could be de-railed if payroll messed up?

But CONGRATULATIONS on the new job :j You're right - things do change round quickly But BRAVO for getting in there and going for it :T:T:T:D:D:D

Love catching up with your progress

Greying x

Munchin

Hi Greying :hello:

Lovely to see you. Yes the post is still in the same organisation so hopefully the pay will continue the same....but as they outsource thier payroll it wouldn't surprise me if there was a blip.

I saw my counsellor tonight and she said that I'm not responsible for other people's needs only my own. I know that sounds a bit chocolate box ish but it really struck a cord with me. Onwards and upwards.

I didn't realise that this has been a 5 weekend month - no wonder I'm skint:)

Munchin

Morning all

Friday at last and today is my last day in this office:). I'm excited and nervous obviously but looking forward to the change and no staff:D.

I have bought my managers leaving gifts so I need to get into action and write something in their cards. I've also bought chocolates and biscuits for my staff and hopefully that will be enough. My budget is right down to the wire and I don't have a spare penny until the new budget starts tomorrow.

I didn't sleep very well last night so a pot of tea and heavy make up should make me look presentable on my last day. It doesn't really feel like it as I'm not leaving the government department I work in but moving to a new job in a new building. Everyone has been so lovely but I'm still happy to go.

I will let you know how it goes - is it wrong to hope for a collection with a few coins in it:o