Wobbly Jellie looks for balance!

*Jellie*

Doing ok with the spending diary- at least I think twice about spending!
Have been busy doing some crafting amongst other things. Have a moneysaving project I'm hoping to finish and share soon. In the meantime this is a card I made yesterday- details in my usualy crafty place!!

*Jellie*

I typed a long post yesterday and then it got lost in the ether so I'll have to retype it when I have time.
I've had a bit of a break from the forum ( details to follow) and I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone over the next week.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas xxxxx

yukkibear

Merry xmas Jellie

newgirly

Hi Jellie, nice to see you back!

*Jellie*

Merry Christmas YB
Thanks so much Newgirly.

I'm going to attempt to retype the post I lost. I might split it over a couple of posts just in case.

Firstly apologies for going quiet for so long. I wanted to spend some time off MSE while I adjusted to going to part time and the related pay cut together with all the other stuff I've had going on. I've really missed being on here and am looking forward to catching up with everyone on their diaries etc.

Although I haven't been on here much I have been doing lots of reading and thinking. I'm still looking to simplify my life and make sure I keep in balance. The main area I've focused on since my last posts is staying on track with batch cooking and meal planning.

However, as we approach the end of year I have to face up to the fact that next year will hold some tough choices. Now I am part time I need to see if we can live frugally enough to stay in the house we love and pay the mortgage off early as planned when we were both full time. If not we may have to downsize. No matter what happens I need to keep my health as a top priority.

This year I will be 40 so it is a good time to re-evaluate life. I have read lots of books about simplifying and living a frugal life. In particular I have read Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robbin a few times. I am going to work through this book to help me evaluate my priorities and reach financial independence. I hope those on MFW will cheer me on and maybe join in. Has anyone else done this?

I'll explain more in the next post....

newgirly

Thats spooky! My dad has just returned my copy of "your money or your life" as he cleared out his study, I read that book a few times many moons ago and remember Alivin Hall's tv programme.

*Jellie*

The book Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robbin is excellent but what I really love is the fact that you can follow the program for free on the Internet.

You can find a summary here which includes this extract "The purpose of Your Money or Your Life is to transform your relationship with money. That relationship encompasses more than just your earning, spending, debts and savings; it also includes the time these functions take in your life. In addition, your relationship with money is reflected in the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that you can get from your connection to your family, your community and the planet."

At the moment I am working on step 1, making peace with your past. The first part of this step is to work out how much you've earned so far in your life so today I've been gathering the relevant paperwork. I'll be able to tot up my earning so far tomorrow.

The other part of step 1 could take me months! You work out What you have to show for it! So starting tomorrow I will start a detailed inventory of everything we own. I may summarise some categories but I plan to work room by room and work out exactly what we have, how much it cost and what it would be worth if we sold it. I'm going to take this slowly as I will declutter and clean as I go. As William Morris said I only want things in our lives that are useful or beautiful!

There are downloadable guides and lots of free resources here if anyone wants to find out more!

*Jellie*

newgirly wrote: »

Thats spooky! My dad has just returned my copy of "your money or your life" as he cleared out his study, I read that book a few times many moons ago and remember Alivin Hall's tv programme.

Oops- I forgot there are two books with the same title. The one I'm following is by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robbin.

That said I also read the Alvin Hall book again recently and loved the tv show ( I also enjoyed Spendaholics!).

newgirly

Sorry Jellie, just noticed the top of your last post, it wasn't Alvin Hall I blame the two baileys I had this evening

*Jellie*

:beer:
No worries Newgirly. It is lovely to have someone commenting in here- I'll need company and support to stay on track.