LBM in 2003.. What have I been doing since??!

PurpleFairy26

Hi Brizzle :hello: sounds like you've had a great summer. I found some foil trays and double cooked some chicken and bean enchiladas for freezer today. But was thinking if I could get some cheap it would be easier than using all my plastic boxes, plus I can put it straight to re cook in that so no washing up. My kind of meal :rotfl:

Can't wait to see you new signature, they're always so inspirational

Sun_Addict

I've already had a £10 Mr S voucher from Bounts but just lately they have run out of all the decent ones. Settled for a £10 Starbucks one this time, don't usually go there but not a lot of choice and better than nothing. Done quite well with TBC lately - over £300 in the past year.

brizzledfw

Hi guys

Great to 'see' you TC and PF! I haven't popped by in a while. Sorry - will remedy very soon!! Hope you're all well

Yes even the SB vouchers are not available. Think unless there is better availability in the next month or two I will give up as a bad job.

So.. Another 3 bags of items have left for the CS courtesy of my DD2 so we smashed the August declutter target. We had a NSD yesterday (amazing when you watch a box set and work you dont spend money ) BUT in confession time, I have taken the tough decision to make a withdrawal on a 0% CC so that I definitely have enough in the buffer to make the tax payments in the next few months.

I am not proud of this, in fact the opposite and it's clear we are still spending too much, across the board. But it's a good offer, and I will put it in a savings account and only use what I absolutely need. It's worth it for not stressing me. BUT in future I am definitely putting tax away at source, from the start. Had a heart to heart with OH about it and he's on board. We have been using YNAB faithfully to record but not to budget strictly iyswim. Foolish. Very foolish. But luckily it's retrievable. We have a good income, just not as much as it was and we need to make adjustments. The new lodgers rent will help as will OH's extra days.

We have also meal planned for the next week using freezer and larder items. This will help hugely. I also worked on Sunday and plan to work some additional days as well as hustle for more opportunities when I can. I am starting the 5:2 again today so black coffee only and perhaps an apple! I will also scout the house for eBay items again and get going on that. Decluttering will continue as it makes my spirits lighter.

Off to work now. Upset but it's been looming for a while. Didn't feel right not to share

Have a great week all

Xx

beanielou

These things happen. At least you have the option to do it. Don't beat yourself up.

brizzledfw

Thanks Lou. Appreciated. That's very kind. Will do a bit of self flagellation if that's OK but then will pick myself up and try again! Onwards and upwards!

I also came clean to the kids. Do think they were assuming the money grew on trees!!

beanielou

I sometimes think that my DS still thinks that is does.

milasavesmoney

You came up with a good solution and since you have a plan forward to save consistently you can put the whole thing under lesson learned. Perhaps you could begin a DD into a savings account set up expressly for taxes. This is what I do and it works for me.

brizzledfw

That's a good idea Mila. As I am freelance I have been taking a fluctuating amount, varies month to month. From now on I am budgeting withdrawals based on leaving a considerable amount in the company. More than I need. I could then move that to a linked savings account. Thanks, not a bad idea.

Lessons learned it is.

The kids say they understand so I am getting everyone on board with idea that we need to spend less, spend thoughtfully and really save for the good things!

Xx

doingitanyway

Well done on bulk cooking and freezing. Even with blips along the way your trajectory is still upwards. So onwards and upwards

brizzledfw

Thanks DIA. Travelling home now. Pooped! But a productive day!