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

brizzledfw

Ah Borough... it's the best Love it. Have you tried the Spanish place on the corner outside - can't remember its name- but is very good.

Had a great time. Brilliant weekend too with friends. Just had a big dinner and now off to exercise in a few hours... possibly not my cleverest idea but I have paid now so need to do it. Decluttered a little today. Another 5 things are in 'discard' mode. Will also recharge phones etc when panels are at full pelt.

Still trying to get my frugal mojo back... I may spend some time on the spreaddies this evening..

Hope everyone is good

brizzledfw

:think: So I did..and it wasn't pretty reading. So here's the long post for the month...

Verdict:

Pretty rubbish scores on the doors as we draw near the end of the month. I ran a few YNAB reports early.

Hazard Zones for the Brizzle Family:

- household costs have soared eg. new garden furniture (which we have used so much already and love but it wasn't budgeted for and I tried a little to get from Freecycle etc but then gave up and went to B&Q )
- interest on CC cards where we have breached the ts and cs..but hopefully sorted by next month
- mini trips - London and an upcoming two in May (although to be fair both of the accommodation for these is now paid for). I do need to put something in the budget for these as we holiday a lot (if I am honest - probably 5/6 times a year) and it catches us every time
- restaurants :eek: - after an amazing 3 months I went mad this month and we have eaten out 4 times (although to be fair once was with dear friends (and without our respective kids) so a proper grown up dinner with amazing food)
- DD1 birthday - bought her a new phone. Say no more...but she's working hard and was truly delighted. So no regrets but need to build this in..as it happens.

So all in all I reckon our savings rate (calculated against our 'usual' income) will be about 10%. No more So... am hoping this is the jolt to get me back into proper frugal mode.

In good or at least better things from April..

- I earnt loads more this month and so the above is not as horrendous as it could have been. But the fact is that this extra should have gone against debt or savings but instead has been spent on a mixture of good and less good choices.
- pension and ISA DDs set up and first payments went in this month. Determined to keep those going.
- new long term contract in place - they like me and I like them
- going to batch cook some lunches today which OH and I can take into work using Mrs FW's recipe. Will let you know what I think.
- have a tiny EF - £400 - but its a start and I need to continue. If an appliance goes or something then it'd be back on the CC again which is hardly sensible
- DIY on my nails has saved me serious money in the last 2 months. Yes it is a pain and they are not as good a finish as a salon but I think its worth it
- done VAT return - will leave me penniless, but thats the way it goes.
- looks like TCB have sorted themselves out and a big payout has moved to confirmed after 6 months + - ridiculous wait
- 50 mortgage instalments until our ridiculously ambitious (but on paper doable) MF date, need to keep that all in mind when I start to flag and to spend (where's the clenched fist emoji when you need it ) (I have just phoned the lender and the mortgage is sub £150k )
- taking on another student over summer. I tried to back out but they are short of families so looks like we'll do it again, they are no trouble and after all its more money.
- YNAB and the spreadsheets have been worked on - all helps me feel less overwhelmed and so much more in control
- more sleep gained and exercise has happened...all helps the mood - screens off at 9pm for kids and 9:30pm for adults is helping too
- PC survey done and £15 reclaimed :j

Plans for next month:

- keep aiming for 25% savings rate and keep up the targets
- keep building an EF
- badger children and OH re EBay sales - they must have something to sell somewhere...
- go largely vegetarian in May and June to keep costs down and improve health (and as its better for the environment)
- use up larder stocks
- keep up the exercise and re-introduce running and cycling as part of the commute
- be grateful for our health and wealth.. and embrace the art of substitution rather than deferred expenditure.. every debit is a debit against my family having options :think:

Have a good day folks

xx

Sun_Addict

We all have not so good months Brizzle, April hasn't been good for me re targets. At least your good list is longer than your bad one Plans for May sound good.

Moneyfordreams

Wow sub £150 :T:T:T

great planning... I'm sure you'll meet your targets this coming month

lucielle

I really need to hold onto your coat tails and try and keep up with you!
L

PurpleFairy26

Great list Brizzle ok so your savings are 10% but at least you have savings each month, the debt is not growing and that mortgage is coming down magnificently :T the stuff you did was 'good stuff' not mindless money wasting so all good in my book love the debit out is a debit against family decisions, may nick this excellent mantra

brizzledfw

Thanks lovely people. You really keep me sane and optimistic

Thanks

PS. I am just stopping work now...I therefore broke the no screen rule but the kids were kept to 9pm..result

brizzledfw

PS. PF - the mantra is kinda one from Mrs Frugalwoods..shamelessly nicked really I do need to think of my 'less thoughtful' spends in that light though. They are stopping me doing things I really want to do in the longer term

Lunch is tasty and I reckon it was no more than £4 for about 8-10 portions. 3 tins organic black beans, basmati rice, mushrooms (YS), Korean chilli paste, onions, garlic. Not sure I can eat it every day, but it looks good and healthy. Thats also lunch sorted for me and OH this week.

brizzledfw

Hello folks

Feeling positive today. Think it's a few things:

- got my head round DD1 doing exams.. I recall feeling like this last year. Worried on her behalf somehow. But she's working well and so think I need to trust and step back.
- finished a chunk of FL work. Just need to bill now. Know they were pleased. Hope they use me again.
- cycled yesterday and today. Feel better for it but bags were heavy! Like hauling sacks of coal!!
- spreadsheets all up to date. Feeling strong and as if we can do it. I know we can do better and I feel up to it. A frugal May and June are badly needed.
- Brought lunch into work today - more Mrs FW rice and beans
- out for a drink with a friend this eve. Will eat first. OH has whipped up some ransom pesto (forager that he is) which we will have with pasta and chicken from the weekend.
- did my net worth calculation and due to silly house prices its very positive. Made me feel better.

All good. A LSD yesterday too. Just now need to keep on thinking every debit is a debit against my life choices. Do I want it or do I really need it?

Have a good day folks

Xx

NoOneAround

lucielle wrote: »

I really need to hold onto your coat tails and try and keep up with you!
L

Ditto Lucielle!
I think I'd like to too Brizzle- hope the coat is stitched well
All looks like its going really well from the outside looking in....
I'm trying to keep out of DS's way re exams and trust him to get on with it and do his best. Not easy is it, when you so want the best for them. Good luck to DD with her exams.

NOA
x