Small Steps To A Bigger, Brighter Future

MuffinTops

Thanks Bellevie,

I've been reading your online blog and really getting into it. I should post a comment at some point but I want to catch up to now first.

I don't know if Swagbucks and SuperPoints are linked. I would assume that Swagbucks is doing ok though as there are so many people on here using it. Maybe just redeem any vouchers you can just to be sure?

MuffinTops

Well yesterday was another NSD so I'm well on my way to achieving this month's target of 15.

I logged onto the survey site I have most points with and redeemed the vouchers. There's also one other site I use that's ready for a payout but they wouldn't let me redeem my points. This site only uses Amazon and I know some people have stated they're having issues with another survey site not giving Amazon vouchers at the moment so I'm hoping it's just an issue getting the vouchers on my site too.

I checked my online money jars yesterday and all of them have the initial payments I sent across, which is reassuring and means that I've set up my internet banking funnels properly too. It also means that those jars have been activated now and are ready to use. So my yearly payments will be organised. I've also put the money aside for January's payment of a year's TV licence. That has literally thrown my finances way off in the past, and this January was such a relief not to worry about it, so next year will be the same, and every year after now I've learned that lesson.

I also checked my spreadsheet and realised that I've noted January as having the new salary, but it won't. My new salary will be paid at the end of January for February outgoings so I've corrected that which has caused me no end of fun redistributing figures here and there.

I made lunch again for today so another NSD should be easily achieved.

I've been asked to come up with a christmas gift list for myself and I'm really struggling. This is great because it means that I'm definitely ready for reduced hours and salary next year and that I'm also tuned away from material items. I already have too much stuff so it's a genuine worry when there's a chance I'll end up adding to that! Is it wrong to add discount codes next to gift items?

My_Lil_Revolution

Hi MT

I have finally caught up with the end of your old diary and read and subscribed to this one. Congratulations on how well you are doing. You are sounding so upbeat at the moment. I hope it rubs off.

I've been a bit fed up recently but can't quite put my finger on why. So, I'm back looking for motivation and to get that kick up the rear I need.

I have a pile of things to ebay so I should be really doing that now as its a free posting day but can't seem to get going.

I've also noticed you on the Singles thread which LG pointed me to so hopefully I will keep in touch with you there too.

Take care.

Lil
xx

MuffinTops

Hey Lil,

So lovely to see you back. Thank you for spending the time catching up on things.

I'm sorry to hear you've been fed up. It's even worse when you don't know why as you feel a bit lost as to what to do to make it all better. I hope it's just a phase and that you start picking up again. I'll have a look at your diary soon for a full catch up.

I hope all went ok wtih the eBay listings.

Take care,

MT x

MuffinTops

This weekend has flown by, although don't they all?

I received my new part time hours letter on Friday so that was a big relief. Need to send the signed copy back up to HR next week to make it all signed, sealed and official. Work isn't good at the moment, so this has come at a good time for me.

I had another NSD day on Friday as I literally went to bed straight after getting home. I was shattered! I slept all night too and woke with my alarm early on Saturday morning.

No NSD's this weekend! I spent more than I wanted to yesterday but I think some of that is due to getting £2 coins as change and as I don't spend them, they're out of the budget as soon as I get them.

I did manage to get some grocery shopping though, and a few other bits and pieces for Christmas so it's good to be able to just get bits here and there rather than a massive spend out.

Today I finally got my hair done! Then I came home and manicured my nails and have painted them. Housework and cooking all done too, so a very standard Sunday other than the hair! What a relief to have that done!

So now I'm all fresh and ready for a good frugal week again. I think I have 4 NSD's left to do so that I meet my November target! Easy I think, if I can keep up this momentum.

I hope everyone had a great weekend! A new fresh week is starting! Wooh or Eek, I've not decided yet!!!! x

MuffinTops

So far it's been a nice quiet week, although I've not yet achieved an NSD! Today there's a chance I will so I need to focus on spending avoidance techniques!

I met a friend for coffee on Monday but he paid so that was frugal at least. But I'd forgotten my lunch so had to buy something. Yesterday I had lunch with a really close friend so that was a spend I knew I'd have and was well worth it!

Today I've no specific plans so that should help.

I'm in desperate need of a nice winter coat as the one I have just looks dreadful and is too bulky. So I think I'll have a look on the many nice sites of shops having good sales right now and see if I can find something I like for a reasonable price. I don't want "cheap" I want quality mixed with value.

I've signed my new contract and returned it so that's a guaranteed reduce in hours for next year now. I'm so excited about that! It's what I've wanted to do for years but never been able to!

That's my brain blurb for the day! I hope everyone's having a good week! We're half way there! x

MuffinTops

Just seen a beautiful cashmere coat in M&S that I think I'll get later today. I'm so excited that I need a coat and can afford a really nice one (that's a good price) even though it's so close to Christmas!!!! Lovely feeling. All thanks to this website and the lovely support you get. x

gallygirl

MuffinTops wrote: »

Just seen a beautiful cashmere coat in M&S that I think I'll get later today. I'm so excited that I need a coat and can afford a really nice one (that's a good price) even though it's so close to Christmas!!!! Lovely feeling. All thanks to this website and the lovely support you get. x

What a lovely, happy post , and great news on the reduced hours :T.

My_Lil_Revolution

Hi MT

Just thought I'd drop by again to say hi although not much to report. I was thinking before, are you still starting up your own business? Can you let us know what you will be doing or is it top secret for now.

Now I'm part time, I would love a little business. A few months ago I thought about starting up a little e-bay site selling craft stuff. I love crafting. I even got a lot of quotes from retailers but I haven't followed it up. Story of my life!!

Might have to think about it again now I have more time.

Speak soon.

Take care.

Lil
xx

MuffinTops

Thanks gallygirl. I really am feeling positive at the moment so I'm pleased it's showing through.

The reduced hours are such a relief. Not long to go now either.