Thought I'd start a diary to keep me on track....

*hayley*

Today is the first day of November, an obvious one, but it is the first day of executing my big plan.

So far this morning I have checked my online banking for exact figures, checked my direct debits have gone as expected and taken another deep breath. I then logged into my Ebay to find that the items I listed last night already have 99p bids on them with lots of people watching them too. I have a few more imminent items to list and then I am going to raid the house for other things I could sell or do without. I have found it helpful the last few weeks that whenever I want to buy something I add it to my wishlist on Amazon and somebody else can buy it me instead for a birthday or Christmas. Simply adding it to my wishlist seems to be enough now Talk about massive change

So after much mulling over what my first "next" steps are I have decided.
- To focus on looking after myself better. I do tend to waste money on snacks/treats and the odd chocolate bar - but it all mounts up. I used the demotivator tool. I'd also benefit from becoming a better cook and eating better. In turn I think this will help me drop the stone I have wanted to lose for ages. So I did think each time I want to buy a treat/chocolate bar or whatever if I drop the 50p or so into a jar it will soon mount up. Sticking to three meals a day and fruit snacks will also be better in the long run. I am also retraining myself that every time I have a cup of tea I do not NEED a biscuit.
- To completely clear my watch list on Ebay. One of my downfalls is definitely spending my Ebay "profits" before it even hits my bank account - oopsy!!
- I probably have enough clothes to keep myself in clothes without holes/repairs for at least the next 5 years admittedly. I think it is Gok Wan's mantra that having less clothes and wearing them more is better. I just need a tiny work clothes fund incase anything becomes damaged beyond repair. I also have enough shoes! Definitely!
- I am going to be determined in not letting what other people think bother me. I will listen to opinions and advise happily but I think this needs a bit of explanation. Recently I have been getting too bogged down by people in my life saying to me that I should be getting married and/or having children. I am not ready to settle and am happily single right now. I am thoroughly looking forward to clearing my debts and then having complete independence. My biggest personal goals at the mo are to apply for my PhD and to build up a house deposit. Just because they don't involve marriage or children doesn't mean they are wrong. They are right for me

So I am actually looking forward to today - in getting motivated, having a clear out and beginning a new chapter in my life!

*hayley*

Definitely proud of myself today.

No Ebay shopping
A NSD
A shift in thinking
Listing things for sale on Ebay.

Had an afternoon nap today to break it all up as I was feeling a little overwhelmed. Going to continue to search for Ebay things tonight. I signed up to OnePoll. I keep hearing lots of people talk about completing surveys etc. Does anybody else have any other ideas for raising funds from surveys or otherwise. Really want to throw everything at this

*hayley*

Day Number 2

Today I am going to:
Post Ebay parcels but will walk to the Post Office instead
Drop a few pieces into charity shop. Had been Ebay listing them but with no luck.
Finish listing CDs on Ebay
Really need to get some work and marking done ready for term starting again
Do some reading for my dissertation
Tidy away Ebay packaging that seems to be all over the house!
Eat well but enjoy my supermarket pizza treat my Mum is getting later.
Will have to buy an ink cartridge for the printer so won't be a NSD for me today Luckily said ink cartridge is on offer at the supermarket though. I will NOT buy anything else in the supermarket EXCEPT my ink cartridge
Read people's diaries for inspiration
If when my work is done over the weekend search through my wardrobes for anything I could possibly sell on Ebay - the rail in the wardrobe is bowing which says to me I have too many clothes!!!

Be back later to update progress

*hayley*

Day Number 3

A NSD today for me. Joined Swagbucks, OnePoll and Valued Opinions over the last couple of days. Already earnt a little on OP and VO and some Swagbucks too Cleared a lot of work today and am going to attack some Uni work tomorrow Really need to get my Ethics proposal written

*hayley*

Phew! Time to get back to this and back on track. No spend day today

*hayley*

I feel like I'm drowning this morning I have posted the Ebay parcels though and some birthday cards.

Desperately waiting for another free listing weekend on Ebay