Hard work now but hoping to lead to financial freedom

niftythrifty33

Thanks Wintersunseeker, will try to get motivated

niftythrifty33

Just updating my signature which is moving in the right direction. Its hard to keep this diary going when you don't get many comments but I know people read it so I dont mind. I think most people that are on this money saving journey are really interested in their own situation (obviously) but to others it can seem quite boring!

I'm doing really well with the weekly budget. Writing everything down and making meal plans etc. This week went a bit pear shaped as we went out (yes, out out) so used extra money. Its making a real difference and this month we will be £400 in credit before the 1st of the month DD's which is amazing!!

I still have tons for ebay so need to crack on with that. This week I'm going to get all the Christmas pressies ordered/bought/wrapped up.

I called tax credits office today to queury my payments stopping and turns out they had taken my eldest DS off the claim as he left school. Ive now told them hes doing A levels and they will have another look to see if I can get anything.

Ive also been painting old furniture, a dresser and dining table and chairs, they look great and so cheap for a real room update.

tootallulah

Hi, I am reading and am interested! You are making some good progress.

niftythrifty33

Thanks Tootallulah

Smithfield

good work.

I know it can be tough to keep going at times and not slip but your doing great, huge amount paid off.

beanielou

You are doing well

niftythrifty33

Thanks both, can anyone recommend one of the challenges to try? there are so many but I need to be realistic.

Were off shopping for Christmas pressies tomorrow, been looking online all day and have a list. Also getting some stuff from fleabay. I have quite a bit saved for Christmas but dont want to use it all as we have building/contents ins. to buy in Jan and need anough left for that.

Bad news, the car wont start and has a flat tyre. Have changed the spare tyre but need to get the other one fixed. Hope that doesnt set us back too much!

We are all wanting to buy a chinese tonight as I cant be bothered to cook...but NO I'm not doing it...I WILL COOK, infact Im going to do it right now, I wont give in to the Chinese lure, I can DO THIS

niftythrifty33

:j:j Yey, I'm really pleased. I've just checked my bank balance and after the 1st of the month DD's came out (all big ones) were £55 overdrawn. This is amazing as on this day last month we were £800 OD and on same day in October we were £1,400 OD. This is amazing for us and just goes to show how sticking to a weekly cash budget, meal plan and shopping list makes such a difference.

I've been doing lots of overtime as well which has made a big dent in the debt. The OT has stopped now which is good as I have more time at home over Christmas, then in the new year I plan to crack on with ebay selling. I have 4 or 5 bags of clothes and other bits to get rid of.

Good news also is that after our tax credits stopping in August I called them again the other day to double check all their facts/figures were right, turns out they had taken our eldest child off the claim thinking he'd left school which he hadnt. So we've now had a backdated payment.:T

Now I just need to have the same enthusiasm for tidying the house. I'm bored of my own voice nagging so I'm just going to do it myself:mad:

One good thing today, Dinner was nearly free. I boiled yesterdays chicken carcass then cooked veg (from allotment) and blended it all to make lovely soup and hot rolls. Kids weren't too pleased, 1 has had jam on toast instead, fussy beggers ggrr

beanielou

Amazing difference to the OD :j

elantan

Just reading your diary, well done on the OD progress that's very impressive

What type of challenge are you looking for? Long/short ? Saving/spending?

Have you thought of learning to cook Chinese? I say this as its something I am so glad we did it saves us a fortune in takeaway's ... Yes we do get the odd one but no where near as many as before