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Olliegami

It's been a while since I started really talking about my finances and really addressing where my issues are.

Guess this should start with a little about me!

I'm 26, single, live with two other friends in a house share and work full time in a school. I also have a part time job as a carer on a Saturday for a few hours.

My biggest down fall at the moment is probably spending money I don't really need to spend. (For instance, those sporadic decisions to go out for something to eat! Or take aways. ;;)

Here's my SOA.

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet

Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 845.78
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 0
Other income............................ 40.8
Total monthly income.................... 886.58

Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 0
Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0
Rent.................................... 160
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 36
Electricity............................. 32
Gas..................................... 0
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 15.46
Telephone (land line)................... 0
Mobile phone............................ 80
TV Licence.............................. 0
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 0
Internet Services....................... 10
Groceries etc. ......................... 75
Clothing................................ 10
Petrol/diesel........................... 0
Road tax................................ 0
Car Insurance........................... 0
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 0
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 0
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 0
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 0
Buildings insurance..................... 0
Contents insurance...................... 0
Life assurance ......................... 7.92
Other insurance......................... 0
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 10
Haircuts................................ 10
Entertainment........................... 20
Holiday................................. 0
Emergency fund.......................... 0
Total monthly expenses.................. 466.38


Assets
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 0
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 0
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 0

No Secured nor Hire Purchase Debts

Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
Avios CC.......................1351......50........15.94
Barclaycard....................2922......150.......19.9
Total unsecured debts..........4273......200.......-


Monthly Budget Summary
Total monthly income.................... 886.58
Expenses (including HP & secured debts). 466.38
Available for debt repayments........... 420.2
Monthly UNsecured debt repayments....... 200
Amount left after debt repayments....... 220.2

Personal Balance Sheet Summary
Total assets (things you own)........... 0
Total HP & Secured debt................. -0
Total Unsecured debt.................... -4,273
Net Assets.............................. -4,273

Created using the SOA calculator at https://www.stoozing.com.
Reproduced on Moneysavingexpert with permission, using other browser.

I've based it on the minimum amount I get from my job (I work 5 days a week in a school, but am only contracted to work 4, so I miss out during holidays. ;; Thankfully it's on a Wednesday, and not say a Monday)

Also - the Mobile Expenses are so high because I'm an idiot. I pay £15 and get mobile data on an iPad, I have an old contract which is £36 a month, and a new iPhone contract which is £29 a month. I lost the old phone, and decided it was obviously an excuse to get a new phone. I love the phone... but not so much the price I'm paying for it. (In total, really.)

I could do with calling Vodafone to see if I can get a reduction on the old contract. We shall see!

The budgeting for Entertainment, Food and Haircuts and Birthdays is a new thing. I'm experimenting to see if I can stay within this. (My problem is usually my love of meats in main meals.)

Recently I've been getting back into the swing of all things money saving. I want to repay my debts as soon as possible - and have every intention to use the money I will be saving afterwards to go on awesome holidays, and generally travel and see as much of the world as I can. I have friends in loads of places across the globe and would love to meet so many of them.

I hope this can be a place to vent, and just-- have a diary of what I've been up to. (Obviously! =P) I'm open to criticism, but obviously I know I've made some mistakes - hopefully they will be the last ones.

beanielou

I suppose the question is do you actually have 200 left a month?

DCFC79

Maybe get a notebook/notepad for a spending diary to see where the money is going.

Olliegami

I seriously don't have £200 left by the end of the month. I should probably change my SOA to reflect my spending in one month... That would be scary.

I think I'm going to start keeping receipts, and like you say DC, making a spending diary!

Olliegami

Hi everyone~ Hope the weekend has got off to a good start!

I feel really accomplished today. I went to work for 2 hours (£13.60 after tax), and they gave me my cheque for last month. (£81.60!) Get in.

Had a lovely time working (who says that!?) and then when I got home I wrapped up a few ebay pieces, and some books to go to Amazon Trade-In. I have about £15 in Gift Certificates there.

In town I managed to post stuff, and deposited my cheque, along with £12 in change that I'd saved up. Felt pleased with myself because I a) waited to get home to have lunch rather than buy something to eat in town, and b) didn't over spend when I went in Lush. I had to buy a friend's Birthday Present, and bought some shower stuff and conditioner. I got two samples to try too, which was lovely.

I did treat myself though. Stopped by the Chinese Supermarket and bought some Mogu Mogu juice! I totally love it! I got the coconut one today, instead of the usual Lychee. Still very yummy.

Now, I just have to do some swagbucks things whilst I play WooHoo Bingo and contemplate studying. =D Going out later, bowling for my friend's birthday, so that'll be fun and hopefully not too expensive!