10k in 18 months

coolcats

I have had to buy bread today, but managed just to buy bread, got 2 loaves so hopefully that will last a few days. I went to Lidi for it and normally would spend at least a £10 in there so I'm impressed. I never even looked at the other things.

I had a 3 course lunch out at a local pub/restraunt. It was for a group I belong to. The plan was that we were paying for ourselves, but at last minutes the club said they would pay, so that was a lovely bonus and even better £15 saved. We did buy our own drinks but I stuck to water so no cost at all. Also no tea for me, was so full of turkey, huge portions as well.

the children have all come home with letters from school, asking for food for there christmas parties, also had letter from the clubs they do asking the same, and I've been invited to a bring and shar meal next week. So loads of party food to get for that, will be looking for deals there.

We have had a invit for a bring and share supper on Boxing day, but I'm hoping there will be something from the christmas food for that one.

I've paid for our weekend away, I paid £60 which she was happy to get, and I'm glad its all done, one less thing to worry about.

Got the last of the parcels ready to post, that will be tomorrows job, hoping the total cost is no more than about £5, they aren't really that heavey so should be ok. Will do the cheapest of course.

coolcats

I got a cheque from family today, thats a good help towards the christmas spending.

I took one of the kids to hospital today, to the next big town for some routine tests. So we had a look round the town and got a few bits. Spent a lot less than expected so thats one good thing. Bit of a day out for us.

I have now set up the current account that pays interest nice and easy to do. Should run nice and easy. They also said about a credit card, not got one and not too keen to get. The selling point was .5% cash back and a good rate for payments. Still rather not have a credit card right now.

Christmas parcelsls sent, cost of £4.40 all sent second class. A lady in front of me sent 29 cards all second post, was not happy with cost! That is the main christmas parcel sent.

coolcats

I've managed a NSD today. Although I did buy a couple of presents they were planned.

We went to messy church for free activities and kids tea for a donation. Today was roast chicken, and as there were less kids than normal there was loads of food. The kids love roast so ideal. I expected one to complain as she doesn't like gravy, but she said it was lovely including the gravy! Saves me cooking for us, so just beans on toast for me. I'm hoping we can do more next year, normally have club.

We have a busy weekend planned, with a two parties with bring and share meals. Also the last week of school and parties again brink food. I will go to Lidi and get a few tubs of pringles and jaffa cakes. So that will save a extra shop for each one.

Still also need to do a bit of christmas food shopping in there, so hopefully will get it all. And the normal bread and milk.

I'm hoping next week will be more NSD days than spending! I have the online shop coming so that should help.

coolcats

Had a great weekend, quite cheap from the entertainment we had. One party turned out not to be a bring and share, but food supplied. I'd brought plenty of bits to take, so now we have extra food for christmas that I'd planned to get anyway. the other cost £1.50 for crisps.

The school party food list went up, I was lucky to get what I'd already brought down so thats saved a special trip out.

Had one off school today, she has tonsilitus back again, last time had 5 days of antibiotics, this time 10, so thats a few days off school. Shame to miss the fun. They have a carol service wed, so she may make that or may just wait till the party day Thursday to send her back. Won't send the medicine in to school though as it has a habit of not returning.

Have managed to open a new current account and will be looking at changing all payments into it eventually. Although I'll still stick with the bills out one I have. Will mean messing about a bit for a few weeks, but worth it to get interest on it. also need to look at kids accounts they have as seem higher rates. Not sure about Adult saving accounts though. Was impressed with the new bank, don't seem as pushy as others to sell me everything. I think I have it all sorted to get the best deals at the moment. All the added interest will help me get to my target loads.

coolcats

Had a productive time with a direct debit. I had a letter to say my magazine direct debit would be taken for the year at a cost of £21.60 (full price of mag at £1.80 a month). Last time it was 313 or so. I phoned up to see if she could offer a better deal, the best was £17.28. Said I'd cancel then. anyway when looking through I found an offer for it for £14.04 then goes to £18.36. Now we set it up for the bargin price of £14.04. Not been so easy to check the direct debit has been cancelled so will have to keep an eye on that.

Still have one off school, but she is going back tomorrow. she will be wanting to as well as have the party, they all have the various parties. And this morning she didn't seem that great but by the afternoon she wanted to do things. I have a party to go to tomorrow as well.

Really need to get things sorted ready to sell as haven't done any this month. Maybe when its a bit warmer will be better!!!

imshery91

During the whole year I've saved around $2k. I don't know what's wrong, I'm single and earning a living all by myself but I blame technology for my expenditures, lol. As much as I want to save money, I end up spending it on gadgets and christmas sales.

kittycatfan

hi coolcats your savings acheivements are fab im going to be more like you in the new year as i have 7000 worth of debts that i must get sorted as every time i get my wages there not ever alot left for me but your new savings accounts also sound good maybe i can do same once i get some change to put in lol:rotfl:

kittycatfan

hi wow you done well to even save 2k ive never had that much savings maybe 2013 will be more fruitful for me:rotfl:

coolcats

Good luck to you both with clearing debt and saving.

I just decided I needed to make the savings work for me and have an aim. There are loads of other issues in my life that I have very little control over, so this is me holding on to something I can control!

The last few months I have looked at current accounts and what I have and have aimed to get the best out of them. That meant going to other banks, probably better options out there but I need to have a branch to go into, my safety net with it.

The savings I had had already been put away in the best places they could be, ISA used etc. I have made a note on when the interest drops so that can be changed when needed. The main thing I hadn't looked at was current accounts. The main current account had no advantages so that was the first thing to change.

I'd already realised I could use one account I had to gain others (nationwide) so the bills come from that. But needed to look at where to have the money paid in. Was Natwest but now has become Lloyds Tsb. I have to say the best and easiest account to open, they never suggested anything I didn't want, were happy to set it up as I wanted. and the paperwork has come through easy and quickly, still waiting for Nationwide to send the new card.

Works out the wages go to Lloyds so much goes for bills with Nationwide, other payments go to natwest which will be the month spending. Also have 2 monthly savers that automaticlly get paid each month. So now I can only get what is in Natwest to live off. Will be a clear when its gone its gone.There is access to the savings but in an emergancy. And if I can save more then there is a savings account for that. It means interest is gained on all but the spending money.

Now all I have to do is hope the bills don't increase too much. and I have worked out the monthly budget correctly. Which is based on the last few months spending, which I have also looked at and cut down on the meals out and takeaways and what is brought and wasted.

coolcats

Merry christmas!!!!

The kids did well with what they got, all seemed pleased with the things. The middle one said I gave her the best present ever, she wanted it but hadn't put it on her list, a portable dvd player. The oldest also got one, in hope they don't fight over film choice, also bargin in asda back in July at £45 each. So thats a good buy. They spent most of the afternoon watch various dvds on them.

Lunch was home cooked, not loads but a bit more than a standard roast. Turkey breast from asda, still have some left for tomorrow but not loads. Too much potato and veg cooked as normal, but bubble and squeak tomorrow. We never had pudding, so thats for another day.

Hoping we won't have to go shopping till saturday as loads of food. Although may have a walk down to see if there are any bargins. We have part baked rolls and milk in freezer.

I haven't spent over budget as much as I expected. It is over but not by loads. Although next year I'm tighting the belt by loads. Mostly will be forced if its not in the purse it can't be spent. I do need to check shoes though, which will mean a bus ride to next town and lunch out. Hoping to go in the next few weeks and see if there are any good sale things. The oldest needs a new dressing gown and probably other clothes, grows too quick.

I can't wait for the end of the month to do the budget, and add in the interest, and sort out ready for next years budget. Never thought I'd be saying that.