10k in 18 months

coolcats

Should also add I needed to take control of something in my life, spending (and saving) is the only thing that I could think of that I can control. I have cut back a lot on the money wasting we were doing, because we had the money there.
So it's not just been about saving the money but control for me. We could just spend it so we spend all we get in, as was happening. But as there's medical things I can't do anything about, as well as issues with ex this gives me the control over my life.
A few months ago I wasting loads of food, we were eatting out and takeaways more than we should, trips to the cinema (bargin shows) almost every week, buying things we didn't need. They weren't treats then just what we did as normal life. Most savings have come from using things up rather than throwing away or buying more (the cupboard has a lot less tins, jars and packets) Emptying the freezer and getting rid of the second one, made money there and saved on the electric. Not going to the cinema so much and seeing the same film each time, or soft play. Now as a treat as they should be. Selling things we don't want or use. Working the meal to keep everyone happy. If I have something different to kids it last for a few days. Making HM soup rather than a tin or throwing the veg. Freezing half for mext time.
Taking up any offers given to me, bag of kids clothes, bag of toys what we don't want goes to charity shop. Not buying so many kids clothes, they have school uniform most of the week they don't have time to wear everything.
It was hard at first not to go to the cafe, but has got easier as time has gone. When we do go next it will feel like a treat.
We had the chance to go for a meal with church for the annual meal. At a cost of £15 for adults, £7 for kids. We didn't go as for the adult price we couild of got the roast dinner for at the cafe we used to go to. The church do regular bring and share meals so we do join them for a meal often enough.

coolcats

What a long day! Oldest has been off sick, seems to be rather frequent lately, she was sick though so a bug I guess, means no school tomorrow.
Youngest has had appiontment come through for childrens hospital (3 hours away) his dad is taking him but moaning about is as the letter says they will be there 2 hours, going by past experience it will be longer. Problem for me is dad gives his address not son's address so it confuses the hospital so I had to spend half hour on phone sorting it.
Although I found out that youngest has hospital as well, hers could be anything from 24 hours to a week or longer, making it interesting. Again the childrens hospital. So I need to sort out what will happen to oldest and youngest. Also money saving on food for that trip.
There is also another appiontment booked but thats at the local hospital so much easier and will only be an hour. All have been expected so great to get a date, and at least I can plan for that date.
My morning was spent making phone calls to start sorting things, while oldest slept. Luckily I have free day time phone calls. (pay £4.50 a month and spend much more than that)
Had to have a chat with middle ones teacher about all going on, And get them info on the condition the youngest has and suspected for the middle one. More phone calls and emails for that.
Finally got to do my own things which had increased as needed to sort banking ready for hospital, although I have plenty of time, still want to know its done and no last minute panicing. As that is one worry I don't want while the hospital stuff is happening.

luckynumber13

Sounds like you have lots going on Coolcats, but are ready and prepared for it! Definately a good time to be in control.

There is lots going round illness wise, we all been ill but DH is taking the longest to get better. Hope the rest of you manage to avoid it.

coolcats

Oldest was off yesturday as well, thats been 2 days in bed for her, infact most of the time asleep day and night. A bit of a pian as I had plans, so few phone calls to cancel things. A friend came to visit, I had planned to join her for lunch at her house so was nice she could visit. Just meant I missed the lunch. She see's beeter today, we had to go out, complaining of a sore throat so got some soothers, also needed a few bits and thinks she felt like eatting, She felt ill while out so that cut the shopping short. Seems ok again, still not anting to eat much.
Made phone calls for the middle one, she's under ENT, and due to see them, managed to get that brought forward. At least her hearing can be checked. Her other medical problems are nothing to do with hearing.
I've been looking at the banking, trying to make it run its self with me just checking its. So its make sure it all workes and there is no over drawn happening. Had to make a few changes for febuary, then it should all be fine for future months. I'm still feeling in control, thats the main thing.

coolcats

All back to normal, nice to be!
End of month is looking good. I'm waiting on interest thats due to pay to work out but, spending is way way down, best ever. Won't stay like this but good for the month, £150. Not done a monthly shop either, so freezer is looking a little empty, that will change in next few weeks will have to be a bigger shop this time.
what a lot of savings that have been made have been on the little shops for bread, £20 later. Also buying bargins as we need them, we don't really. Has helped not being able to go out and having to manage with what is there. Surprising what you can find when there is no option.

luckynumber13

I've foudn that I was buying "bargains" but then they would sit there for a month or two before being needed when that money could have been used for something else. I did it in December/January on toilet rolls, washing powder and toothpaste. Daft thing is that there are always other offers coming out so it is never that much different in price or sometimes cheaper when I am actually running out and needing to buy!

coolcats

Well today was very much a spending day, feel bad, but much needed spends. Oldest got a school jumper £10 from school with logo. She had been managing with 2 in correct size and emergancy smaller size, getting too small now. And a chinese for tea, £17 too much spending there.
Had a really bad day so a bit of a pick me up needed. Had meeting about youngest, lots of posivite feedback and suggestions for him, things that I had asked about in sept will now get started, but not because I asked but because the professionals feel he needs! In september we didn't need to do them. Things that I think I was supposed to be surprised at, no I may only be a parent, but I know what I see. He's 4 but on the charts for learning comes out as an 18 month old. I could of told them that! Parent knows best!!!!!! At least 2 people that were supposed to be at the meeting weren't there.
The things I wanted to talk about was not today, at the next meeting,we will phone you about that this afternoon. The day is over and no phone call!
Oh well we get a treat from a bad day, so a good outcome, even if not so good on the budget.
I also saw oldest teacher, parents evening. She is doing great despite the illnes of the last week, if she carrys on on the level she's at will be with the highest of the class, was near to the bottom a few years ago, so doing really weel, and its down to her work not my help. So very proud mummy there. Even more reason for a treat.

luckynumber13

Lots of reasons for a treat! I could just eat a chinese but I think its fish finger sandwiches for tea tonight :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

coolcats

Been an expensive few days. We went to the cinema, finally, to see the bargin show, Nativity2, great film. £2.99 each that includes popcorn and a drink youngest best friend also went, not planned so that was nice. Followed by a big shop at Lidi. Also have done an Asda online shop, near to £100, but thats since just before Christmas so not so bad and regular items are almost gone.

Now have dates for hospital for middle one, not sure how long we are there for but possibly 4 or more days. We have to be there for 10.30, which will be the very first train and just arrive on time, allowing for no delays and missed trains. So thinking we need to book a hotel the day before, thats coming up about £70 for the 2 of us! Plus the train fare (have family and friends card).

And if we aren't back after the friday I have a problem as the oldest is staying with friends but they are away that weekend, so will need to find someone else to have her for few hours, someone can have her for weekend but they finish work at 6.30. There could be the option she could go with the first family, which will cost the hotel for her that they are going to.

We were supposed to be going on the weekend away as well, still can if we can get there on time. Even if we are allowed to leave the hospital for the weekend and go back it still may be an option. I think we need to have a few plans in place for this.

Other problem is going to be a cost one. I shall reduce the saving to compencate the spending, I think it may mean reducing the saving for the next few months, as they have a minuim saving amounts. I think if we do the hotel, travel and daughter hotel its going to come in at £250, add in cost of food and spending money thats going to be £400, if we all do the hotel as well, will be looking at £600+. Mind you it will be our only holiday for the year unless we have any more hospital come up. Not quite the holidays idea I'd like.

Oldest is away next weekend on a trip, previously paid for. So we will have a few treats while she is away, cinema maybe if there's a bargin show we want to see. And either a meal out or takeaway middle ones choice.

holbol1

its very admirable all the things you do for you and your family. My last month had been bombarded by health issues and i find finances and savings help me with control as well! help me change what i am thinking about. Just saw an offer on change4life on another forum page, sign up for their meal planner on their website and apparently it comes with some good vouchers including milk.

I just need to persuade my partner that he also wants to be savvy with his money!! as although i know he has more outgoings each much, car, clearing debt etc. i still feel like he wastes a lot more than me and lets me pick up the tabs on things like weekly shops. Ah well the joy of being in a relationship!! I am doing well towards the honeymoon fund and due to ill health we are going to europe as opposed to sri lanka so a big saving in transport costs before we even start! Will hopefully go to sri lanka in a couple of years once everything is manageable and settles down!!

Well done you!!! your January savings were incredible!