2013 Frugal Living Challenge

dizzy_lizzie

[Deleted User] wrote:

This is one of my favourite threads and it would be great if it were busier.

Hi allie. Sorry I haven't posted for months but I do still pop on from time to time for a quick read.
Lola love the costume, well done.
Debbie your post made me laugh re the taxi driver. Your costume sounded brilliant too.
natnat hope something new turns up soon. These are worrying times indeed.
Kerry good luck with the decluttering. I decluttered a few of my books and ornaments but now they're in limbo in boxes as I'm not sure whether to do a car boot or bung them on ebay as a job lot.
Been plodding on as you do. A few health issues here, had pain in leg which turned out to be Trochanter Bursitis so had to have physio for that, then the night before I was due back at work after 6 weeks Summer holiday I tore ligaments in my foot quite badly so all in all was off another 6 weeks! Been to the docs today as I've been having crazy palpitations and leg pain so have had blood taken and having an ECG on Friday. Crikey Charlie! Otherwise hey ho all good (where are those rolley eyes when you need them)
Moneywise trying to keep a tight hold of the purse strings as we've had a lot done to the house recently both decorating and maintenance, combi boiler etc which has cost a pretty penny! Hopefully they're jobs that will see us through the years.
I've been thinking about Christmas, to cheer me up, and as we're having quite a few family members for Christmas dinner I want to start planning a fun day but not spend loads. OH has been buying Morrison stamps and we've got nearly a full card so that will do for meals over Christmas and on the day.
Already picked up a few Christmas presents and I'm determined to be organised at least two weeks before so I can relax and enjoy it all.
Still been sewing, crocheting, knitting etc and thinking about some homemade gifts to give. I've already bought two bottles ready to make flavoured vodka in but I've never done it before, will have to have a look at the other threads for this.
Big hugz to everyone
x

[Deleted User]

Hi folks, I have pulled back today from the brink of blowing the money I have worked hard to save on new stuff for the house. It was OH who was the voice of reason so thank goodness for him!

Sometimes I do get fed up scrimping and I see people around me buying new furniture and decorating, going on lavish holidays etc. BUT I have to remind myself that I can do these things once I have saved for them and NOT buy them on credit.

Frugaldom

Well done, allie23! :beer:

dizzy_lizzie

[Deleted User] wrote:

BUT I have to remind myself that I can do these things once I have saved for them and NOT buy them on credit.

And when you do get them allie by saving for them they will be appreciated so much more.
Good on yah
x

LolaLemon

dizzy_lizzie wrote: »

And when you do get them allie by saving for them they will be appreciated so much more.
Good on yah
x

Soo true!
And just think, you are goingto be money worry free when they will be up to their eyes in it still without their lightbulb moment.

Lovely to see you Dizzy Lizzie

[Deleted User]

Thanks folks. Yes, I am really glad I stopped myself. I discovered a book on amaz0n last night called the 2013 Jump start by Penny Golightly. I went over to her webpage for some insipiration and got some more info on the Jump start. I think I am going to fashion my own jump start over the next few weeks and take a week at a time to focus on specific aspects of my finances and my lifestyle.

Link to the book is here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AVA0V76/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0NQ91M01BB5MJ2QKN5S7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=430153987&pf_rd_i=468294

dizzy_lizzie

LolaLemon wrote: »

Lovely to see you Dizzy Lizzie

Thanks Lola
allie that book sounds interesting. I definitely need something to give me a bit of get up and go, more emotionally though rather than physically though. I've got lots of ideas for things I want to do but can't seem to break through this inertia.
Hope everyone is keeping well. The nights have really drawn in now haven't they?
x

[Deleted User]

I am going to start my Jump Start tonight and week 1 will run until next Friday. The theme of my first week is to 'Manage My Time Wisely'. This has come about because I am spending 'major time on minor things' (shamelessly adapted from Jim Rohn) - like watching TV for hours and hours.

This weekend I want to make time to:

Do my self-assessment. Sat update - Made a start but still lots to do.
Relax properly. Sat update - had an afternoon nap
Do a home facial and foot treatment
Have a walk in the fresh air (weather permitting)
Have a swim - make use of my new bathing suit
Catch up on some little jobs needing doing - letters to send, House Insurance to sort etc. Sat update - Line rental saver renewed, new Flex Direct account activated, winter tyres put on car.

During the week I want to make time to:

Exercise twice during the week - a walk, home Yoga session, swim etc
Make a new draught excluder
Allow myself time to have 20 mins to unwind when I get home from work
Journal and reflect on my day/week and look at setting some long and short term goals for myself

It is my birthday on Tuesday so Monday and Tuesday I will be spending a lot of time with family and friends. Usually I will work around others, often shelving my own needs to fit in with other's timescales. This week, while I am looking forward to spending time with family and am grateful for their time I will be making sure I have that time to unwind after work before I rush into the evening of activities.


I also want to think about my spiritual activities this week. A few months ago I became a Buddhist and there are lots of weekly activities that we can attend. I am finding it too much to attend several activities each week for this and I need to think about how to use my time wisely and find a schedule that works for me - maybe just once a week, or once a fortnight will do to start with.

Well, this is the plan so far. My Jump start week 2 will be looking at my Finances. If any of you guys are doing your own jump start I'd love to hear what you are doing.

dizzy_lizzie

Plans look good allie.
There's a lot to be said about taking time out for ourselves. Otherwise we can spread ourselves too thinly and then are no use to anyone.
x

natnat13

Thats a lovely post Allie, I might have a look at that book, I certainly need a jump start, I just can't seem to get motivated, Winter doesn't help. Although I am doing ok on the grocery challenge and concentrating on my food spending makes me concentrate on all my spending really. Next year I will start budgeting everything properly, all my bills are paid but its a bit haphazard a lot of the time! And I want to start saving if possible.