This Diary Will Keep Me Motivated!

How_Did_That_Happen?

Good idea Mara. I've changed it from 4.30-midnight to 5.30-10pm. I'll see how that goes and maybe try switching off at 9 if I can.

117pauline

You seem to be doing really well already.

Just as a suggestion as you mentioned Domino's.....

I recently got the £9.99 through Topcashback for Domino's and in addition to the 50% off, our pizza cost 39p!! That was a large rustica with loads of extras too.

Using the cashback sites is proving to be really good for me. If I want anything, I check to see if they are available through any of the cashback sites.

I have also been doing Shop and Scan which gets approx £1.50 if I remember to transmit the till receipts each week.

Hope these ideas help a little
Pauline

How_Did_That_Happen?

Thanks for the ideas Pauline. I saw the Domino's one the day after we'd had our last one. I'll be on the look out if something similar comes up again though.

How does the Shop and Scan work? I've seen it mentioned elsewhere but haven't investigated it.

117pauline

http://www.volunteer4panels.com/

This is where you sign up for shop and scan. Each time you shop, when you get home you scan your purchases and also at the end of the week, you send them the info. There is a thread about it too.

To begin with, it is a bit of a pain but when I realised I got over £80 towards Christmas presents, it doesn't seem to be so bad!

I have been doing surveys etc and so far this year I have amassed about £40 already. Try vivatic, imutual, inbox pounds which have worked well for me - it depends on your profile, how many surveys you get.

Pauline

117pauline

I am not sure if you meant it to be, but you described your holiday as "enforced". Could I suggest something?

If you try to go with it, you will have something to look forward to as a reward for all your hard work.

Again cashback sites for car hire abroad is worth doing. Always transfer out your cashback as soon as it is payable though, just in case of problems.

Are there any birthdays before the holiday? Perhaps if there you could ask for things that could be used for it, if you know what I mean.

And finally, try the book "Takeaway Secret", again there is a thread too. It gives fantastic recipes which could help get over the lack of takeaways.

If you would like any other ideas, let me know - I don't want to take over your thread.

Have a good evening
Pauline

How_Did_That_Happen?

Hi Pauline, Thank you so much for all your tips. They are really helpful.

Maybe 'enforced' was the wrong word. Its going to be a fantastic holiday, and I wouldn't miss the wedding for the world. I think I meant to get across that we aren't spending money on needless extras. I will really enjoy it, but it will all be going on credit - so I kind of wish it was much later in the year when we've got a bit more control over our debts. I will definitely go via a cashback site for the car hire though, that's a really good point.

Its my birthday next week actually. I've asked for a camera. This will be for the holiday, but also will be used for my 'Selling Everything I Can' plan. Hopefully I can offset as much of the holiday expenses as possible with this.

triple_choc_chip

Hi there, well done on getting things under control. Npower have just raised my monthly sum by £27 but looking back to my last bill I felt it should only be £12.

I rang them up and quibbled, cajoled, haggled and finally begged which got me a £5 reduction. So I'm still facing an additional £22 going out next month but I'm also turning things off in the hope that in 6 months I can push them down again.

Try phoning and see what you can get.

How_Did_That_Happen?

Hi Triple, thanks for your comments. I've done this before when we've been overcharged. The thing is we've used about 350 pounds worth of energy more than what we've payed for over the last year, so I don't think it will work this time. So 30 of the monthly increase is to pay that off, and 30 is to cover so we don't keep adding to our deficit. Its based on actual readings too. I think I'm going to try to cut down as much as possible, as the less we use now the quicker we can pay off that 350. I'd rather be rid of that as quickly as possible to be honest.
Its not the end of the world. Our mortgage should be 60 cheaper per month once our new fix is all sorted so we can cover it. Its just annoying as I had that extra 60 earmarked for debt repayment.

How_Did_That_Happen?

Not a lot has been going on for the last few days so nothing much to post about.
I've started doing the washing at 30 instead of 40. I'm using Basics washing detergent and most things are coming out clean so hopefully this will be a small but long term saving.
Surveys are not going well. I don't qualify for anything it seems.

My car tax is due - 195 not budgeted for. I don't know whether to start putting 10 per month into a savings account for car expenses. Is it worth it with all our debt? I think it probably is worth putting a small amount away. 10 per month won't cover expenses for both cars but at least its something and it will get me in the habit. Once we are debt free I can put more away with the aim of covering all the expenses for the year.
A quick calculation is that I'd have to save 100 per month to cover tax and insurance for both cars, plus an allowance of 200 each for MOTs. That's quite a lot.

triple_choc_chip

Hi,
A couple of hints I got from the old style board:

A table spoonful of soda crystals (99p / kilo) added to your soap powder will soften water for more suds and brighten whites.

Also I have used a splosh of vinegar instead of fabric conditioner for a couple of years now and wouldn't change back. The vinegar doesn't smell or stain, softens the fibres making ironing a doddle and is brilliant for sensitive skin, flushing any remaining soap away. Cheapest at the moment is tesco, 99p for 2 litres. Don't waste the sarson's!

Every little helps!