I have a dream...to be a money magnet! 3 April 2013 at 9:44AM in Mortgage-free wannabe 180 replies 26.1K views

HelenDaveKids

Hello mmm. I've been trying desperately to get my groceries to 500 a month but not succeed once yet. Last month was my closest. I have 2 adults, 3 children and 3 cats to feed and includes all school and work lunches. I think 320 is really good. I am quite hard on myself though as if we eat out or have a takeaway it counts as food...therefore groceries. Also they have 1 school din a week and again comes from same pot.

Miss_Money_Magnet

Hi Helen
Im not going to be too strict as long as I can try to stick to £320. Gotta have a few treats!!!

Miss_Money_Magnet

Its that dull 'waiting for payday' time of the month. Realised I had to pay £45 for swimming lessons which means Ive pretty much spent up with 10 days to go.. except for a bit in the grocery budget. I shouldnt need to spend a lot now though.

I will start afresh after payday and try to make more little overpayments next month. Think thats my lot till then (boo!)

Miss_Money_Magnet

Just chilling amd watching 'Suits'. I love it! Cant understand why more people dont watch it. Just having my 'Harvey' fix.

Miss_Money_Magnet

I have had a little tidy around my other accounts and have overpaid £25! I feel like I need to set myself a target for May to try to overpay, but the trouble is if it's too low it won't motivate me, and I'm not sure what's realistic. I suppose based on how Ive done so far I should go for about £125, as that's probably what Ive managed this month from bits and bobs, if I exclude the bigger amounts from my savings. Pretty good really when according to my budget all my money is accounted for!

Although Im at the end of my money pretty much, that's only because of o/h birthday and swimming lessons. Ive got quite a bit of food in the freezer. I am still in credit and may even have a little bit left on payday to o/p, but Ill have to wait and see on that one.

Keeping this diary is definitely helping me stay focused. I can see though to increase my o/ps I need to think of other income streams. Ive never really tried ebay...Ive planned to a few times but never got round to doing it. I don't feel like I want to spend hours on surveys. Im reluctant to do overtime!!!! Oh dear...I am a pathetic excuse for a MFW aren't I !! I'll have to have a think on that one!

My plan for May is to try and use T*sco clubcard credit card and get more points to pay for treats, then o/p the money I save. I keep trying to set internet banking up for my cc but keep having trouble.

Money Magnet activities today: Ring about my cc internet banking, cook dinner from stuff we've got in, resist Friday night takeaway habit (but I'm having the wine...come on, give me a break )

newgirly

Hi missmoneymagnet, just popping in to say hi , I have been catching up with your new dairy, best of luck with it all and congratulations on the big op you have already made

Miss_Money_Magnet

Thanks NewGirly!!
I have just been on the Grabbit board and it said theres a flash sale on zatchels, everything half price. Decided I could live without one (though I love the look of the satchels) but ordered my mum a handmade raspberry leather elephant bag, for £30. All made in England too. Ill put it up for her birthday. Oooh I do love shopping, she'll love it. She helps me out so much so she deserves it.
Ive put it on the cc but its worth it!
Also from grabbit board (as you can tell, Ive recently discovered grabbit!) Ive reserved 2 water bottles for my son, 99p instead of £4. Needed one anyway so it all stretches the pennies!
Now I need to control my shopping urges..

Miss_Money_Magnet

Gave in and ordered myself a zatchel satchel too...its such a good deal and itll last me years! Thats blown the NSD!

Miss_Money_Magnet

As we are nearing payday, thought Id do a quick round up of the things that have helped me do so much better in April:
Draw out a set amount of cash each week and try to stick to it
Reduce the number of shopping trips therefore reducing temptation
Try to make do rather than automatically buying stuff
Keeping a cash book and write in any direct debits etc so I can keep an accurate track of my money ( as often stuff takes days
to go off)
Take my own lunches
Take snacks and drinks out with us
Try to have a good breakfast or lunch so not tempted to eat out
Be more organised so reduces panic buying/ paying more
Cook at home and make double then freeze one
Buy bigger chicken/joint and make more meals from it
Try to measure pasta/rice etc so dont waste so much
Keep posting as it keeps me focused

May money magnet activities: leave heating off, stick to birthday budget for son, and try to keep up with above list...

Miss_Money_Magnet

Oh and I forgot the most important money magnet activity of all... Plan your budget before payday, work out what you will save and what you can afford to spend on things/pay yourself first (savings, emergency fund etc), then try to stick to your planned spending. Doing this over the last 2 years has helped me get straight and save a decent amount.