Post wedding debt plan

Pengwern

Thank you for your kind words. The cc is now showing as £0.00, it is great albeit a little bit unreal. Keeping fingers crossed that things now go to plan. Roof was repaired, we just need some rain to see if it did the trick. Managed to avoid the supermarket for another week as I have been away with work. 3 weeks without a food shopping trip, it is doing wonders for the food budget. Have to go tomorrow as there is nothing in the cupboards now. Have to find ideas for husbands birthday present. I am completely stumped, hoping that inspiration will hit for sat when I go shopping.

Pengwern

Well I must have annoyed someone somewhere. Just got home and the boiler is leaking oil! Phone call to the repair company and they are seeing what they can do but no appointments till next week. I guess that means payday will have happened but it is really frustrating. Food shop tonight so lets see how low that can come in at, I am going to audit the cupboards first.

Pengwern

shopping came in at £32 so fairly good after 3 weeks of not replenishing the cupboards. oil is still leaking so need a new pump. not sure how much that will cost yet, awaiting a price.

MrsSmith2013

Aw man thats a shame about the boiler, its always the same when things are going okay, something comes along and bursts the bubble Hopefully it isn't an expensive fix for you.

Well done on the shopping, thats pretty good! How many people is that to feed for how long?

Mrs S x

Pengwern

Food shop is for 1.5 people (husband lives away) and I am now making it stretch for 2 weeks. I think that is quite good but I am sure others can beat that. We have a milkman so there is never the temptation to buy more through popping in for milk. He also came during heavy snow when I could not get out, then asked if I needed anything else bringing later in the week. So really like that service and feel that others in the village benefit too, so need to keep his business going. Yes it is 60p a pint but I think it is worth it and saves me money in the long run.

Pengwern

well the next excitment in our newly married life is the purchase of a small flat for my husband to live in (he works in another county). I know it is not a debt free wanabee action however it works out cheaper than renting. How mad is that. we have very kindly been lent some money from family to enable us to do it. this is now our next challenge to pay off. All budgeted for but as normal the sooner it goes the better we will feel. Move in day is Thursday and we have nothing to furnish the place. A sofa has been donated from family, we have a small amount set aside for a bed. there are built in wardrobes so that is sorted. our garden table and chairs are being put to good use. we have managed to split most crockery and linen.

I have emailed so many offers on freecycle but not had one response. I am a little disappointed at that I am afraid. The only other thing we really need is a fridge freezer and washing machine. I think ebay may have to be used although you never really know what you are getting. Our only other thought was to wait for the Jan sales. I have been so good, not spent a penny on the new flat, I am trying to make sure we utilise stuff we have. Buying things is the last thing I will do.

So another adventure begins...

MrsSmith2013

Congrats on the new flat! I know what you mean about owning being cheaper than renting, its the same where we are - I guess the same everywhere probably.

Have you had a look on Gumtree or Preloved to see if there's anything locally you could pick up for the flat? I was such a preloved addict in the run up to my wedding! That is disappointing that no one has replied to you about the freecycles.

I'm sure if you have the money side of things all budgeted and factored in, the family loan will be paid in no time!

Pengwern

Well we have moved my husband into the flat. 4 days and the place was reprinted throughout. All done using left over paint so only 1 small tin needed. We managed to gain a sofa table and chairs, and fridge freezer from friends and relatives we were so grateful for them. A short trip to Ikea and we have a bed. That is all we need for now, the rest is non essential and can wait. We have put a few things on the Xmas list. Managed to gain cash back on the phone and Internet connection so that paid for the installation. The place had blinds at all the windows so that has really helped us out. Started to pay a few bills for the flat this month, but most comes out next month. Although I have budgeted for it all until I see what comes out I will be keeping an eye on every penny. Started making small payments when I can to my isa and round down my account to a full number. Only £26 so far but it is a start. Xmas presents are nearly all done. Just got to figure out what to buy husband. His birthday was a week ago so I have used up all my ideas!

MrsSmith2013

Well done on getting the flat painted and furnished for almost nothing, thats very MSE! I do love a bit of cashback, I try and do everything I can via Quidco so that I make sure I'm getting cashback of some form.

I have a few relatives with December or early January Birthdays, and its so difficult to know what to get them! What sort of things is he into, is he a gadget man, or into gaming or sport? I always find men are difficult to buy for.

Mrs S x

Pengwern

I think I have decided on Xmas present so that is the last thing to buy. I am going for some kitchen knives as he really likes cooking. Christmas presents nearly all wrapped and most of the Christmas cards have been sent. Still rounding the accounts down and sending my little to my isa and the joint account cash to the cc. I still have not had any contact from the energy company or council regarding the flat. So working out our precise monthly budget is still to be done. I have over estimated most things but want to know how we stand after a real month of bills. I think that is all I am going to achieve this year, the rest will have to wait until 2014. I hope everyone has a happy Christmas and new year, you all manage to stay within budget and debt is not thought about for a few days.