Sundaysgirl's MFW journey - better late than never!

Sundaysgirl

Problem is we have undercounter appliances all brushed steel so hard to find (even new) and not cheap. Annoyingly we will probably end up leaving everything behind if we sell, too. Even more annoyingly, the old white freezer we replaced last year worked fine, but DH really didn't want to keep it in the garage as a back-up/overflow...


Thank you I'm really pleased with the grocery budget, admittedly we had an ok-ish store cupboard stock to start with, but I'm fairly sure we were spending around £200 easily each month. A combination of ruthless meal planning on a weekly basis before the supermarket shop and switching to Lidl for the main shop.

hiddenshadow

Sundaysgirl wrote: »

Problem is we have undercounter appliances all brushed steel so hard to find (even new) and not cheap. Annoyingly we will probably end up leaving everything behind if we sell, too. Even more annoyingly, the old white freezer we replaced last year worked fine, but DH really didn't want to keep it in the garage as a back-up/overflow...

D'oh! We moved with a tall fridge/freezer, and then inherited a bigger one with our house, so our old one is in the garage. In theory we'll use it to store extra food when we get around to bulk cooking, but right now it's nice to have as a backup as well!

Sundaysgirl

So I'm up to £137.17/£140 on my grocery challenge, however I did a bit of bulk-buying of cleaning products, loo/kitchen rolls and pet foods to take advantage of MOCs I had and supermarket offers.


I've meal planned for the rest of the week and won't need to visit the shops until next Saturday - and then really only for fresh supplies. I think it's fair to say that at least £15 has been spent on bulk buys this month to be used next month (and beyond), so in order not to dishearten myself with the challenge I'm going to up this month's budget to £155, and reduce next month's to £125. :eek:


This gives me £17.83 for next week's shopping, as I'm running my budget payday to payday. Determined to do it!


Had a fun but low-spend weekend with DH, free cinema screenings both days and dinner and drinks out - total spends under £50 for us both. DH is particularly marvellous at the mo, quite the convert! It makes such a difference when you're both on the same page.


In other positive MSE news, he managed to sort a large partial refund on our just-out-of-warranty freezer - which is a big help towards a replacement. So lots of hassle but not such a large financial impact. Phew!

Sundaysgirl

New freezer safely installed so I can resume batch cooking at the weekend


We've stuck to our meal plans for the week so far, and I made a large pot of roasted pepper and tomato pasta sauce last night which is perfect for a quick dinner - batched up already so no excuses for those evenings when we have to work late.

Another two items sold (and my only spend so far this week has been postage for these), so another £15 OP'd. Balance stands at £42,949.92 and my interest charge for the rest of the month will be just shy of £50 which means I've met my target for the month. Hurray! :j


Payday next Friday, itching to be able to make my next OP!

hiddenshadow

Sundaysgirl wrote: »

Another two items sold (and my only spend so far this week has been postage for these), so another £15 OP'd. Balance stands at £42,949.92 and my interest charge for the rest of the month will be just shy of £50 which means I've met my target for the month. Hurray! :j

Yay! That's an impressively low balance number.

Payday next Friday, itching to be able to make my next OP!

Me too! I have to keep stopping myself from making OPs early from savings. We could afford to, but goes against our budgeting system. So I wait (impatiently!) until the 1st.

Sundaysgirl

Another £7 OP made thanks to my Santander 123 cashback this month. Small steps!

Meal plan for the coming week done ahead of supermarket shop tonight/tomorrow and I'm confident that I can keep within the remaining budget (so long as DH doesn't tag along as he always tries to add off-list items to the basket!)

Another few items listed for sale last night (despite getting home from work at 10.30!) to take advantage of an offer for 50% off fees, so fingers crossed.

spendinglikemad

Hi Sundaysgirl - am liking your updates - will be joining you in meal planning !!

SLM

Sundaysgirl

Hi SLM - thanks for stopping by!


Meal planning has made such a difference to my spending habits - much less wastage, and lower grocery bills as purchases are more considered. Also saves masses of time and takes the stress out of the busy working week as no need to think about what to cook!


Do you have a diary?

Luckyinlife

Great Op i cant wait do be able to put in small amounts like this it will add up big time over the course of the mortgage

Good luck with the ebay items sale im going to list a load of stuff myself today now

Sundaysgirl

Thanks Luckyinlife - the small amounts really do add up.


Until I remortgaged away from Santander last year I was restricted to minimum £500 OPs, so I'm taking advantage of the flexibility offered by Nationwide and OP'ing as and when - no matter how small! I'm on daily interest so it makes sense, plus I have online access so can see the balance being chipped away - which is a great motivator!


Good luck with your ebay sales