Emerging from the dark - a dfw diary

Chrysalis1976

Wow so long since I've updated and have had a small blip in the process, no added debt but the overdraft I am paying off has been used again so back to square one with that.

I have been so busy with work, studies and other commitments that I just don't have the time to focus and this of course is not a good thing. I need to make sure that my finances are manageable so that it just needs monitoring and not an overhaul after the latest spendy time.

Some recent events on mse have realerted me to the fact that time is so short and we need to make the most of what we have, not only in a financial sense but with our family too.

So my goals over the next few years are; to pay off the debt, save money for a deposit so we can move house and buy the last few things needed for our camping and kayaking lifestyle. This big goals need to be broken down into smaller goals so as the debt is first then I need to get on with that otherwise the house will be years away.

I am off work this week so a great opportunity to start again, sort the house out, sell anything I can find and generally get a grip .

We have also chatted with family members about Xmas and are in agreement that we won't do presents as such but to make food or anything else we can turn our hands to for a hamper for each family. I already have the following on my list that I'm going to make - mini xmas cakes, oat biscuits, chilli chutney, salt scrub for bath, and buy a couple of bottles of wine. I have made soap bars in the past so may dig out my recipes.

My first debt is now going to be saving to pay off Arg*s as 0% ends in December, I'm going to take out the money to physically pay it off as this means it's away from my accounts.

Right on a mission...... let's go!

Chrysalis1976

A good start to the savings although I'm not going to add to sig until I get the cold hard cash, sold a couple of things on fb selling site so made £6 and redeemed some sb so £5 to go to paypal.

House tidying mission is ongoing, dd room next and need to clear away her hamsters cage as it died last week, don't worry it's empty just need to collect everything together and sell on fb.

I'm currently sourcing boxes to make up my hampers as baskets are just too expensive, I don't need to post anything this year as will be seeing family before Xmas, also need to get lots of sea salt, and some borax to make some more batches of laundry powder.

C x

pennywisepoundstupid

Well done on selling the items on fb.

I'm also slowly getting the house straightened up.

Have a good day.

Chrysalis1976

Good morning, how come the holidays never seem to allow lie-ins I'm awake earlier than usual and thinking that maybe it's because I'm relaxed and not focussing on the day ahead. Or maybe it was the killer circuits class I did last night!

Today there is a whole £5 in my savings, another £1 later from a sale and £5 from scratch card winnings. I only buy 2 cards a week and if I win 1 or 2 pounds I rebuy, anything more I will keep so this is my biggest win to date.

Plan for today is to carry on tidying house and sort out more items to sell, it's quite miserable out there today so won't be venturing far.

C x

Chrysalis1976

A busy day today, off to teach Athletics at our club fun day until lunch time then need to pop to drop off another item that I sold so another £4 to the kitty.

This evening we are off to buy a bike for dd birthday, luckily dh has most of the money for it from his blog and I get instore cashback from Qu**co.

I only have dd computer room and attic to sort out then the whole house will be clean and tidy, hopefully I'll find some more junk, I mean lovely beautiful items to sell.

Need to get my head back into surveys as these have been neglected for a while, just a bit bored with them atm.

C x

pennywisepoundstupid

Morning, sounds as though you have another busy day planned.

I know what you mean about the surveys, I spent the summer hols doing every single on that I received and totally burnt myself out with them, must get my backside into gear and get busy with them again.

Have a fun day.x.

Chrysalis1976

Morning!

Well yesterdays athletics session was brilliant, the kids were so well behaved and spotted some potential superstars.

Also managed to get dd a lovely bike, dh transferred most of the cost over so only have to pay £39.99 out of current account, we are picking it up this evening so a bit early as her birthday isn't unit November 8th but she will have plenty of other presents from other people.

Not sure how much extra I can rake in today, although have been paid £1 from Qu*dco so will put that in the pot. No more sales on fb, will try them on works exchange and mart page instead.

Today I am actually going to spend a little bit of money on myself (shock, horror) off to get my hair cut which is rare these days, I genuinely can't remember the last time it was done! Luckily it is straight and I can tie it back but looks boring.

Not much else happening today except helping dd to finish her costume ready for trick or treating this evening.

See you later C x

Chrysalis1976

Good morning, awoken early by ds wanting a huggle now he is snoring away next to me!

Another busy day have to do the food shop and get fuel in the car, I'm away in Manchester for an athletics course all weekend so planning on taking as much food for both days as possible so I don't have to spend.

I have a couple of small bags of clothes to take to the local facility that gives you cash for them, nothing worth selling separately, hopefully a few pennies towards the pot. Nothing else due in at the moment, very frustrating need to think of some more earning potential.

C x

pennywisepoundstupid

Morning C.

Bless DS waking you up for snuggles, mine are past that age now and I miss them getting into bed with me for snuggles.

Hope you have a good weekend and you manage not to spend too much.

Chrysalis1976

Very proud of myself, I didn't spend a penny all weekend as I had enough water, food and made a flask of coffee so nothing needed. It was a bit of a nightmare when the session ended on Saturday as City were playing at home so final whistle was just about to go when we left the Athletics track next door! We have to go back for day 3 on December 21st, now that is going to be a traffic nightmare eeek.

Nothing to add to pot at the minute, no sales, waiting on *nepoll payout and sb money.

C x