Blinkers are off

LittleMissDetermined

It doesn't take long to get into the frugal habit, well, it didn't for me anyway... I love finding a charity shop gem now and then!

You will be pleased to know that I have started my own diary, as I have kind of been taking over yours! Or that's how it feels haha.

I think you're doing fabulously and this is your first month of test and learn, envelopes of cash allocated per week at the start of the month might help. Think how smiley you would have been today if you had started your week with a little envelope of allocated budget!

Very well done on the biscuit front, perfect manoeuvre!

LMDx

Eyes_wide_open

Hi - shall have to have a look at your diary. Quite happy for you to take over mine. Sure I shall be a big contributor on yours.

I have my new bank account set up so next month I shall transfer my months spending and food fund into the new account. I think the aim will be to be as thrifty as possible and save as much. My idea is that whatever is left at the end of the month, a third will go in overpayment to my loan, a third in my emergency fund and the remaining third can stay in that account to allow me to buy an odd treat or two. Incentive for not buying unnescassary food or bits and bobs xx

LittleMissDetermined

I think your 'thirding' of your remaining balance is a great idea I have just added to my diary that I will use mine to overpay on the debts but the idea of having a treat would be nice!

I have a tracking spreadsheet which I use daily with my online banking to make sure I cover all which is due to go out and it calculates my 'available' amount, so I guess this is my alternative to having a separate account. It also tracks my debt info so I was able to work out my debt free date as accurately as possible, although I hope with the PADding this will move forward a bit!

LMD x

Eyes_wide_open

Well another cheap day 64p spent on some bread.

Starting to feel better about my remaining budget for the month, maybe because each day is nearer to payday. Or maybe my head is slowly coming round to not needing to spend.

Was on amazon window shopping this morning, I love the wish list!! How silly, but instead of impulsively buying I can just pop it in my wish list.then if I want to buy it when I've saved up I can get it, but if by the time I have saved up I am no longer bothered then it will prove to me that's it would have been an impulsive purchase.

Tomorrow is my mums birthday, have made her a card and she's already had a present so other than a small birthday cake and some carnations( her fave not because I'm being tight - you only have one mum) it won't be too budget busting.

Axx

LittleMissDetermined

Wow! 64p spend is exceptionally close to a NSD. Well done!

Happy birthday to your mum, it's lovely to make cards, makes it extra special

Onwards to pay day!

LMD x

Eyes_wide_open

Although I have been responsible money wise, I've not paid anything for a few days. So woke up at stupid o'clock and decided to check what I have left and whether there was any scope for payment.
In my classic account I have my food money - until pay day ( roll on a week on Friday) so at the moment no chance from there.
In my current account I have 2 direct debits to come out , my calculations are that there is £6.01 left . So a £4.00 payment off my store card. So that's £104 off that card this month. Think I have the same again to pay off but hopefully next month and it will be gone xx

LittleMissDetermined

Just think, this time next month another debt will bite the dust:T

Positivity is BACK!

LMDx

Eyes_wide_open

I know once that's paid off its just the loan. Need to find out how I overpay and whether there are any penalties. X

LittleMissDetermined

It's worth finding out sooner rather than later especially if you are a planner like me! If you can't then at least you will know

Eyes_wide_open

Not had chance to check yet but will do before the beginning of October as that will be when my first overpayment would be ready.

Had a lovely day today. Got flowers for my mum and then instead of a little cake for £6.00 I brought a peice of fondant iced cake for £1.99 and some candles from the market so £2.50 and she was quite happy with it. Easy to cut and no waste.

I have just just short of £80 left until next Friday.

I am hoping for a £20 or less food shop and then possible £10 for other stuff leaving hopefully £50 ( or near enough) to pay to my store card.

I'm actually really looking forward to pay day, not to clear my overdraft and see a bit of money in my account ( well for one day) but to get organised and make some payments and to see what I can achieve next month.

Feeling very positive again xx