WTBSEs 'Starting From Scratch' Savings Diary.

WantToBeSE

Oh dear, I hope its not too expensive Jo!


I am going to write my shopping list today, and my meal plan too. I need to walk into town and book the MOT at the garage, and then get some cash out.

WantToBeSE

Morning All


Still struggling with getting used to food shopping on a Monday. It feels like I have to resist the urge to enter a supermarket on a weekend, LOL.


We are out for dinner tonight as its the older sons birthday tomorrow. I cant believe he is 15 tomorrow. How the time flies.


Meal plan for the week ahead:
Sun (today)- Dinner out
Mon- Rustic Chicken with salad
Tue- Creamy Cheese and ham pasta bake
Wed- Fish & Chips, with peas.
Thur- Leftovers OR Baked Potatoes
Fri- Veggie chilli with garlic bread.


I came up with that meal plan so that I don't need to buy anything to make the meals. I already have everything I need.


So I just need to think about breakfasts and snacks, plus my lunches.

JoJoC

I'm writing my shopping list and meal plan this morning too then I'll head to Aldi. I'm also going to morrisons for coffee as they have douwe egberts for half price so I'll stock up.

I'm not sure quite how expensive it'll be for the kitchen repairs, my husband can do a lot himself but he's going to call a guy he has worked with before who knows about this stuff, then we'll know a bit better.

atush

interesting article in todays sunday times.

the MOD is being accused of breaching the UN convention on the Human rights of children as it says (and the UK is a signatory) that 18 should be the min age to join the army. Everyone else in europe has complied.

WantToBeSE

Yes, I saw that on a documentary I was watching on YT about AFC Harrogate.
However, soldier aren't allowed to go on any deployments until they are 18, so no real life combat before the age of 18 either. Just training, especially now they have to be in the college until then anyway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB2LAPbuT08


I am trying to work out how to do this stupid spreadsheet for my accounts, but its proving a bit more difficult than I thought it would be.

JoJoC

I'm not a spreadsheet expert by any means but is there anything I or anyone else might be able to help with?

I use it for work.

We'll, got my shopping done. £29 in Aldi then £43 in Morrisons!! Eep! Thankfully, £19 of that was for a new hand blender as mine broke before Christmas and I bought two jars of coffee for me and two for my MIL so she gave me £7 back for that. I also bought a big pack of 16 loo rolls as they were on offer and we are running low.

Overall, not too bad at all.

My meal plan looks like this:

Monday- MILs for dinner
Tuesday- fish and salad
Wednesday- mum's for dinner
Thursday- pork stir fry
Friday- Sausage casserole, mash and veg
Saturday- chicken supreme and smashed potatoes
Sunday - something light as H plays football at 7.

How has your Sunday been? Mine has been ok, although I've felt rotten all day. Going to ask the midwife to check my iron levels when I see her on Wednesday as I've been feeling off for a while.

The weather has been horrific as well, gale force winds and torrential rain. Pretty sick of it now. I don't mind it being cold but I really hate when it's wet.

WantToBeSE

Morning All


I am not out cleaning today, so am doing boring other stuff instead. I have a long list.
I have booked the car in for its MOT, so that's a start!


Off to do the food shop in a minute. Blah! Its pouring with rain. I think I might pop along to the bank first. I have to ask about business accounts.

WantToBeSE

Goooood Afternoon Everyone!


Aldi shopping done, spent £35.14. I need to get some avocados, crackers and yogurt from Tesco, but that's all I should spend.


I actually didn't add to last weeks grocery spends either. So I am pleased with how much (or not!) I'm spending on food. Changing the youngest son to school dinners has definitely helped with spending less on food.
You always hear from people on MSE how much cheaper it is to send packed lunches, but I really haven't found this to be true in our case.

Hantsman

WantToBeSE, if it's any help, I recently finished as an instructor at a Army phase one training establishment doing basic training for regular soldiers so if you have any questions/queries you can PM me.

Almost without exception anyone entering basic training will have turned 18 by the time they leave phase 2 training (specific trade training) and as WTBSE has pointed out, they cannot be deployed on operations until their 18th birthday

WantToBeSE

Thank You Hantsman, I really appreciate that offer. I am sure I have some questions, I just cant think of them off the top of my head. I'll PM you if/when I remember some!


I think the main thing is that I worry how he'll cope with it. He has social anxiety (not diagnosed or anything) and gets very nervous around people. He'll be sharing a room with lots of other people and I just worry how he'll cope with it.


Talking of my teenager, its his 15th Birthday today! I can hardly believe it! 9.22am he was born, and he's been a blessing ever since (hormones aside ). Its so amazing how quick the years fly by.


Have been and spoken to the bank and they don't have business advisors in store, so emailed the relevant branch and I will get a phone call either today or tomorrow. I am hoping to be able to open just a normal run-of-the-mill business account. I don't need anything special, just something that clients can pay into and that I can pay my staff (and myself) from. We'll see what they say.