WTBSEs 'Starting From Scratch' Savings Diary.

WantToBeSE

Good afternoon all


What a week! I am so glad its the weekend, and I have the BH Monday off too!


So, the damage spent was approx. £170. Oh the shame! But its done and dusted now, no point beating myself up about it.


Shortie- yes I did actually need clothes. I think I posted last week about joining the gym, so I bought 2 pairs of workout bottoms, 2 workout tops, as well as 2 or 3 tops and 2 trousers from Primark. (£85)
I bought some perfume (£45) and treated us all to an hour ice-skating (£20). Then a MacDonald's (£10) and a new book each (£10) from Waterstones.
The kids had never been ice-skating before and my oldest LOVED it..only problem now is that he keeps asking to go back! My youngest has coordination problems, so found it extra hard, but he was starting to get the hang of it by the end. Not sure if he enjoyed it as much though.


This weekend will be a quiet one I think. We are all tired. I could happily sleep until Monday morning, but that's not possible!


I only have about £100 left of my food budget (!) and its half-term this week..hmmm...I am not sure how well I will do keeping within budget this month.


Jo- hows the motivation? As you can probably tell, I am struggling with it. Is your signature up to date?


What is everyone doing this evening? I am planning on chocolate, wine and trashy TV.

WantToBeSE

Morning All


We were going to be driving to Weston-Super-Mare today, to see the Sand Sculptures, but its pouring with rain. So we are hoping to go tomorrow instead. Really looking forward to it.


Might do my budget and meal plan a day early. I am going to have to root around my freezer and see what lurks in there.

JoJoC

Sounds like you had fun WTBSE, despite spending more than you wanted. Glad your boys enjoyed ice skating

Your trip tomorrow sounds good too- hope the rain stays off.

My mum bought me a Jamie Oliver book today- save with jamie- so I'm reading that tonight in the hope that it motivates me!

My motivation is still low I m trying though.

I wish my signature was up to date!! Unfortunately not in need to check my other account to see what the damage is.

WantToBeSE

Good morning All


Another day of activities cancelled The rain is so heavy! Never mind though, I will use this opportunity to book my complimentary day at the gym. I think i'll book it for next weekend.
I am also going to book a tour of the other gym.


The 1st one offers a nicer and less busy atmosphere, especially for the pool. However, the exercise classes are not really as varied as I would like and the times don't really suit me. Also, my 14 yr old wont be able to use the gym without a parent being with him.


The 2nd one is busier (its a local council one). Also, when you join as a member with this one, you also have access to all of the council run gyms in Cornwall. There are a LOT of classes, especially because I live 20mins in different directions from 3 of the council run gyms. So I can use different ones for different classes if I want to. It will also allow my 14 yr old to use the gym without me there.


The first one is £48 p/m for me, and £6 p/m (or £60 a yr) each for the kids. So a total of £60 a month (although I would probably pay for the boys memberships upfront).
The council run one costs £33.50 p/m for me, and £15 p/m for each of the children ( or £165 a yr).


Any opinions on this?

organic_wanabe

I think I would plump for the Council. If my maths are correct there doesn't seem to be a great deal of difference in the price - £696 for the nicer and less busy one versus £732 for the Council. However, I always worry about private gyms as I have heard horror stories about some people trying to cancel their membership and finding it less than easy. Also, you say that the times don't really suit, there is not a huge choice of classes and you would have to accompany your 14 year old. Sounds like it might be a waste of money! Another factor is that you are planning to move your accommodation in the not too distant future. With the Council it seems that you have far more flexibility.

atush

First of all, very happy to hear abt your mum!!!

Second, about the clothes shopping. what i do after a splurge is take them home and try them on again in a day or 2. If I still think they are what I need I keep them. If not, I return them. I usually end up returning one in 4. Saves some money over the long term as you get the shopping bug worked out and don't spend as much.

WantToBeSE

Thanks OW, I think you are right. I need the flexibility of being able to use different gyms according to what classes etc I want to attend.
I am still going to be living in the same town, but still need the flexibility.


Thanks atush She had her op and removed a mass the size of a rugby ball! She is feeling sore, but I think it helps that the worst it over now.
Re the clothes- I actually needed all of them. I only had 1 pair of trousers that fit me, so I definitely needed it all. Also needed the workout clothes for the gym.

JoJoC

That's amazing about your mum!! I really hope she recovers well from her op. What a relief to get it over with.

I'd plump for the council gym too- seems the best all round.

Husband and I are away for a overnight next Sunday for a Friend's wedding. Really looking forward to it and gotta really good price on a hotel room. Our son is staying with his gran so it'll be nice to have some time together. Going to try not to spend too much.

I I spent £78 at Aldi and sainsburys because we needed washing powder, cleaning stuff, mouthwash (bloody £5!!) and loo roll. It's amazing how much more expensive my shopping is when these things have run out.

It's payday on Friday so I'm going to get my flight and hotel to London booked for July then try to work out some kind of savings. I'm going to try really hard to stop spending on silly things. I must get back on the wagon.

JoJoC

Also, finally updated my signature

Hangs head in shame...

WantToBeSE

Hey Jo, lets jump back on the wagon together, right now! I really need to stop spending on stuff that I really don't need.


So, today was my 1st NSD (No Spend Day) in a very long time. However, its very much needed. This week is going to be expensive regardless, as its half term. I want to take the kids to the cinema since we cant get to Weston-Super-Mare, so that'll cost.


however, the good news is that I have found a cheaper version of Chocolate hobnobs..chocolate oaties from Tesco