Aspirations of Frugality and Fun on the Road to Mortgage Freedom

peaceandfreedom

DedicatedDFW wrote: »

By Tuesday i will do a true SOA a' la p&f - taking into account all the things that come up that i don't budget for now.

And do you know, DDFW, that I have added a few more things to my 'irregular outgoings' budget even since I created it at the end of last week. It's amazing how many things you pay out for that you don't really budget for ('you' meaning everyone of course).

DedicatedDFW wrote: »

This will give me a good idea as to what i am able to do with a better income so motivational and also [STRIKE]if[/STRIKE] when i get a new job the money won't be frittered and i also won't need to worry about working out a whole new soa it will just be income and possible travel costs that will change - and maybe a 1 off work outfits purchase as where i work is really quite casual :cool:

I think when you get the better job you will be so much better aware and informed than before, you'll know exactly what you're doing with your money. About clothes - if you don't have anything suitable for interviews, just buy that one outfit you need. Then when you start at your new place, you can figure out what clothes you need - a lot of places are quite casual these days.

tattycath

Sorry you're not sleeping well DDFW.
I had problems sleeping, I find I sleep better if I put my computer off a good while before going to bed. I try to limit my tea intake too. I have been drinking peppermint tea or berry tea as opposed to Tetley or Yorkshire :rotfl:

in_need_of_direction

I've stopped taking the ipad to the bedroom. I find the gap between surfing and sleeping makes for a better night's sleep

gallygirl

If lack of sleep is an ongoing problem you maybe need to look at your 'sleep hygiene'.

• TV in the bedroom? Ditch it
• Same with computers and phones and, if possible, alarm clocks with a permanent light showing the time.
• Keep the bedroom tidy and uncluttered (:rotfl:)
• Don't use the bedroom for work (paid or admin etc)
• TV (out of bedroom) ok before bed but not computers - read a book instead
• Caffeine, meals etc not in the few hours before bed
• Relaxing bath before bedtime
• Set routine so your body knows what's coming

I'm a really bad sleeper but find the above helps me :T

Goldiegirl

I'm not a very good sleeper either. I usually go off to sleep quite easily, but then wake up, sometimes once an hour. I doze off again, only to wake again a bit later. But from 4am onwards, I am able to sleep really well, and would be happy to sleep until at least about 9.30. Which I don't really want to do, as I need to get on with the day.

But I have been a bit better this last week or so. I've had time off work, so I think I'm more relaxed, and I've been spending much less time on the Internet in the evening, which makes my mind much less buzzy.

PositiveBalance

*Knocks on window*

Hey Dedicated - you OK in there? x

Karmacat

PositiveBalance wrote: »

*Knocks on window*

Hey Dedicated - you OK in there? x

I was wondering too ... there's a lot of behind the scenes plotting going on, I'm sure, but I'm wondering if you're ill, Dedicated :kisses3:

jwil

PositiveBalance wrote: »

*Sharpens elbows* You can try, but I think I live nearer and can get there faster!

DedicatedDFW wrote: »

** DDFW wonders off pondering getting bunk beds in spare room to fit both PB and jwil in **

Bagsy the top bunk

Hope all is well, you've been super busy (for a change :rotfl:)

DedicatedDFW

Hello All,

I will hopefully get the chance to reply in more detail later / tomorrow. I did reply yesterday and the computer crashed :mad: It has taken over 30 minutes to get it going today :eek: and i really need it for my assignment :eek:

**positive vibes** for the assignment please - i am super struggling :eek:

So assignment work is all systems go!

Under the stairs has been decluttered completely.

A few areas of the living room need to be done but it is all getting there. It will all be done by the end of the month.

Leaving just the loft and outside.

I didn't think there was anything in the loft. But now i have my suspicions :cool: I'll need to persuade my Mr to go up there before May anything in there can go to the carboot and spare bits and i do mean bits - of carpet etc. that he 'thought would come in handy' will all need to be tipped. I'll be ruthless with the xmas decorations too - they've not been used in 3 years partly because of the unfinished rest of the house

Spent some money this week that i logged on the lost post - all needed except cake but cake is a need right ?

I have also not been posting as i have been feeling pretty down for a while now I need to give myself a good talking to and put a smile on my face really but as many of us I have real life stuff bothering me.

A good thing though is that in wading through all this clutter - yesterday i recycled 3 full bags of paper rubbish - how good it felt for all that weight to be out of the house - but sorting this clutter has helped a bit like PB said - to make room for things i want in my life right now - thank you PB :kisses3:

Things i am recognising at the moment are:-

degree - i am really stressed about this as I am not giving it my full attention and have lost motivation that not even a deadline can ignite - 3 assignments to go including the one i am working on. I need to knuckle down and yet am not being very productive at all.

weight - i am happier when i am slimmer. I will start to eat breakfast (get metabolism going) and will focus on weightloss after uni.

home - is so much better without all the un-needed things in it.

Personal spends - they make me happy - they really do. I work hard at my job all week, my priority is my family and my home but i *need* a little bit of *me* money. I've not had this this last few months with unexpected bills etc. But having debated a purchase for a month i bought it Monday - £28.20. I wouldn't quite say its fritter money - as i consider everything - i nearly put the £1 cake back :eek: But to open my purse and have a little money in there that i can spend on me if i want to - well thats all good It stops it feel like such a slog all the time if that makes sense? And at £20 week i think that is not too unreasonable

Hope everyone is well - i'll post after finishing the next section of the assignment - sort of a trade with myself :cool:

Ellidee

Sending positive motivational vibes DDFW