URG’s - Enjoying Being a Mummy on a Budget.

urg123

I’ve been a member of MSE for six years now and this site has been part of my life and seen me through some major life events: getting out of major debt; getting engaged and then married (a bit more debt); losing my parents and having a baby. The daily small things thread was a brilliant way for me to really focus on my everyday spending.

2013 was a rollercoaster for me – finding out I was pregnant at the start of the year and giving birth in September; my dad being diagnosed with cancer and dying a few months later; my husband was also out of work for a while – he is back at work now but only part-time. This means that our income will be reduced to 1/3 of what it was at the start of 2013.

2014 is a year of change in my life - I will be on maternity leave for a few months – I haven’t decided when I will go back to work yet. Hopefully, if I can manage to keep the finances in check I can stay off for longer and enjoy my baby! My money saving skills have already helped me- I have saved some money to pay all of the annual costs (i.e. TV Licence,insurance etc). I can also borrow against some savings to pay the core bills fora few months. This is a great position to be in – I wouldn’t have been anywhere near this position a few years ago! But, my spending ways have been creeping back in and I need to get back in check. I’d also like to try to use thisopportunity to try to manage the house – I am terribly untidy and I need to get the place decluttered before the little man starts crawling etc.

I’m looking forward to getting back to the MSE ways. It will be good to remind myself that I don’t need to be constantly spending!

Ideally I’d like to post every day but realistically, I will aim for three times a week.

Today has been fairly productive. I have bullied hubby into breaking down his outgoings and debts and catalogued them so that we can manage our finances jointly. We have kept our finances separate and he has struggled to manage his debt. Hopefully, our changed circumstances will mean that we can start to attack this too over the coming months.

I have also been working on a household manual to manage our flat. One section will record our money issues. This now has a spending log for us (so we can see how we spend our money and store our receipts in one place); a summary of annual costs and when they are due; our January budget; a diary to record meal plans and shopping lists. I will continue to add to this folder over the coming weeks and months.


It's pretty late now so I will list five aims for tomorrow:

1. get to the bottom of the ironing mountain
2. check the roof and flat for any damage - the winds have been really howling this evening!
3. contact energy company to increase DD - they have set it too low and I don't want to fact arrears when they issue a bill
4. spend one hour clearing up in the bedroom
5. plan meals for when friend visits after Christmas (using up what in the stores where possible).

Until next time...
urg x x

urg123

Saved for update posts

urg123

Thankfully Christmas is over. This was my first without my dad or any of my family with me. I've held it together and even enjoyed myself but there was an underlying sadness for me. It didn't help that DH kept pointing out how happy his parents were with our son joining their other two grandkids. The straw that broke open the floodgates was an innocent question from my three year old nephew asking if my dad would join us for dinner. I was so touched that he remembered my dad and wanted him to join us. I feel so sad right now - it's made even worse because my best friend has had to cancel her visit as her son is unwell and we can't risk passing it on to my son. I was so looking forward to her visit - it would have been a nice way to end a Sh*t year.
Money wise - not done too badly. my main Christmas present was bought with vouchers and we saved money by waiting for the sales. I pick it up tomorrow.
Things usually look better in the morning. I really hope so!
night
urg x x

Non_compos_mentis

Urg,

I am sure your dad is with you, watching over you. I hope you are feeling better.

NCM

Buffythedebtslayer

Morning lovely urg xx


The firsts are the hardest in my experience, as I am sure you know.


well done hon, you got through and even enjoyed bits. done now.


big hugs and much love XXXX

beanielou

I'm sure that your dad was there in spirit.
I had a silent toast on Christmas day.

urg123

Thank you all for taking the time. today was better as I'd expected.
We ran a few errands today and enjoyed the lovely sunshine. A family friend popped by for a cuddle and lovely gift for DS. Sadly I am snuggled on the sofa with stomach ache and a headache - I think the excesses of the last few days are catching up with me!
today I achieved the following:
- DS Christmas money banked
- items bought for DS and me
- a visit to Costco and nothing too frivolous in the basket!
- dinner from stores
- laundry folded and put away

Still to do:
- nappies need washing
- ironing - it's now a mountain range in itself!
- tidying - the whole flat is a tip. I have decided that I will aim to clear a shelf/drawer every day.

Tonight is a write off - ill get the nappies on but hope to feel better tomorrow to attack the ironing and some tidying.

Thanks again for your kind words.

urg x x

urg123

Finally picked up my Christmas present today - a new tablet! I'm in the process of setting it up! I already heart my new toy!
Normally at this time of year I'm in a contemplative mood and thinking about next year's goals. I really don't have a massive drive for goals this time round (except for 2013 to be over) so I am going to take my time over this. I have been thinking about rekindling some old challenges that I used to take part in to remotivate me in MSE ways:

• 100 day challenge to use stuff up
• NSD challenges
• Grocery Challenge
• What else ...

I am also determined to do something about my issues with stuff. This is something I really need to address. I always have good intentions but I am my own worst enemy and often sabotage myself. I am determined to address this in 2014.
finally, the title of this diary is about enjoying my gorgeous son -so each day I am going to do one thing to make a special memory for the two of us for the day.

It's late so I am going to head to bed and read for pleasure (another thing I want to do more of).

Urg x x

urg123

So before I welcome in 2014 and ask for it to bring me happiness, health, love and abundance, I just want to acknowledge 2013 as a year of many changes in my life. I lost loved ones and miss them terribly but I also gained new people in my life and I look forward to passing on lessons from older generations to the next generation.

I had no idea what 2013 would bring and I only hope I have the strength, tools and resilience to face 2014.

Bring on 2014!

amber03

Happy new year URG, hope 2014 is kind to you and your family.xx

Buffythedebtslayer

Happy New Year Urg XXX


I wish you Health wealth and happiness


XXX Love Buffy xxx