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

urg123

No- I properly got my second wind so I did a load of ironing! I didn't go to bed until nearly 2am.
I've got 2 books that I have 'put away safely' that I need to find.

Today was a class with DS and then went to spend my voucher. I bought some trousers and a nice eyeliner. The frustrating thing is I was hungry and I didnt wsnt a sandwich so we ended up at an Italian restaurant. Lunch cost us £25 so am annoyed with myself. It reminds me of why I need to get back to thinking MSE all the time.

See you tomorrow. I think I may end up with an epic list for the weekend.

Buffythedebtslayer

go to bed.


XX


I also have epic list for weekend. nuts!




hugs XXX

urg123

Morning! What awful weather.

It's been over 10 days since I last posted. I had a great birthday treat last week at the Harry Potter Studios - it was brilliant but pricey! Nothing else too exciting happening.

I received my first SMP payment this month - thankfully I also got a bit of a tax rebate so my pay was a bit higher! The pared down budget is in place and I moved money from our savings to pay the difference.

Not managing many NSDs so need to work on that over the next month. I need to get the spending diary updated. A review of the last month shows that we are spending a lot of money on ad-hoc food. I need to come up with more ideas for lunches and keep a snack bar or two in my bag to keep me going.

We're also having problems with the loo. We are trying to sort it ourselves but may need to get professional help. So that could be costly. Hopefully we can get resolved today. I am going to visit friends while the loo is out of action.

my list for today:
- Photograph and list 5 items on ebay
- check final phone and broadband bills to see if I am owed rebates
- chase edf for final bill
- another load of laundry
- meals from stores
- possibly visit my friend and her baby if they are in
- get rid of 10 things

will try to come back later to update.

Urg x x

tiny_courageous

Hi Urg
Sounds like you had a lovely birthday!
Spending diary's definitely helping me with NSDs and impromptu lunch spends.

debtfreeoneday

Just read through and wanted to say hello!!! Will subscribe

Buffythedebtslayer

Happy Birthday XXX


I am planning a trip the Harry Potter Studios Not that I have any cash but hey ho!


Hope you are having a good weekend XXX

urg123

Hi TC, DFOD and Buffy,

Where does the time and money go?

Well the weekend was madly busy - a hen do, family celebrations and a blocked loo means that I am shattered.
Thankfully we have finally got the loo sorted - we had to get the professionals in but it cost a lot less than the big national drain cleaning company. That's why we need an emergency fund!

There's lots to do this week. I've managed to make a start on catching up with the laundry and I really want to getvrid of stuff frim the flat so I am going to challenge myself to get rid of 100 items this week.

right - bathtime with the baby! See you later

urg123

As usual the week just seems to disappear!

I did manage 2 NSDs this week. Did a massive food shop today so hopefully will keep us going for more than a week. I also managed to get some clothes mended - thry've been waiting months. I can finally put away the last of my maternity clothes for next time.

Had a lovely evening with my cousin and her kids - we took dinner as they always cook for us. The kids really enjoyed it and asked for it again!

Sadly the decluttering mission has not been successful - I've only identified 2 books for getting rid of. I am really struggling to let go of things. I did get a code for seeling on ebay for three items so I have decided I am going to list at least three items tomorrow.

My list for tomorrow:
- put away maternity clothes
- washing
- ironing
- list 3 items on ebay
- tidy bedroom
- aim for NSD
- reset OWL
- call friends for a catch up
- facial to use up products

Finally, just a note to say I have used up 2 body butters, a travel size shampoo and a moisturiser. I had run out of moisturiser so bought some NO7 at boots on a 3 for 2 deal. This will keep me going for about three months. also bought a present for a friend which came with freebie so am going to save the freebie for a friend who I am visiting shortly.

Off to bed now as DS will be up in a couple of hours for a feed. I do miss those nights of unbroken sleep!

urg123

I cant believe how quickly time is going. I have been trying to be good but keep stumbling!

February completely went out of the window with the spending diary so we are back to it with a vengeance! We've also had a few wins:
- set up a Santander 123 account which we will use as a bills account
- saw a financial advisor to get life insurance sorted
- managed to get compensation from my old energy supplier for poor service! I've bought a shredder with the money.
- lodged a complaint with CPP as my policy falls outside the compensation scheme.

Today I will:
- 2 loads of laundry
- check bank accounts DONE
- post letters and Thank you card to friend
- call helpline
- change the last DD over now that payments have been taken
- aim for a NSD
- take DS for a walk to enjoy the fresh air
- shred some paperwork with my new shredder
- clear 1 shelf
- send email to ebay buyer giving one more chance to pay before raising a dispute. This is why I hate ebay! Others seem to have so much success!

Right better start with changing DS - I believe I have a ripe nappy awaiting me! Oh joy!

Urg x x



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urg123

Hello

It's been a long time since I've been MSE - I've missed the amazing support it gives me but I have been really struggling for time. I am hoping to come back a bit more often to keep me on track as I need to get hold of our finances.

I guess a little update would be good as there has been a lot going on and some of it has been difficult. I've tried to offset it with my amazing son and just focus on the good stuff.

• I am now back at work full time and have got a promotion! Yay!
• LO is going to be 1 at the end of the month
• We have invested in a new boiler
• We'd like to move in the future so we need to get moving.

Our finances are a bit of a mess - I don't feel like i've got control. My husband is a bit of a nightmare - he hasn't ever really got the principle of joint finances. As i have always earned the majority the money and covered the basic costs - he's not really been involved in the finances. He has that attitude of 'my wife deals with the finances' and lets me get on with it. It means that I feel that I am on my own and that he isn't always on board.

I really want to think about moving but don't feel that I have a handle on my current finances. Without this, I don't feel that we can go for a mortgage etc.

So, I am going to use this diary to get back me on track and to help me acheive some of my financial and family goals! I also desparately need to declutter the flat so that it looks great.

So to start! My goals this week will be:

• Set a budget
• Restart spending diary
• Review gas/electric - I've had an email to suggest I am paying too much!
• Catch up with the ironing mountain.
• Restart with flylady!

Right - I am actually going to check in with the bank accounts etc and get a 'where am I now' picture. I also want to have a look at 'YNAB' software as I have read positive things about it.

Catch up soon!

urg x x