It's so simple in theory!

Trishiapp

I've noticed that, since embarking on my DFW journey, I've not once, had the ghastly sinking feeling one gets when spending money that isn't there.

Ok, so technically I'm still spending on credit as I am still in overdraft ( not for much longer) , but I feel much more in control of my finances. Interestingly, despite my low spending, as a family, we've not 'suffered' any negative effects. If anything, being frugal gave us a sense of well-being and peace. I am very, very proud, not only of myself, but also of my two children for adopting such massive change! I really hope they have learned from my 'mistakes' and will grow into responsible, money savvy adults.


Earlier in the week, I was planning to do small shopping. However, having looked through my cupboards, fridge and freezer, I only need cat food,washing powder and straw for the guinea pigs. All of this can be purchased at my local Poundstretcher for very little money ( perhaps £5?) I will also visit the temple of consumerism tomorrow evening and get as many reduced fruit and veg as I can ( not running low, but needed for next week's lunches and dinners.)


I am getting paid on the 25th and decided to pay £300 left over from this month, and £500 from next month into my overdraft. This will leave me with £700 to go. If I continue as I am, there's a real possibility I will clear my o/d in March!!! Yay!


I will do my best to clear my £500 Flexi loan in April and May although, these two months tend to be a little expensive as it's Easter and my children's birthdays. Still, £250 each month is perfectly doable!


This will leave me with my credit card... Yet again, I should be able to pay it off within two months ( June and July.) Hmm, having said that, my credit card is on 0% for the next 20 months, so perhaps I should start saving? Yes! That's what I'm going to do! As of June, I am putting money away! Once the 0 % period is over, I shall pay it all back from my savings. Thank you Scritti for this idea


I am so excited by the prospect of building up savings! It's going to be fantastic to have something to fall back on! Perhaps I'm a little ahead of myself, but I'm thinking £200 or £300 per month? I cannot wait!


I wish you all a wonderful Friday

One more thing...


Just read this Chinese proverb: " Borrowed money, shortens time."

Trishiapp

Yesterday, as predicted, done very small shopping, £5.40 to be precise. I've bought everything I needed from the £stretcher. Apart from the essentials, I also splashed out on some bedding plants for my hanging baskets ( £4.99 for 20 pansies.) I thought this was a very good price, so I walked away with two trays.
Sine, I've not bought anything non-essential this month, I've allowed myself this little treat, and it felt great!


The weather here is positively spring-like with predicted temperature of 12 Celsius, which is why, I can't wait to go outside and plant them up!


As I was walking around the garden centre, I was shocked by the amount of gaudy tat they sell! I understand their need to diversify, but what has happened to the old fashioned idea of selling plants? Honestly, their shelves are packed with cheap animal head cushions, ghastly plastic flowers ( some of them sprayed with glitter), low quality pots and pans, inferior quality picture frames and many more 'made in China' products which are not made to last. Too much plastic!!


I appreciate that they are trying to provide products at low cost but, personally, I would rather go to a charity shop and buy something for a similar price and most probably of better quality. Or better yet, use Freecycle. Also, most of the products they are selling are non-essential and have nothing to do with horticulture.


Tomorrow morning, my partner wants to go to our ( very large) local car boot sale to familiarise himself with it. This is in preparation for our impending boot sale ( once the weather is warmer.) In order to avoid any unnecessary temptations, I shall leave my purse at home. I'm actually rather excited at the prospect of making extra money towards my overdraft and de-cluttering my house. My sweet daughter offered to help out, so it's going to be a family affair.


Right, I better complete all my indoor chores, so I can go outside...


I wish you all a wonderful weekend!

gilly1964

Hi Trishiapp

I have really enjoyed your diary. Your children have a mother to be very proud of.

Enjoy your weekend

asparagus1968

hi,

wow, so much has happened since I last checked in!
pleased work went well.
love all your planning, I love a good plan (and lists, I love lists)
only a small shop for me this week luckily.
also, just got a payout from topcashback for £15 and due some back pay from work on payday next Friday.
managed a £40 overpayment on mortgage this month too.

did however ,buy a jumper the other day, on a whim ,but am going to return it.

need to get into garden today, it is cold but sunny here. have re hung the line ready for washing, usually pop in onto airer inside but feel inspired

have a lovely weekend

ps, I've been single 9 years, you have given me hope

asparagus1968

well, one tidy, weeded garden.(looks a bit bare actually)
am shattered but glad I didn't waste the sun.
thanks for the inspiration trishiapp

Trishiapp

gilly1964 wrote: »

Hi Trishiapp

I have really enjoyed your diary. Your children have a mother to be very proud of.

Enjoy your weekend

Good evening gilly.


That is such a kind comment. Thank you


I, too wish you a wonderful weekend!

Trishiapp

asparagus1968 wrote: »

well, one tidy, weeded garden.(looks a bit bare actually)
am shattered but glad I didn't waste the sun.
thanks for the inspiration trishiapp

Good evening asparagus.


It sounds like you've done a lot today! As planned, I've spent most of today outside. I've refreshed my baskets with aforementioned pansies; pruned dead branches; moved some plants about and swept up the front of my house. I was thinking about washing my car, but decided to go for a long walk instead. Overall, a very enjoyable and productive day


I'm glad I've given you hope of finding someone after many years of singleton. IT WILL HAPPEN!
Following my divorce, I've made a conscious decision to be on my own. I wanted to concentrate on me, my children and building up my career. I knew that, I had to 'work' on myself to become the best self I could possibly be. Since water seek its own level, and like attracts like, unless I became emotionally healthy, I knew I would attract unsuitable men.


It took me many years of self-discovery to become ready and open to the possibility of forming loving and caring relationship.


The biggest lesson I have learned is that, regardless of my relationship status, I know that I will always be ok.

Scritti

I'm loving this thread - so positive and full of wisdom.

You're doing a fantastic job, Trishiapp!

Trishiapp

I'm happy you are enjoying my ramblings

Today happened to be very uneventful. We went to car boot sale ( no spends there) , followed by an afternoon of doing very little (I love quiet days like these.) After all, we are human beings not human doings!


Since I've had the free time, I read some of the posts on here ( oftentimes I am moved and inspired by other people's stories.) One post in particular drew my attention... The essence of it made a lot of sense; our external world reflect our internal world. The only thing that did not ring truth with me, was the poster's assertion that, in order to 'calm' the mind, we need to create order in our outside, physical world; I believe it to be the other way round.


By relying on the outside conditions, we give away our creative power. We become 'victims' of what happens to us, without realising that, indeed, we have created whatever is causing us distress ( internal cause creates external effect.)


Personally, my debt didn't just happen to me. I've created it through misplaced belief that I wasn't enough without stuff. Through my conditioning, I overly identified with the external, whilst overlooking the internal ( the cause.)


For me, the only way I can deal with my debt, and indeed, anything else in my life, is by shining a spotlight on what is going on inside of me. I must first become aware of what I am doing through my beliefs about myself and the world in general, and if required, change it. The external state is a mirror reflection of my internal state.


Of course, change is difficult but, by neutrally observing myself, without judgement or reproach I am slowly building different foundations of My Self: "Good foundations make strong houses."


I still have a way to go, but I take one step at the time. That's all I can take. That's all I have to take. Yes, I have a clear vision I've created of where I want to be, but I won't get there in one leap... and of course, it all starts with My Self first

[Deleted User]

Trishiapp wrote: »

We went to the boot sale (no spends there)

You didn't even buy any boots?