NST;September Squirrels

apple_muncher

The October challenge is up and running! See you there!

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/66580240#Comment_66580240

apple_muncher

Today I am grateful that I didn't get too wet in the rain, that I found a frozen advent calendar for dd, that I got a free parking space, that my glasses cost 10% less than I'd budgetted for them, that we've not yet put the heating on.

LoveaDove

Hi squizzels,

I am flying in with a super speedy check-in! Sorry for missing yesterdays- trying to sort out my evenings so will likely have to create a timetable for my free time for ensuring I fit in my MSE time!! Will catch up on posts tomorrow as I am off out for Orange wednesday at the cinema for a double date! Up to 13 sfds, also took part in a zumba class today so 1 more for the fitness (I also went out for a jog last night so that actually makes 2 more!) Work is keeping me on my toes!

Hugs to you all, catch up very soon! x

PS. Have signed up to October's challenge (will also read rules tomo)- thanks apple muncher for taking on the reigns from the lovely mothernerd

mothernerd

stewby wrote: »

The man on the phone made pretty much no sense.
:wall:

So I handed the phone to my dad and the guy explained it all again. My dad then explained just what I had said... but the guy just didn't understand what we were saying.
Completely gave up at this point and my dad ran out of patience... so basically he said we would pay the money but he was getting rid of his BoS card as well as they have made something incredibly simple incredibly complicated.
:undecided

So, I was really quite gutted and had a wee cry thinking about this evil company and their nasty setback... but then my mum came down to visit and she said that dad is offering me £50 just so that I can do what I had planned to do. Next month, I will pay it back. She said that my dad is really proud of how hard I am trying to pay off the debt and is quite surprised at how strict I am being with myself.
I have told her that it is all thanks to this thread. Call me smushy but I am so glad I found this thread and this lovely group of people who are teaching me so much. Thank you all.
:happyhear

Horrible story but lovely ending. We all love you too, Stewby.

abundant1972 wrote: »

Not got myself more in debt but just not been in the zone with regards to budgeting. Ran out of cash about half way through the month and been scrimping since... horrible feeling having nothing but a jar of 1ps, 2ps and 5ps to buy things with lol.

Anyway... Pay day Friday, so over the weekend I will work out my budget afresh.

Pick yourself up, dust yourself down and start right over again.

Calling14 wrote: »

Hugs abundant I felt like that beginning of the month your are so close now keep at it.

Bedrooms look great, I am really happy with the carpets still bit more stuff to move tonight, got distracted clearing knicker and sock drawers out - omg call me Mothernerd now !

I have no veg in at all, freezer, cupboards bare emergency veg shop on way home.

Despite asking both DS1 and DS3 to bring down any extra socks and knickers when they went on their attic forays, I have now found several pairs of each:j:j:j. Yes I am sad, but it's like having new stuff, without spending money.

I still have veg but need to make carrot salad, beetroot salad etc as have very little salady stuff (and carrots, beetroot etc are still in the rucksack - brought them upstairs 2 days ago to do in between other jobs and because the carpet fitters left 2 full size doors blocking my kitchen.

applemuncher's October challenge is turtley terrific but I seem to have lot all my squirrel turtles. Come back everyone, you still have a few days left in September to build your super-hero muscles.

I have had a good day but am very tired. DS1 went shopping, he needed a sandwich but had no money (his payday is this Friday) so he took my list with him but I paid (coming off October budget as it included light mayo - few scrapings left and grain mustard - ran out last week) I only use a couple of jars a year so this will also count as the start of my Christmas food shop.

He cleaned the insides of the front windows/ vestibule and painted the skirtings and bottom 15" of the door frames in the tiny toilet. I painted the rest and the finished the paneling from last week, whilst he painted a wall in my room. he wanted to know why I had asked him to paint a 'good' wall when 2 bits above the picture rail were more in need (only a bit of paint left). He thought the white patches where I had used the stain stop were the pattern made by the afternoon sun. Several 5 minute jobs tackled as well.

Need to get back in the rhythm and do a bit each day, even if it is only an hour. have paid a bill (15% discount) and made another cc payment (left enough for my energy bill and the 1st of the month loan payment), will pay more if/ when DS2 pays his rent. Hoping to set a very tight budget next month, as I want to try to pay off all the money for DS3's last year's Christmas present. Renewed library books on-line so I could go a few more days without having to travel but they want one back on Saturday. Think DS3 is going to Manchester again (birthday party) so will borrow his daysaver and hop to the library and back (have the cs stuff bagged up, may try to see if I can find enough bits to do October's food bank donation too - more treasures from the attic.

Today I am grateful for helpful sons, for the sunshine (that Autumn nip is there, but it is still that hint of expectation and excitement) and music (saw something on DS3's fb feed and thought, not listened to them for a while).

Let's drag ourselves up off the floor and punch that September debt squirrelly turtles.

nannygladys

I had a sfd so getting to target. Still at dd3 house decorating, only have s bit to do now, so I will be resting at work when they actually move lol!!!!

Just signed up for October, I'm really pleased with September so far considering I have been on holiday.

Nannyg

[Deleted User]

I'm still here Mothernerd! I just popped on to say not a NSD, paid £10 for DD's haircut, plus £10 for hairdressers daughters birthday (they are primary school mates). She looks very grown up (prep for bridesmaiding at the weekend). Even more grown up when we got home and she tried on my outfit I was trying out for a cocktail dress for next weeks conference. It is not overly flattering (on me - looked lovely on her - I am slightly tubby in everything at the moment now though) but it will do - black dress I occassionally wear with a jacket for work, but dressed up with a smart scarfy thing. Was a bit gobsmacked when conference agenda arrived with details of the evening do TBH - made it clear evening was compulsary, and just dropped in a line saying lounge suits and cocktail dresses! I was a bit freaked out until I thought of this combination, and luckily I have some shoes from the interview earlier this year. Have got over my crossness at the assumption we would all have such stuff lying around now and am looking forward to it - its a full mess dinner at a barracks (we are just visiting, I am about the least soldier-y person you can imagine). Food is included, just pay for drinks - I am the driver, so a exciting free night out I think, with some inspiring speakers.
Lovely hairdresser/friend also lent me a dress (does not fit, but nice thought) and showed me a easy stylish way to wear my hair up. I can do that myself for next week (I recorded her doing it on my phone, just in case I forget how!). Wore it that way to see my in-laws for dinner (had lots of lovely vegetables). Today I was grateful for lovely-hairdresser-friend, for FIL's positive diagnosis at the hospital, and once again, the skill of the oncology teams, and for DD singing to me all the way home in the car, just like we used to when she was younger and learning songs for her primary school choir. I felt properly like mum again, which doesn't happen every day now she is older, and infatuated with step-mum. The songs were a bit hipper than they used to be though! Also grateful that I was paid for last weekends guests, and have just transferred another £200 to the informal loan. If the current guests payments arrive in time, I hope to squeeze another £250 by the end of the month. Applemuncher - that sends me into October on the bones of my knees (but not in debt anywhere other than the informal loan). Off to peak at the challenge now! Glad sons are being helpful MN

luckystarr

Hi guys

Quick check in ... not been a great month but better than hoped
Thank you for the thread Mothernerd it has been great

Hugs to all that need them and well done to all on this challenge, you have been great company and kept me sane.

Off to check out the October thread... thanks applemuncher

Night all xxx

speakingofart

I'm still here mother nerd! It's new challenge time when I wish I got paid at the beginning of the month - still 20 days to go before payday for me

However, never mind... on with september. Totals below, hopefully my bathroom will be finished today, so need to have a good scrub of the flat and do a big shop and cook at the weekend ready for uni next week, so will probably take a good part of my grocery budget, but I should then have lots of meals to stop me buying food!

Groceries: £49.23/ £150 (till 15th October)

Fuel: £0/40 (till 15th October)

Daily Exercise: 13/18
SFD 11/18
Food Bank 0/£3

[Deleted User]

Not too bad a week for my first attempt on here. SFDs Mon, Tue and Wed but not today as I am utterly exhausted after yesterday's mini inspection at work so I didn't make my lunch today. I will buy something at the canteen later on.

I have signed up for the October challenge and it looks really motivating so i will look at all the rules and set myself up for October. I am really looking forward to seeing how I get on in the month.

CEW

Hi All,

Very quick post to say Aldi voucher in the Daily Mirror today. £5 off £40 spend plus a few 50% off vouchers for odd items including mincemeat - looking ahead to Christmas :eek:

Like Abundant I seem to have lost it in September although I have not overspent and have clocked up a good number of NSD's. I just have not managed to log everything.

Payday on Friday and I still have much more money left in my bank than I would have expected so I'm doing something right. Obviously these challanges over the past few months have started to reap rewards as the thrifty habits are becoming second nature :money:

I will join the October challange and promise to try harder. Hopefully as the uncertainty at work has been resolved - I now have a leaving date in November for my redundancy - I will be a little more relaxed and focused.

Chez x