Where is my motivation?

maman

LameWolf wrote: »

My motivation comes from a desire not to sponge off my husband. We both had spendthrift exes, and although he'd happily subsidise me if I wished, I don't want him to.

I just had to post and say how refreshing I found that comment lamewolf. I read so many threads on here about people who just use a joint bank account when they put in little or nothing. I just couldn't live like that but when I read them I begin to wonder if I'm strange in wanting to pay my way.


catcherupper, you should find that the spending diary starts to pay dividends straight away. I find that if I have to write it down I think harder whether I want to spend it and any wasteful trends will start to show up quickly.


pablakeman I'd suggest you do the same and start a spending diary. Keep all your receipts and try to jot everything you spend down. I'd also say the same for a food diary. Although I'd agree with quality suits, don't buy any more until you've lost the weight. There's a great Slimming World thread on here if you're interested.

Catcherupper14

maman wrote: »

catcherupper, you should find that the spending diary starts to pay dividends straight away. I find that if I have to write it down I think harder whether I want to spend it and any wasteful trends will start to show up quickly
.

I have started another spending diary with every item written down individually. I am looking out for areas of wasteful spending and trying to eliminate them.
I managed to avoid the paperback section in Mr Ts today which is quite a feat for me. It was simply because I could not face writing books in my spending diary.

maman

Catcherupper14 wrote: »

I managed to avoid the paperback section in Mr Ts today which is quite a feat for me. It was simply because I could not face writing books in my spending diary.

Plan in a trip to the library instead, very mse.:money:

meritaten

my motivation is that I went through the 'miners strike' and learned how to be even more thrifty, moneysaving etc. never lost the habit. plus it gives me a sense of 'achievement'.
I am not fanatical about it in the least - but, I hate waste, don't mind wearing secondhand clothes, enjoy 'upcycling', enjoy crafting and knitting. our standard of living is reasonable. we are not wealthy or even what some would call 'comfortable'. OHs basic pay is under K24 - but, we shop wisely, eat well, have enough that we can pay the mortgage, have a holiday every year, and last year OH got his first 'brand new' car! and we can help out the 'kids' (who are all in their thirties - hardworking and seem to be constantly struggling).
I think with yourself, your motivation should be moving towards a 'comfortable old age'. or retiring early? perhaps that sort of goal will keep you on track?

Catcherupper14

Thank you Meritaten


I need to get back the sense of achievement I felt when I was struggling for money. It's not that I'm well off, far from it, but I have pretty much all I need and so the pressure is off.


It annoys me that I have spent a great deal of time, money and effort training for a new career and am now letting it stall because I can't get going.


I too love crafting, but I have become lazy about that too. I seem to have little energy for anything.


Having a small "win" every day helps, although I did not finish my sewing project yesterday. I ended up visiting a sick neighbour and the time just went.


Today I need to re-pot some of my indoor plants and plant out some bulbs.
I won't have to spend any money today which means my spending dairy can stay in the cupboard.


Does anyone else use the flylady thread? I am planning to follow that next week to see if I can get my housework mojo back. I have already decided to iron while watching TV, so that should clear the ironing heap in a few weeks

LameWolf

Catcherupper14 wrote: »

The dog-sitting sounds great and you have worked out ways to accommodate your limited mobility - but what is a Parsons Russell? We had Jack Russell's years ago, are they similar?

Yes they are similar - and there is still apparently some controversy in Kennel Club circles about what the difference is. But as I understand it, the Parsons has basically longer legs than the Jack Russell.:o

Catcherupper14 wrote: »

Does anyone else use the flylady thread? I am planning to follow that next week to see if I can get my housework mojo back. I have already decided to iron while watching TV, so that should clear the ironing heap in a few weeks

I'm a regular poster on the Flylady thread; I actually use my own lists, as opposed to the weekly ones that are posted, though I do read them for extra inspiration. But I find the friendship and encouragement of the other Flyladies a great help.:o

Catcherupper14

I thought I'd do a quick review of what I've achieved since I started posting here. Some of my daily "challenges" are ongoing and some have been one-offs.


I am still cooking from scratch and batch cooking has given me 16 main meals so far. I am eating from my freezer and cupboards this month, plan to defrost and clean out my fridge and freezer at the end of the month, and then meal plan properly next month. My inventory is up to date and I will be keeping up my spending diary. This will help when I do the grocery challenge next month.


I was less successful with completing my craft project so that will appear again this week - even if I only do one unfinished thing a week it will be progress. I did manage to sort out my plants, a job that I've been meaning to do for ages.


I need to put more effort into improving my diet - I am still trying to cut down on the amount of tea I drink and substitute with water.


Writing everything down has helped me clarify my thoughts. The replies from posters on this board have been really helpful, with encouragement and practical advice. Thank you.


Today I am going to follow the Flylady plan and clean my kitchen

flopsy59

whats happening to all the posts today

Catcherupper14

flopsy59 wrote: »

whats happening to all the posts today

It all went a bit weird yesterday. I think it's okay today.

Towser

Have you tried the Khan Academy or Coursera? Both do free short courses online.

Is that so that I don't have to spend any more money on Education?

I have had a look at the websites and so far they look pretty good.