Escaping the grind...in search of a life less ordinary

MissShoes

£167.70 left in the bank to last 3 weeks. I need to takeout £30 for a bill this week but other than that, no reasons to spend this week at all until Sunday (top up of fresh grocery bits will be needed by then). I have fuel, wine, pampering products, food and bills paid. Energy bill has £50 outstanding but S/O on payday will clear that. Will have to keep heating off to stop that racking up any higher.

Chrysalis1976

You are doing so well, I'm the same with toileteries I'm still using up ones that I got last christmas let alone this one just gone.

I noticed on your soa that your mobile cost is quite high is this something that can be reduced?

I like the wins and losses part of your posts, on another part of the forum there is a thread called 'what mse things have you done today' which is great to write down all the mse things that have been achieved, I was thinking of adding it to my own posts as an incentive but I also need a 'to do' part because there are always things that I put off.

Well done on paying off a debt.

C x

MissShoes

Chrysalis1976 wrote: »

You are doing so well, I'm the same with toileteries I'm still using up ones that I got last christmas let alone this one just gone.

I noticed on your soa that your mobile cost is quite high is this something that can be reduced?

I like the wins and losses part of your posts, on another part of the forum there is a thread called 'what mse things have you done today' which is great to write down all the mse things that have been achieved, I was thinking of adding it to my own posts as an incentive but I also need a 'to do' part because there are always things that I put off.

Well done on paying off a debt.

C x

Thanks for posting chrysalis!

My toiletry clear up is going well....if you ignore the mountain I acquired over Xmas! All gorgeous stuff of my fave brand though.

Body scrub finished- I have at least 10 more! Little perfume finished- 2 to go before back on my favourites.

Running low on deodorant so may need to get one- will double check the stocks.

Yep my mobile is high- I'm tied in but I get insurance with my bank so need to call to cancel that as I think I'm paying twice.

MissShoes

Feeling down today. Feeling trapped at work and in the city and I am longing for a life of simple pleasures in the country without the mad commute and stresses of city living. Sometimes this feeling ebbs away- other times it's almost overwhelming and today is one of those days.

In order for me to do that- I need to be debt free so I'm not dependent on such a high paying job and I can focus on what I actually want rather than what I need.

So....pad made to CC3. Balance now £440.

Have hair appointment this week which is another £45 so it's going to be a super tight month.

cazmanian_minx

MissShoes wrote: »

Feeling down today. Feeling trapped at work and in the city and I am longing for a life of simple pleasures in the country without the mad commute and stresses of city living. Sometimes this feeling ebbs away- other times it's almost overwhelming and today is one of those days.

Swap you! I've wrenched my back this morning tugging my manure-filled wheelbarrow out of eight inches of mud and then had to spend quarter of an hour bent over double shampooing the dog's legs and bottom so I don't present the vet with an unidentifiable Thing From The Swamp when I take her in for her boosters this afternoon (52 mile round trip to the nearest vet).

There are times when I miss London and today is one of those days

MissShoes

cazmanian_minx wrote: »

Swap you! I've wrenched my back this morning tugging my manure-filled wheelbarrow out of eight inches of mud and then had to spend quarter of an hour bent over double shampooing the dog's legs and bottom so I don't present the vet with an unidentifiable Thing From The Swamp when I take her in for her boosters this afternoon (52 mile round trip to the nearest vet).

There are times when I miss London and today is one of those days

Oh Caz.....that did make me smile! The dog washing bit, not the back wrenching bit. You deserve a large vino tonight.

I'm a country girl originally so know what awaits me- just sick of the noise and grime. Plus being with family is a big plus.


But yes- lots to appreciate about the city I live in and all it's conveniences. Good luck with the drive.

monz

My gosh you are not half battling down your debt! You are so on top of everything x

MissShoes

monz wrote: »

My gosh you are not half battling down your debt! You are so on top of everything x

Oh thanks Monz, I don't feel that way at all. I'm like Tarzan swinging from debt vine to debt vine. Until my February payday there are a couple of things that will bump up card totals as I just have more going out than coming in. My own fault. Robbing peter to pay Paul mentality.

It's going to be a tough few weeks financially- I'm down to £87 in the bank and 19 days til payday although I think it goes in a day early. But even then, every penny is accounted for.

I know that after the big expenses are done and with council tax paid...I'll feel a little breathing room and then things will really start to snowball.

Job 3 is back in a few months- £1200 initially then if I hit that target hopefully more. It kills my social life but worth it as it pays for a holiday. I know I should clear a debt with it but....

MissShoes

So spent £10 on CC3 today which puts balance back at £450....but then got refund for £102 going on there for an age old dispute over a faulty item.....perfect! It could take a few days to clear so will believe it when I see it. That would take balance down to £348 so making headway.

Started on job 2 for the month- got some good hours in, just need to keep up momentum.

The financial management style of robbing peter to pay Paul is nearly over. Have 3 more links in that chain to be completed and then I should be free! From feb pay onwards things will feel easier- just need to keep reminding myself of that.

Organised my lunches and dinners for remainder of the week and can stick to my meal plan. Have some money in my purse too so although it's tight, I do feel I'll survive. Fingers crossed for early payday!

Wins
1) lovely filling and healthy supper made for me by bf- kitchen all tidy too and all washing up done.
2) finding a solution to a problem that was causing me anxiety and stress- already feeling much better
3) feeling positive and valued at work today
4) cleared out car of the few bits of rubbish in it so it feels clean
5) good catch up with friend albeit briefly
6) plants doing well despite cold chill in air
7) a belated Xmas present for me arrived- so lucky!
8) had a good clear out of work desk- clear space, clear mind
9) feeling like I have a plan with job 2 and looking forward to job 3 even though it's ages away
10) bf being incredible supportive and sweet- lovely messages and gestures are making me really happy and glowy/ I hope I do the same for him- he says I do but won't be complacent about this

Losses
1) my good friend having a really tough time and bad run of luck with health. Feel helpless about this and sometimes difficult to be endlessly cheery and positive in the face of tricky news. I will be the best friend I can be

MissShoes

Time to update this-lots has happened. Most importantly is that I am escaping the city and I have sold my house. Bf and I always planned to escape but in a couple of years or so- to give us more time with inner city wages to debt bust, save and build a nest egg. But after a long heart to heart, the countryside is calling is both. The sky rocketing prices have allowed me to secure a huge offer and exchange is imminent.

Debt free for the first time pretty much ever- is only 6-7 weeks away. That is a crazy thought.