The 'I'm less money-idiot more money-savvy' Diary

judi24

oh and I agree that family time is precious! My eldest is almost 24and just completed her pharmacy pre reg training and is now a fully qualified pharmacist! I can't believe my Daughter is that old!!! shed now off to save the world in Africa on a volunteer program! Proud and terrified in equal measures!!!

beanielou

Eek to loosing your purse.

judi24

The problem is I am sure it is somewhere!!! I had checked my online banks on Sunday so had it in the lounge - I didn't use it in work on Monday so have no idea whether it was in my work bag - but on the way home I stopped at shops and couldn't find it! I didn't panic as I have been so distracted I thought it would be either at home or on my desk at work - but looked today everywhere (including the freezer just in case!) and it is no where to be seen! Cards have not been used so I doubt it has been stolen - but have cancelled cards now! It will probably turn up tomorrow!!! :mad:


I have managed to find a card for account that I don't use so managed to log onto internet banking and transfer money into that now so payments have been made and signature updated!!! I'm getting there!!!! Over 50% of debt paid and 8 months to go!:j

beanielou

Fab news on the debt :j :j
What a star you are

judi24

Thanks Beanie - I want to come join you on the MFW board!!! Is that sad?

beanielou

judi24 wrote: »

Thanks Beanie - I want to come join you on the MFW board!!! Is that sad?

No!!
You will be quicker than me as I have not made an OP in ages.

judi24

Happy Sunday - had a very chilled weekend so far and really haven't got much done - but I think I needed it!


Spend Friday evening with a friend who bought dinner ingredients that I cooked - he also provided the wine! so no spends at all - yesterday spend some time with another friend and her hubby and the plan was to get takeaway but he refused to take my contribution! I am also going to their house for Sunday dinner today! so very low spend weekend on food and entertainment! This friend is coming with me to the caravan in a couple of weeks and I wasn't expecting her to pay towards it but she is now insisting that she pays for the food shopping before we go so that will keep my costs down!


I have not really been thinking about forward planning in recent weeks but have now taken some time plan my next few months budgets - I have an expensive few months coming up and need to keep to a budget if I am going to be able to hit the debt at the same pace!


My debt payments are made from my salary and I live week to week on a mix of child support, FA, DD2's rent and a few other bits - so basically I have £1000 a month to live on once all debt and bills are paid - this needs to include food, fuel, spends, kids expenses, holidays, birthdays and Christmas!


This month I have my caravan trip and school uniforms to buy plus DS and my mum's birthday, September brings my cousins wedding in Scotland which will include travel, a hotel,outfits, spends and a present. Nothing special planned in October but my best friend who live in Florida comes home for 2 weeks in November so need to plan what we will do while she is home, and then its December!!!!!


So my everyday spending needs to be controlled so the big things can be afforded without slowing my debt payment (which I really don't want to do as I have already pushed my predicted debt free date back by 4 months!


My budget over the next 4 months is:


£250 - food (needs to include pet food, cleaning products etc)
£50 - fuel (luckily I have an eco car - but need to keep unnecessary driving to a minimum so I only need to fill up once a month)
£100 - general spends (includes going out, eating out, general bits and pieces for me and 2 kids)
£150 - kids expenses (bus fares, lunches etc - DD3's new school is £15 a week in bus fare alone)


Total - £550


This leaves me around £500 a month for the big things - It sounds doable! I think!!!!

Butti

It does look doable. Think the tightest budget will be your general spends.

You won't be alone though Judi. I will also be having a tight pre - Christmas period in anticipation of a wedding in America. Provided we both plan well we should be able to reach New Year in better shape.

As they say in the movies "Good luck my friend"!

TheMagician

You can do it Judi!
Your eye is on the ball, your mind is focused
Just imagine how elated you will feel to make that last payment and be free, finally!
Your budget is doable.
Mine is £300 food
£40 petrol
£100 any other spends= £440

beanielou

Butti wrote: »

It does look doable. Think the tightest budget will be your general spends.

You won't be alone though Judi. I will also be having a tight pre - Christmas period in anticipation of a wedding in America. Provided we both plan well we should be able to reach New Year in better shape.

As they say in the movies "Good luck my friend"!

From me too:cool: