Taking control

takingcontrolatlast

Update..

went shops - couldnt concentrate due to tooth ache.

Saved £1.18 compared to other supermarkets.

Came home, took tabs to try and alleviate the pain which "knocked me out" ... result ... still toothache and still an untidy upstairs

DH has made Sunday lunch :A

Hope i can get through the night. Will ring dentist tomorrow ... kerching to them! I dont budget for these things so will have to take the hit.... i need to re-evaluate my budgeting as i know im doing it wrong.

I couldnt get YNAB on this pc.

My late FIL told me that i dont need a budget, i just need to stop spending. He didnt mean "I" as in person ..just theoretically... stop spending and money will accumulate. He was very old school in his ways. Got me thinking though of his generation and I dont know any family members who have had financial problems like mine/ours.

Is it society or pure selfishness that I'm in debt? I'm in too much pain to think about it properly :eek:

One thing i do know ... i want to be out of debt sooner rather than later

takingcontrolatlast

Well its been nearly a month since I last posted in my diary. Not a good month for me unfortunately on a number of issues. I'm hoping that by updating my diary at least weekly I will be more focused.

I cant even talk about the dentist - ridiculous prices! So far spent around £70 and need to go back in a couple of months for a fitting for a crown post my root canal treatment. The dentist has put a temporary filing in ensuring I go back for the crown which will cost another £200+ which I havent budgeted for!

I'm obviously not budgeting properly and its something I am struggling with and just cant seem to get to grips with. Im going to have to give this more thought and look at ways to improve this scenario.

On a positive, home improvements have begun. Master bedroom has been decluttered and a new coat of paint given to the skirting boards and ceiling (though still have 2 doors to do). The paint didnt cost anything as it was left over from out last decorating job. It was wallpapered last year. The carpet needs a professional shampoo and a friend is lending me her machine. The bed has been brought in from the spare room and blends in nicely along with my much deserved new bedding.

Spare bedroom has been stripped back to basics - currently painting it.

DH purchased a new toilet and basin which were on offer for the shower room in white as mine are currently acqua! (inherited with the house) :eek:

Then there is one last spare bedroom to sort - everything is dumped in there and it too needs stripping, painting and will probably need papering depending on the walls.

Ive received vouchers for my birthday and will use these towards something for the master bedroom I think. Not sure yet but they will be spent :rotfl:

takingcontrolatlast

Home improvements are continuing. Struggle with debt continuing.

I harvested some apples at the weekend and baked yesterday - quite therapeutic.

DD1 back home tomorrow from her holidays - she works so hard and deserves the rest - I cant wait to see her :j

I'm still struggling with budgeting - I think I mean sticking to it - I have completed Octobers budget - not much left in the pot once debts and bills are paid but getting there.

Back at work this week

takingcontrolatlast

I love Sunday mornings - time for me to reflect. I love "me" time.

There are so many to do lists, they overwhelm me

I've got a cold at the moment which is zapping my energy and the house looks like a launderette! As well as a pig sty! Same old battle. Cant believe 4 adults cause this mess.

Today I aim to food shop, clean up, do the washing and go to bed early!

I used Quid*o for the first time but I would still like to use YNAB that is popular on this site - i think the pc isnt compatible but I may ask DD1 to help me with it.

takingcontrolatlast

Had a horrible week - had a bad fall and the cold carried on all week but the self pity is over now :cool:

DD2 wont let me download YNAB on her laptop but I understand the principles of it and I'll see how i get on on my own.

DD1 birthday next week

After bills and debts paid plus birthday i'm in for yet another tough month financially. But tbh, I think I'm getting used to it But want to get out of this rut so much.

Household

Not much completed this week as ive been "out of action" and DH worked all week. Plumber let us down this morning! Everywhere I look I can see a job :eek:

Health

Oh dear! Had a health check up and BP, cholesterol are high and I'm also borderline diabetic. Did I mention I was overweight :eek:

I've had a right telling off from the family and I have got to seriously take charge of my health as well. I started a food diary yesterday.

Finances

Budget for October is completed.

I would like to do as many NSDs as possible - I'll set myself a target of 15.

I need to update signature.

Overall my health and finances are in pretty poor shape but its only me who can sort it out. I find I fall off "the plan" too easily but I know the future will be dire if I dont "take control" and make a determined effort !

To end on a positive... sun is shining and I love Sundays

takingcontrolatlast

I've had a really busy week both at work and at home. DH in my opinion hasnt helped much which got to me and sent me off in a rant and not too good of a mood ... feel like i'm moaning all the time at home any everyone is rolling their eyes as if to say .. "shut up" ... hmm

DD1 birthday came and went and DD2 started a voluntary scheme which means im running her around for the next 7 weeks. She did offer petrol though to be fair but my weekend lie ins are out the window now. But it does mean i can get my shopping done early sat and i should really go gym early sun morning too :eek:

Household

The plumber came and replaced the shower door he damaged. Just need to sort out either painting/replacing the tiles and put flooring down.

Im feeling overwhelmed by the amount of jobs that are half finished.

Health

I completed food diary and my issue is snacking at night. Crisps! Im trying to cut down on fats and sugar and i do feel less bloated but its not easy knowing how much fats and sugar im eating so using the traffic lights on the labels as a guide.

ive not been the gym yet due to the fall i had but should go asap

Im having my hair cut and coloured on Tuesday - should make me feel better about myself.

Finances

Bills and debts paid for October. No spare cash this month.

2/15 NSD so far.

I'm aware that I havent been putting anything aside for the dentist - i'm supposed to go back next month and have a crown. But i cant so it will just have to wait.

I have bought one xmas present so its official - ive started xmas shopping.


I've picked up my knitting again which helps destress me.

Today its going to be a general tidy/clean up; washing/ironing happy Sunday.. I love Sundays and watching trashy tv :j

takingcontrolatlast

3/15 NSDs

Having a good week so far - had hair done, doing ok with healthy eating, and i've applied to do an Apprenticeship in work which will help with my personal development so that if an opportunity for promotion came up, I can decide whether or not to apply.

I went to work early and came in late and no-one in the house has done anything apart from DD2 who put the washing machine on ... i think!

I feel like i'm fighting a losing battle... I had beans on toast for my tea! I think I may go on strike as well !

takingcontrolatlast

Feel guilty not writing diary - think its because i'm getting nowhere fast. Actually its not guilt about writing in diary, it's guilt that i'm losing this battle with debt atm and not focusing on it.

I have not had as many NSD as i would like as it has been easier to buy lunch rather than make it ... cringe!

my mind is everywhere. im truely fed up with myself.

must try harder!

takingcontrolatlast

Yeah a lie in :j

Household

This seems to be a losing battle atm. Just cant keep on top of things with full time work. The family are helping in a fashion but we all lead really busy lives. I'll keep trying. The tiles in the shower room have still not been painted and I'm putting the pressure on DH to get them finished by xmas! There is no flooring either yet but not sure if we can get any before xmas.

Health

I'm failing miserably with this also. Not been gym so totally wasting my money there! Could kick myself. I should go.

I am still following the "traffic lights" system on food packages.

I think I have too much going on that my mind is "everywhere" atm. Seems to be a recurring pattern.

I have a week off in November and I have been invited to stay with friends. I am going to accept this invitation and try to "relax and unwind" and forget about my problems for one week. The guilt about the expense is there as I cant really afford it but the overtime I earned will pay for it.

Finances

5/15 NSDs which isnt what i hoped for. Was aiming to do better but guilty of spending on lunches. I may consider purchasing a flask and take home made soup to work.

Budget for November is done and its really tight but I should have a little overtime at the end of November which will help towards xmas expenses.

Ive been inspired by Dave R*msey. I am going to try his steps programme and see how I get on. Step 1 is create an emergency fund and i have rejoined the EF challenge on this forum to spur me on.

Today is about cleaning and washing and then attending a birthday party for a 2 year old ... oh the joys :rotfl:

takingcontrolatlast

I havent been posting.... too ashamed, not making right financial decisions and got myself into a "financial mess". I get like this when I am too stressed and i have had a lot of personal stress atm.

So I'm back on with the plan.

Household

The roof leaked and there is a big hole in the living room ceiling. Insurance wont pay - only for internal damage which I think is common practice.

DIY jobs are all "part done" which is frustrating but will be picked up in the spring.

The daily household chores are a continuing battle and I have took the view now that I will do what I can when I can and hope the others do the same.

Health

I havent been gym as missed DD payments. I did get a break with friends. I had a healthcheck in work which wasnt good. I actively need to look after myself now... seriously!

My DD1 graduates next year and I would love to be able to wear a dress and not be a "frumpy" mum :rotfl:

Its going to be very difficult over the xmas period - but i'll try damage limitation.

Hmmmm now on to ....

Finances

Good news...

I have £20 in the bank and £9.00 worth of 20 pences in my bag. I have £4 for Xmas 2016 and £35 towards EF.

Bad news ...

I have missed DD for gym (i cancelled the DD but will need to set it back up again as i signed a contract)

I dont get paid until 21.12.15 and still have Xmas shopping to get - lots!

I am stressing so much so just taking one day at a time and focus on being positive.

So...

DH not really been communicating with me over my poor finances (not that he is an angel but has got the moral high ground with me atm) and I have forgiven him for LOTS!

DD1 at a party tonight and DD2 out with the BF at the theatre and meal for his bday which means just the 2 of us left in :eek: I plan on keeping busy by meal planning tonight ready for shop tomorrow morning after I have dropped DD2 at her voluntary work. That's as much as I can focus on atm.