Decide what to be and go be it!

Fruity_Dragon

Hello Jan15. I'm really enjoying updating my diary and also thinking about it when I have a weak moment of wanting to squander

Fruity_Dragon

I've really concentrated on organising my bank accounts this week, to get the most value from them. I have received lots of paperwork in the post which I need to sit and methodically go through tomorrow after getting my hair done. I definitely need to be as organised as possible as I'm off on holiday at the end of the week until early March.

I've budgeted for my trip. I'm visiting Abu Dhabi for a few days and then onto an Indian retreat. Neither stays should cost a great deal as I'm staying with friends in Abu Dhabi and I've paid for full board at the retreat, including a 3 day safari. I'm not really in a spendy mood so I doubt I'll want to buy much while I'm there either.

I have been pretty bad this weekend as I've not been home much so have bought food while out. That's really not good. I should have done some shopping on Thursday and taken packed lunches with me. I'll have to get into that mindset now as it's shocking how much money has been thrown away on takeout. That's neither healthy on the purse or the body!!!!

I did take some old electrical goods to Cash Converters on Friday and got just over £30.00 for them. So I've sent that off to savings to make sure I don't just waste it. I'm really pleased with the gap that's left in my house and the extra to the account. I also had a tiny lottery win of £12.50 so again, I moved that to savings before it got too settled.

So, tomorrow I'm getting my hair coloured and possibly a light trim. I also need to get a little shopping for work lunches. I have some vouchers so I'll plan my shopping around utilising those rather than paying full price. Then that should be it for spends this month as everything else comes from the holiday budget until I get paid.

I hope everyone's having a lovely weekend. x

killerpeaty

Hi Fruity, you could grab a club lloyds account and get access to a 4% reg saver or get a 6% from HSBC or First Direct.

Sounds like you're slipping a little bit on the spending but as long as you're spending less than you earn then you're doing great. Keep up the good work!

Fruity_Dragon

Hello killerpeaty. I have recently set up a 6% regular saver with First Direct and will apply for an M&S account soon for their 6% regular saver too.

You're definitely correct that I have slipped a bit recently. Time to focus again. New week, new focus.

Fruity_Dragon

I'm feeling really organised again today. I've been saving my post for the week and sat down today to go through it all as I knew most of it would be about my new accounts. So I've activated all online banking for the 3 accounts I opened, I've set up standing orders from my main account to meet the pay in criteria of them all, and I've set up a standing order for my personal budget account to be credited on the 1st of every month.

At work we have a confidential paper bin so I've put all envelopes and bank information in a carrier bag to take into work tomorrow to dispose of all traces of my new bank accounts. It's far easier than shredding it all myself.

I had my hair coloured and trimmed at the salon today. I was a little worried that the prices of my salon have increased for 2015, but my usual stylist was on a course so it was done by a really competent junior and overlooked by the owner. He gave me a quick trim between clients and they charged me £32.00. Then at the till I was told I had a £10 credit bonus so I used that and only paid £22.00. I'm so happy with that.

I've also done all of my food shopping for the week, so I shouldn't need to spend another penny. I bought some nice bits for lunches, fresh bread too . I've also got snacks and drinks plus evening meals so I can't see me needing to spend another penny this week. I've also scanned my shopping ready to transmit for the week.

I was looking at Quidco earlier and noticed that you get an extra 6% back if you select to be paid in Amazon vouchers, so I've set that up for me, as I use Amazon for birthday and Christmas gifts. I've got almost £50 built up so now it'll be £53 or thereabouts.

I'm away for a couple of weeks on Friday and other than potentially needing a small amount of petrol, I'm all paid up for everything! It's likely to be a really cheap holiday as all food and drinks have already been paid for and there's not many places to go and spend. I just need to online check in before I go. I'm really excited now to be getting away from this murky weather we're having.

Well, I think I'll pop a potato in the oven for a properly baked potato. I'll also catch up on yesterday's The Hotel for a little rest. I may even start packing! Who knows! A great start to the week.

Fruity_Dragon

Today has been a bit of a funny day. I was so busy at work that I hardly had any time to think. Fortunately I got in work early and checked my To Do list and realised I'd confused 2 accounts . So I've updated the standing orders and am on track again. I've also been trying to put a list together of holiday items that I suddenly think about out of nowhere. I've also felt a bit low today for some reason. I think I'm nervous about travelling with a group of people I don't know very well, but that's out of my control so pointless worrying about it really (need a face slap smiley here!).

Nationwide still haven't sent me the card or pin or anything at all regarding the account I opened with them. They say to wait 3-5 working days, which I've done, so I'll try to call them tomorrow as I'd like that finalised before I go away.

Nothing spent today as I took in the pecan Danish and hot cross bun I bought when shopping and had them for breakfast. I also made myself a really nice sandwich for lunch. Cheese, onion, pickle, mayo, a slice of gherkin and some sun dried tomatoes all in freshly cut bloomer bread. I really enjoyed that. Definitely better than shop bought. Plus I had crisps, a mars bar and a can of drink too (piggy smiley here?)

I got in from work and have made myself another sandwich for tomorrow with some crisps, chocolate and cans of drink I have in the house. Breakfast is likely to be another hot cross bun or two. On my work days I get home too late to worry much about dinner so haven't bothered with that tonight.

Tomorrow I need to pop to the shops and change back the Denmark currency I have as that can pay my petrol fees on Friday! I was very excited when I remembered I had that :cool:. I should get at least £30 back which will be more than enough as I currently have just under half a tank.

I think I'll wander off to bed now. No pancakes for me today sadly. Hopefully everyone else has had copious amounts to make up for my lack of enthusiasm for making them.

It's nearly the middle of the week! Ooh, that's brightened me up! YAY! :j