Nst; fearless february

abundant1972

Hi Mothernerd - and thanks for running the challenge and letting me back into the fold again! Although it's not great to have run up a bit of debt again - it feels nice to be back in safe hands!

Bring it on!!!

WelshKitty85

Right, budgets are set in preparation for February to begin.

I am still determined to be debt free by Christmas (excluding mortgage and car finance). Depending on what happens with regards to work for both me and hubby, it could be as soon as April but as long as it is gone by December, I will be happy.

Direct debits are set up to pay all my debts and are set at an amount which includes a big overpayment each month.

Budgets are as follows:

Shopping £185 - this includes all groceries, toiletries, cleaning products, plus any eating out (which is highly unlikely apart from interview day which is budgeted for separately).

Fuel £135 - this might be tight as it needs to include a 200 mile journey each way to my interview and back, but I can't afford to go much over this so need to try and cut down on other journeys.

Interview £40 - to cover any food drink and other unexpected spends while I am in South Wales for interview.

Would like to improve on SFDs this month so aiming for 15 as a minimum but would like to reach 18.

Will take lunch to work/uni every day and will continue on my mission to eat breakfast in the mornings so I don't feel the urge to buy bacon baps.

Eating more healthy is definitely important for me so I am definitely trying to up fruit and veg intake for the whole family. Would also like to start drinking more water, but find it hard when the weather is so cold.

I make an effort to use the stairs in work instead of the lift and try to get out for a walk at lunchtimes. Would like to start getting out more in the evenings with the family. Or while the children are in after school activities would be an ideal time for me to walk on my own. Again, the weather is putting me off at the moment but need to make more of an effort in this department.

I think things might be tight in February, but I will try my hardest to stick to my plan.

LoveaDove

Hi all, I have rounded up January's challenge- please check out our Mini Challenge Turtle's of the week- as they received some fab Turtle of the week photo trophies! Hehe! https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/67609719#Comment_67609719

Looking forward to the kick off tomorrow, for Feb's challenge mothernerd x

pippy1971

I'd like to give this a go please.... Just finalised my tax self assessment and have a shocking tax bill:eek:

Will sort out my budget properly this evening.

Thank you!

mothernerd

Welcome pippy1971.

luckystarr

Hi Mothernerd

Please sign me up xx

nannygladys

Please sign me in again
Thanks
Nannyg

Will post budgets etc tomorrow

thriftylass

Hi welshkitty, good luck with the interview.
I could use your help. I guess from your previous post there is OH and kids. We are OH and 3yo DS and 10 mo DS. How do you manage a budget of only 185 for food and household. I'd be really gratefully for any tips like what would you meal plan look like or a weekly shop? Where do you shop. Thank you very much

Bobarella

We will also focus on what changes we want to make in our lives and commit to 15 minutes a day.

I plan to spend 15 minutes per day checking in with my family. It's so easy to live together whilst all maintaining quite seperate lives. I will find out about their days & aim to learn new things about them.

Set your DFD (Debt free Day) -ok here goes - 31st December 2015. I do have a plan. And as Hannibal says 'I love it when a plan comes together'

You will pay towards your debt FIRST and live on what’s left. Choose the amount now - Done. Had a windfall of £250 this month due to a life insurance policy we took out and a sort of cash back from the broker. Have already sent it on its way to payback land. That's on top of £100 min payments.

Set all budgets before the start of the month, think ahead for any birthdays, outings etc.

Grocery budget £180, £20 less than Jan. £80 a month less than when I started the GC in October.
Travel budget £0/ down from £40 as now using bicycle and walking everywhere.
Treats £20

Aim for 15 SFD (Spend Free day or No Spend day)
Managed 16 in Jan so this should be fine.

You will NOT use any of the following; takeaways, restaurants, cafes, work canteens, vending machines, Starbucks, Costa, Nero or any other chain cafe!

I work in a cafe part time so can't make this pledge.

Lunch to work everyday and plan for appointments and days out. - Fine

Healthy eating – up your fruit and veg. If you are already getting your 5 a day (if not why not?) go for 7. Will make you feel better (especially if free or ys) and may help ward off all those annoying bugs which come with the changing seasons.
I do quite well on veg but fruit leaves me a bit cold. So will try harder on that.

Make a food bank donation (choose your own amount -Fine

Exercise 5 times a week, newbies and poorlies start with 10 minutes a day, get outdoors wherever possible.

Currently walk/cycle around 8 to 10 miles per day so fine on this one.

bring it on Feb!

liltdiddylilt

SFD: 0/15
Groceries: £0/£150
Household/Toiletries: £0/£20 [Toilet rolls, fabric softener, conditioner, hand wash]
Birthdays: £0/£50 [Nephew in Feb/ bestie & BiL (belated Jan!)]
Nappies: £0/£4.69
Friend staying end of Feb: £0/£50
Misc: £0/£30 [rucksack/rhyming books for DD]
Food bank donation: £0/£10

See you tomorrow guys xx