Review your January 2015

superrhinos

Generally ok I think.

Financially:-

I switched energy tariff (still with the same provider but a new fixed rate they launched). Probably only saves me £20- £30 a year but it all helps.

I have opened one of the new M&S regular saving accounts which due to the higher interest rate than my previous account will earn me more money in the long run.

Household

I have restarted the grocery challenge for Feb (month started 16th January when paid) which not only has helped me to start to get my spending under control is helping me to start to use my freezer stocks.

Other:-

I have started decluttering. I aim to get rid of 100 items in 2015 and am currently on 13 (I will be when the latest two items are out of the house). I am pleased with progress to date but there is a lot more to do.

Have decided in the last few days that I need to tackle my sugar addiction and this is my big "project" for February. I don't plan to quit it entirely I just want to get my intake under greater control.

Happy_Home

January achievements.

Saved £75 from grocery budget.
Changed energy supplier and saved over £200 year.
Overpaid £800 on mortgage (from savings)
Made £56 on eBay
Decluttered 8 bags to CS, 2 boxes books to church for book stall, 3 boxes still to eBay.
Changing to Santander 123 account.(hoping for £18 month cash back/mortgage payments)

January was a very busy money saving month. Hoping for more in Febuary.

p00

I did my tax return and remembered to put in the interest I had paid tax on - £36 to come back to me.

Cancelled Homeserve cover that rose from £10 a month (offer) to £28.75 a month. This cover is for everything including electrics, plumbing etc and a boiler service. They rang me and reduced the price to £14 a month which I think is pretty good for complete cover and a service.

I bought absolutely nothing from the sales as I really dont need anything. And its not a saving if you dont need it anyway.

Good start to the year and I am going to try and make some sort of saving every month then see what it adds up to at the end of the year.

xxp00

katsu

Interesting month. Lots of doctors and hospital appointments so parking costs and time taken up. Positive in that getting health issues resolved so will feel better in the long run and should have more energy to do things. Lots of scare stories in the papers about the NHS but other than waiting over 1 hour for blood tests, nothing to complain about

Unable to exercise due to health issues so trying to think carefully about eating. I often feel a bit naff after a take away, but they are so easy and feel lIke a treat at the time! Am making the effort to get fruit and veg from Aldi as such great prices And I have no complaints about quality!

Got DH using tcb so hopefully that will help with little amounts. Also agreement for santandur 123 accounts for cash back. That will be our action for Feb: Setup and switching payments.

Moved my isa for a higher interest rate.

Was reasonably patient with online ordering for purchases so paid cheaper prices for overseas or second class delivery. Saved only a few pounds but every little helps.

USed voucher codes where possible so still had things we value like a personalised calendar but checked all prices and used vouchers so saved £10. The pleasure it gives us is worth full price anyway!

Searched all cheap shops for a good diary. Found a great choice and DH glued in a page turning ribbon for me, rather than buying a dearer one.

Planned building works at home; trimmed original plans for cheaper ones that stretch the budget further.

donated several bags of goods to local CS. Making it a habit to donate weekly where possible, to assist in decluttering. Reading kondomarie thread too.

Went back to comping to pass some of my sick time. Sadly also bought several magazines and books. Where possible got ebooks so less Clutter.

Great idea fora thread OP. I really enjoyed reading it.

My Feb goals are:
setup the 123 accounts and move payments and savings.
move DH isa
have a big wardrobe clearout so can get quotes for bedroom works.
Explore Martins switching club

Bluebell68

this month I have given loads of things to animal charity shop

donated to cancer

had darling granddaughter 2 or 3 days/nights week such a lovely happy little one:A
did bit weeding cats had pooped in garden grrrr:mad:

did months shop positive to make last month
cleaned kitch cupboards out

started drawing an painting n found I love using pastels
get in bit of mess tho:rotfl:
hope all well