How I live now.

Knitting_Nora

Hello!


I'm Nora (sort of), and after wracking up a HUGE debt thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssss big a few years back, I finally managed to pay off everything. Here's the story - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3559623

And then I went and unlearned all my good habits and learn-y stuff and have started to wrack up the debt again. So it's back to basics, a sparkling new diary, and some tough love.



Can't promise much wisdom - but we usually have a giggle along the way, so welcome aboard.

Nora.xx

Knitting_Nora

Ok, so the following is my SOA. It doesn't include the food/house shop, because I don't have the receipts for it - or any idea of what I've spent.


Big red flag right there, anyone?!


I do, however, have full cupboards, so I'm going to work my way through them before even thinking of buying more food or house stuff for a while!

It does include everything else though - big, small, downright scary:


NB: Actually, it doesn't include anything because I've deleted it! Accurate SOA in post 289. See you there!

Grumpelstiltskin

Nora Breakdown cover £20.83 a month? sure that is correct?

Aaleigha

Hi Knitting Nora

I am not quite where you are BUT hubby is thinking credit card again and I just cant go back there

one thing to ask - KNITTING Nora - you have allowed no expenditure for hobbies - now I assue you knit - if so are you stash busting

I knit and dabble in other crafts at the monment stash busting and knitting baby clothes

MuffinTops

Yay you're back with a shiny new diary!

I've subscribed and looking forward to your updates. xx

Knitting_Nora

Yikes, that's an SOA and a half, isn't it?!!


So, some priorities:


1. Earning more;
2. spending less.


See - already getting the hang of this money saving lark.


Seriously though, I had the renewal for my RAC cover through yesterday and it's gone up by £100! So first on my list is to ring and haggle with them to bring that right down. I currently have full cover for me because I drive a lot and the car is something of an old banger... plus I cover my mum - a left over from when I was staying with her a few years back. So Mum's been told to sort herself out (nicely!) and I'm going to reduce the cover to simply roadside recovery as that's the bit I'm always so worried about. Which should bring my bill down from £250 to £29.99 for the year!!


Secondly, I need to do something about that gas and electric bill as I'm sure it could be lower. So I'm going to check whether I could be on a better tariff and whether I could be using my gas and electricity in a smarter way.


I'm also going to see whether I can get a water meter installed as I suspect that would offer me some form of saving.


Since I have plenty of food around the house, next is a meal planner so I don't waste any of it - because there's nothing in the pot to buy food at the moment!


I'll be looking to reduce that fuel bill as well. I use the car to get to work, but there are other journeys I do which could be avoided or done in other ways. Plus thankfully petrol has gone down in price!!


The phone and internet bill is high - I've spoken to BT about it before, and while I'm no longer under contract for the phone, I'm locked in on the broadband until April. At which point I'm considering cancelling them both/renegotiating.

And finally, I actually run my own little craft business - though it currently doesn't make any money. So clearly I need to make more effort with that.


I should also say that I've been applying all over for additional work, but haven't been successful yet. Never mind, though - there's lots of potential in that SOA and lots to do!


Action 1: renegotiate RAC cover
Action 2: check heating and electricity tariffs
Action 3: evaluate use of gas and electric
Action 4: apply for water meter
Action 5: create food diary
Action 6: reduce fuel bill.
Action 7: Renegotiate phone/broadband or cancel.
Action 8: Make more money!


Does anyone have any other advice?


Thankingyoukindly.


Nora.xx

Knitting_Nora

Aaleigha wrote: »

Hi Knitting Nora

I am not quite where you are BUT hubby is thinking credit card again and I just cant go back there

one thing to ask - KNITTING Nora - you have allowed no expenditure for hobbies - now I assue you knit - if so are you stash busting

I knit and dabble in other crafts at the monment stash busting and knitting baby clothes

Hello Lovely - yes, completely stash busting! I have a house full, so no need to spend on the hobbies (many and varied), or the associated craft business for a while, thankfully.

Knitting_Nora

Grumpelstiltskin wrote: »

Nora Breakdown cover £20.83 a month? sure that is correct?

Technically yes, cos the RAC've just sent the renewal notice through and all my various offers have come to an end.


But they're for the reduction or the chop this very day! *rubs hands in evil glee*

Knitting_Nora

MuffinTops wrote: »

Yay you're back with a shiny new diary!

I've subscribed and looking forward to your updates. xx

Hey Gorgeous! Great to have you along for the ride. Hope all is good with you?


Nora.xx

Grumpelstiltskin

Nora do you use either Quidco or Top Cash Back? If so look at breakdown cover with one of the other companies and see what cash back you can get.

savingqueen

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

Technically yes, cos the RAC've just sent the renewal notice through and all my various offers have come to an end.


But they're for the reduction or the chop this very day! *rubs hands in evil glee*

Check out Autoaid. I use them, apprx £38 a YEAR!