Turning 32, time to get it together! 10 February 2015 at 4:36PM in How much have you saved? 52 replies 19.8K views

Brallaqueen

Well, I will be one year older tomorrow x and whilst my life has changed dramatically for the better, the savings side needs some work!

On my 31st birthday I had a massive row with my sister. It ended up with me storming home alone but was a turning point in my life. She's harsh but fair, my sister, and everything she said was true. We still love each other and are still close.

Since then I have made an effort to sort myself and my life out.

I have met a lovely chap and found love
The above lovely chappie has moved in with me
I have spoken to my doctor and put things in place re mental health
I have applied (unsuccessfully) for promotions at work

Now, on the eve of my birthday, recalling that fateful night:rotfl: I feel I need to step it up a bit and look at the following areas

Sorting out savings
Making overpayments on my mortgage
Only spending money on things that add value to my life
Learning and doing new things

This is going to be my diary and I hope that by recording my life it will help identify where I can do better.

Brallaqueen

As of 10 February 2015 my financial situation stands as follows

Emergency savings: 1713.78
Annual bill pot: 0.00
0% Credit card: 603.05 - rate ends November 2015
Mortgage: 63,723.88

So current priorities are to "top and tail" my savings

Top - pay £50 per month into emergency savings on pay day
Top- pay £100 per month off credit card on pay day
Tail - anything left at the end of the month goes into annual bills

Eventually I want to put credit card money towards mortgage overpayments but i need to clear the credit card before the rate ends. Its amazing how seductive credit cards can be! I took it out for redecoration work, none of which has been carried out, and used it for things I really should have budgeted for in the first place. So now to clear it before I become too caught up in the spiral

bugslet

Sometimes we need a kick up the proverbial bralla!

I know it can be considered a bit tin hat, but I do like cash; credit and debit cards, I forget they are real money.

Good luck with your mission.:)

Brallaqueen

Thank you Bugslet, you are very kind x

Brallaqueen

My lovely chappie bought me a gorgeous purse for my birthday. I am taking this as a good omen

Right. Payday is still a bit of a way off so can't state any progress but things are looking OK so far.

To do:
Last bills due out on 18th, check enough in acct to cover
History fair at weekend, need spends
Encourage chappie to bring our own coffee and lunch to fair
Small weekly shops for fresh food

Done:
Major shop 70quid. We will see how long it lasts
Change pot - taped up tight to dissuade me from dipping in

bugslet

Have you ever looked at YNAB ( you Need A Budget), bralla? Quite a few people seem to find it helps with their budgetting. You can try a free trial for 30 days to see if you get on with it.

Brallaqueen

Ive seen it mentioned on other pages,and it is something I will definitely look into! Thank you

WorkFromHome

Happy Birthday my dear and I wish you all the best for your future finances. I turn 31 this year and trying to get my finances in order too. I have nearly £4000 worth of debts in over drafts and credit card bills. I'd love to have a mortgage one day and own a home with my partner but that dream is far beyond my reach on our joined £1850 p/m wage.

Brallaqueen

Thank you for your kindness WorkFromHome. All the best with your financial future too !

Brallaqueen

Ramble alert

I am pootling about on the net today, not at all productive but I feel I need to distract myself. I have been feeling a little blue lately, a bit anxious, and with everything going on in the world i get this feeling that life's going to get harder, quickly and soon.

I am off work this week, taking holiday, and not really up to much except reading fellow MSEers diaries. They have been very inspirational and very affecting, though some of the figures quoted are so very far beyond my means or understanding to be almost unreal. Should I feel silly that £50 is my target? That others save ten or twenty times that without blinking?

I am not very good at sticking with things, the dead plants on the window sill are testament to this. I go at things great guns for a while then get fed up because there are no instant results. Diets, savings, exercise, education have all fallen victim to this.

I hope to get better. Someone's signature is along the lines of a goal without a plan is just a wish. I am one hell of a wisher and I need to become a planner instead.

bugslet

Brallaqueen wrote: »

. They have been very inspirational and very affecting, though some of the figures quoted are so very far beyond my means or understanding to be almost unreal. Should I feel silly that £50 is my target? That others save ten or twenty times that without blinking?
.

Absolutely not - there will come a time that you are grateful that you saved that £50.00 a month.

I know what you mean about looking at what some people manage to achieve and then feeling blue. over on the pension board, there are people with pension pots of about 400-500k, which is what you need to get a 25k ish pension a year. No way can I save that much money up for a pension. I got quite down, because I do put a significant amount into my pension and have an abover average pension pot. Then on the DfWs I read about a lady my age with 47k of debt and IO mortgage and all of a sudden I felt a lot better. So what I'm trying to say is that comparing to other people doesn't necessarily help, you need to remember you are doing the best you can with what you have and in your circumstances.

I try not to read the ones where people can manage to save a lot more than me and stick with those who are broadly in my league.:)