Emmzi's Keep Out of Debt Diary!

Emmzi

well, I'm just back from my first ever debt free holiday - no credit cards at all! and boy, it felt great!

However i HAVE overspent and have £200 until the end of the month - which sounds good except work transport is going to be about £35 a week.. so in effect - almost nothing. Plus I promised a mate a boozy day out, and to take mates neices for a day out at safari park.. eep!

I don't want to go into next month's budget because of the wole saving-a-year's expenses thing... I'm up to 3 month's so far and want to be at 6 by Christmas. So no room for slacking!

So I figured a spending and scrimping diary would help. It did when I had a tough month before!

Off to look at what i can do with nectar and boots points, and if there's anything else cash-in-able... and to see what's gping for 10p in local shop quick sale shelf!

hypno06

Good news on the debt free holiday, and with a bit of focus you will be having that savings buffer before you know it!

Emmzi

BF got carry out for dinner. Cashed in remaining currency - an extra £13.57!!

Between DVDs I haven't watched and playing cards we may be ok for entertainment... have an emergency tenner in nectar points... think day on beer with mate is going to be the tough one.

Emmzi

Forgot...

bank = £180
purse = £65
expenses owed = about £50

total = £295

weekly expenses for 4 weeks (will get back in a month)
per week - trains £11
Taxis - 12+8+15 £35
= £44 per week = £176 total

Kids day out = £20 petrol plus £25 admission and snacks

Day out with mate = £20 transport + £30 entertainment, food, beer

Total spends = £271

That leaves £24 for food, toiletries... tight but do-able, given many veggie casseroles, full OS use of storecupboard, and it means I don't let anyone down due to my holiday bender.

Fingers crossed! Off to look down back of sofa and count pennies in piggy bank!

lynzpower

Emmz- Know the feeling, Im overspending quite a bit these days. Im struggling too, and did think about doing another diary of some sort.

One tip for you. get over to the H&B tesco thread in the vouchers section, using multiple vouchers should sort you out for toiletries for the rest of the month ( if not the rest of your life!!) I got about 15 quids worth of toiletries for a few pounds, and theres people doing a lot better than me

Emmzi

Just received wedding invitation. Bah!

Is
- evening only
- 500 miles away

£250 seems a lot for hotel, flight, gift for a 4 hour !!!! up... think I can get away with a gift and pleading poverty? I guess I'd feel different if it were the whole day. Is it just me who hates evening only invitations?

Imelda

Emmzi wrote: »

Just received wedding invitation. Bah!

Is
- evening only
- 500 miles away

£250 seems a lot for hotel, flight, gift for a 4 hour !!!! up... think I can get away with a gift and pleading poverty? I guess I'd feel different if it were the whole day. Is it just me who hates evening only invitations?

I would expect someone to travel 500 miles for just an evening invitation, if someone was making that much effort I would have to invite them to the whole day!

Lucy1982_2

I would send a gift and explain (lie) that you have something already on that day and unfortunately wont be able to attend. But could they please send you some photos.

That way you wont feel guilty and they know that you would have come if you had been able to. Crafty I know, but it should work.

Emmzi

Post sofa scouring and expenses claim in, £202 left but have bought all train tickets etc for booze weekend so by time I get refunds, that one's covered.

Still to pay
Transport -3 weeks at £44 is £132
Kids day out £45

Left as at today - £25

Probably time to visit mum for a good feed this weekend :-)

mae

What date is the £25 to last you til?

Emmzi

mae wrote: »

What date is the £25 to last you til?

Until the end of the month. Hopefully it'll stretch!! I feel a weekend of pasta and tinned tomatoes coming on.