"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things..."

And_Dream_of_Sheep

Today will definitely be a NSD as I'm currently tucked up in bed with my book, my laptop and a cup of tea. I can't remember the last time I went a whole day without spending something!

Onwards!

rockm87

sounds amazing!

And_Dream_of_Sheep

SOs have come out this morning so my debt total is now accurate!

Down to £6221 and only six creditors!

Aim for this month is to stick to a £220 grocery budget and a £180 personal spends budget. I did a Tesco online shop last night and spent just over £40 so will add that when the shop comes on Friday. I know the £180 personal spends may seem extravagent to some but its the first time I've ever even given myself a cut off limit for fun spends. Its a start!

Brought exactly the same breakfast and lunch to work with me today with the exception of an additional banana as I found myself getting a bit munchy on the staff biscuits about 3pm yesterday. (Free, but not great for my podge!)

And last but not least today should very easily be my second NSD! I have £19 in my purse which I'm going to try and keep for as long as possible.
Have a happy Thursday one and all! (S'almost the weekend!) :beer:

And_Dream_of_Sheep

Sat waiting for my OH to finish cooking tea (salmon, new potatoes and broccoli - all from freezer/fridge/cupboards) and reflecting on my first two days of debt-busting. I'm feeling really positive at the moment (I know, I know, its only been TWO days!) In the past I've always stumbled at the first hurdle (had an unexpected bill or not had any NSDs etc.) so this finally feels like the proper start to my debt free journey! :dance:

Going to finish my book tonight (Girl on the Train - anyone else read/reading this? I'm loving it, really addictive reading! A bit like Gone Girl) and have a faff on the internet. Going to try and get an early night as have been up past midnight for the last two nights (blame Girl on the Train!)

Roll on Friday evening!

Almostthere78

I've been looking for a new book, thanks!!

And_Dream_of_Sheep

Ooh, you're welcome Almostthere78! I finished it last night. Wasn't up too late though! Had a much better night's sleep aside from the cat trying to take us up at 5am :mad:

I can tell that my kitchen rations are getting low - today's breakfast is Aldi's finest Wheat Shreds, lunch is beans on toast (not even any cheese to go with it) and I found a half finished pot of yoghurt in the fridge this morning (a large one, not a small one, I'm not weird!)

Today won't be a NSD as after Friday's frugal breakfast and lunch comes Friday's indulgent tea. :rotfl:Tonight we're having cured meats, posh bread, olives and pate. Mmmmmmm! And a bottle of wine for good measure. I'll be popping to the shop near work to purchase said bottle of wine this evening. Normally I'd feel a bit guilty about this (probably because I'd have spent on other things in the week) but today I don't. I've had two NSDs and have £19 in my purse so won't be touching any money in the bank.

Will update personal spends and groceries budget this evening.

Happy Friday everyone! :wave:

Almostthere78

Well done on your two NSDs! The book is brilliant, was binge reading until 3am this morning!

Pollygarter

Hi there Sheep Dreamer! I've not been on these boards long myself but have been doing really well with knocking the debts back since I did. I had £12k+ debts at the start of this year.

Do you have a monthly check-in date to measure progress? I chose the end of the month. I get paid mid month so it represents half way between paydays. Seems the fairest measurement to me. I really find it helps my focus to see what I can pay off and what I can do without to bring my figures down.

I'm with you on the sardines thing. Reminds me of an ultra frugal guy I shared a house with in student days who ate rice peas and sardines every day for a year. Too much!

I like variety. And have a daughter who loves to food shop and until recently didn't think of the price of anything. So we use Lidl a lot. Also Waitrose. In the evenings their reduced prices are amazing. We use a list and a budget and I think it helps both of us develop a budget mind in an atmosphere of plenty. And come away with everything we need. My budget does stretch to small food treats - a pack of frozen lollies or some such. I allow that but the aim is no wasted food. Keep going! I do my monthly check in tonight and am thinking the figures are looking good.

All the best.