Preparing for an OS Life

Sazzle13

Hi, I apologise for which might be a long post. I used to be a regular on OS forums (mainly looking) and I used to be quite good with the OS ways. I've recently split with my husband and I'm now back at my parents saving for a deposit for a house for me and my little girl.


What I am looking for is ideas to get me back on track and ideas to keep me on track when I finally find a house (next year). So I'm looking at adopting some routines this year and then be able to carry them through when I move out. I work 3 days a week and my ex has my daughter every other weekend so time will no longer be a problem to get things done in advance.


Aside from all that does anyone have any tips for preparing to buy my own house - we was previously renting .... So far I have started a bottom drawer and from the new year I will be putting enough money away to cover bills every month (well clearing last of my debts with it).


Thanks

bexster1975

Hello

Sorry to hear about your change in circumstances. There is liads of help on here. It does just really depend what you want to know. There are great threads on menu planning/feeding a family of X on Y pounds a week/month, cleaning tips to reduce costs, batch cooking, organising ( the Marie kondo thread) batch cooking, not buying it thread ( a personal favourite), in terms of buying a house I don't know how your finances are set but the better the deposit, the better the deal generally. I would ask for houses type things for Christmas if you have a place to store them. Anything else look out in the sales for after Christmas. The Grabbit board can also be very useful for short term deals. Sorry, that's a lot to take in!

I would say to keep reading/ posting on favourite boards to keep you motivated. Nothing better than knowing there are people in the same boat ( literally on the Not Buying It thread!)

Bexster

Sazzle13

Thank you. Can you link the Marie Kondo thread please ... I will be having a proper look today and tomorrow round the forum (changed quite a bit since I was last on here).

When things were tough I was really good at OS budgeting but never good at cleaning :rotfl: Things was good for a few years where I didn't need to and yes I slipped into bad habits (a lot of take aways).

I think the main things I want to get on board with is decent meals with in a budget and getting into a cleaning as well as being organised ... I am completely organised at work but not at home? I guess im trying to get into routines so when I do move I will already have them. Meals will need to be planned because I get home at 6pm 3 nights a week but there will be only me to fend for those days so batch cooking and freezing meals will need to be planned ... I'd rather not waste money when there will only be me

As for a deposit - I am in a pretty good place at the moment where I will be able to have at least 10% and I am working on buying most if not all non electrical goods, my friend has also volunteered the use of here cellar so I can store things there. I have 2 debts which I am clearing and then hoping to look in the next 6-9 months

bexster1975

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5146700

Linky

Sounds good to me. Also charity shops/ freecycle etc will help you find bits. Some local to me sell end of line electrical a. Brand new, a fraction of the price.

Bexster