Feel so alone

pennystretcher

I kept a cashbook for about five years (excel spreadsheet) when I bought my first place as money was tight.. It changed my view on what I have and how to use it.

Ever since, when it's payday, I leave enough money on account for necessary bills that will come out that month, put some in my 'spending account' for "un"necessary spending - lunches on the go, buses etc (I've set myself a £40 per week limit which now that I think about is actually a bit too much..) and what is left is split into savings and OPs and moved away from my current a/c. I consider myself being skint for the rest of the month When the money isn't there to be spent, it's easier to adjust... You will get into the habit of doing this over time and it will get easier - trust me!

pennystretcher

Went to TKM*xx today for a wander. Wanted to get couple of Xmas presents. Had a box of teas already in hand, walking around the store looking for more bargains, scoured through the LeCru section drooling over quite a few things I must admit. Then LBM struck - LeCru - none of those were really in my colour nor in colour that my intended Xmas pressie persons would appreciate. Also the box of teas - it was only £1 cheaper I could have gotten at normal price and I'm sure I can buy better tea elsewhere for cheaper. Proud to say I walked out the shop after 40mins of pure temptation empty handed.

Although not an NSD today, had to get more milk for rice pudding and crispbread to go with Aldi cheese slices (my treat for tonight)

pennystretcher

Popstess wrote: »

This month and next month any leftover cash will go towards Xmas.

I can't blame you. Just make sure you assign maybe one item per person that you want to buy and then go for a drawl in internet to see where's the cheapest you can get it from. And ebay 'as new' items are nothing to be sniffed at - wee scuff on a box doesn't take away the value of the actual item. Also Amazon warehouse deals are really good with that - I have bought couple of items from them sold as "very good" and TBH would not have been able to tell a difference to a brand new item. Remember Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost here, so if there is anything electrical etc, check what the prices are now and then try to see if you can get them cheaper on those days. If not cheaper, then at least you can try to make most of cashback deals......

Popstess

Hello :hello: had a lovely day out with family today, spent £20 but it was on Xmas presents and came out of my Xmas savings that I've been saving sinse last year.
Just ordered my weekly shopping well under my weekly budget of £50 spent £39 so I'm pleased with that.

Popstess

Hello :hello:
I've updated my signature to keep me accountable (inspired by 12 month)
For the 1st time in years I have money in my bank account when I've been paid it hasn't just been swallowed up into the black hole of an overdraft.
However because I'm budgeting I am well aware that most of the money in my account will come out tomorrow to pay various DD's and the rest over the month. I'm feeling rather smug that I know exactly when and where my money will be going and how much surplus cash I have available at any one given moment. Usually it would be a complete guessing game!

I might be a million miles away from being debt free right now but I have most definitely had a complete shift in my attitude.

There's no going back for me now, can't ever go back to that life.

joedenise

You are doing so well Popstress. It's great that you still had money in your account when you got paid. It's also brilliant that you're budgeting for future things.

I really like your change in mindset and your last line sums everything up - There's no going back for me now, can't ever go back to that life. You ought to put this into your signature!

Denise

Popstess

Thanks Denise, I have put that in

satchmo1

That's a lovely positive post, Pops.


You do need to amend your projected debt free date in your signature though!

Popstess

Oh yea!!! Haha wishful thinking!

KxMx

I started keeping a spreadsheet spending diary a few months ago. It was meant to be a temporary measure but i'm doing it permanently now.

Like you I feel it's great being in such control being able to see what i've paid out on, what is due and what I have available to spend.

I spent too much on CCs and paid the bills from my savings. Now i'm paying my savings back and sticking to my budgetary limits not only CCs but bank account and cash as well to enable me to gain a surplus each month.

Not perfect yet by any means but much better certainly.