Time to stop being Dreamy!

tiger_eyes

dreamywings1 wrote: »

Thank you greenone. I really havent got a clue as to how much I spend on groceries so it was an estimate but by the look of things its probably much more. The problem I have is that im a chef and work split shifts 6 days a week leaving me 1 day off. In between the lunch and evening shift I have 2 hours off and really cant be bothered to prepare a meal from scratch and although I have a freezer bursting at the seams its easier for me to nip into the local co op and buy something for the kids dinners or leave them some cash for a take away (my kids are all at college). I need to address the situation and become more organised.

If your children are all old enough to go to college, have you considered getting them to do their share of the shopping and cooking? There are four adults (or near-adults) in the house, so it doesn't seem right that you have to do all the cooking while also working six days a week. And them ordering takeaways doesn't count.

Also, batch cooking would be your friend here. Cook twice as much as you need, portion the leftovers and stick them in the freezer. This way, every time you cook an evening meal, you're giving yourself a day off in future where you only have to reheat the frozen portions.

dreamywings1

Thanks Tiger eyes. Ive decided to give online food shopping a go. That way I dont spend half of my day off shopping. I can get meal planning, order what I need, get it delivered early in the morning of my day off then batch cook. The hardest part will be remembering to actually take stuff out of the freezer!

Another quiet shift at work but still managed to get some tips............£2.10 into my jar and a NSD

dreamywings1

Today has not been a good day! Received a letter from DWP to say they are taking 11% of my wages per week to pay off the outstanding debt. This debt was included on my DMP but it hasnt started yet as I only sent the paperwork off last week. Hoping it can be sorted soon.

Anyway today I have been paid so have paid £187 off my council tax bill......was £727 now £540 and have agreed to pay them £180 a month until April so that takes some pressure off.

Busy night at work, hopefully should have some tips waiting for me in the morning which can go into the pot but not counting on it; Any tips received is a bonus.

Total in spends account £35.63 (to last till Wednesday but only need bread milk and some fresh veg)
Emergency fund £35.80

dreamywings1

Just checked my BT bill and it seems as though im paying for Sky Sports 1 and 2......Will phone them tomorrow to cancel it therefore saving me £22 a month

dreamywings1

Been checking for cheaper electricity too but as im on a prepayment meter i found it hard going until someone recommended OVO........so ive changed supplier.........starts from Jan 28th 2016

dreamywings1

woop woop another no spend day Work was busy and got another busy day tomorrow. Ahhhh soon be Christmas Day and a day off. I just want to say........im sick of turkey already haha...the joys of being a chef!

dreamywings1

Another NSD and £12 in tips all adds up I suppose

dreamywings1

Wasnt a no spend day in the end............Ended up buying coffee............Cost £5 but got £4 in tips tonight so only spent a pound of my grocery money! Bargain haha x

Need to do so many things so I think I shall resort to writing a list.

dreamywings1

Check to see whats in the freezer
meal plan for week
do shopping
an hour a day of housework
keep on top of washing/ironing
clean out chickens
clean out rabbit
finish NVQ assignments

dreamywings1

Came across this photo tonight and it kind of got me thinking...........One day id love to have my own catering business......Soooooooo 27 years till I can retire. Time to get busting my gut to clear the debt and get some savings behind me.............Now theres a challenge!