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Thursday 24th December. What small DFW things will you be doing today?

When we start out on the DFW trail we do loads of "big stuff" that makes quite a difference to our situation. These include having our lightbulb moment, cutting up the credit cards and cancelling Sky and the gym .

But once we have done the bigger stuff, we often feel that we are not making the same amount of progress, when in fact the small steps are helping us form good financial habits and helping us get closer everyday to staying in control and becoming debt free, or staying debt free.

Examples could be hanging washing out instead of using the tumble dryer or leaving your purse/wallet at home to avoid the risk of spending.

So be proud of those small steps, they really are important.
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Comments

  • lego_mum
    lego_mum Posts: 352 Forumite
    edited 24 December 2015 at 7:47AM
    Morning all, its 5am and I've been awake since 3:45, I think it was the wind outside that woke me up but then my head kicked in with thinking that I've still got lots to do but running out of time but what will be will be!

    Today's list
    :heartpuls
    Health & Fitness plans (lose this weight once and for all, no fad diets ever again!)
    :starmod: Gym class – making the most of my membership
    :starmod: Fill water bottle at the gym
    :starmod: Walk at least 7000 steps to get bounts points (claimed my 3rd £5 gift voucher since July last night :)

    Daily jobs:
    :starmod: Wash a load at 30 degrees
    :starmod: Hang washing on the line if dry/radiators if not :heartpuls
    :starmod: Check banks/update spreadsheet :heartpuls
    :starmod: Delete junk from emails 3 out of 3 done :) :heartpuls
    :starmod: Clean & tidy fridge (make sure we don’t waste anything)
    :starmod: Plan today’s meals from stores

    Tidy home = Tidy mind
    :starmod: Hoover carpets
    :starmod: Clean the kitchen using minimal products
    :starmod: Strip & wash spare bed (my niece has been in it all week so far but she's being relegated to the sofa so my parents can stay tonight.tomorrow!)
    :starmod: Remake bed

    Money making schemes
    :starmod: Inbox pounds 5 searches :heartpuls
    :starmod: Swagbucks
    :starmod: Check Fpl
    :starmod: Check luckyphone :heartpuls won 25 points :)
    :starmod: Check for surveys :heartpuls yougov done & claimed a £10 voucher from isay :)

    Freebies/vouchers/offers

    :starmod: Check 02 priorities
    :starmod: Check tcb/quidco
    :starmod: Check cos/shopit my sis is picking up a couple of drink freebies from cos on her way :)

    Extras
    :starmod: Make a date cake, made one yesterday but dh had a huge slice last night so need to make another! We have this with our brandy sauce rather then Christmas pudding
    :starmod: Make butternut squash soup :heartpuls
    :starmod: Help my dad finish off round the tenants, I can clean whilst he paints the skirting boards - really ready for this to be finished now/
    :starmod: Check off Santanderrr CC, its a big one with DH's computer on - which he got before the boiler broke/ car needed additional work etc! January will be tight but do-able so long as I'm careful. :heartpuls
    :starmod: Read Martins email :heartpuls

    More to follow but that's it for now.

    Hope everyone has a good Christmas Eve. We have the rest of the family arriving to stay with us from lunchtime. Looking forward to getting the jobs our of the way so that the fun stuff can start, I'm looking forward to some board games this afternoon & a film (and maybe a drop or two of mulled wine... well it is Christmas :rudolf: :xmastree: :xmassmile :santa2:

    MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE :)
  • La_escocesa
    La_escocesa Posts: 3,119 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Hi everyone :santa2:

    Thanks for the kick off Lego Mum :A Glad to see I wasn't the only one awake at crazy o'clock!! I was awake thinking 'Oh no, I never updated YNAB yesterday' :rotfl:

    I'm working today but finish at 2pm :T Still mega busy though as developers are starting work on my code on 4th Jan when I am back in the office next :eek:

    I'll be keeping up with the small things over the next week or so...Will be staying with family and getting fed and watered.:A Will take our own booze and have got them nice Crimbo pressies to make up for it :p Can't actually wait - think it will be the longest time (consecutive days) I've spent with my family in years. Mum will be so chuffed as we only decided to stay the extra days yesterday. :T

    DNMS - I am also sooooo excited about wrapping the big moving box and filling it with balloons for my niece - thank you for this idea!! I will probably be the gushing aunty and send you a pic! :D Hope your DGD has a lovely day.

    On the not so DFW front today we'll need to take the dog to kennels. Poor boy, but he's not welcome at our families' houses so I'll need to suck up the cost and put a brave face on to say cheerio :p

    I'll be thinking about all of you this Christmas - I hope everyone has a lovely time.

    Ziggy - stress not about the meal - everyone will just be so happy that you and your family are safe and well!!!
    Big group hug to everyone :grouphug:

    Catch up soon xxxxx

    Random thought - maybe we should just have one Christmas bank holiday thread if it's going to be quiet over the next few days...?

    xxx
  • Sazzie23
    Sazzie23 Posts: 2,634 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Post of the Month
    Crikey, I plan to get out of bed, have a light breakfast and head home. I need to buy some meat for Christmas ... Or do I really, I'll be eating alone (choice) and I have stuff in....?

    Anyhow the most DFW I'll manage today will be using up wrapping paper bought in years gone by. I'll have to hand deliver some cards because. I missed the post but that will cost more than the postage, however if they are in we'll be able to have a chat so that will be nice.

    Later I'm off for a nap as I start my 4 night shifts tonight (choice).
    But congratulations of you have a list like legomum that you're going to attempt never mind achieve.

    I also left the washer on timer for the cheap electric so it will be finished by the time I get home. It is a risk to do when you are not there but I have a good smoke alarm which is part of the burglar alarm system so I'll get a call if the house sets on fire....is that a good thing, I'm not sure now:eek:

    Have a fun one, whatever you do today.
    Debt -it's a fight that I'm winning, dealing with debt one day at a time.
    Estimated DFD August 2018 - 2031 - now 2027 :T

    Guide dog Tess, missing Scotland 2 years

    DMP support no438.
  • Morning all.
    The wind always seems to arrive on bin day - when the bins are out by the roadside, getting blown over and moving rubbish all over the place. Thankfully it wasn't my bin this morning - but it did wake me reasonably early.
    I can't believe it's Christmas Eve - I have never felt less festive in my life. Even with Steph on breakfast :rotfl: Still plenty to do.
    :xmassmile check banking
    :xmassmile wrap presents
    :xmassmile make the house look presentable
    :xmassmile prepare the veggies for tomorrow (if my veggie box ever arrives)
    :xmassmile get the pork on cooking in the slow cooker
    :xmassmile meet up with bestie and kids for a watch of Polar Express in PJ's drinking hot chocolate
    :xmassmile telephone meeting at 1pm
    :xmassmile visit dh
    :xmassmile get everyone bathed and cleaned ready for the big day
    I have no doubt I'll be on here over the coming days, but I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a peaceful holiday.:xmassign:
  • allydowd
    allydowd Posts: 4,965 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Uniform Washer Name Dropper
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    Debt-free day: 8th May 2015 "Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck," Dalai Llama
  • allydowd
    allydowd Posts: 4,965 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Uniform Washer Name Dropper
    edited 24 December 2015 at 10:36AM
    Hi all,

    Managed to finish work at midnight so we can have a long weekend together. though my boss just texted me for info on something...I'm meant to be off. Grr.

    OH has the whole weekend planned and ready, I just have to clean the house.

    This'll be my first Debt-Free Decemberfest since I was a child.


    Debt-Free Nillionaire Month 7


    * Free selection box from work.

    * Pay day! Managed to save more for our trip to Australia.


    Have a good day everyone.


    Debt-free day: 8th May 2015 "Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck," Dalai Llama
  • carrielovesfanta
    carrielovesfanta Posts: 2,997 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 24 December 2015 at 6:16PM
    Morning all!

    Another lovely lie in chez Fanta. I really need this sleep clearly!

    We have a few bits to sort today, but nothing that's too bad:
    • B/L/D from stores (mmm cheese and crackers for brekkie)
    • Check online banking for anything untoward - done
    • Another layer of varnish on m-i-l's present - done
    • Wrap remaining 2 gifts - done
    • Make m-i-l's card - done
    • Hoover house - done
    • Put washing away - done
    • Crossfit at lunchtime - they forgot about us! went for a run instead
    • Freeze soup from yesterday - done
    • Water chilli plants - done
    • Crochet. This yarn for the cardi is GORGEOUS. It's King Cole Smooth DK. It's acrylic but it's so smooth and soft and the colours look like jewels because it shines a bit.
    Have a lovely day everyone. I intend to post tomorrow but if not, I wish all of you - every regular poster, semi-regular poster and reader of the thread, peace and hope this Christmas.


    Love to everyone


    clf x
    LBM 11/06/2010: DFD 30/04/2013
    Total repaid: £10,490.31
  • chocolatelover93
    chocolatelover93 Posts: 1,033 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited 28 December 2015 at 12:24PM
    Morning everyone :) thank you for the start LegoMum

    Happy Christmas Eve!! Probably going to be my last check in for a couple of days :) going to try and have a tech free Christmas so I can spend as much time as possible with my family :)

    Bob - thank you :) he is my little snugglepuss. He's a naughty little so-and-so but you can't help but love him :)

    Ally - nice to see Aus fund coming along :D

    Today's list:
    FPL
    Lucky Phone
    Quick email check
    Go to mums and help out with the Christmas food prep


    And I think that's about it :)
    Hope you all have a lovely Christmas :D
    xx
    Read my diaryHere :)
  • Bobarella
    Bobarella Posts: 10,824 Forumite
    Savvy Shopper! I've been Money Tipped!
    Morning All

    Sitting with a sleeping baby on my chest. Time for a coffee and a rest. I am trying hard to enjoy every moment like this. Tommorow will be all about DS who is so over excited it's scary! My husband will be wearing him out at the park shortly on my orders! He needs to be exhausted before bed tonight or well struggle to get the presents stashed around the house. We are sticking with the Christmas map tradition we started a few years ago as it keeps the morning from being a total rip fest. Normally hide around 10 to 15 presents around the house and Garden with a map and clues. Hope it won't be raining tommorow :)

    The turkey was defrosting from last night, in the fridge so hopefully will be fine by the morning. I've done as much prep as I can and will just get the bird on around 8 and leave it to go.

    Today have checked my banking and updated the app. Can't do much more till payday now which will probably be next Thursday.

    Hugs to everyone.

    Bob
    " Your vibe attracts your tribe":D

    Debt neutral :) 27/03/17 from £40k:eek: in the hole 2012.
    Roadkill 17 £56.58 2016-£62.28 2015- £84.20)
    RYSAW17 £1900 2016 £2,535.16 2015 £1027.20
  • allydowd
    allydowd Posts: 4,965 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Uniform Washer Name Dropper
    edited 24 December 2015 at 3:01PM
    So it's all glamour here:

    *
    I am carrying out the noble ancient rituals of the Cleaning of the Manky Oven and the Scrubbing of the Unspeakable Sink. We have a wee steam cleaner. TBH it's useless but I feel obliged to use it now and again.

    * Homemade fancy coffee made with condensed milk and whisky.

    * Homemade coronation chicken for lunch.

    Debt-free day: 8th May 2015 "Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck," Dalai Llama
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