Reality Check...

reality_check

The way I look at it is it delays my debt repayment by a month, which I am fine with. If £1000 was going to set me back a lot longer I would adjust accordingly, but for me being debt free a month later isn't a lifetime. Yes I could probably benefit from having an emergency fund and spending less on Christmas, so feel free to tell me I told you so when !!!!!! hits the fan next year (which I hope doesn't). I know a lot of people would do it differently, but oh well...I do appreciate your comments and different points of view xx

Poor_Single_lady

Reality your kids are very lucky. I think as a mum you need to do what feels right in your heart. And the older they get the more complicated it becomes until they are fully grown adults.
Some households run differently to others and there's nothing quite like christmas to highlight this. Honestly there is no normal, only normal for each. xx

monz

Do what you feel is right, only you can and I know you pick with good heart,<3 x

reality_check

Aw thanks both of you! I know I sound like a fool spending money when in debt, but I'm not in a bad enough position to cancel Christmas, not yet anyway.

I think I have got everything online today for my DS...he is nice and easy and just wants clothes and trainers, and all I will need to get is his money, some beer and chocolate...think I will get this at the weekend so he's done! I am determined to be organised this year and do 99% online!! :xmastree::santa2:

Boots have an offer on tomorrow where you get £10 of points for every £50 spent, so will pick up a few make up items for DD from her list tomorrow.

My dog has a haircut next week so that's £40, and he is full time dog walking for the next 3 weeks since DD is doing teacher training and on placement so she isn't around her normal days to let the dog out. She has agreed to pay one week full time, me a week and my mum. So it is costing me an extra £40 this month and them £20 each...thank god I don't have childcare bills anymore!!

Fletchasketch

Hi RC, are all of your debts at 0% interest rate? To me this makes a huge difference as to whether I can spend on luxuries or not. For instance if you have £500 of debt at 19% interest rate- you actually have £595 by the time you've paid a years interest on it. There are some excellent 0% deals on at the moment .

reality_check

Hey fletchasket! Yeah thankfully they are all on 0%. The few presents I am putting on credit card I will pay off next month before any interest is added onto them as not interest free on purchases anymore. I have been offered a quite few great deals recently, the old me would have 100% signed up. I still have massive changes and progress to make, but taking out anymore credit seems to be something that has stuck

reality_check

Finally off to cash in on my Pizza Express vouchers tonight, £34 worth for me and DD, I don't want to spend anything so will be tap water - which I don't actually mind..

Will take the juicer back to Tesco while I am there. It is in a shopping center and DD has been warned not to lead me astray!! I would leave my card at home, but need it for my refund...not that I have money to spend anyway xx

reality_check

I never went for dinner since my dinner date cancelled on me!! I finished work and called Sophie to tell her to take the dog to my mum and dads and I will meet her there to go…she said she had plans to go to her bfs! She claimed she thought it was a joke the night before because I gave her awful choices for dinner and that’s why she said Pizza Express! I said to her the night before what do you fancy for dinner, spaghetti and meatballs, fishcakes or go to Pizza Express - you would think I asked her if she wanted liver, pig trotters or go out for dinner…I didn’t offer bad choices!! :mad:

Anyway, I came home and made myself some pasta...so Pizza Express vouchers still remain untouched lol Have until 9th December to use them up xx

Seasidegal58

I quite like the idea of meatballs and fish cakes! Ah well reality - get the caviar in for Sophie and take your marine to Pizza Hut!

reality_check

It was either or Seaside, I probably would like spaghetti and meatballs with a side of fishcakes too though :rotfl:

We went last night, and all I can say is thank god I wasn't paying with my hard earned cash...awful, def won't be back!! First and last.

I had to buy face cream, serum, and concealer - everything always runs out at once! Boots had 10% off premium products but still came to £148.50!! Should last the best part of 6 months, but still! Also spend £25 in Superdrug on 2 bottles of fake tan, deodorant and shampoo and conditioner. Anyway, it came out my personal 'pocket money' fund which is now left with nothing in the bank but at least this is semi guilt free spending....

I also spend £25 last night on an eyebrow wax and tint and a dry haircut. Will get eyebrows done again just before Christmas and my hair will last until into the new year. Dry cuts and dying at home really is the way forward!! (hair dye that is!!)

Returned the juicer so waiting on £70 being refunded onto my card.

Food budget only has roughly £32 left but that is only really needed for milk, fruit, potatoes and a little fresh veg as still have a lot in so that should last. Not planning any shopping until next weekend, so will need to make do with what is in, other than milk, will pick some up tomorrow.

I have £35 aside for my dogs haircut next week. Normally spend £40 but can't get him in before Christmas. £5 saving but normal place is a 5 minute drive away this one is 20 so doubt I will change in the future, but he needs a haircut ASAP so is booked in for next Friday.

£50 is left in the petrol pot and this will probably all be needed, maybe have £5 left over but doubt it.

It is my (ex) mother in laws birthday next week which I forgot about!! Will use £20 from the juicer refund to pay for that and the other £50 will go back onto the credit card I used for DS christmas presents that I plan to pay back next month when I am paid.

Today I have my works Christmas lunch, all paid for and we had to pay a £10 deposit so that will cover a few soft drinks. My DD is taking me in and will get train home (spare change is paying for this lol) I am driving my car to the train station to avoid any taxi temptation in high shoes/freezing weather to catch me out when I get off the train. I did consider having a few drinks but it is quite a fancy place I am not paying £9 for a large glass of wine, can get 2 bottles for that and drink in pyjamas in the comfort of your own home :rotfl: Really can't be bothered at all, but it's kind of a must and the only thing I socially get involved in within work by going to Christmas night out. Really glad it's a day thing, eat and run!

This is a bit of a jumbled post but it is really for my reference to see where I am. 18 days until pay day....I hope I can do this as I have no money and would be on the overdraft/credit cards which I really don't want to do. Previous months I dipped into the money for my Dad but that has paid a credit card off now.

Have a good weekend xxx