It's not a lot, but it's enough

crazy_cat_lady

I saw about that boxer dying on the news and wondered if it was the one you mentioned on here... That is scary. I love boxing, but only actually hitting pads - not people...
Hope your Granny is doing ok.

SpekySquarehead

Morning everyone,

Yes, it was that same boxer. Scary stuff indeed and feel so sorry for all involved in the event and the boxer that he was fighting - he must feel a huge amount of guilt.

Saturday proved my first NSD of the month as I was at work most of the day and came home to a raspberry gin or 2 at night.

Yesterday the plan was that my GF and I would go to Peebles for a nice lunch however we drove for around an hour and we were 15 minutes away when there was a police incident and had to turn around. To get to Peebles through a different route it would take at least another hour, so we decided against it and settled on some fast food.

Visited a SM on my way home and got my lunches for the week ahead so I'm aiming for plenty of NSD's this week!!!

Before the end of September I hit my max of £200 in my HTB and £175 in my FD Saver. I'll aim for the same this month, at least!

Anyway, back to it. Have a nice day/week everyone.

SpekySquarehead

Morning all,

I think I've realised a mistake in my maths which might double up my savings. Maybe if I write it down it'll help, so here it goes...

I got paid on the last day of last month, September, and at that point I cleared my debt and also put money in my savings; £100 in my HTB (which took me to my £200 limit for the month) and also £175 into my First Direct Saver. However since this was technically from the pay that was to last me for October, I'd need to do the same again for the same pay to account for October unless I use the pay I get at the end of this month. Ahhhh. There we go. Figured it out. I'll need to make my transfers when I get paid and not in the month ahead.

So this month I'm making a real effort to collect as many NSD's as possible which should leave me extra money in my account and thus can go into savings.

I'm also eating better and doing more exercise. Healthy mind, healthy body, healthy finances.

SpekySquarehead

Morning all,

I've returned from a golfing weekend in sunny Campbeltown. Was absolutely gorgeous. However the full weekend cost £160. A bit more than expected.

GF's birthday on Saturday so applying the finishing touches for then. I'll write a list of things I need to get then get thinking on where's cheapest to buy them; things like cards, wrapping paper etc.

Funds will be tight this month so nothing else extravagant outwith her birthday. We spoke last night about Xmas and agreed on a £200 budget. We love Xmas and so I don't mind spending it and it's affordable, all budgeted. Happy days!

SpekySquarehead

Morning,

Half way through the month and I’m tight on cash which is the first time that’s been the case since June. Tomorrow is my GF’s birthday and I’ve got her presents hidden in the house which I’ll spend tonight looking out and wrapping. Tomorrow there’s a large group of us going out for a drink or 3 but I’ll be doing my best to keep the cost as low as possible. I simply can’t afford an expensive one. The bigger part of her birthday is next week however in the trip away that we’ve organised. Although it’s all paid for I know I’ll need a chunky grocery shop for the weekend for 6 of us. After that I’ll be doing nothing in order to get by till payday.

I’m telling myself that this month was a uniquely expensive one. I paid £375 into my savings, I was golfing which cost £160 and it’s a special girls birthday which would be just shy of £200. I suppose when I look at it that way it’s no surprise I’m tight for the month.

But this is a milestone month. It’s my first debt free. I’m starting from scratch. Each month my pot will get bigger and as it does I’m sure it’ll give me motivation to stay frugal and save.

My Mum asked my GF and I if we wanted to go a holiday in September of next year in which all we’d have to pay is the flights (£200) for a week in Spain. A bargain right? However next year is when I plan to buy a place and so the £200 flight plus £300 spending money could be better spent. If we’re talking about holidays, my GF and I haven’t been away just us 2 yet and we’d like to but again I’d say getting a mortgage is more important. Lastly, and probably more importantly, is the fact that my GF is in debt to the tune of £3,000. Ironically the same figure I had. She can’t afford holiday(s) never mind a deposit for a house.

The GF’s finances is a different kettle of fish and I’m unsure how I can help. She’s completely open with what she earns and how much debt she’s in however she’s poor with making a plan and sticking to it. I’m sure she’s got a DD setup for YNAB and is completely ignoring it. I need her to help herself before I can help. Anyway…

Back to work for now. I’ll check back in on Monday.

joeyjimbles

Hi, sorry to have been absent with the cheering - this week has been a bit manic and the joys of self employment mean that No is rarely the answer.

If your GF's debt is stable at £3000 then could she benefit from the 1% rule - ie breaking it down into 100 x £30. Then get her to aim for paying off 1% a week, or 5% a month, or more, well you get the picture. Of course that isn't going to work if paying it off is still beaten by over-spending. Sounds like maybe she hasn't had her lightbulb moment yet, or maybe after her health scare earlier this year she might not be in that place yet?
Hope she has a lovely birthday.

Cailbhinn

It's Saturday night and i've just spent a good hour reading your post Speky. Your situation resonates with me - debt, young, wanting on the property ladder but most importantly Scottish! I have much more CC debt than you had (bet you grin at the past tense!!) but determined to get rid of it over the next few years. YNAB has revolutionised this despite only using it for a few weeks.

Thanks for taking the time to post it as it's real support for us DFW n00bs! Best of luck in the savings, getting the GF on board, getting a hoose etc!

SpekySquarehead

Joey - Understandable, hope business is going well. You're right actually. I'll suggest that to her tonight. TBH, i think shes just digging her head in the sand at the moment. I think her lightbulb moment is round the corner.

Cailbhinn - Hello and welcome. I hope my story can be of help. Stick with your debt free diary as I found that a great motivator and you're already using YNAB so that's half the battle IMO. Unfortunately there does have to be some sacrifices which is fine by me. Getting rid of my debt meant much more to me than excess clothes or whatever. Keep it going. It's a marathon, not a sprint and every penny helps.

The weekend was good. My GF seemed to have a wonderful day and she loves her pressies. Some of which I bought back in February time with the foresight I could use it for either her Xmas or B/Day. Her main pressie is the trip away on the weekend though so I've got Friday off to get prepared, should be lovely wee break.

Back to the grind now. As I said, off Friday so it's a 4 day week. I listened to a podcast this morning about selling and a guy called in and basically said he was in a job similair to mine. so the experts gave some top tips which I'll take on board and try to utilise and hit my sales target (and thus get my bonus). Going to make another concious effort to excerise more and eat well this next 4 days too so actually looking forward to the week ahead and collect plenty of NSD's!

P.S. Cailbhinn, that's another thing. Try some of the DFW Challenges on here. I'm a big advocate of the No Spend Days challenge as it stopped me with the small impulse buys everyday.

louby40

Glad your GF had a good birthday Speky! And get you buying stuff in February- you're a MS Expert now 100%!

Cailbhinn

SpekySquarehead wrote: »

CailbhinnUnfortunately there does have to be some sacrifices which is fine by me. Getting rid of my debt meant much more to me than excess clothes or whatever. Keep it going. It's a marathon, not a sprint and every penny helps.

Indeed, as YNAB says - "roll with the punches". I've resisted posting an SOA for that reason as I feel a bit embarrassed about the amount I spend on my car, nights out, entertainment etc whilst other folk are struggling to scrape together money for the basics. I could probably pay my debts off in a year but don't want to be too miserable.

Going to make another concious effort to excerise more and eat well this next 4 days too so actually looking forward to the week ahead and collect plenty of NSD's!

This another reason - being organised and plan my food will help me to shift those few extra stone I have.

P.S. Cailbhinn, that's another thing. Try some of the DFW Challenges on here. I'm a big advocate of the No Spend Days challenge as it stopped me with the small impulse buys everyday.

I'm signed up for NSD and actually raging that I have a non-NSD today! Aiming for 8 NSDs between now and the end of the month. Will need to have a look at the others to see how i can fit them in my life.