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

SpekySquarehead

Not too much to report over here.

A dinner has been planned with my friends, 8 of us, tomorrow night. I'll be determined to keep the cost down.

I was listening to a podcast which spoke about fasting and the benefits of it. I'm contemplating trying a 24 hour fast next week, perhaps on Monday. We'll see how I get on. If anything, it'll prove to me when I truly am hungry and can avoid needless snacks.

I'm all caught up financially. I'm spread quite lights for the forseeable but it's the nature of the beast of YNAB. I'm saving for Xmas, a stag do next year, my weekend away in October and to pay my car tax in one off payment. Amongst some smaller, luxury things like saving for a game when it comes out, some supplements for the gym, my next dentist appointment and building a little nest egg for things for the flat. It's all long term stuff so I need to be patient.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend

louby40

Speky i dont think i could ever fast! If I don't eat breakfast i feel ill - but good luck for trying, be interesting to see how you find it.

I too am always saving bits of money for things happening way ahead, I always save for Christmas, i need to increase my emergency fund and we're planning 10 days in Scotland next Easter when my boys go away with their dad so i need to start thinking about that!

SpekySquarehead

Morning all,

I had a nice weekend. I went out with my mates on Saturday and dinner with 2 drinks came to £15, by the time you factor in other drinks and the return train, it mounted up a bit but still within budget.

Today's the day I attempt a fast. I quite like experimenting myself. Planning on keeping myself busy to avoid any hunger I feel and power through. Should be interesting.

crazy_cat_lady

Good luck with the fast Speky. I can do 16 hours but then just get so Hangry I can't cope.

SpekySquarehead

Last thing I ate was Sunday dinner. I'm hungry but not starving. It's not like I've got the shakes and can't focus. I've been to the gym twice and played football as well during that time. I could go on longer, for sure, but I'll stick with what I've done for the time being and potentially build it up in the future.

To keep myself busy yesterday I got my food shopping for the week, total came to £11.26 as I was using some meat from the freezer, plus I'm working 2 days (so I get fed there). Not to bad at all.

SpekySquarehead

Half way through the week and feeling good.

The fast on Monday gave me the motivation to continue eating healthy for this week. I've also been to the gym every morning. Spends have been non existent subsequently. Not that I am keeping track of my NSD's any more but I feel I enjoy saving money as much as spending it.

Working late tonight, which means for various reasons I need to eat out for lunch. The guys in the office will go to a local sandwich place but I'd rather be a bit healthier.

SpekySquarehead

I'm still here, just not too much to report.

On a finance front, I'm planning my new car which I'm due in January. I currently pay £144 p/m and when I got the car I was on a far lesser wage, so I feel I've room to improve. I love cars and I love driving. I do lots of miles, probably 350 a week. So I want a car that I'll be proud of and enjoy and I don't mind paying for that privilege.

I'm in 2 minds;

- Do I go sensible? Pick a car which is economical and cheaper on all fronts (car itself, tax, petrol and insurance)
- Do I pick a car I'll enjoy? Which means similar MPG to what I have now but an increase in my monthly outgoings.

I need to remember that I've got a mortgage and all that comes with it now. So what I propose to do is try and save £100p/m to see if I could manage a more expensive car payment.

I've got 4 months to think about it, so I'm in no rush.

VelvetFreak

Hi Speky. I vote for a car with cheaper running costs. I'm of the opinion that it's much easier to keep your head above water when your "necessary" outgoings are less, especially if something goes wrong like a job loss etc.

SpekySquarehead

Very true VF, very true.

I know the money saved from doing so would come in handy, probably be put away into savings, so it's something I really need to consider.

I'm no longer one for diving in to making decisions, especially financial ones, hence the reason why I'm thinking about it 4 months before the decision deadline.

SpekySquarehead

Wowza, 6 days since I posted. I'm dropping the ball.

Not much to report on a financial front. I've decided that starting my next payday, I'll (try to) save £100 a month to put towards my new car due in January. It'll be tight but it'll be needed.

I've been plodding away with work and subsequently fitness. Healthy eating goes out the window at the weekend, but I'm super strict Mon-Thu, and doing so on a budget too.

Think I'm going to buy some Xmas presents this week and I can feel more organised.

I've to play golf tomorrow with work. I'm not very good, and it's an expense I could do without, but I feel almost obligated. It'll be a good laugh mind you.

Anyway, have a good week all.