Fresh start for 2017

Bobarella

The food waste challenge will be good and interesting too.

GirlupNorth

Well, I received the loan! was amazed at how fast it arrived, literally the next day. I guess as I bank with them it was just easy for them to transfer it...so I've now cleared my credit card (YAY!) and have transferred the money to the other two loans I had. I may still have to pay the amounts for this month, but they said it would be refunded as I transferred it too close to the payment date.

So, all I have now is a £6,000 loan to pay in two years. I'm annoyed that I seem to get in this situation at least every other year, but I've agreed with myself that this is the last time. And justified that I would be really good in return, spend less & save.

I now also have a £1k emergency fund, I wasn't sure how much I would need to clear my loans etc so I got a bit extra. This may seem crazy not to pay off some of the £6,000, but then I would probably get into debt again as I don't have any savings...catch 22.

Feel a bit better now everything is in one place, with one bank and can start the year positively. I'm basically going to try and save as much as I can whilst paying the loan off as a challenge...

Also, have only spent £5 this week (for ingredients) and have brought all my food into work so far which is great!

Phew...Wednesday!

Bobarella

It looks as though your thread has been money tipped too! Congratulations!

Poor_Single_lady

:wave:

Hi Girl up north.
Sounds like you are doing well and getting everything in line.
I am totally on board for fresh start 2017. Hopefully we can help each other. It is hard managing debt and being single but we will get there.

We are quite similar. I am looking for new job role, live alone and love it, don't drive, used to spend too much on food but cutting back. And absolutely face the pressure of work socialising/spending/eating/drinking. Starting to get this in check but it's never going to be easy.

I turned 30 last year, if you are younger than me please get this sorted now before it becomes something that owns you. Right now my life is a battle that I would never wish on anyone so pleased to read you are getting things sorted. Hugs for the journey. xxx

GirlupNorth

Hi, what does money tipped mean please? Still very new to this! Thanks Bobarella

GirlupNorth

Hi poor single lady - sorry can't work out if I'm replying directly to you or just to the thread in general!

I'm turning 35 next year. I was almost sorted out around July time and went down hill again, but feel more organised and well versed in how to handle it, and have not used my credit card for awhile now.

I've decided to go back to my old job as well - it's slightly less money, but really enjoy it, like the people/team and it's much busier to keep me occupied! Definitely find I eat/spend more if I'm bored so should help me to save some money.

Hoping this diary will help and been obsessed with reading others! Really interesting to see how people manage their money, and happy to offer any tips.

Been watching Dave Ramsey types on YouTube - they are so hardcore! But American salaries seem MUCH higher, but they have higher rents and no NHS...by they go really hardcore and pay off like £30k in one year. You should definitely check him/people out it's really amusing as well.

Anyway, bit of a ramble! Managed to prepare some overnight oats for breakfast and have leftover food for lunch tomorrow...need to get. Ack in the habit

Thanks all!

GirlupNorth

Oops meant back in the habit...silly phone. I'll do a post on Dave Ramsey if anyone is interested. It's all a bit OTT and slightly religious (think Christian) but to be fair he does help people & have some good points.

GirlupNorth

Well,

Good start to the day - saved some leftovers from dinner so brought that for my lunch. I also made some over night oats as I have lots of almond milk left, which was really tasty for breakfast. I also haven't bought coffee for ages and am enjoying one from the machine in the office

Should only be paying for 1 coffee when I go to the cinema and need some cake ingredients (for Christmas day/evening when I visit family).

On the right track. I also re-organised my fridge last night so it's not a mess and I can see what's in there.

Got a Christmas lunch tomorrow which I've budgeted for and we have already paid a deposit, and then should have a relatively NSP weekend being at home, relaxing.

I have also decided to finally cancel my credit card, which has been sitting in the freezer for the past month. I don't think I'll need it when I go abroad next year, as apparently easier to use cash (they don't have euros there yet) so I'll just have to be good and make sure I save. Will feel like a weight off my shoulders, just seeing it gone from my bank app list again! yay!

Merry Christmas

GirlupNorth

Well, had a bit of a spendy two days.

Yesterday I ended up buying chocolate and a redbull in Sainsburys. I then went to Nando's with a friend before the cinema, (we got a discount with the unlimited card though so was under a tenner) and then on the way home, picked up cake ingredients for Christmas day - evening cake for family and then some food etc for the weekend ahead and spent nearly £20.

I should though have at least 4 NSP day in a row from tomorrow (I don't really celebrate christmas) and won't be leaving the house much which is nice. I also have a friend coming over on the 26th for drinks (already have plenty in) so should make up for it.

Last day of work though, Christmas meal later which is budgeted for and I don't want to drink loads either.

Merry Christmas!

GirlupNorth

Well, had a bit of a spendy month and it's only the 9th January meaning I only have £258.65 remaining to spend until the end of January.

Planning lots of NSD's and will go to the gym on those days, or watch netflix etc. February will be a breeze after this!

Also found out I'll be on more money than I thought when I go back to my old job, which is really good. I've also got into the habit of preparing my breakfasts and lunches, so feel a bit more sorted. I have also quit my Starbucks habit which is amazing! was spending so much in there before Christmas. I only go for coffee now if I'm meeting friends and family and will limit these this month.

Don't need to buy any extra food this week, am stocked up which is great. And have budgeted £25 for food for each week in January, hopefully I will come under this if I'm savvy and will try places like Aldi, though the one near me is by student halls and they get manic. Will just have to be patient...

I can do this. I no longer have an overdraft or credit card and still have £500 in my savings account.

I'll also have to pay my parents back for flights/hotels for the family events as they were booked together, but they have said it's fine to do this monthly which is great.

Trying to stay positive, and not to freak out. I've created a budget spreadsheet and know what I'm spending each day so will take cash out, and no overspend. Any more friends that want to meet up I'll just suggest a coffee or for them to come to mine/vice versa as I have a fab stash of tea and coffee already...(I have a slight obsession).

Onwards and upwards...:)