2017 - my frugal year

On_my_way

SkintTeacher wrote: »

Wow - well done you! :T My wedding is in...April... so I have only 4 months to save for it but how much can you spend in 4 months really?

Remember that most of the suppliers etc will want paying in advance though so you haven't got 4 months to save for it!

SkintTeacher

I should come clean about the wedding costs - my mum will mostly pick up the tab so my financial trials and tribulations are more about clearing debt, overpayment of mortgage and trying to build my savings. I'm paying for probably 10% of my wedding and have mostly payed up front for stuff or a large deposit. but thank you for your concern onmyway

SkintTeacher

Popped to Boots today and managed to pay for my entire purchase with advantage points. Also spent £5 on leggings (work wear) which is budgeted for. Transferred £30 to OH as couldn't be bothered to fill the car up on my way home. Back to work tomorrow, and hoping to steer clear of spending for the week.
In other news, my slow cooker paprika beef was amazing and there are leftovers enough for Monday night's dinner.

SkintTeacher

On_my_way wrote: »

A marriage is between two people - therefore at most you pay half each!

Unless one person is earning significantly less, surely?

Amd what about Mormons; it must get very complicated!? :rotfl:

SkintTeacher

On_my_way wrote: »

A marriage is between two people - therefore at most you pay half each!

On_my_way wrote: »

Remember that most of the suppliers etc will want paying in advance though so you haven't got 4 months to save for it!

emylou wrote: »

HI, I'm a fellow skint teacher will be subscribing to your diary! I love the idea that instead of depriving ourselves we are "cheating the system" lol!

It works for me! I can't actually believe how much money I could have been saving all these years. Don't know about you but I don't have much to show for it. Except a world class collection of Lego. We're calling it an investment, but must stop being flippant about it - the spending has to stop. Glad you like my little diary :j

Allotrope

I'm following. Also a teacher so managing on a budget

SkintTeacher

Allotrope wrote: »

I'm following. Also a teacher so managing on a budget

Thanks for the support!

SkintTeacher

It's a daily struggle! I reviewed a pair of shoes bought for my bridesmaids... Schuh sent me a 15% voucher on anything I want...

Luckily my twin was there for moral support and reminded me "it's a trick! beat the system!"

emylou

SkintTeacher wrote: »

In other news, my slow cooker paprika beef was amazing and there are leftovers enough for Monday night's dinner.

Oh that sounds delicious- would you mind sharing the recipe please? I want to use our slow cooker more and need some inspiration!

engineer_amy

last year when I was clearing debt, it really helped me to set firm targets.
I joined "pay off all your debt by xmas 16" in December 15 and I knew the amount I needed to be debt free (except the mortgage). my monthly target then was at least 1/12th of the total. some months I paid more, some months was less, but I managed to get 100% before Christmas. I don't think I would have stayed motivated to do it myself if I didn't have a "public" target or goal. It also had the added bonus of support of other people in a similar situation.
Why don't you have a look at some of the challenges to see if any suit you? some are debt busting, some are savings goals.
And if you do yourself a statement of affairs and a budget for the coming year, you might be able to set aside a category for "Lego Fund" for any moments of weakness!