A Ditherer's Diary (again)

moving_forward

From memory any over spends in YNAB don't carry over like the old version. They sort of clean them up but take the total off the amount available to spend. I preferred the old way it encouraged me to know where the overspend came from. To get round at end of month go to next month and enter minus amounts in each of the over spent categories in this month then allocate when new months money in that way you know what you overspent on.

Naomim

@moving_forward as long as I can look back at the overspent areas it's not so bad.  I checked back on my bank account and did receive the refund from Mr T's so that's one thing off the list.  I also transferred £35 from Monzo pot to the joint which covered the last terms Scouts subscription for 12yo. That money came out the joint account in November so it's gone towards clearing up some of the overspends!  The next £35 is due this week so will pay that then transfer when the cheque finally clears! 

Online shop done. Came in at £79.59.  I was hoping it would be less as I had 3 meals already covered.  I know it's fairly low for a family of four with essentially three adults in it. 

I occasionally give off the whiff of being organised, pretty like occasionally people thinking I'm far more intelligent than I am. I wear glasses and like to read... it really is stereotypes! 😁  To be fair, budgeting and keeping on top of money does need you to be organised. Can't have those pennies slipping away from us. 

moving_forward

You are doing great.  We spend more that that on our shopping if you include all the top ups shops and orders from amazon and the like.  I have just posted extremely rough figures on the "how much to live on" on the over 50's board, was too chicken to post actual figures 😧 I may need a lie down after posting those!

Each month you chips £1 off the Overdraft is less to chip off next.  They are really hard to clear as don't feel like a proper debt as they go up and down through the month but when you manage a couple of months without one you will do your upmost to stay out in future (even if it does mean raiding pots for the last week). every time you keep under a certain amount for a couple of months reduce the OD amount down to that.  I have kept our available to borrow at £1K just in case a wage didn't go in but when the emergency fund is built up I shall get rid of it bar about £100 to cover if I missed something.  

Kids are blooming expensive even after flying the nest like ours but when they aren't your total responsibility every month it gets a hell of a lot easier!

Naomim

At the start of this journey our OD was £4650 and we used it all every month without fail.  It was this that gave me my lightbulb moment when I couldn't withdraw any cash and I knew then I had to act.

We managed to get it down to about £3k and last year I did a money transfer on a 0% deal with the credit cards. Which is why my credit cards have come down but not quite as much as they should.  I lowered the actual OD to £1k and I think were probably about £200 - £300 a month in it. So if this can be reduced to zero I'll be happy.  As with all the budgeting, a work in progress. 

To be fair 16yo is a bit more financially independent now he's working part time.  I pay bus fares for college (less now he's not escorting ex gf to bloody work and back) and lunches on college days. I also pay his phone contract but have said to both of mine they take it over at 18. 

moving_forward

Well your doing a hell of a lot better than you seem to think you are. 
Your OD has come right down. Give yourself a good slap on the back and a talking to about how to recognise your achievements. I am a fine one to talk I know with my MH problems but you need to look at how far you've come not how far you have to go.
Your all over this site giving support to others who if like me really appreciate the companionship support advice and love offered by you and others on these boards.

moving_forward

Sorry I should have said pat on the back 😂😂

WinterWarrior

You are doing so well, definitely a pat on the back, not a slap 😁🤣
Has 16yo got over the worst on the gf front? I’m glad it’s saving you in fares at least! 

Naomim

Aww guys, I may have had a g&t so a bit emotional by your lovely comments.  I'll not resort to slapping myself 🤣

16yo is a bit up and down but now dealing with the he said, she said comments from friends and Instagram wars. Teenage drama 🤦‍♀️ 

moving_forward

Bloody social media has alot to answer for 🤬 Tell him auntie moving_forward said it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks and he will meet someone who is much better than ex and more worthy of him

WinterWarrior

So true, but it’s a hard lesson to learn. It takes most of us 30 or 40 years to learn not to worry about what other people think.