A Ditherer's Diary (again)

Naomim

I agree, I have to find the medium between keeping on top of the spreadsheet and knowing what's coming in and out with not looking at it all day every day which is what I'm currently doing.  It's like I'm willing the figures to come down just by staring at it enough. (wishful thinking).  I know I should be pleased with myself that I am actually budgeting. I have pots with various amounts saved up for things, but it never seems to be enough.  

I've unfollowed the diary. 

GeorgianaCavendish

@LottyWatty I think just being aware that budget scrutiny may become a substitute for spending, but don't stress too much about it. There are so many big wins you can make in the early days that come from shining a light on your budget and finances, so it is definitely an important part of the process! 
Sometimes it does feels like a struggle for me to keep the balance between being aware enough about what is going on, and not using my budget as a coping mechanism for something else, but these days I manage to find that balance more often than not. And when I don't, I usually post about my struggles and at least get it all out of my head

LottyWatty

Naomim said:

I agree, I have to find the medium between keeping on top of the spreadsheet and knowing what's coming in and out with not looking at it all day every day which is what I'm currently doing.  It's like I'm willing the figures to come down just by staring at it enough. (wishful thinking).  I know I should be pleased with myself that I am actually budgeting. I have pots with various amounts saved up for things, but it never seems to be enough.  

I've unfollowed the diary. 

Yeah absolutely - you’ve done amazing and it’s just that it’s sometimes hard to remember the progress you’ve already made. 

Ah good - hopefully this will help you a little 😊

LottyWatty

GeorgianaCavendish said:

@LottyWatty I think just being aware that budget scrutiny may become a substitute for spending, but don't stress too much about it. There are so many big wins you can make in the early days that come from shining a light on your budget and finances, so it is definitely an important part of the process! 
Sometimes it does feels like a struggle for me to keep the balance between being aware enough about what is going on, and not using my budget as a coping mechanism for something else, but these days I manage to find that balance more often than not. And when I don't, I usually post about my struggles and at least get it all out of my head

Thank you - that’s some very good advice 😊

Naomim

Morning all, I'm feeling a bit brighter this morning.

Saturday we have the plumber coming to put the new radiator in so we'll be nice and toasty over the winter.  I have to go to the bank tomorrow to withdraw the money.   The radiator is already here, ready and waiting.  

I also have to take my gas & electricity meter readings as I'm trying to get a true picture over the past few months.  Not much more to report on the financials.

Naomim

enthusiasticsaver

I know the diary you were referring to a few days ago and yes definitely unfollow if it is giving you spending urges.  It has the opposite effect on me and is just leaving me frustrated. He is trying but has a bit of a block I think when it comes to certain things. Can you not set aside certain times of the day or week to look at your spending and then step away?  That overdraft is really coming down so you are doing really well.  

One-step-at-a-time

I know which diary you mean too, and I'm with @enthusiasticsaver on this one, it's completely turned me off spending at all! 
You're doing well - I know all too well what it's like to look at a spreadsheet and will the numbers to change (for me the worst time for that is usually the last week of the month when I'm just spinning my wheels waiting to be paid so I can attack it again). 

GeorgianaCavendish

You're doing so well Naomi - the overdraft is coming down, you've got expenses allocated to the pots (streets ahead of me there!) and don't forget we've been dealing with a pandemic and all the associated stress of that. Honestly give yourself a massive round of applause for keeping your financial goals on track during this time - if you can do that during such enormous stress and uncertainty then you can definitely beat the debt! 

Naomim

Thanks @enthusiasticsaver @One-step-at-a-time and @GeorgianaCavendish I think I was just reading that diary and thinking oh poor me, I wish I had a mulberry bag to sell!  In reality I don't wish that. I don't need a big brand to validate who I am. I have a cheapy one from shoezone that does me well! 

My car is 11 years old and does need a new cambelt but I have been saving for that and have nearly £700 saved to cover the repair and the MOT which is due in Dec.  Christmas is saved for, the birthdays all covered, the plumber is all saved for.  These are things that a year ago I would have put on the credit card.  Sometimes I guess I just lose sight of where I've come and should be pleased with myself.

Got a new recipe (new to me)  sausage casserole bubbling on the hob for tonight. Smells delicious!

Thanks again all

Naomim

GeorgianaCavendish

It would be great to have some high value things to sell, but not when you think that sales are just clearing part of the debt that paid for them in the first place. Plus people buying second hand luxury goods right now are probably expecting a very good bargain! I don't have anything that valuable to sell but I'm reluctant to go through the ebay circus trying to sell some work outfits and party dresses - I just don't think people are really looking to buy that stuff right now.