The Marching Minimalist

angelpye

Thanks for popping by JoJo, its only midweek break in the UK booked kind of mid LBM! I probably wouldn't have booked it if I had realised how bad my situation really was but it is booked and deposit down. I could have cancelled and lost deposit but this journey is full of compromises and those compromises are different for all of us.

Being on the minimalist journey has made me know what I value most and experiences are right up there. Once I have a little more time the second stage of my big clear out will begin and I will eb@y anything I can...last clear out I freecycled and donated to charity so hopefully it will fund some debt repayment at the same time as clearing out all the unnecessary things I wrapped around us.

My goal is to clear a big chunk of debt by the summer (selling, upping my income etc) in order to balance out the holiday and then clear the rest to then justify booking a more adventurous holiday next year. I won't book another holiday until I am debt free though and I am desperate to go on a big adventure so this should motivate me.

I have a few house maintenance things that need doing so when my income increases some of that is being diverted to get these done as they can't wait too long. This project of a house won't fix itself - luckily I am not bad at DIY and can muddle through most things only getting professionals in when necessary i.e. electricians, plasterers and so on.

The cupboard stashing is a strange one for me as I live within walking distance to three supermarkets! I have calmed it down quite a bit but the monkey in my head doesn't like it. Minimalist training will have to be pretty hardcore to override my motherly instinct to have a months worth of meals at any one time:rotfl::rotfl:But I know I will get there

Hey TOPM! I am with you on that! Every change I make I feel lighter and happier. :T

angelpye

Seems I am marching backwards today

I changed my landline package when I was revamping all my bills as I wasn't using a bolt on I had. Thing is this month I had loads of calls to make and racked up an unnecessary bill. Kicking myself. I have unlimited calls on my mobile so apart from a few exclusions I can make most calls for free. I used to have a bolt on for all day every day on landline but was only using a fifth of the value. So I removed bolt on thinking I will just use me mobile package - no point in paying for unlimited on both right? Well, no point indeed if you actually remember...

It is done so I will have to move on from it but need to readjust budget, again and that little pot of reserve is about to become a bit smaller. So glad I talked myself out of paying that card off now as this would have really thrown me. But if I hadn't overspent last week it wouldn't be so bad...

Will get over it but a little self scolding is due here. I can do better than this!

50 press ups Miss Pye then Marching on...

EssexHebridean

Stick a post-it to the landline phone as a reminder not to make daytime calls? It's just needing to change the habit though isn't it - so annoying, but not that surprising, that you slipped up I guess.

Aside from that though it sounds as though things are marching along nicely - and the holiday will give you something to look forward to as well - you'll be able to recharge your batteries and come back to everything refreshed.

Treadingonplaymobil

That's irritating about the phone, but in the grand scheme of things it's just one of those little mistakes that you won't make again, and the changes you've made will offset that extra spend in the long run. Keep up the good work!

angelpye

Thanks guys, I felt like such a prat! But I guess just one of those things. I still have this weird habit of calling landlines from landline and mobile from mobile...so old fashioned!

Essex, yes! A note is definitely needed and was along the lines of my thoughts today. Will do that in a minute so its out of my head.

Sorted budget and its fine. I have organised a day out in the half term with family - trade for not going on nights out with friends and funded through surveys.

Seeing a small number in the reserve fund for emergencies/unexpected spends is comforting especially given the slip up with phone bill. Of course it would be nice to see the debt reducing a bit more but I think not having any money aside was causing me more stress than the debt.

It's all a new habit learning curve and it will show dividends in the end

angelpye

Note done.

angelpye

Just booked another session for the membership this week so that will be two solo trips this week.

ani*fan

Hi there angelpye :hello:

I just read your diary and wanted to say well done for getting all of this in hand. You seem to have a good handle on what needs doing, excellent.

I wondered how you got on with reducing your life assurance? It does seem like an awful lot, smoker or not.

Also your gym membership sounds like a bargain sine you actually use it and take DD too. Can I ask how old she is? I was just thinking as I read this how lucky she is to have such a sensible mum.

I've just discovered minimalism and Marie Kondo too, all amazing stuff for helping to keep your head calm and clear, and that all helps with staying on track and clearing the debt. Who knew such simple things could have such a big effect?

Good luck with it all.

angelpye

Hi ani*fan! Thanks for dropping by

My little DD is 7 and the most wonderful little bean.

I got the membership on a deal and it stays low for the life of the membership which is another reason I have been reluctant to cancel it. If I was to reinstate it in the future its very unlikely to be at the same price and would have registration charges etc. The thought of loosing it has spurred me on to use it so far so my general well being has improved and I am less inclined to hit the pub.

Life assurance...the pain of sorting that out! I did call my provider last week to discuss and it includes critical illness cover. When I took it out I was at a very emotional point in my life so let a FA handle it and just signed the forms. The provider gave me a fresh quote and it would £10 more expensive now for like for like and a lot cheaper if I lost the critical illness cover. I have a big fear of not being able to meet my financial commitments should I become ill and rather serious illnesses have been a trend in my family. I need to give it some serious thought, work out exactly what I need and shop around. Currently I am healthy after quite a health scare last year so in a good position for switching.

You are right about the simple things of these concepts having a big impact. If someone had told me a few years ago having less would make me feel more secure I would have thought them seriously deluded.

angelpye

SO, I have looked at my energy usage and once the new bill arrives this month will do some comparisons. Todays little research seems to suggest I could save over £100 a year so that would be awesome!

List to do in diary for two weeks time as I am so busy but need to properly consider all alternatives:
*Energy comparisons
*Life assurance

I have also ordered my statutory CRA statements and made corrections. So hopefully everything should be straight for when I get them. I know they will all make depressing reading but I can't wait to watch this change!