Real Life, Dating and Money!

Littlebirdie

Hey Jvr, sorry I’ve been a bit rubbish at updating this

Never a good sign. So I’ve had an expensive few months - not helped by my brothers wedding and other spends which I’m just not going to go into!

My credit card is £1271 which doesn’t make me feel good. I should have £400 coming in soon which will help pay it off. I think my piggy banks are going to have to take a hit for a few months. I hate not seeing them go up.

10 days until payday and £90 to last me. £50 of that is for travel and also going out for dinner on the weekend. Urgh I hate how everything comes at once. This dinner has been booked for ages.

Right well let’s think of a plan:
Lots of meals in the freezer to use up
Listed items on eBay

Right here’s to a very frugal 10 days!

Littlebirdie

So in recent days, I've had a change in attitude. In the last year (maybe cause it is the main topic of most of my age group) I've been in this rat race to buy a flat but actually I'm just getting more frustrated whilst I am going for counselling as that always takes ~ £100 of my £200 goal each month. I've worked out I could have an extra £600 if I hadn't been for counselling but it is an investment in me and I need to continue this as it is so important. I got paid from my second job and that's £480 paid off my credit card but I know I need to go and spend another £300 on flights and then another ~£200 on accommodation so it's all going back on. This trip next year, I must admit many times I think 'God am I crazy for taking on this financial challenge but I keep thinking I'll look back and be really proud so I just need to continue plugging away!

Littlebirdie

So the year is coming to a close. What a year, I think this year I have successfully had the year I have dreamed of...I've socialised with friends, been on some amazing holidays and all in all still saved some money. I'm still going for counselling but the good news it is having a positive effect, I'm starting to feel better. It's taking it's time though which is to be expected.

I've taken the bold move to increase my 'Hair' direct debit to £22 as I've basically got a new rule - when my mini savings pots get to £150, I'll transfer the £100 to my Emergency fund account. That's currently at £324 and I am still waiting for £88 from a friend (Slightly annoyed :mad:). I currently have £32 going into that account a month. So basically out of all my mini savings pots it's my 'Hair' and 'Dentist' accounts that will realistically get to £150. So increasing them, plus my £30 a month means in a year I should theoretically save £560 in my emergency fund next year. The dream is to get that account to £1000...feels so far away.

I have definitely overspent this month - the sucker was work drinks, why o why do I agree to rounds.... lesson learnt! Also despite saving for Christmas (which I am sooo proud I did ..ALL YEAR!) I have still overspent which is annoying. Basically I think next year I need to budget better. Basically everyone gets £20 each and that's it. Although I'm not buying for 12 friends...well basically I just need to budget better.

So overall I'm proud of this year. Don't get me wrong, I have put on lots of weight, I am not the happiest and I have had 20 million dates yet all in all, I've achieved what I have wanted whilst creating memories that will make me smile when I look back when I am 80.

The thing that's REALLY affecting my savings is my holidays that cost ~£2500... it's just I am not going on any old holidays, I am going on holidays that you could argue are life changing and are once in a life time. So whilst it does stress me each month at the cost, they will probably be the best trips I ever take. Also, the older we get the more responsibility we get so now is the time. I'm striving to not get into the mindset 'I'll pay it off when I am older'. When I come back from this trip the following months will be spent paying off the credit card which I imagine will have ~£1000 debt on it. I can do this!

Littlebirdie

So a good old Christmas and not to expensive. Went on a date last night and the guy paid for all the drinks - really nice surprise! Doesn't usually happen. Really nice guy, I would go on a second date with him. I have hardly ANY money...so basically I overspent on my Christmas budget - someone got me a more expensive gift than I was expecting so had to spend extra on them. Bit annoyed I still waiting for a Christmas present which is a voucher.

Slow cooker on, still food left fom last week so going to utilise that and going to take back a dress - striving to end this month on a positive.

Littlebirdie

So overall not too much of an expensive month. I have £135 to last me the month and lots of food to use up in the freezer. Just had t buy a new pair of trainers and work shoes £124. My last trainers lasted me for over a year and got me through a few half marathons so whilst the timing is rubbish its got to be done, they were £89 in the sale and then work shoes were £26 and I think my last have also lasted me a year. I've basically used my clothes budget £30 and saved up cash back money £63 to put towards it. I'm also getting £24 back from cashback so that will also go towards it and then that will be them two paid off .
I found out yesterday that I have to pay £115 for jabs for my holiday :eek: which will make the credit card debt go up to £1190 :eek: so frustrating but will be worth it. When I get back my mindset will be to pay off the credit card.

Littlebirdie

So last month was an month where I got organised! I bought a new passport, my rail card and replaced my drivers licence. I also went away for a weekend.

So this month I'm hoping for a cheaper month. Went on a date last night and we went to a comedy show - it was meant to be free but they do they guilt thing and ask for a payment. Paid £ 15 but honestly don't think it was worth it. Wont be doing that again for a first date.

Oooo I did not a good thing; I got an oyster card so that I could put my rail card onto it and get 1/3 off off peak travel - savvy or what!?

This month I have to focus on things for my trip; medication, malaria protection, appropriate clothes.

When I come back my key goal: PAY OFF CREDIT CARD. After this month it will be on ~£990.

I have a few expensive things coming up my friends hen do and her wedding. Meant to be going away in May but hoping that is cancelled

Littlebirdie

Hello! 

So it’s been a year since I’ve posted and well not a lot has changed if I’m honest. 

My emergency savings are up to ~ £2000 and my LISA is up to ~£10,100.
I also have little bits in my little pots but not much. I’ve changed jobs and went from weekly wages to monthly which meant there was a shortfall, I owed my old job money for extra holiday and then add a weekend away and I was skint. So I’m currently like -£200. Eurgh I hate this. Luckily from my second job I have around £300 extra coming in at the end of the month. Although I want it to be a really cheap month. Luckily all my weekend plans have been cancelled so that will save on money! 

Here goes...

Littlebirdie

Ok, I've started something new. I've started a direct debit into my m0nzo account each week so that should help. I've also installed the option that I get a weekly spending report. My big problem is eating on the go - not because I don't bring snacks but because I love meeting people for coffee's. I also go on a lot of coffee dates so you could argue that is cheaper than alcohol dates. I'm feeling motivated to have a good month next month!

Applewood1

Welcome back Do you use an excel spreadsheet or anything to track your expenses? Will be keeping up with your diary!

Littlebirdie

Applewood1 said:

Welcome back Do you use an excel spreadsheet or anything to track your expenses? Will be keeping up with your diary!

Hey Applewood Thanks. Just had a look at your thread, we are in pretty similar situations. 
Oh you bet I have a spread sheet - I'm proud to say its like a piece of art  
I notice you update yours every day but  I guess you are on your laptop everyday also whereas I'm not. I could update my spending app but I'm then doubling up and ah  I cant be bothered for that.  I think I'll just make more of an effort to update my budget. 
I'll keep up with your diary too - I've booked marked it - I think that means I can keep track of it!