Get a grip !

Skint_yet_Again

Thank you so much for all the info MF. So much to consider! 

MovingForwards

You're welcome. I've not been able to think of anything else and the thought process is what I used when working mine out.

I bet it's a relief knowing your numbers and having an end date to look forward too 😊

Skint_yet_Again

Now the idea is in my head I can’t think of anything else and it has really cheered me up. I’ve even updated my signature. 😁

Its cloudy and cool here today. Been out with the dog and bumped into a non-covid friend walking her dogs so we had a walk together and a chat. Her friend has just been diagnosed with throat cancer at 59. Sobering thought. Life is too short to spend it being miserable. 4 more years and counting until “retirement” but I will spend that time as much as possible enjoying life with friends and family. 

MovingForwards

It's addictive and you will try and work out ways to shorten the timeframe and become a lady who lunches sooner!

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's friend. They do serve as reminders to not take anything for granted.

Skint_yet_Again

Payday today 🤗 Budget for September 

Wages £1191.46 & rent £217. = £1408.46

Mortgage £219.95

Council tax £162

EON £95 

PCS £8.82 

Orange/EE £8.45 

TV licence £13.37.  

Petrol £30.  

VM 64

Water £41.73

(Ports £12.56 & Southern £29.17)

Car savings £50 

Dog food £15. 

Xmas/bday £50. 

bills £100. 

Entertainment £50

Food £150  (£30 pw)

Savings £300 (250 +£50)

Remaining £50.14p

I have a Dentist check up £23.80 which may cost more if any work needed on the tooth / filling

MovingForwards

Looking good!
Hope you've some fun trips / days out planned, or in the pipeline.

Skint_yet_Again

Havent got any plans so far for this month. Anything left in the budget will go towards DIY when DF comes to stay. 

I forgot to say I had shopping delivery from coop yesterday using a £5 off code via the app. Total spend £16.42. Counting as Sept groceries 16.42 / 150.

savingwannabe

Holy moly, well done you for planning ahead. How motivating is that?!!!! Your coop app saving is brilliant. Well done. 

At the moment I am focussing on paying off my house I have 3 years to go,  my mortgage plus OP is £1k a month and a big part of my salary. If i can do this I will have done it in 17 years (dad reminded me i moved in 14 years ago so i have another 3 to go) of scrimping and saving. lol. 

I have been thinking of early retirement (I will get £6k p.a from my work pension in 5 years if i retire early) but that leaves me with money for bills and really basic food and no luxuries at all (eg travel, emergencies) so i would like to save more first. I might also take in a lodger/student or do a less stressful job. My ideal would be retail or as a tour guide. I love people. 

Skint_yet_Again

Thanks SW. I have to do something about work as I am struggling to cope physically and emotionally. I won’t have a lot of money to live off, about the same as now & no saving, unless I can get a job from age 57 to age 67 when my second work pension & state pension start. But it’s got to be better than living with the physical and mental exhaustion. 

I have made a batch of chilli for dinner. 3 portions left for the freezer. Used up half a pack of beef mince plus remains of a tin of baked beans & some peppers, courgettes and frozen butternut squash. 

MovingForwards

SW, 3 years isn't long, then you can save £750pm and enjoy the extra £250. You've done well to keep it going for 19 years.

Skinty, focus on surviving the next 3 and a bit years, you've got a light at the end of the tunnel.