Taking the plunge

Jessy103

Hi Jellibeanz, Hope you had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year! I think everyone can be excused for losing their focus over Christmas and good luck with getting back on track for 2018.

Jelllibeanz

Thanks Jessy we did

Start new job tomorrow. So will be working from home much less and facing some different challenges. Will also mean less opportunity to look online and shop!

Hope you have had a good too x

Jelllibeanz

Have been in the new post for a few days now and am settling in well. I've been good and had a few NSDs. Been taking my lunch into work along with a range of munchies. This job involves sitting down a lot more so as a result I'm eating more too! Have to be careful or my clothes won't fit!


As predicted I have not had much time to do online shopping and even though I'm located near a high street I've avoided it - even with the sales!!! Although I must confess I did pop in and pick up a bargain earlier today.


One of the positives with this job is that I am not working such long hours and I've been able to hit Mr T just as they put out their YS goods at extremely low prices. As a result we've had lots of fresh fruit and veg over the past couple of weeks and I'm home cooking more (tonight is home made fish pie).


I've checked the M balance and we are in the £68s
Cashback has finally come through so have transferred that over and have signed myself up to a few challenges too to keep myself focussed - penny day challenge, take your lunch to work and am contemplating a womble one too!


Happy days

Jessy103

Congrats on the new job and getting into the 68s!!

Jelllibeanz

Thanks Jessy
It seems like a good move. A bit of a pay cut but an improvement in the quality of life is well worth it.
Hope all is good with you x

Jelllibeanz

Another NSD today all being good. Have my lunch with me and am browsing the forums whilst I sip!


Nearly thought I would have to buy DS2 another bus pass as he'd mislaid it this morning. It did turn up on his dresser after some rummaging, but it meant I had to drive him to school to avoid him being late.


Turns out the local bus company has a one day free pass on a Friday in January if you download their app. So am planning on leaving the car at home one day this month. Once the weather warms up a little I will walk to work at least once a week. Will be healthier and cut costs a little, provided it's not a cross site day.

Good news is MrJ has claimed back some money owing from the rail company due to train delays. That is an extra £13 towards his next month's rail fare. So I'm going to put that in the pot at the end of the month.

Jelllibeanz

Well I've been neglecting my diary a little, but the mortgage is still receiving some positive attention with the odd TT here and there. It's the two months of the year where we don't have to pay council tax so that is on it's way over.


I've been checking my receipts on line with a certain supermarket's price guarantee. Strategically shopped and divided it into two shops - one with items we knew would cost more (e.g. the branded ones that we had price compared via an app) and then another load with y/s items. Got a pleasant surprise when they gave us a voucher for £8.08!! Will do nicely for next week's shop.


Am trying to live off the freezer as it is very well stocked as the 'Beast from the East' has taken hold. Will also mean I should say on a couple of days worth of petrol as I expect to be working from home. So that will need to be moved over (note to self) - even snow clouds have a silver lining!


Aiming to creep into £66 bracket over the next few weeks. So every little helps.


In the meantime I am off to catch up on some diaries and get some more ideas. x

Jelllibeanz

Managed to work from home today. Although am left wondering if it will snow heavy again tonight/tomorrow. The sunshine has defrosted some of it and made some very pretty icicles even though it is still very cold.


I did venture out to the corner shop as I didn't panic buy like the rest of the locals and ended up having to pick up some milk. The shelves were practically empty. However, I did get the opportunity to look up at the roof and it is still very laiden with snow causing me to smile as it means it is well insulated. On another note it is also not leaking (something it used to do whenever it snowed and started to thaw) so the repairs have been effective


Once again another little TT - love having a round number in my current account and have predicted the budget for the rest of the month.


So now work is done I can snuggle up on the sofa with the fire roaring away and read some more diaries.


Hope everyone is warm and snug x

Jelllibeanz

We're making progress!!! Almost into the £66s, interest will take us further away from it, but we are very nearly there. I think the £65s is my next major milestone. I don't know why but mentally that number feels important.


The usual TT are happening practically every other day and anything that comes through from cash back sites gets sent straight over too.


Have been keeping an eye on a particular department store on picking up some bits for £1 in their sales towards Christmas presents. Have amassed a small haul so far. Must admit I did buy some candles for myself, but have also bought myself some wicks off fleabay as I was beginning to notice that some candles didn't burn all the wax. So have taken to storing it in an old glass yankee container that is almost filled already. The plan is next weekend I'm going to recycle the wax and jars and make my own. Hopefully it will also make the kitchen smell gorgeous in the process.


Must admit the kids and Mr J have been getting their heads around being more careful with money. For Mother's Day my DS3 made me a jewellery box and DD1 a make up bag from recycled materials. I did tell them I would be most satisfied with just a cuppa in bed - so the rest an absolute bonus!


Hope everyone else has had a good weekend. x

allmannerofthings

How lovely to have handmade Mother's Day presents
One of my plans this year is to make some cards, as they are so expensive to buy and it's lovely to receive a handmade one - I know I appreciate it anyway! I also plan to use up some of my craft stash this year and put my thinking cap on if there is anything I can make for gifts and save some cash that way.
Good idea to pick things up in the sales now for gifts!