Facing tough realities

Stb_2

Thanks Bobarella, it was a bit of a kick when she said it but i knew it was coming, i am just grateful i have the money set aside from last month and don't need over draft. Things will be a bit tight this month if i am not careful so need week days and weekends if possible to be spend free.

I have persevered with YNAB and am getting there, i think its the blending of last months and this months money i am struggling with compared to the balances of the actual accounts.

Anyway just taken the lad for a haircut and got one myself so that's £14.50 gone and I have to look after the kids for the next few hours whilst the Mrs is at work - free weekend looking a challenge but i don't really mind as they're awesome!!

Anyway enought whinging, onwards and upwards and as they say there's always someone in a worse position than you are, unfortunately.

Have a great weekend guys (I am trying hard not to make this a divorce diary!!) One day i will have my £2k in the bank and no credit card, can't wait!! Cheers:D

Bobarella

Hey it's your diary, if you want to make it a divorce diary go for it! It's bound to be a massive deal for you.

On the hair cuts, would you consider home cuts to save a bit? My husband cuts all of our hair (me, him and our 8year old) I even had a compliment on mine from an old friend today and looked all surprised when she asked who had cut it as it was just OH about 6 months ago the last cut

Stb_2

Yeah I would be the wife wouldn't agree and I enjoy taking the lad! He is usually really good because he gets a lolly after and we sit and wait out turn together we talk about pre school, his friends, dinosaurs etc! He loves it so money well spent!

Stb_2

Bobarella you're less than a month from debt free wow! All on track?

Stb_2

Right, interesting weekend on all fronts:

- Money - paid £27 into bank account in coins at HSBC branch, looking forward to that hitting account, have spent £12 of it taking the kids to a local diner for excellent ice creams - so worth it!! :j

- Ended up spending quite a lot this week end but i think I have YNAB upto date, want to do a review once ironing for the week complete - took the lad for a hair cut (covered this already i know); took the kids for a babycheno (common theme here); purchased £60 of gift cards for an outdoors shop (claimable from expenses at work as received an award); purchased a tent and footprint for £155 on credit card, worth £280 - getting money from parents/ kids to cover this for birthday. Need it for Scout camps and taking kids away on cheap weekends once the Mrs has left as I'll probably tell her to keep the family tent; purchase two fire alarms for £9.99 for Scout hut (reclaimable from expenses so that should be paid off within a week or so and back in account).

- Having the think about big financial decisions regarding divorce, I am very lucky as my Dad has said he'll help me with the fees so i don't have to worry too much. Seeking legal advice on what's reasonable to agree too rather than trying to go legal, my kids are too young - 2.5 and 4.5 respectively to start getting into legal fight with the Mrs now, as long as i can limit long term financial exposure I will be happy.

Anyway ironing calls.

Bobarella

Stb wrote: »

Bobarella you're less than a month from debt free wow! All on track?

Yes and no. Yes because I have the money ready to pay off, no because I will lose a big amount of money from my self employed budget from next month, plus with the business rate re-evaluation about to hit I'm somewhat concerned. So for now I'm sitting on the money....I haven't decided yet whether to change my signature or hope that by the end of the month things will be so amazing work wise that I decide to pay it off anyway. See bet you wish you hadn't asked now

Stb_2

Hi Bobarella, thanks for explaining sorry to hear the changes effect you so badly, I guess though you're empowered to make the choice which is a benefit from your hard work.

Stb_2

So, Ynab upto date, a few quid to spend safely before end of month, nothing dramatic, birthday next week.

All good except the costs associated with divorce. The Mrs want £275 for the court papers 50% of total cost but won't agree to pay for the mediation process I'm suggesting we go through because she thinks it's too much money at £60 an hour so I think I'll have to pay meaning I can't then save money!!! Argh! The irony is I am now contemplating giving her the house so the kids can stay in their school.

Anyway I'm ranting I'm off to bed

Bobarella

Thank you yes that is a good way of looking at it.

Mediation isn't cheap then hey! Sorry it all seems to be at your door.

Stb_2

Spent £3.50 on beer last night, enjoyed the pub visit though

Bought a £3 salad for lunch

Decided to cancel plan to attend beer festival in April £8 a ticket and £3 pint so essentially a big night out, have moved the £26 I'd saved for it to emergency fund and things I forgot to pay for.

£2 in pocket, £1.85 in cash pot - Friday night and beer in fridge!