Debt Free Wannabe Teacher

dfw87

Got paid from my bar job today so popped that straight in to my savings.

I decided to join Slimming World (just online) - I have been successful at it before so wanted to give it a go again. I know the basics enough to do it without the plan but I want to make sure it is successful - that was £60 for 3 months.

I need to try to keep costs down with it and I am definitely not going to do what I have done before and just buy lots of expensive food that fits the plan - I am hoping I can get some tips on here about keeping SW cheap!

dfw87

Relatively cheap weekend - had to do my food shop, first since starting SW and it was about £25. Had a friend round for drinks which was nice and then went for a coffee today. Had to buy some new work trousers.

Pay day tomorrow - I've saved as I have gone through the month but only have £75ish left at the end of this month - a bit of a shame it isn't more but I had big outgoings this month with my car!

dfw87

Today...

Had to get petrol - a full tank which was about £50, but this will last me 2 weeks. I also managed to make the last tank last 3 weeks because I shared lifts a few days and drove my BF's car because of my car problems!

Got to work, voice had completely gone - not good for a teacher! Then a colleague told me that my car had a flat tyre - THE SAME ONE AS BEFORE!!! I swore a lot... in front of my head teacher... good job she likes me!

My computer then wouldn't work so I was not ready in the slightest for the school day - not a great start to the week! However, my head said I could have my time out of class this morning rather than later in the week because of my throat so I was able to sort some bits and pieces out and rest my voice.

I then was able to leave at 4 to sort my car out... quickly topped it up with air (£1 - rip off at the services!!) and managed to get home. Popped to the place that fitted my tyre before and they sorted it all for me for no charge luckily.

I've had my first day on plan with SW - all went well but I think I need to get more fruit and veg in. I have plenty in the house for this week and then I need to find a cheap option!

Pay day today which is always exciting! I managed to save £344.11 this month which I am massively proud of considering I had £200 of car problems!

dfw87

Today...

Pretty normal day for me today. Last night I had another SB voucher for £5 Amazon come through... going to start thinking about my Christmas shopping soon so I can spread the cost I think!

dfw87

Today...

Spent 65p on a can of Diet Coke to perk me up after a long, tiring day. Still having rough nights of sleep because of a horrible tickly cough. Voice is back properly although slightly disappears after a long day with noisy children!

Seriously thinking about leaving work at the end of this academic year and moving to something other than teaching - many, many reasons for it.

My salary is currently around £28k and I just can't find anything of a similar salary where experience in a different field isn't needed. Any ideas?!

wishingthemortgaheaway

No ideas, I'm in the same boat as you.

I gave up my teaching job whilst on mat leave. I've just started filling in the supply application form and submitted an application for a one day a week post in strategic management of a group of childcare settings.

I'm also doing a bit of consultancy work with school data and assessment.
None of which are 'proper jobs' though.

dfw87

wishingthemortgaheaway wrote: »

No ideas, I'm in the same boat as you.

I gave up my teaching job whilst on mat leave. I've just started filling in the supply application form and submitted an application for a one day a week post in strategic management of a group of childcare settings.

I'm also doing a bit of consultancy work with school data and assessment.
None of which are 'proper jobs' though.

It's so hard to find something! I would love to still be in a job where I feel I am helping people... but equally I want to be earning good money for the future.

I just cannot face being in my school for a huge amount longer. The politics involved in everything at the moment is ridiculous, as is the amount of cuts that seem to be happening.

I don't live in the easiest area to be looking for jobs. I don't mind taking a small pay cut but there has to be the potential for progression.

I also then just wonder if it is better to stay until I have children - probably in the next few years - as I would hopefully take time off then anyway!

dfw87

Today...

Had to go to Sainsburys and bought a few things to help me along with SW - managed to spend £16 which seemed like a lot for what I got. I did have £2.50 in Nectar points to use which brought the cost down a little.

Yesterday, I had a payment for my loan taken out so I am now up to £1,002.15 paid off and £1,574.11 saved. This is all since July 12th - I can't believe that in 2.5 months I have saved/paid off over £2,500!! Crazy!

dfw87

Today...

NSD - first in a while!

So glad it is Friday - this week has dragged and I am proud of myself for getting through the week when I've had so many nights of coughing!

Going to be having a nice quiet night in tonight. My BF fancies steak and chips so he has popped out to buy that for us. It means I get a free meal which is lovely and I can save tonight's planned meal for next week which means one less thing to buy! We will probably stay in and watch a film or something.

Tomorrow I am going to watch him play rugby and then we are meeting friends out for dinner. We are going to Turtle Bay and we will be drinking so I will be spending money there.

On Sunday I am not planning on doing much at all - just a nice relaxing day!

Had a really good chat to my Dad about my job (he is currently away travelling in his campervan) and, as a recently retired teacher, he totally gets where I am coming from. It's nice to have the support.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!

dfw87

Today:

Had to buy a couple of things to go with our dinner which weren't available when I did my food shop yesterday.

Sold something on eBay for £15 and have sent off for another £3 SB voucher. Had a £1.50 PA survey when I get in from work which is very rare for me!