early 40s and not fabulous at all

Hiddenidenity

I shop online, its easier for me with 3 small ones (8 6 and 3)

I manage on under £150 a month including all nappies etc. We are dairy free so milk is more expensive than 'normal' milk.

I meal plan before I shop. I never waste. I save the extra portion if there's leftovers and use for lunch the day after or freeze as a 'readymeal' for when we haven't much time.

I won't use cheap coffee and only drink gold blend I also only use branded nappies and washing powder/comfort.

I bake all snacks on a sunday for pack lunches/snacks at home. Flapjack/biscuits/cakes etc.

I couldn't afford £250 a month though but I think groceries is always something that can be worked on.

Plush

@Hiddenidentity that's impressive. I guess meal planning does make a difference.

This weekend with family was more expensive than I thought it would be ... not much money left until pay day, apart from one round of groceries and the passport fees there is nothing to spend. The boiler service will have to wait until the 25th, although the appointment is on the 20th. Hope they will take the postdated cheque.

Apart from that, can't wait for half term! Booked the week off and I plan to sleep late and relax. DD will be in a sports day camp 3 days, me time! (I sound desperate lol).

Plush

Forgot to say, loving YNAB (free trial)... getting the hang of it. The ynab subscription will be half my Christmas present (I make myself presents at Christmas and on my b-day, since I'm single ). The other half is going to be something spa-related. I'm getting an annual bonus this year, which means no new debt because of Christmas, and hopefully paying part of the Sainsbury's card balance.

117pauline

I think its' a really good idea to plan in treats. I used to treat myself on my birthday too.

I am attempting a roast meal in my halogen oven for the first time so watch this space. They are supposed to be more fuel efficient which I am noticing more as we have now got a smart meter.

I love using my slow cooker during the autumn and winter. Delicious meal with little effort, great. I have had it replaced by Tower because the last one died after 18 months use. I was amazed at how they didn't quibble on the guarantee at all. Sent me a postage label as well and a new all singing "8 in 1 Cooker" arrived in five days. I rarely register small kitchen gadgets but I am very glad I did.

Not sure though if YNAB is really a present!

DebtFreeDuo

I agree with Pauline that YNAB isn't really a present but if you're counting it that way then make sure the other half is something completely for you, something spa related sounds lovely. No new debt at Christmas is great, next year will be much easier to budget it Christmas as you will have the whole year to put bits aside for it and if you get an annual bonus next year then you can use it to really treat yourself.

Plush

You both have a point about YNAB not being a present I shall think of something else.

I'm just logging in to brag about how much I've achieved this evening. I managed to raid my bathroom cabinets and my dresser table and realised 1/ I don't need any cosmetic products for at least 6 months (ok maybe some basic stuff) and 2/ I threw away a TON of old/expired stuff. I've been decluttering a lot lately and it's helping me mentally, it's like I'm cleaning my mind at the same time. Next on the list are 2 drawers full of cables and manuals. I'm pretty sure 80% of them are useless (to me) so that's a rainy day project. Anybody wants cables? I've got 5 kg of cables of all kinds

Scott_Weiland_2

If you have any spare samsung phone charging cables give a shout. Spares are always good i would coverage postage and give you a couple of quid for the trouble.

Plush

@Scott: sorry, my spare phone (which my DD uses to play) is a Samsung and I only have one set of charging cables for it.

I need to check all cables to make sure I don't get rid of good ones. Most cables are for TV, old dvd player, old cable boxes, old photo cameras, some audio-video cables and so on. The trouble is I don't even know what some of them are for, that's why I didn't get rid so far. Might need to enlist a friend to help sort out cables ha ha.

Tea&Kittens

Hi Plush, all sounding good! I like the "treat yourself" idea of the spa. I do similarly for birthday/christmas for myself being also a singleton. A good de-clutter can work wonders I find, it's just a matter of having the energy and time to get on top of things! Lovely to see you seeming more positive

T&K

117pauline

Hi Plush

I have tens of toiletries to use up. I reckon ten years worth of shampoo and conditioner when it was on sale for pennies. I also have plenty of body lotions which I have sorted and intend to use. I am going to put £1 per finished product which I will put towards a spa day too!

The roast meal done in the halogen was a real success. It has to be better than putting on the oven for just the two of us. I am going to find some more recipes to try too.

You definitely do sound more positive in your last few posts. I think your friend's visit has brightened you up and you choose some debt friendly ways to have fun - a result