Finally Debt Free After 34 Years, But Still Need to Live Frugally

EssexHebridean

I confess I'm not a particular fan of chocolate generally speaking - although I do enjoy a piece or two of good dark chocolate here and there. I'm also not in favour of giving things up to lose weight, as in my experience all that happens is eventually you stop giving it up and the weight goes back on again. Betchya can't guess how I know?! the "Eat Less Move More" approach really does work though.

For savings pots, we use online savings account linked from our current accounts, with the main bulk of savings (which is also our EF) sitting in an ISA. We also shove as much as we're allowed to each month into Regular Saver accounts then when those mature the money transfers to the ISA. I'm planning on looking at ways of getting more money into better interest accounts though - just haven't worked out the route for that yet!

EssexHebridean

HairyHandofDartmoor wrote: »

I would like to SSG. Can you change the title of a thread or will I have to start a new one? I've been too busy too look into it.

Go into Edit on your OP, and then "Go Advanced" and it will let you edit the thread title.

HairyHandofDartmoor

EssexHebridean wrote: »

Go into Edit on your OP, and then "Go Advanced" and it will let you edit the thread title.

Ah thank you, I didn't know you could do that .

HairyHandofDartmoor

EssexHebridean wrote: »

For savings pots, we use online savings account linked from our current accounts, with the main bulk of savings (which is also our EF) sitting in an ISA. We also shove as much as we're allowed to each month into Regular Saver accounts then when those mature the money transfers to the ISA. I'm planning on looking at ways of getting more money into better interest accounts though - just haven't worked out the route for that yet!

Thanks I need to work out a good system fo this. Saving money is very new to us

HairyHandofDartmoor

I've changed the name of my diary, a subtle but important difference .

I did my usual Saturday wander today. DH and DS1 wanted to go to the shops today so we travelled in together by car, separated and then met for coffee at the end.

Spending was a bit higher than usual and was as follows :eek::

General Spends
£1 on a hardback book (charity shop).
£2 on a new 700ml bottle of Pantene Pro V conditioner (charity shop).
79p on three rolls of sellotape.
£6 on two stamper sets for craft activities (Christmas present for two friends).
£4.90 on two Aussie hair conditioning sprays (half price so got two).
£1 face cleansing wipes.
£2 on four packs of chocolate coins (Xmas presents for DH & DC).
£2.65 coffee.
Total spend = £20.34

Food
£3.80 slab of cheddar.
£2 fruit pot.
£1 fruit pot.
£1 fruit pot.
£1 clementines.
£1.30 bananas.
Total spend = £11.10

This is quite a spendy day for me, but the cheese will last a week as it's a big slab and I won't have to buy conditioner for ages and ages, plus I got a few Xmas pressies. The fruit pots keep us off chocolate or booze on a Sunday evening, so a healthy treat.

Not a bad haul in all. Nothing there that was extravagant or not needed .

System

I wondered when you would change your title , I like the new one.

All your shopping sounds like lots of bargains in it. My downfall is cheese., eat it like sweets so restrict the amount I buy!

117pauline

Hello HHD

Sorry I've been missing in action.

I am glad your trip went well and you spent quality time with family. As you say, debt gets in the way of so many ordinary things. I bet your BIL is feeling better simply by being in his own environment. We all will be wishing he receives good news next week.

Impressed that you have changed the name of your diary. It now reflects where you are now. I wonder if it would be a good idea if you did an updated SOA so you can budget for all the pots needed. And as an added bonus, it will show how much more you have.

How are you getting on with your Christmas planning? It now looks as though I will be cooking lunch but not at our own home. It will be a more elaborate roast meal so nothing to worry about. I have bought most bits but no treats as they would be eaten before the day. We buy less and less each year. I hate the whole thing of trollies jammed with so much food.

Is the wedding next weekend? I hope you will have a good time. Have you decided what to wear? Next time take car eats times two so you don't take the men shopping. They do cost more, don't they?

Enough of my witterings, have a good weekend,
Take care honey
Pauline

HairyHandofDartmoor

Cumbria_lass wrote: »

I wondered when you would change your title , I like the new one.

All your shopping sounds like lots of bargains in it. My downfall is cheese., eat it like sweets so restrict the amount I buy!

I didn't know how to change my title until Essex explained it. Glad you like it .

We need to keep cheese away from you then , I only use it for sandwiches and cooking so I'm safe.

HairyHandofDartmoor

117pauline wrote: »

Hello HHD

Sorry I've been missing in action.

I am glad your trip went well and you spent quality time with family. As you say, debt gets in the way of so many ordinary things. I bet your BIL is feeling better simply by being in his own environment. We all will be wishing he receives good news next week.

Impressed that you have changed the name of your diary. It now reflects where you are now. I wonder if it would be a good idea if you did an updated SOA so you can budget for all the pots needed. And as an added bonus, it will show how much more you have.

How are you getting on with your Christmas planning? It now looks as though I will be cooking lunch but not at our own home. It will be a more elaborate roast meal so nothing to worry about. I have bought most bits but no treats as they would be eaten before the day. We buy less and less each year. I hate the whole thing of trollies jammed with so much food.

Is the wedding next weekend? I hope you will have a good time. Have you decided what to wear? Next time take car eats times two so you don't take the men shopping. They do cost more, don't they?

Enough of my witterings, have a good weekend,
Take care honey
Pauline

Hi Pauline nice to have you back :hello:.

Yes it's great that BIL is home now . He's seeing the consultant next week.

My SOA is tricky because our income varies, but maybe I should try and do one. We don't really have much more money because we were only doing token payments of £1 a month to our eight creditors. But the psychological boost of being debt free is making me really focused on building up savings .

My Christmas planning is in it's infancy at the moment, but I'm going to go for it big time after the wedding. I agree with you about laden trolleys, it was mayhem at the shops today :eek:. I like Christmas to be simple and non stressful . Your Christmas meal sounds good and similar to what we have, a roast with a few extra trimmings .

The wedding is next weekend :eek:. I have a black dress to try on, but if I'm too tubby for that I have black trousers in a variety of sizes and a black jacket that I could wear with a red blouse to brighten it up. I'm determined not to buy anything. The men already have black suits and white shirts, so that's them sorted. We'll look like the Men in Black :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:.

I hope you're having a good weekend Pauline.

abba1772

Loving the change of name on your diary xx