I Just Want To Retire Debt Free

Purplebonnie

Hi MoneyWhizz,

Thanks for popping in and the encouragement. Have a good weekend.

UncannyScot

Purplebonnie wrote: »

A question. Has anyone else having started on your debt free journey also felt the need to sort out other areas of your life? ... Wasting money is as bad as spending money you don't have, right? ...

Thanks for visiting my diary
This absolutely resonates with me Purplebonnie...
I try to save on everything that I can

Purplebonnie

Morning UncannyScot.

I try to and will try even harder now

Right now I am making creamy mushroom & barley soup because I needed to use up some grotty carrots and celery in the bottom of the fridge. It smells lovely, but got to wait until hubby finishes work before I can eat it. I am also going through my shopping list and seeing what I can do without or substitute. Think I will make some hummus this afternoon, rather than buy it. I eat tons of the stuff so it has to be cheaper and healthier to make it myself and I already have the ingredients. Small steps but trying to change my mindset.

UncannyScot

I plan to do steak n ale in the slow cooker this weekend...
Also some baking to do and possibly some brewing too...
Keeps me busy and saves money too

Purplebonnie

Today I sold a Freeview USB stick which I no longer needed for £20, a bit more money for the emergency cash pot.

I made a substantial soup using up veggies from the fridge & bits from the pantry. I made beetroot Hummus for sandwiches during the week, again with ingredients that I already had. The beetroot is from my allotment and I reckon that I made three shop bought tubs worth for the price of one – so saving about £2 (£3 by not going out and buying from the shop) and I know what’s in it! I baked some bread in the bread machine using a packet that I had in the pantry, therefore saving £1.50 by not buying a fresh loaf from the bakers. Thanks for the inspiration UncannyScot.

Saturday afternoon was spent reading through diaries on this site and not on eBay, saving me a fortune. I also didn’t sit and pig out on rubbish like I normally would, I ate the leftover beetroot and a banana, not together I hasten to add!

I closed 3 credit card accounts and cut up the cards, so I am not tempted to use them again. One had a credit for £10.60 so they are paying that back into my bank account and I will pay it straight into the MBNA CC account.

Hubby cooked a lovely Rick Stein Pasta recipe for dinner with almonds and basil, yum.

Extra Money : £30.60
Money Saved : £4.50 (not including non eBay spending)
NSD (Hooray!)

SkintTeacher

purplebonnie -
Yes!!!

My debt free journey and my weight loss journey have gone hand in hand. I've lost 3 stone since November last year and saved £500 a month (just under 1/4 of my salary).

I've found that the two go so well together - I do free Park runs and any exercise I can which keeps me busy on the weekends and evenings when I used to browse online (whilst snacking!) AND when I look at junk food I think 'why would I buy that when I can save the money and be more healthy!?)

A virtuous circle

Purplebonnie

Hi SkintTeacher
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am a fellow teacher, but I now work with a private provider, so much less stress and more freedom. I hear a little rumour that we may actually get a wee bit more money this year, but still likely to be under inflation levels so in effect another pay cut . Well done on the weight loss, that is fabulous.

HairyHandofDartmoor

enthusiasticsaver wrote: »

I agree 100% with this. I can happily stick to just food shopping with the occasional trip for something which is needed. I am no longer interested in things. Experiences yes, nice meals out and theatre trips, holidays, seeing friends and family. Buying stuff is something I just don't do now and definitely I love the security and peace of mind of knowing we don't have debt and have a savings cushion.

I agree with this so much. Do we remember what we've bought? No. We remember experiences and moments with loved ones.

Something I've learnt is that experiences don't have to cost a fortune. I can enjoy a coffee with my DH as much as a lunch. I can enjoy a walk as much as a visit to the cinema. Learning to enjoy free experiences is so valuable.

I also agree that debt busting motivates us to fat bust and clutter bust too. It's all about shedding the things that are trapping us and holding us back.

Sun_Addict

Hello purplebonnie

I'm a similar age to you and know the feeling of needing to get sorted before retirement. I have 9 years until state pension kicks in. I recently remortgaged after being mortgage free for 8 years to pay for much needed home improvements. The new mortgage is timed to run until I retire.

I think that sticking to a diet and budget are connected. I also have a few areas of life I'd like to change which I'm working on.

I look forward to following your journey. Good luck

Purplebonnie

Hi HairyHandofDartmoor,

I agree, one of my favourite parts of the day is an early evening stroll with hubby and dog. We put the world to rights, discuss our day, our plans etc and it doesn't cost a penny.