“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”

WannabeFree

So in money terms.

Going forward

Rent/council tax - I can't change.
Gas/Electric/Water - £36 a week (this builds up on the meter some weeks but pretty much evens itself out - £15 electric £10 gas £11 water)
Food - £35 a week - This seems high really but it fits in and it probably won't be spent - treats and things come out of this
Phone/Virgin/Tv license - £17 a week I've cut the Virgin right down, but would cancel if things get too tight.
Holiday - £10 a week (this covers the cost of 3 but only the 2 are booked) I know this is a luxury

We don't have an entertainment budget we use food spends, no costs on haircuts and things. I've taken youngest's medical stuff out of my budget and keeping it separate. Her DLA more than covers this and anything else should she need.

School costs a fortune.

This is just the short version of a very detailed plan I have

earthgirl

Completely agree about not being beholden, and you are more than a big girl, you are a tenacious and inspiring young woman. Hope you continue to feel better x

WannabeFree

Thank you EG x

and in light of all confessions, I'm really tempted to book the night in a cheapy hotel for my birthday (just a bed to sleep in) - sea air and time out :cool: It's less than £20 but still seems 'wrong'

Sun_Addict

That £20 would be money well spent for a break away from it all, even just for one night.

Good decision that you've cut the ties by not using the caravan and making your own plans. My kids used to love Haven when they were little, many happy memories. We liked Perran Sands the best, went there a few times.

I'm glad you're sounding more like you and making plans. Hopefully the smalls will be back with you soon.

Take care xx

WannabeFree

Luckily a change in antiemetic drugs seems to have made a world of difference today - hopefully it lasts. I have quite a lot of things on at appointments next week and then fingers crossed the smalls will be home assuming I can put a brave face on and 'manage'

Definitely failing on the lists/cleaning and extras lists. But as long as they are fed and looked after then I'll take it as managing. Have someone else doing school runs and school have been amazing giving discounts on breakfast/after school clubs for bigger two.

WannabeFree

Think I was having a day of madness yesterday with all plans non mse.

I'm over wanting to go away for the night for my birthday (well no I'd love too what I mean is I've realised I shouldn't) and I won't be going on the holiday with friends. The two we have booked are less than £200 Including the train fares/accommodation etc.


Anyway nothing much else going on today although I will get of the sofa long enough to shower.

PositiveBalance

:eek: Not again to the thread deletion, Wannabe! :eek:

I'm glad you are feeling a bit better but it sounds as though you still have quite a way to go so be kind to yourself! *Hugs*

HairyHandofDartmoor

Well done for making MSE decisions Wannabe, but I'm glad you still have a couple of breaks to look forward to .

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better too.

WannabeFree

I think the fact the new anti sickness is working better makes me feel better. Just being able to actually watch TV/read on here etc. Something I have to get use to short term at least so just need to 'man up' I think.

I agree about the holidays I think I just want to get away from here for a while I guess in reality I know it doesn't change things. Maybe if friend is off work near my birthday he can drive to the seaside and I can get the (freezing) sea air that way :rotfl:

Money draining out to smalls though. DS lost his coat. Then today needed new school shoes. I have sent money over to take them to soft play and a local event tomorrow. Along with food and things to keep them happy. Least I can do though.

WannabeFree

I'm ending these goals now as nothing more will be done this month. I will do February's goals to fit in with how things are here at the minute.

January goals

Extra Income

Debt
£135 to Council tax Fail
£60 to Rent arrears This happened I think

Plans
6th Sisters Birthday This seems so long ago
Attend all youngest appointments Done, even if not all by me.
Decorate Bathroom Yeah right. Off the list for a few months.
Decorate Toilet Same as above
Decorate My room And again

Spends planned
Buy a kettle
[STRIKE]Buy mugs (£2.50)[/STRIKE]
Buy a bed
[STRIKE]Buy youngest bed (£45)[/STRIKE]
Buy TV
Buy a photo frame
[STRIKE]Sister birthday cards[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]Organise birthday party[/STRIKE]
Girls school shoes
Make sweet cones

Unplanned Spends

*Birthday party booked £135.
They are having a joint party because they are all so close together. DD 17th Feb, DS 2nd March and youngest 8th March.
Paid for and I paid for the holidays and I bought DS coat and shoes. Childcare = expensive let's not even add it up.

As you can see pretty much a total failure of a month on any part. Next months list will be different. Probably - make sure I'm still breathing - remember to drink and eat food :rotfl: