NST December: Debt Destruction December

Toni'sfriend

Snowing here as well and really cold. Dolly, I haven't been out since Christmas Eve and I'm not going out today either. On the positive side that's 5 NSD and a serious assault on the freezer

laurenh1

So today is my NSD # 15 hurrah. Wasn't intending it to be but we have snow and aldi can wait. Certainly don't need anything enough to try & drive out.

Plans for beamish have been replaced by plans to build snowmen

Pay day today as well, think my budgets will look something like this-
1000 emergency fund
1800 paris fund (this should be at 2500pounds by feb)
500 lapland Uk fund
100 xmas 18 (ill save what I can when I can all year)
206 spends for the month :eek: which is pretty much what my spends will stay til sept but no more saving expect house saving from march as changes means budgets wont allow it. Feeling flush at the mo but things will be so tight come march hub & I decided to chose our hols in advance budget & save for them this year. Same with our emergency fund. In sept our childcare goes from 1122 per month to half that as my eldest goes free. Woohoo.

So greatful for all things Martin Lewis, having an emergency fund because of the savings I have been able to make, the support of this thread and forum keeping me on track and being ready for a tight year with one pre budgeted holiday. I think under other circumstances this year could have crippled us.

Snow fun beckons xx

Lauralozzle

Yesterday was another NSD so I’m at 11/15. Don’t think we will manage one today though as the one very full fridge is looking bare.

Pay-day today though so January budgets are sorted - I have transferred the money to the joint account, put £40 in the honeymoon fund, will make the overpayment on my credit card too later. I much prefer to get it all sorted once I’m paid as then the money is spent. As it’s payday today I’m now effectively in January’s budget so any shopping spends will come out January grocery budget.

Gratitudes
Nearly used all the leftovers
Two NSD on the trot
Central heating - it’s been cold here.

f0xh0les

I don't know where to stick this, so I hope you don't mind.

Just got an email from YHA and found this hidden amongst the usual stuff.

We're offering a free two-night stay with meals in our Youth Hostels in England and Wales to families struggling with financial hardship, disability, long-term illness, bereavement, homelessness or other challenging circumstances, to enable them to have some quality family time.

YHA recognises the benefits of time away from the normal home environment in strengthening relationships and believes that family time is the cornerstone of children’s happiness and wellbeing. We've found that families struggling with bereavement, homelessness or long-term disability and illness often struggle with financial hardship that limit their ability to take a break, at a time when they need it most to make happy memories, build bonds, and heal emotional scars.

Up to two adults and their children can apply to the Family Breaks programme for a short break.

All the Youth Hostels available within the programme are located within city, rural and coastal areas that are easily accessible by public transport. Families will be provided with a private room and meals throughout their stay.

Applying for a YHA Breaks family holiday is simple and straightforward. Simply fill out an application form here. Or, get in touch with the YHA Breaks team by emailing breaks@yha.org.uk or calling freephone 0800 0191 700.

I am not really on the debt /bereavement forums, so if anyone knows where this should go, could you shove it over there for me? Or just tell people you know.

f0xh0les

No snow here. Just v cold and a bit wet.

Popped out to the supermarket -DH needed razors (HOW MUCH!!!!!:eek:) and we needed bread, milk and coffee and a lot of fresh veg and fruit. And some stain blocking paint. And snacky food, as it has all been eaten. Really just fancy some fruit and hm soups. I am actually bored of biscuits and pies now. :T

I am forcing myself to wait until NYE to take down the tree and decorations. I have had enough of all that now. It starts so early here - so the take down is early too. It has been up for twice the 12 allotted days so I am making the executive decision to remove it early. :rotfl:

So still on NSD 12 with 2 days to go, I will not hit my 15 but I might just make 14.

laurenh1

foxh0les what a lovely thing. One thing that drives me mental is the price of holiday prices over summer holidays etc. I think time away as a family is important. We are going c parcs on 8th and it cost 250 quid for 4 nights instead of the 1k over xmas or school hols xx

f0xh0les

Don't get me started on school holiday price hikes! Even YHA do it. Then they have to have a sale as the rooms are not booked!
And getting away as a family is so important.

One of my boys is an absolute pain, but get him near the sea and he is a total delight. Sadly the older one, who is very well behaved normally, sulks like a 2 yr old anywhere near sand and seawater.

Can't please 'em all, but 75% is a win for me. :rotfl:

apple_muncher

January is live!

But I can't post a linkie to it from my tablet. D'oh! It is NST January: Health, Wealth and a Life Well Lived.

Can someone pls post the linkie for me.

Ta muchly.

DawnW

apple_muncher wrote: »

January is live!

But I can't post a linkie to it from my tablet. D'oh! It is NST January: Health, Wealth and a Life Well Lived.

Can someone pls post the linkie for me.

Ta muchly.

Here's the link

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5765594

Lauralozzle

Today has been spendy as the fridge was looking bare. All it had in it was leftover turkey and leftover stuffing, about 1/5 of a tub of butter and 2 pins of milk. So, not much to cook with. So, we went shopping this afternoon. Although we’re still in December, payday was today so that marks January budget (I budget best depending on pay day - always last working day of the month) So the spends today count towards January budget but obviously it has not been NSD.

£850 has gone straight into joint account
£31 into Xmas 2018 Account
£50 into honeymoon spending Fund
£25 overpayment on Credit Card no.1

My bank balance looked much healthier this morning!

Gratitudes
Payday
Food in fridge
Heating that works (its chilly today)