Aligning the Stars

redofromstart

Happy New Year to you starmummy, sounds like a quality year to me.

Starmummy

Thanks for the kind words REDO and WK.

I really appreciate having you along for the journey.

I am going to try and update more frequently.

My posts became more sporadic in the second half of last year and my focus wavered a bit as a result.

No real money news to speak of at the moment. My debt payments have gone out, I'm just waiting for my work expenses to come in before I transfer my savings.

I'm thinking of treating myself to a fit bit (the flex 2) but I shall wait until I get my exam results on 14th, if I pass at least 1/2 exams then I'll get it, it's reduced to £39 on amazon ATM.
I also need to buy a new rucksack. We travel a lot (hand luggage only) and my old cabin bag has been rubbish for a while. Star Child can use my work backpack when we travel and i'll get a new 35l.
That size proved adequate enough for a week hiking last summer, including fleeces and chunky hiking boots.
So i'm currently saving up for those two items.

I've got a 'shopping list' note on my phone.
When I want something I will add it to the list, I must then save up to buy it, I'm allowing myself £5 a day spending money, this needs to cover everything on my 'shopping list', clothing, beauty, socializing, but NOT including travel as this is saved separately.
So take the fit bit, i must save 8 days of spending money to purchase it. However, I must bare in mind other plans I have in the month. I am seeing my sister next weekend so will need to save some spending money for that, I also need to save for a meal out with Mr Star at the end of the month (a show and dinner was part of his Christmas present).

That in mind, the two social things and the fitbit will be almost all of January's budget, so I will have to purchase a backpack in February- I will need it in February as SC and I need to fly out to the country Mr Star will be working in for a visit, thankfully his work cover this travel as a goodwill gesture for his job moving abroad semi-permanently.

Starmummy

I've added some money news... i just booked the hotel for my trip with Star Child to see a friend who lives in Stockholm.
Budgeted in Holiday savings account and I went through a cash back site.
Flights and accommodation for 3 trips this year paid for all that is left to save is spending money and a hire car for summer.

mummytogirls

Good Afternoon SM,

Just found your diary and had a quick catch up with the start and how far you have come.

You absolutely should be so proud of what you achieved in 2018... well done xx

Starmummy

Hi MSEr's

I hope you all had a fantastic first weekend of the year.

Ours was jam packed.

Saturday, SC had swimming, then we drove to a local National Trust place and met Mr Star who cycled there. A quick look around the museum and a nice long country walk to fill our lungs with fresh air. We took a flask and snacks but did stop in a cafe for a late lunch and came out just £14.80 lighter, this was a joint account expense so won't affect my personal spends targets.

Sunday I took SC to her swimming, then did a 5k run while she was with her instructor. Her dad picked her up for the day so I popped to Aldi for a food shop (£58 but should last nearly 2 weeks with Mr Star working away, just a top up of greens, milk and bread) I washed 4 loads of laundry and took them to dry at the launderette. I went for a walk while I was waiting. Came home cooked me and Mr Star brunch, went to look at a new road bike that was for sale (didn't buy), then Mr Star cleaned out the DIY cupboard while I De-christmased, put away laundry and changed the bed sheets.


No personal spends at all as we were so busy doing chores, in fact i've not spent any money at all this year, other than the planned hotel mentioned in my last post.

I've not slept well for the past week. I think it's because Mr Star is away on a work trip for two weeks from Wednesday. This one is a huge time zone difference away, which isn't unusual but I think my brain is gearing up for when his job moves abroad next month. It's going to be a big change. I'm sure we can handle it though.

Here's to another fab new week.

Take care

SM

Starmummy

Another day, another post.

Still plodding.
Still no personal spends.
Grocery budget set for £250, so far spent £98.92 and there is enough food in the house to last until 15th other than milk, bread, greens and fruit...so possibly £7-£10 needed for that. It's Just me and SC for food after tonight until 22nd so food spends should be fairly low. I predict £40 for next weeks shop, leaving £100 in the budget for the last 9 days of the month. totally doable.

Mr Star and I have a dinner out at the end of the month and we are staying at my sisters this weekend so that should save a few meals/pounds.
I will have to get a little something for her as a house gift though, I'll budget £7 for wine/flowers from the grocery budget...can offset the cost of meals saved from her feeding us.

I'm waiting patiently for Child Maintenance and Work Expenses to come in as my account is pretty bare ATM. All DD have gone out though and food and fuel comes from the Joint Account, so when they are paid it will be split between savings and Personal spends.

I'm not tempted to buy the fitbit...maybe I'm going off the idea. I'm glad I have taken to conscious spending, it's amazing how many things I find that I really don't need. Or maybe it's because I'm saving for a new Bike, the new Bike will bring me far more joy and it will be a bigger expense but much bigger benefit. l will save so much time cycling rather than walking. I can drive but we only have 1 car and Mr Star will be taking it with him when his job moves to the continent next month. It currently takes me 40 minutes to do the school walk then on to work, it could be 15 with a bike, this will save time in the evenings, but would also mean I no longer have to send SC to breakfast club, saving £3.50 per day.
Mr Star has been asking for years for me to learn to ride so that we can enjoy his hobby together, so a new bike is my most important purchase goal right now.

so project new wheels is on the go. I'm going to budget £500 for a bike and helmet, I want something that will last well.

Take care lovelies

SM

Lucifa73

Does your employer offer a cycle to work scheme? Might be worth looking into as you can get bike and equipment funded up front and have the cost spread over a term from your pay. I've never used it personally but know a lot of people who have and are happy with it. x

Starmummy

Lucifa73 wrote: »

Does your employer offer a cycle to work scheme? Might be worth looking into as you can get bike and equipment funded up front and have the cost spread over a term from your pay. I've never used it personally but know a lot of people who have and are happy with it. x

Hi Lucifa

I did actually look into that. Alas, they do not. they stopped it last year. The company I work for are well known for their shocking employee benefits unfortunetly.

Lucifa73

That's a shame but not unusual... many have stopped these benefits because of minimum wage implications. Does Mr S have access through his employer?

Starmummy

Lucifa73 wrote: »

That's a shame but not unusual... many have stopped these benefits because of minimum wage implications. Does Mr S have access through his employer?

He does, but he used it last year to buy himself a mountain bike so he could ride the cross country route to work in summer, as the road route was too dangerous.

But genious thoughts Lucifa, thank you.

It's always worth posting my musings on here, someone always has a bright idea

In other news, Mr Star is sat at the airport awaiting his flight to far far away for a work trip. I always feel really sad when he goes but I know I cope just fine.
I promise no crazy " i'm going to decorate the 'X' room and surprise him" this time. I don't have the energy and the rooms that are left need some big work done first anyway.

My plan is to try and get outside everyday for some winter Vit D and a mood boost, I shall also spend my evenings studying and reading when SC is in bed. No Netflix binges!

I've also planned a trip to see both of my siblings on alternate weekends so I can have some social interaction and I must pop in on my Grandparents at some point too.

I have a to do list that is ever growing, but I shall be kind to myself. Just 1 or 2 things a day will still be a success.