DFD: Dread-free diary

Slytherin

I've had some unexpected expenditures this month which has made things really tight. Like, similar to how tight things were before Christmas when I was trying to pay off my creditors and borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.

I sat down last night to plan my budget for the rest of the month. Main spends are food and travel. I've allocated £80 to the former and £85 to the latter. Hopefully I can spend less on food. Today I made up 6 portions of curry and rice which cost me about £7. Apart from milk, eggs and bottled water for work, I shouldn't need to buy anymore food this week so that should hopefully mean I fall way below my target of £26 this week.

Slytherin

On reflection, I feel like I've had a really nice day. I had a little lie in and then went for a walk. I prepped all my lunches for the week, made a nice lunch and then did laundry. I've listened to some music and watched some telly. I haven't seen or spoken to anyone today (other than Whatsapp) but I like my own company, so that's fine. So it was a boring day yet strangely satisfying.

I feel in a good place.

Slytherin

I FINALLY got through to Nationwide today and I was absolutely shook at how lovely the guy was who I spoke to. I found Nationwide haven't been the kindest but this chap treated my actual plan as though it was an aside and seemed more focussed on how I was and if I had a support system in place for some of the things I had mentioned. I understand that creditors have to treat everyone fairly, but I was taken aback that at how totally understanding he was. What a top geezer.

Slytherin

Been a while since I posted! I've been really busy sorting things out with my work transfer and my move. I'm moving house into a temporary place this week and hoping everything with my job should be finalised so I can start living my best frugal life outside of London next month. It's nerve wracking but exciting.

In other news, I recently discovered that work have been underpaying me a little each month since July 2017. They owe me about £1100 in back pay!

It won't make a dent in my debts so I'm hoping to make an emergency fund with it.

Slytherin

More good news! In addition to the money owed to me for back pay, I found out yesterday that a pay rise that was looking unlikely has now been confirmed from July. Absolutely delighted!

When I leave London, my wages will dip slightly because it's a voluntary transfer. Cheaper living costs would still mean this would leave me a bit better off but this pay rise means my salary outside of London will now only be a little more than I'm currently earning (obviously I've been on the wrong salary for a year but it's what I'm used to living on).

As mentioned, this kicks in from July. I'm going to wait a couple of months before upping my DMP payments as I don't want to over commit before my big move. I don't know if it might just be worth adding a little extra to my DMP or adding it into savings for my emergency fund.

All in all though, good news!

Slytherin

That should say 'little less' and not 'little more'

lonelyrat

Hi Slytherin That's so nice the guy with Nationwide was decent. I do think using the money to set up and Emergency fund is a great idea. It's something I keep meaning to do as emergencies/ unexpected stuff always crop up and somehow I never learn!