Can i ask a question......

Countrygirlatheart · 20 August 2018 at 3:07PM

..........could I maybe change from compulsive spender (Hiss Boo!!!) to reformed saving saint (buffs halo)
Quick intro of me (as it can get a bit boring lets be honest here) Late 40's complete with DH, DD's x 2, full time job & fur baby kitty kattington.
I've been rather rubbish with money all of my adult life and had a big old debt load weighing me down for a good few years, so I managed to sort myself out and pay it off ( weigh lifted.....)
All that is left regarding money spent that doesn't necessarily belong to me is a catalogue which has near on £1000 on it - this I need to address as I won't let it go any higher - need it to go lower for sure.
I want to be one of the folks who are ecstatic about saving money rather than being a rather excitable puppy when faced with the prospect of spending (oooh it's a must have, honest it is, I can't live without it, can I though)
I'm an all or nothing kinda girl, so I need to learn some middle ground & be mindful that I can't save a squillion pounds a month & live on buttons & bread but I can live a balanced life and still spend some and also save some.
Wish me luck & thanks for dropping in !!!

MovingForwards · 20 August 2018 at 3:21PM

I never had money as a kid, so never got to learn the value of it...I am slowly crawling out of debt and sorting my life out. After hitting 40, a failed marriage and a new partner the last two years have been a game changer. I budget, I save, I actually have money in my main account on payday and not just when my wages go in

I also have a furbaby who is my world.

You can do it x

Countrygirlatheart · 20 August 2018 at 3:39PM

Thank you for strolling through.
Growing up my dad was definitely leaning towards spending beyond his means & would always have a loan for something or other (cars mainly) and he never wanted to say no to me (bit spoilt I fancy, tut) which I think made me feel a bit entitled even though in real terms we were quite poor (what a blinking joke!!)
I'm glad there is hope to change!!! I need to struggle on til payday (on fumes of long lost spent coins & royally printed paper) and then implement mission impossible - move over Tom Cruise.......

Working_Mum · 20 August 2018 at 5:01PM

I think the key thing is for you to "re-frame" your spending. Are you motivated by setting and achieving goals? Do you like to give yourself a treat? Do you see paying back debt as a punishment and having to "do without"

I had to really bring my attitude towards money into sharp focus - almost a spend at a time to be able to then make plans and set goals for my fiscal freedom.

This is a great resource on here and you'll find loads of support!

Good luck on your journey!

Countrygirlatheart · 20 August 2018 at 10:43PM

Ahh yes, the overwhelming feeling of deprivation, that would be one I call my own & sits on my shoulder convincing me I really don't need to worry & just carry on and don't think about that spending, tra la la.
Needless to say this isn't really working for me any longer and I need to grow up a tad (why is it I still feel 25 in my head when I am trotting on in years on the outside - disappointing to say the least!!)

Countrygirlatheart · 21 August 2018 at 9:20AM

Drip Drip Drop little August showers........

Everything is a tad grey today, always a spirit lifter I find, NOT!!

So, I have already wrangled with my alter ego' The squanderer' this morning - I was seriously contemplating buying a recipe book (it was such a bargain TS told me whilst sitting on my shoulder whispering in my ear ) - the reality is the 3 recipes I wanted can easily be printed off on line but the prospect of a shiny new book was such a lure as 3 scrappy bits of paper isn't as aesthetically pleasing but as I am also on major house clear, won't take up as much room as a book.

After a two cat stand off in my head between The Squanderer & The Saintly Saver, I reasoned that I need to invest in a cheap (but cute) ring binder (already have the plastic wallets), print off the recipes pop in the folder and not have the expense or additional stuff to store.
Blimey, if it's this intense over a recipe book, bring on the big stuff.....Eek!!!

Working_Mum · 21 August 2018 at 11:11AM

Ha I have a gorgeous little folder (left over from my spending-without-thought-to-the-consequences-years) which houses all of my recipes! It looks gorgeous in the corner of my kitchen near my Command Centre (thanks Pinterest) where I sort out my life/spends book/receipts etc.

Another Pinterest find is "shopping from home" - so now when I need something I "shop from home" and re-use/upcycle something that i already have.

Some of the Frugal threads on here (check out Old Style Money Savings Forum) are wonderful and give daily motivation and focus.

Dave Ramsey's approach is great and dovetails nicely into this Forum and my other fave book is The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J Stanley PhD (all bought cheaply online!).

I started my DF journey with a massive de-clutter/sort out and I realised I was so incredibly blessed! it was simply a case of getting mindful and organised!

Countrygirlatheart · 21 August 2018 at 2:17PM

Working mum - I can see you have walked in my shoes, and are way further down the line, many thanks for sharing (bet your folder is extra cute!!) & I really love the shopping 'from home' idea - my attic has as much stock as Ikea so I should be good with that one!!
Thank you, as you have obviously tamed the beast - Well done you xx

I just looked up Dave Ramsey, his net worth last year was $200 million - he's obviously doing something right.....I want to be Dave Ramsey......
In all seriousness I will try to grab one of his books (when I can find it cheaper than cheap) - 'Raising the next generation to win with money' caught my eye as I really don't want my DD's to follow the same winding road to Money free avenue, whilst stopping off at Laden with debt corner & parking up at 'what am I gonna do next stress ball street.

Maybe I shall write my debt busting memoirs when I'm on the other side and make many millions.........won't be holding my breath here......

Anyway, another genuine question.......

Currently I work out a monthly amount for 'spends' once bills and savings have been taken out after payday (last day of the month), then (which doesn't really work to be fair but I've still continued to do it - DUH!!) take money out on Fridays every week - this would work fine if there were 28 days every month but I often end up having days/near week of scrimping in light of not realising I'm heading for a five week month etc.
I also see it as the weekly amount basically needs to be spent, it wouldn't occur to me that I would have any money left, usually I'm dipping into the following weeks money & then I'm in leanbeansville by the end of the month.
Is it best to have a 'monthly' pot or keep it to weekly amounts but just work it out a little better!!

jbkmum · 21 August 2018 at 2:51PM

I have just set up our weekly envelopes for September, we struggle with monthly amounts - in a flash we've spent our entire food budget in a week. So we've filled envelopes for food and fuel, locked them away and will remove the two for the appropriate week and lock the box again. Husband's looking after the key and is under strict instruction to hide it!