Learning to live within my means

[Deleted User]

Hey astrocrytic_kitten - just popping by to say hi!  I've only been able to read first page and last couple of pages of your diary due to baby duties but will try to read whole thing at some point!  I do think it's fine to treat yourself at christmas with food.  As you've said, it's been a pretty miserable year for all and you've been frugal with food, plus it's nice to have something lovely to nibble on whilst watching all the christmas programmes.  I so wish that we were spending christmas just us - we have to go to my MIL (who can't cook!!) and would really rather not.  She is OBSESSED with christmas and expects us to be there xmas eve, xmas day, boxing day, NYD every year.  DH has not quite plucked up the courage yet to say no (apart from on years when its my parents' turn so we are not around locally) but he has managed to make it xmas day and NYD only.  I think you will have a lovely time, just you, and I also think a lot of people are doing it that way this year (I certainly have friends who are).

Sarahwithlove

It's probably more that 5pm to 5am is a long time to go 😂

astrocytic_kitten

Just wrote a big long post and lost it 🤦‍♀️ Basically I’ve spent £294.14 on clothes in 2020, keeping me just under my monthly clothes budget at £24.51 per month! First time possibly ever that has happened. I’ve also made more selling clothes online while decluttering than I’ve spent on clothes this year, so while I wasn’t specifically using the sales to fund clothes buying it still feels good to have a net gain. I’ve also made a lot of use of sales and brands sending me gift vouchers because I haven’t bought from them in a while (I’m assuming at some point they’ll realise I’m no longer a cash cow and stop!).

The majority of the purchases were filling gaps for comfy clothes after I discovered I had a wardrobe packed full of work stuff but with hardly anything comfy that wasn’t ancient, ratty, full of holes and strictly indoor only. And what I’ve bought in that category has all been worn many, many, many times - basically on rotation all year long. 

In terms of purchases that have been worn less: there was an eBay blouse which was just a tiny bit too small but I love it so much I’m trying to find the next size up before I sell it on. I also bought a pair of work trousers in January that I love but which haven’t been worn yet because I haven’t set foot in an office or even dressed vaguely smartly all year. And I’ve just bought a dress I’ve been considering buying and lusting over for several months, even ordered it once but it didn’t quite fit right and instead of exchanging for another size I decided to take it as a sign and return. It’s been out of stock in the size I need for ages but came back into stock at the weekend and I bought it: £43.50 reduced from 149, and I love it. It will be a work dress which is really an indulgence to be buying right now, but it could also work for non-work stuff.

So this is the most successful year I’ve had for clothes spending in quite some time: in budget, everything considered, only one thing that doesn’t quite work but it was only £6.50 and I’ll sell it on once I find a replacement.

Now the main thing is for me to realise I’ve spent my annual clothes budget and get through the next 9 days and the sales without buying any more....!

astrocytic_kitten

@[Deleted User] any chance the changes to the rules get you your Christmas at home? I have a friend who is so relieved she now gets to stay home with her husband and toddler instead of dragging themselves around all the family like they normally do. I know it’s not always that easy though.

[Deleted User]

@astrocytic_kitten - sadly not!  I've said to DH we are going away next year (if we can!)

astrocytic_kitten

Have paid off £730 with early December pay, taking me to £3870 and 83% paid off....and I’m having a real wobble about possibly emptying savings and getting the whole thing paid off before the end of the year. Fresh slate in 2021 sounds so tempting, and it would save me approx £80 in interest.

BUT I made the decision to have a larger emergency fund while paying down debt because my health is so bad, and that hasn’t changed. And the economy is only getting worse. Realistically speaking, if I was to lose my job it could take me a very long time to find a new one. My current job is flexible, wfh, and works around me and my limitations. Off to have a cup of tea to think about it!

[Deleted User]

I think, given the current economic situation, I probably would keep the emergency fund as a cushion.  Just in case.

astrocytic_kitten

[Deleted User] said:

I think, given the current economic situation, I probably would keep the emergency fund as a cushion.  Just in case.

That’s where I’m landing...I’d still have a small emergency fund left if I paid the debt in full now but taking everything else into consideration it’s a bit too risky for me, I’d have a short high of being debt free then start worrying about lack of a safety net 😂

Thought was nice while it lasted though!

astrocytic_kitten

Went back to look at my 2020 plans... I’ve saved 3 months emergency fund and overpaid debt, but the don’t buy any more clothes or books intention hasn’t worked out very well 😂 I have been much more mindful with clothes buying though, and I’m getting to a better place with it slowly. I’m not sure I’m ever going to be able to go without buying books, though I do plan to pause my audible membership for the next few months.

I’ve been pretty unwell over the past week so haven’t got around to totting up end of year totals or making any plans for 2021 goals. I’ve done so much thinking on next steps over the past few months they probably write themselves though - finally pay off debt, get to 6 months emergency fund, increase savings to home sinking fund and pension. And possibly move house, though that depends on a few factors out of my control and might be something for 2022 instead. I’ve been trying to very very gradually declutter and sort things out in the flat this year in preparation for moving (and also for my sanity), and that will continue too. 

Thinking back to this time last year, I’m in a much better place financially and I’m also doing a better job of looking after myself now. Hopefully that trajectory will continue in 2021, though if there’s one thing this year has taught it’s not to take anything for granted.

savingholmes

Sounds like you've made great progress. Happy New Year.