The Four D's

[Deleted User]

Glad you managed to have a chilled and relaxing weekend, and a NSD on top

FootyFanDan

Hey All,

Hope you've all had lovely day. Last few days have not been NSDs, however they were all spends that we in budget already and expected, with the exception of 3.50 parking today. It was so hot so took little one out to a local country park so she could get rid of some of her energy! haha.

Budget still looking okay, should not be any more spends really til pay day so all been well by the time we get to payday the bank will still be in credit which is an achievement. I plan to use the remaining funds to overpay on one of the target debts probably only be £25 but every little bit helps.

Quick question, do people do their food shop weekly/fortnightly or monthly. Normally we do weekly but seems like the budget doesn't seem to stretch fair enough lol...was thinking of changing it up and on payday doing a shop to last two weeks which covers us til 2nd part of income comes in, wondered if anyone else did it this way.

mark55man

I have seen a big mix. Some like doing little and often, others once a month with top ups for fresh.

I think it’s mainly about meal planning and about not wasting food. Also in our house 2 weeks shopping would last one week!!! So if you think you could avoid those traps no reason not to.

Well done on balance at end of month. Way to go

[Deleted User]

We do weekly, our total budget for the month covers food and things like toilet roll, cleaning products, laundry products etc.

We aim for a certain amount a week, some weeks it goes over if we need to get the cleaning/laundry stuff, but then we know other weeks will be under as it all fits in to the total budget.

Meal planning as mentioned above is definitely the way to go, I buy in things like chicken and mince each week that can go with quite a few dishes, and try to look online to price up the shop before I go so I know if we can afford to add anything else in

FootyFanDan

Thanks for the tips unsure how to tackle it really, we don't really go over budget but don't always feel like we get full shops and end up doing random visits. I think a online shop is the way to go though as I can control spends a little more haha

FootyFanDan

Evening all.

Hope you've all had a great day.

Back in nights so day routine was just sleep,shower,eat and back to work. Today wasn't a nsd but only bought milk for work so very low spends, nearly payday.

Tonight I'm going to catch up on some diaries and maybe finally delve into the challenges forum. I need to also go back through this month's posts to track my July targets...one I know I've hit is the c*sta one a small victory but a victory it is

lightbulbtime

Hi FFD,


I've been looking into minimalism of late and discovered a lot about my spending habits. I now always ask myself the question "Do I need this or do I want this?" each time I go to purchase an item. It's incredible how many times I've placed something back on the shelf because I realized it was either an impulse buy or a nice to have. As JJ above says, it's a mindfulness thing. If you question yourself regarding why you are buying it's usually enough to prevent you. A side affect of this for me was realizing I was spending more quality time doing things rather than buying and enjoying material things. Sounds like you are too.


I would say you're now, consciously or otherwise, taking financial responsibility for your actions. Feels great doesn't it!


Good luck going forward

FootyFanDan

lightbulbtime wrote: »

Hi FFD,


I've been looking into minimalism of late and discovered a lot about my spending habits. I now always ask myself the question "Do I need this or do I want this?" each time I go to purchase an item. It's incredible how many times I've placed something back on the shelf because I realized it was either an impulse buy or a nice to have. As JJ above says, it's a mindfulness thing. If you question yourself regarding why you are buying it's usually enough to prevent you. A side affect of this for me was realizing I was spending more quality time doing things rather than buying and enjoying material things. Sounds like you are too.


I would say you're now, consciously or otherwise, taking financial responsibility for your actions. Feels great doesn't it!


Good luck going forward

Hey

Yeah I would 100% say I'm more savvy and think about what I buy and when, maybe too much ha. The one thing I've learnt is how easy it is to impulse buy, I now think do I need it right now and is it a need or a want. I still like nice things as a great every so often, but I'm not the impulse buyer I was before. It feels great to know bills are not getting sacrificed for extravagant luxuries and to be in control.

It's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking I have to spend to have fun when the reality is the total opposite.

DebtFreeMonkey

I'm in a similar ish boat as you when you started this diary. It's amazing the change in mindset when the penny drops, eh? Very recently begun tracking every penny spent and it makes all the difference when deciding what and when to buy stuff. I feel like I'm a former impulse buy addict! Haha.

Hope you have a good rest of the week and keep creeping towards your goals.

FootyFanDan

Alicia1804 wrote: »

I'm in a similar ish boat as you when you started this diary. It's amazing the change in mindset when the penny drops, eh? Very recently begun tracking every penny spent and it makes all the difference when deciding what and when to buy stuff. I feel like I'm a former impulse buy addict! Haha.

Hope you have a good rest of the week and keep creeping towards your goals.

It's strange feeling to go from out of control, bounced direct debits and late payment fees to been a bit more aware of spends. I still do have luxuries that could be cut it needed but at the moment I'm doing well.

Haha I was very much impulse buyer, but slowly my ways are changing. :T