TravelGirl84's DFD

TravelGirl84

End of another week and I thought I would do a little roundup of sorts.

- My big money spreadsheet for the rest of the year and also for next year is done. I'm a little obsessed with spreadsheets so it might get tweaked here and there, but I think it includes everything I want it to. Perhaps I'll do a separate post on this at some point.

- One eBay item sold today. Just waiting for the payment then I can post it and work out what I've made out of it.
- A small amount of money has become payable on TopCB, so I have requested that payout.
- Found £1.15 when tidying up! :rotfl::j
- Have meal planned up until Thursday at least. I had originally planned for the whole week but as I get paid on Friday I don't want to spend money for the next month from this months budget.
- Intentionally drove more economically this week and managed to get another trip out of my tank, which works out about 48 miles / £6.

Plan for next week:

- Get the extra petrol out of the tank again
- I have £36 left in my grocery budget but I want to aim to spend no more than £25
- Post eBay sale and put money made either in Emergency savings or pay off of card
- Put TopCB payout in to Emergency savings or pay off of card
- I have a birthday night out on Sunday. Have moved some money around so the budget is more realistic but I want to try and spend under budget
- Getting my hair done on Thursday and the money for that has already been put aside :T

I don't feel like these are big plans but baby steps all add up.

FootyFanDan

TravelGirl84 wrote: »

Hi Dan :wave:

I think finding the balance between paying off debts and enjoying life will be my biggest struggle. I don't want to feel like I am missing out (major FOMO :rotfl:) but I know once it's paid I can do even more. I also try to remember that despite my debt I am still more fortunate then some with what I can pay and what I can save and I need to be grateful for that.

Have found your diary and will catch up with it! :beer:

I get that and as you get further into the journey it will get a little easier as once you get up to speed with budgeting the fun stuff can be planned out way better. I think in a way that my debt is a combo of bad habits and wanting nice things over a number of years so it is impossible for me to fix in a matter of months, paying the debt of is one thing but learning to control money is the key

PS...I also love a good spreadsheet:rotfl: I'm always updating mine. Having had a read through your diary it seems that you are really focused and there will be moments of fear and OMG why did I do that along the way but that is all part of the journey

TravelGirl84

FootyFanDan wrote: »

I get that and as you get further into the journey it will get a little easier as once you get up to speed with budgeting the fun stuff can be planned out way better. I think in a way that my debt is a combo of bad habits and wanting nice things over a number of years so it is impossible for me to fix in a matter of months, paying the debt of is one thing but learning to control money is the key

PS...I also love a good spreadsheet:rotfl: I'm always updating mine. Having had a read through your diary it seems that you are really focused and there will be moments of fear and OMG why did I do that along the way but that is all part of the journey

My spreadsheet got tweaked again today :rotfl: and I can't guarantee it won't again haha.

It is hard to change just like that, it's a steep learning curve but hopefully one where I'll learn some decent money principles to carry over once I am debt free.

TravelGirl84

Update for today (not sure I'll do a daily every day but I will where I can):

- Work spends under budget, though would have still liked it to have been lower
- A1di shop done and spent less than I thought I would :j there is less choice so I might do a comparison at Te5co next week as there will be more variety for work lunches, but I'm pretty sure I know which one will come out cheaper. I'll see and report back!
- Chicken Tikka Saag cooked and a portion frozen
- Sausage and mash out of the freezer for tomorrows dinner
- Got new potatoes on to make some potato salad for work. Bit late in the day really but it's all extra for lunch and uses up more of the food I have left instead of buying potato salad, which would have cost more and actually mine tastes better (if I do say so myself!)
- Have ordered some skincare and makeup from a new website that sells their products at what it costs to make them (sounds dodgy but it's completely legit and the owner is the owner of other well known brands I think). If they work out well then I'll be saving on some bits I would have bought anyway. My friend uses them and she is pretty pleased so far. I have also added a new pot for skincare and makeup so I can save over time.

Actually pretty pleased with that list!

DebtFreeMonkey

Sounds like a productive day! Good on ya!

FootyFanDan

TravelGirl84 wrote: »

My spreadsheet got tweaked again today :rotfl: and I can't guarantee it won't again haha.

It is hard to change just like that, it's a steep learning curve but hopefully one where I'll learn some decent money principles to carry over once I am debt free.

:rotfl::rotfl: this made me giggle I end up tweaking my spreadsheet loads too, I have probably got loads saved as well

I do think part of the journey is about learning money management skills as well, so that when you have the debt cleared you do not fall back into the trap because through the journey you have built up some spare funds but also will power. It seems that you really do have a plan to stick to and are doing well.

TravelGirl84

Thanks Alicia!

TravelGirl84

FootyFanDan wrote: »

:rotfl::rotfl: this made me giggle I end up tweaking my spreadsheet loads too, I have probably got loads saved as well

I do think part of the journey is about learning money management skills as well, so that when you have the debt cleared you do not fall back into the trap because through the journey you have built up some spare funds but also will power. It seems that you really do have a plan to stick to and are doing well.

Haha! I have an endless amount of spreadsheets from years back :rotfl: Just shows you can create budget spreadsheets but you do have to learn how to stick to them!

Totally agree about money management skills!

TravelGirl84

Update for today:

- Overspent at work by £1.55 fancied porridge instead of eggs, which made me think I should keep a stash of porridge at work on the odd occasion that I fancy it. Also bought a Wispa Cookie because I needed change for a stamp from work. I probably could have just asked the canteen for change if the post lady didn't have it. Any reason huh! Must be stronger next time.
- Lunch taken in to work
- Did an online HIIT and then abs workout after work, so that was freeeee! :j
- eBay sale money received and item sent, just need to work out how much the eBay fees were so I can work out the profit.

Think that's it for today!

enthusiasticsaver

Just caught up on your diary and I think you are right to focus on getting rid of the debt, sorting out your budget and getting some savings behind you rather than taking on a bigger mortgage. Have subscribed so should not miss your updates now. Good luck.