Squirrelling away the pennies for debt free life

Squirrelly

Good Morning Squirrel Friends,


Sorry it has been a while, Ive come to the conclusion that daily posting probably will not work for me as I need access to Mr Squirrels computer ( I hate typing on my phone). However, I will try and update as and when I can as it does really help me get on track.


Soooo...lots of updates for you this morning.


I had my interview for the new role and resisted the urge to buy new clothes for the interview (definitely my go-to in the past) but it was a fairly informal interview with someone who knows me well so completely unnecessary. Last year I started exploring project 333 and Marie Kondo so have reduced my clothing and am slowly shifting my mindset, but the urge to shop can still be quite strong. Anyway the good news is I was offered the job and only have one more shift on Sunday to complete in my temporary role. I am going to take a week off inbetween roles, partly because I had it booked off anyway and also when I was made redundant in April I went straight into the temp role overlaping for a couple of days. I ended up having a week off in the first week of Jan and then working until the first week of Aug and I was pooped! So a lovely week off with the Squirrel children to get recharged and organised for the back to school and work hoopla.


I have had a couple of spends one was £17.99 on a huge Kentia Palm (massive house plant about 6 foot tall) it was reduced from £179.99 I did actually walk away from it the first day but when it was still there the following day Im afraid I couldn't resist any longer and it came home with me . The second was a trip to the cinema as Squirrel Girl had a friend over last weekend for a sleepover and I wanted to give them a treat. Made it as low cost as I could so we went to the weekend morning kids showing of a slightly older film (we dont go often so this is not an issue to us) so Me and Mr Squirrel plus the two girls all for £12.80, we took our own treats.


Interestingly Mr Squirrel and I compared notes and at one point we know we would have, bought treats and drinks and probably gone out for lunch rather than coming home to eat and that little £12.80 treat could have easily cost the best part of £50 (if not more:eek:)



I did my first morning volunteering at the community garden last week and enjoyed myself so I will be back again this morning before tackling my own front garden this afternoon.


I have managed to pay £250 off the CC I had allocated this at the beginning of the month but not actually paid it just in case I had my calculations wrong. Very happy to alter my signature and now owe 5 something rather than 6 something.


Big planning day hopefully on Monday as our paydays are looming and i want to build on our fresh enthusiasm for September.


Have a lovely bank holiday all
Squirrelly xx

DebtFreeMonkey

Congratulations on the new job!!

It sounds like you've had an interesting and productive few days. I think, from what you've last written, you've found a good balance of having a treat but being mindful and very MSE!

Hope you enjoy the bank holiday weekend

savingholmes

congrats on the new job and enjoy your break

Chrystal

Great news about the job. :j :j
Have a lovely time on your weeks break.... you deserve it.

Maryland_Cookie

Congratulations on your new job, I too have a weakness for shopping, albeit charity shop shopping that does take over sometimes......

Enjoy your week off with the family, looking forward to hearing your updates. Just wondering now if I should make a traybake......

Honeysucklelou2

Just read through your diary. You are amazing to have helped your in-laws and in continuing to do so. Dementia is a condition that is hard to deal with...my grandmother had dementia, thankfully only in a mild form but still unnerving.

Congratulations on your new job and good luck with the debt busting.

Squirrelly

Hello again Squirrel Friends,


Gosh its been a while hasnt it?...so what have we been up to in the last week. I would love to tell you I have had a lovely, relaxing break but sadly I have been a bit under the weather and feeling really anxious.


Lots of things have been playing on my mind. I am very worried about the state of our planet and although we try really hard to reduce our waste/plastics/chemicals I get angry and frustrated by the lack of action from our government and big companies, who could make so much more impact. I am worrying about brexit and a possible recession, I dont feel that Mr Squirrel and I have ever got back to the lifestyle we had pre-2008 crash, and with desperately trying to save money there is little wiggle room in the budget anyway without the inevitable tightening that comes. I feel so guilty that there has been no holiday for the squirrel children in the last 3 years or even much in the way of days out or nice experiences this summer break as there simply has not been the money to do it. I KNOW that we are doing the right thing long term but in the last week it has been tough, boring and hard and I have been constantly fighting the s*d it lets just spend money and cheer ourselves up instinct.


I must tell you that this is just me venting and I am feeling much better today (also today was the first morning I woke up without a headache for about 5 days).


I spent £4.50 on some hair dye and have watched some of my favourite costume dramas, a little self care goes a long way. I spent a nice day in the garden with Mr Squirrel and am feeling grateful for all the things I have. Yes my house is a bit of a mess and needs lots of work but I have a secure roof over my head, yes the budget is tight but we have plenty of healthy food to eat, the children havent had many treats but they are healthy and know they are loved and supported in all they do.


MSE wise all pots are accounted for and we survived a family eye test with only boy Squirrel needing new glasses so a total spend of £34...which is amazing considering two years ago when we all needed new specs the bill came in at around £700.


First day in my new job tomorrow and squirrel children back to school Tues and Wed I think being back in a routine will help as I will be focussed and my weird anxious brain will switch off for a bit.


Have a lovely week all and I promise to be less of a misery guts next time


xxx

Chrystal

Hope the job goes well tomorrow.

As for all the worrying about the state of the planet, brexit etc don't waste your energy.... it doesn't change anything other than stress your body out (your body doesn't like stress!) All anyone can do is the best we can so trying to be environmentally friendly (and signing any petitions that come your way) is about the best we can do. As for Brexit it's a case of wait and see what happens and then deal with the fallout..... it could be much better or much worse than we think so it's gonna be a case of 'suck it and see' The thing is whatever happens we will get through it.
Kids don't need money spending on them to have a good time. Loving parents who enjoy time with them is what they remember. (((hugs)))