Making money make sense

Franalamadingdong

I clearly can't be allowed to go into a shop to buy one bloody thing! Just went to get some squash for at work and left several £ lighter! Argh! I did get some yellow sticker chicken. I sliced 2 breasts and added sweet chilli sauce (from birthday take away!) In a bag and in the freezer. Sliced the other two boobies into chunks, added garlic and homemade yogurt, in a bag and in the freezer. I've labelled them too, so a couple of ready marinaded chicken chunks that I can chuck under the grill and serve with rice, or fries or wedges or homemade flatbreads. it only took a few minutes and I did it while I was cooking tea (so preparing garlic anyway). I also mixed up tuna salad for sandwiches for the rest of the week while I was at it. I've planned the dinners for the next two weeks, so just a top up shop will do and I do have £26.23 left of the original £200. I do annoy myself sometimes.

I've also had to buy a gift for another party the boy has been invited to (1st February).... And he's got a school disco the following week (7th). I'm rather pleased I've got the 28th of February off, which my boy doesn't know about. I used to work for the church, so always saw his worships (assemblies), but after changing jobs at the end of September 2018 he's missed me being there. And after that ends (10am) I'll have the rest of the day to myself!

So lots of things going on, but mostly little things. I have noticed I've missed off a few categories to factor in to my budgets, so I've noted that for the future.

Franalamadingdong

I've been chugging along nicely this morning and managed to do a couple of surveys during breakfast. Now at £10.22 for PA and £9.35 for OP.

I also think that I might not go to festival of quilts this year. With parking and hotel costs as well as eating out, the tickets themselves and the spends there, it's just too much money on a couple of days that's only really for me. I might put the funds towards a holiday we'll all enjoy, or possibly towards the house. We live at the seaside, in the countryside, holidaying away always seems a little silly, which is why the boy and I tended towards city breaks, but the boyfriend is from the city and prefers the countryside... So we're just as well staying home and doing some nice activities!

It's hard, and I'm a little sad, but I know it's the right thing to do, and I'll see all the quilts on Instagram. I'll discuss it with the boyfriend at the weekend. I feel happier at the decision than I thought I'd be actually. Yes, I can save up for it as I did last year, but really, parking is about £50, petrol is only about £30 (yay awesome car), hotel was about £350 (for 3 nights) then add in meals and spends.... I'd rather spend the money on something for all 3 of us, not just something for me - the boyfriend came and was surprisingly into it, but it's not his thing, and the parents babysat the boy.

Franalamadingdong

So, I've swished £70 into the savings: £10 for my prime renewal due in June, £10 for a magazine subscription - which I'm tempted to cancel and take advantage of a new subscription offer. It's due in March, so I want to put some money aside anyway. And £50 for the clothing fund as the boy will no doubt need new uniform before too long! And shoes. And trainers... Urgh.

I also bought the harness for the dog. The basket trick worked and got is for £16.14 rather than £19.99. it's another unplanned spend, but it's necessary as the dog will not stop pulling and it's dangerous for the boy and damaging my shoulders/back.

I ended up texting the boyfriend the festival of quilts trip decision. He said he thinks I should go as it's important to have something for me (I told you he's a treasure), but I've said that I'm happy to not go and instead use the money for all three of us.

Mum's messaged me from their cruise to tell me they're planning a world cruise for 2022. Haha. How the other half live eh?!

Franalamadingdong

The harness is amazing! It's just arrived and we went for another quick trot and he didn't pull at all, was calm and it didn't do it by hurting him! He was happy and my shoulders were thrilled!

Blackcats

Shame about the festival but if you don't think you will enjoy it because it doesn't feel value for money then maybe save up for it for next year with its own budget pot?
How about a short family trip to the museums in London? Lots of beautiful textiles, costumes and jewellery in the Victoria and Albert for you and just round the corner lots of fun at the science museum and natural history for the boys. You could stay in a chain hotel relatively cheaply. Sorry if you have done this before or you live millions of miles from London!

Franalamadingdong

Thanks Blackcats. We've had quite a few London trips (about 3 hours by train), but the boyfriend really doesn't like it and won't stay in the city - he had just come out of the tube station when the London bombings went off, so I am understanding.

I could save up for it for this year, I just think it's a lot to spend just for me. It might be that I'd just go for one day. It's still a long drive for me so would still need a hotel stay.

Summer still feels forever away when it's so cold!

Franalamadingdong

No spends today. I've picked out a couple of valentine's Day cards (one for the boyfriend and another for the best friend who broke up with her fella late last year). I've also picked out cushion inserts, just actually have to buy the things and make them! I was also eyeing up some things on shein, but didn't buy them!!! Whoop whoop!

Just had a wee check through my numbers and to budget all income to £0 I have £183.78 left until the end of the month... I think! Haha! It may be a little more if the boy's dad does contribute to his extra curricular activities, but I'm not holding my breath!

This month I've managed to put £50 to Christmas (£100 total), £93.36 to the birthday pot, £36.66 to "events" (v day, Easter etc), £200 to car pot (insurance and MOT due end of March), £10 to Amazon prime, £10 to magazine subscription and £50 into the clothing pot. As well as moving £2k from the current to the savings account for my emergency fund. It's not gone perfectly, some things I over budgeted for, and some I have over spent, but overall it's looking good for my first month being 100% back on it. I had left a £145.73 buffer in this month's budget, and I found £25. Next month there's slightly less income (£44.11) and I've only left a £23.76 buffer; however, I've already realised I can't use all £50 in the school dinner budget as I've already booked ahead and can only spend £25 for the rest of the term, Summer term won't be available until March.

Only one week until I close out the month!!!

Blackcats

Brilliant money distribution. You deserve a virtual pat on the back.
Have a lovely weekend

Franalamadingdong

Thanks Blackcats. We shall see how it all balances out when I close it out.
Made flapjacks yesterday as our weekend treat. Nom, they're so good. And again, just from bits I had in the house.

Blackcats

Home baking is great isn't it - you sound like you are a good baker. I've only just started baking cakes but it is very pleasing when they turn out well.
Enjoy your weekend