Giving every £ a job

Blackcats

Thanks foxgloves and SavingHolmes.  Yes indeed, the money I don't spend now will take me closer to my early retirement.  I need to keep reminding myself of that and happy for reminders from the good folk on these boards.
I've  set my January aspirations - I'm going to tackle a month at a time as I think this year will bring some challenges as sadly the health of my elderly relative is deteriorating.
so ..... January 
21 no alcohol days (the days have blurred over Christmas and new year, not as a result of excessive consumption 🥳 but I've had a glass of wine most evenings whereas I usually try to have a drink just at the weekend
walk 21 km - real outside leisurely walking so not counting steps around the house.  It's not a huge target but it's not always easy to get out for a walk on a working day as I'd rather not go out in the dark 
reduce my spending by 21% based on last January's spend.  This is a stretch but last January I seem to have spent rather a lot.

Tidy, sort,, de-clutter for a minimum of 15 minutes each day for 31 days.  I started today and have the most joy inducing basket of socks that anyone could ever wish for 🤣

Looking forward to the year ahead (with the obvious caveat of the Covid catastrophe).

Blackcats

Thanks foxgloves and SavingHolmes.  Yes indeed, the money I don't spend now will take me closer to my early retirement.  I need to keep reminding myself of that and happy for reminders from the good folk on these boards.
I've  set my January aspirations - I'm going to tackle a month at a time as I think this year will bring some challenges as sadly the health of my elderly relative is deteriorating.
so ..... January 
21 no alcohol days (the days have blurred over Christmas and new year, not as a result of excessive consumption 🥳 but I've had a glass of wine most evenings whereas I usually try to have a drink just at the weekend
walk 21 km - real outside leisurely walking so not counting steps around the house.  It's not a huge target but it's not always easy to get out for a walk on a working day as I'd rather not go out in the dark 
reduce my spending by 21% based on last January's spend.  This is a stretch but last January I seem to have spent rather a lot.

Tidy, sort,, de-clutter for a minimum of 15 minutes each day for 31 days.  I started today and have the most joy inducing basket of socks that anyone could ever wish for 🤣

Looking forward to the year ahead (with the obvious caveat of the Covid catastrophe).

savingholmes

Happy New Year. The secret to the socks game - only buy a single or couple of designs. It makes matching a lot easier.

Blackcats

Ha ha about the socks - I wonder how long my sock basket will stay pristine?

I've kept up with my challenges 🤣.  De-cluttered for an hour today 😇, a nice walk, no alcohol.  Was tempted to spend today - I saw someone in a lovely cream quilted coat when I was out walking and decided I really needed a new coat.  By the time I got home I'd justified buying it but I haven't succumbed, it wasn't a need at all, it was a want.  I got a cream parka type coat out of the cupboard and given it a wash, will look nice with my cream hat, scarf and gloves.  The upside of having spent so much on stuff previously, is that there is plenty of stuff to enjoy again!, 

Blackcats

Ha ha about the socks - I wonder how long my sock basket will stay pristine?

I've kept up with my challenges 🤣.  De-cluttered for an hour today 😇, a nice walk, no alcohol.  Was tempted to spend today - I saw someone in a lovely cream quilted coat when I was out walking and decided I really needed a new coat.  By the time I got home I'd justified buying it but I haven't succumbed, it wasn't a need at all, it was a want.  I got a cream parka type coat out of the cupboard and given it a wash, will look nice with my cream hat, scarf and gloves.  The upside of having spent so much on stuff previously, is that there is plenty of stuff to enjoy again!, 

savingholmes

Well done on not succumbing. I am trying the put it in my basket but wait 72 hours trick. It works some of the time. I was having too many parcels arrive and then wondering what they were.... not very MSE.

Blackcats

Yes, SH, Before Christmas I had so many parcels and I lost track of what I'd ordered, but because of super organisation skills 😂 (actually mainly just luck) I got all the presents I needed. 

Back to work tomorrow - my plan is that when I return from Christmas 2021, I'll be in a position to give my notice in at work.  It's up to me to make that possible through the way I chose to live this year.
as we couldn't go away for our planned Twixmas break, we've done air bnb at home.  Moved into the spare bedroom which I made look nice with "best" bed linen and cushions, nice table lamps etc.  I used my Christmas toiletries, had fancy breakfasts like smashedadvocado and feta on toast or a home made chic chip and nut loaf.  Hot chocolate and a game of cards in the afternoon as if we were in a hotel bar.  A bit daft but good fun 💃

savingholmes

A change is as good as a rest they say. Sounds a nice way of doing things. I am trying to tell myself (and DH) that the quicker we pay off debt and invest for the future - the sooner we can be free of having to work full time... I'm not sure if he is convinced yet...

Blackcats

Saving Holmes you are so focussed, I'm sure with your energy and determination you can get OH on board.  I agree that passive income is so important.  The Frugal Cottage blog lists the dividend paying stocks and shares she has.  She is gradually building up a good portfolio.  

I've bought some funds via Hargreav*s Landsdow*e in the last 18 months,  there's a good feature on their site where you can create a watchlist to see how your potential stock performs.   I'm not very brave but I've done ok.  I know investing is for the long term but it's still interesting to see how my portfolio is performing.  ( portfolio sounds so grand but it's really just a little bundle of 3 funds).  

savingholmes

Thanks for the compliment.
With investing you've started and that's the main thing...