A Year in the Life of...

girlatplay

Second cc statement in and now paid so £17.23 transferred back to grocery budget account.  That's a bit better.  £11 left in slush fund for justin.  No big plans before payday.

I actually had a really productive Sunday there.  Took LMG to work at 7am (she was covering a shift at another venue and didn't know if there was parking).  Did five (!) loads of washing, washed, dried and put away.  I rarely have that much as I do it during the week when I'm working but I had slacked a bit the last week or so.  That did include a bed load and a towel load.  I painted the ceiling, the cornice, the dado, the skirting and the cupboard door frame in a small section of my hall (an entry bit, used to have a second door behind the main front door).  Still got the cupboard door and the rest of the hall and doors to do but it's a start and I'm proud of myself for finally doing it.  Filled and emptied the dishwasher too.   Picked LMG up at 3pm.  Slept really well that night.  Roll on next Sunday.

beanielou

Well done 

girlatplay

beanielou said:

Well done 

Thanks. 🙂

boxofpaws

You are on FIRE! 🔥

girlatplay

boxofpaws said:

You are on FIRE! 🔥

I was on Sunday.  Not so much today 😏

savingholmes

You got loads done! Impressive... Plenty of decorating to do here if you fancy... 

EssexHebridean

Good grief I should think you did sleep well after that lot - well done! 

girlatplay

savingholmes said:

You got loads done! Impressive... Plenty of decorating to do here if you fancy... 

I think I might have some availability in 2026 if that suits you?

EssexHebridean said:

Good grief I should think you did sleep well after that lot - well done! 

Pity I didn't get so much done last Sunday, I could do with another good sleep.

girlatplay

This month I have been noting my spends and it's interesting to see the final totals.

Between 02/01 and 29/01:

In the food category I spent £208.62.  The ridiculous part is that was on 17 separate occasions.  LMG usually picks up bits that we need as she is out and about a lot so some of those were just single items.  Really need to plan this a bit better.  She will be picking up stuff she doesn't really need when she's only going in for cheese for us.

In the cleaning category it was £19.89 which is reasonable.  I do have a good amount of cleaning stuff already but I have my favourites which I need to buy more often, plus I'm doing a long term experiment (which I will talk about at the end of this year if it works) so it's a little higher than it would have been if I hadn't been doing that.

In the toiletries category (that's deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, hand soap, toilet roll, etc, etc) it was £54.90.  This is quite high but I do include some medical bits, which I can pick up in the supermarket, in this.  I probably should have them in their own category but I only just thought of this and I don't have the patience to go through the receipts again. This category is also included in the experiment (not the medical bits though).

In the beauty category (make up/remover, other bits) it was £55.46 but this includes the two eyebrow pencils, even though one was paid for from this month's budget.  The make up remover is included in the experiment but nothing else in this category will be.

In the petrol category I only spent £10.01 (raging at the 1p.  Are the pumps set to go from .99 to 1.01, etc? So annoying).  LMG and I pay for our own petrol and my travel was low this month.

House related (just stuff really; wooden spoons, storage boxes, a new chopping board since I ruined my last one by leaving the turkey to rest on it - it was wooden.  The chopping board that is) £12.99.

Other (other random spends; eating out, decorating tools, bits and bobs) £119.16. I bought a pair of boots with some Christmas money and some decorating bits.  I met a friend for drinks one day and LMG and I went for breakfast another day.  Couple of other bits too.  I know it sounds a lot but looking at the breakdown on my spreadsheet, it's not too bad.

Total spends for the month were £481.03.  Grocery budget is £250 and my spends budget is between £160 and £200 (variable).  The boots were paid for with Christmas money so I did come in under budget over all.  The main area I could have been better in is food.  We have started meal planning for February and I'm determined it will be less this month.  I don't buy boots or eyebrow pencils every month.  The eating out/drinks spends were actually quite low.  I suspect they will be higher in February.

I like being able to see where it is all going and I will be able to do month on month comparisons so I'm going to keep noting my spends.

girlatplay

I have added to the dipping account in anticipation of the door entry system.  It is only £150 but I want to get some money into that account anyway as I really don't want to touch the EF if I don't have to (for anything).

I have the money for the mortgage ready for tomorrow when January's interest is confirmed.

All accounts topped up.

One of my besties is getting married next year.  She has given us a provisional date (June) so I might start saving soon.  She has a well paying job and even though this is not her first marriage, I can't see her holding back for her hen.  At work we have been told that we are getting a small lump sum payment (very small, around £100 after tax) in our wages next month (a pitiful offer in lieu of a pay rise) so I will probably kick start the savings with that.  If LMG and I do manage to move this year then money will be tight for a bit so I want to get a head start on it as I can't miss the hen.  I might put survey money (if I ever get anymore, bit slow at the mo) and receipt money into it too.  Any extra cash really.

Right, think that's me done for now.
Going to catch up on other diaries before bed.