A return to MSE with a DMP so I can be debt free

pencakes26

Happy Monday everyone. I was supposed to be on leave today but have a few work things that can't wait annoyingly. I'm the only person in my department so there's no one else to pick things up when I'm not here. I was supposed to be hiring but that's another story! 

It was my bf and I's first anniversary last week which was lovely (we exchanged a few small gifts and had Japanese food 😊) but it does mean I need a few NSDs to get me through until pay day. Every remaining bill is budgeted and accounted for so it's literally just food that needs to be bought. I've got a well stocked cupboard and freezer so it really only should be milk and bits I need to buy. 

I've also budgeted for £1 a day savings. I did it before with coins but I haven't used cash for months so started a £7 a week standing order into my savings account. I'll try and use ebay sales and prolific surveys to help pay for that. 

Sarahwithlove

Happy anniversary. Good luck making it to end of month. I love the idea of transferring £7 a week. I've set up save the change on my account and it's all adding up. Only small amounts here and there so don't miss it in terms of the budget but I know it will all help. Will also transfer any unexpected payments or refunds into the account as well rather than just adding it to my spending budget. Once it's reached £100 I intend to make an overpayment on the card. But I also like you're idea of £1 a day as I could do it manually online and alternate between my spends and food shopping. Out of interest what surveys do you do? I use prolific and one poll which is at over £20 now. But not much else. 

pencakes26

Thanks @Sarahwithlove! Time flies even when you're in a relationship that's spent a lot of time in lockdown 😂 
I just felt I was missing out on the little bits of savings here and there because I don't have any spare change/coins at the mo so this feels like a good 'virtual' way of doing it. I bank with Natwest and they don't do the save the change stuff which is a shame. I do use Plum though, and that saves bits here and there for me. 
I only use Prolific at the moment, I've tried others in the past but I prefer cash to vouchers. Might explore other options too. 

Sarahwithlove

pencakes26 said:

Thanks @Sarahwithlove! Time flies even when you're in a relationship that's spent a lot of time in lockdown 😂 
I just felt I was missing out on the little bits of savings here and there because I don't have any spare change/coins at the mo so this feels like a good 'virtual' way of doing it. I bank with Natwest and they don't do the save the change stuff which is a shame. I do use Plum though, and that saves bits here and there for me. 
I only use Prolific at the moment, I've tried others in the past but I prefer cash to vouchers. Might explore other options too. 

I've recently downloaded attapoll so giving that a try for now as well. I also use receipt apps and they build up surprisingly quick. 

pencakes26

A happy news day at Casa Pencakes... after 7 months of being on 75% we are finally having our pay returned to 100%. 🎉
The relief and joy when I found out was pretty immense, especially when I really wasn't sure if we'd ever go back to our normal salaries. It means I can refocus my debt paying efforts, and Christmas (and life in general) will be a little easier. I'm not intending to overspend, not at all, but just to know that I can enjoy these festive times without stressing is a lovely feeling. 

pencakes26

Missed my normal Monday morning update this week but work has been so busy I've not had much spare time. 
The weather has been so rubbish recently but this morning it's lovely. Sunshine and everything! I went for a walk before work and it definitely cheers me up. 
OH is coming over tonight for fajitas, absolutely love them! Plus he's picking up the food on the way over so it'll be a nice NSD today. 

pencakes26

A quiet weekend done and a quiet week ahead planned. I'm on a sort of enforced annual leave this week as we have to use our holiday before the end of the year otherwise we lose it. I've booked time off over Christmas but thought I might as well take a random week off as well. Today so far has been very lazy - I am still in bed and only got up to make a cup of tea and fetch my laptop!   

I'm going to use the time off to do some Christmas planning and shopping (online of course) and then have a bit of a bedroom tidy up. I feel like there's clutter building up so I want to get rid! I don't get paid until Thursday so decluttering will have to come before any shopping is done. 

I'm just deciding whether to sell my car or not. I used to drive to work so drove daily, but for the last two years I have barely used it as I now live and work in London. Of course the lockdown has altered things but I think I've done about 1800 miles in the last 18 months. However, there has been times when I have needed my car, and I do use it to drive the 300 mile round trip to see my parents/family. It's cheap to run and easy to park (perfect in London!) but would the £3-4k value be better spent going towards my debt? If I did get rid, I would spend more on public transport/taxis. I definitely need to do a pros and cons list and work out exactly how much it would cost if I did/didn't have it. 

db2016

personally, i'd keep the car, it sounds economical enough even if it has been a fancy paperweight through lockdown.
im sure trains / coaches etc would cost more, than a tank of petrol and some wear and tear on family visits.
you mention motorsport, im intrigued lol, im a WRC and BTCC fan - not so much f1, every new season i TRY get into it but it just doesnt grab me and i switch off through boredom!

pencakes26

Thanks @db2016, that has been my thinking so far. A full tank costs me £35-40 at most and if I'm not organised a train back to the parents can be £80+! 

I used to work for an F1 team but now work for a newer series - if I explain too much it'll give it away completely but it's more F1 than BTCC in terms of the cars. I've always been into motorsport and will pretty much watch anything if it's on the TV! I also love the classic races and events like at Goodwood, they're great days out. I've really missed all of that this year. 

pencakes26

Just checked my balances and updated my signature. I'm soo close to 50% paid off now. 🤞
I'm on course to pay things off in 21 months now, but ideally want to knock three months off that so I can hit my March 2022 target. Wish me luck!