My motivating money saving diary

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I’ve spent no money this week. I am really pleased with my myself. I have been out for two runs & we normally go for a cuppa or breakfast after & I have been taking my own tea flask with me. I also gave some presents to people and gave gifts I already had rather than spend on some. 

Real test is sending back some clothes I bought, one of the jumpers I really do need but I know I need to keep thinking ‘once I have a house & not saving for a mortgage I can buy it’. Plus if i really want it I can ask for it for Xmas. 

I need to put some items on eBay soon before Xmas. I also need to think about setting a limit on Xmas presents (although I sadly hardly have any family to buy for as my family is so small) but I know it’s not about the presents Christmas & it will mean they don’t have to spend much either on me. Especially in this pandemic. 

Good news is my student loan I will now pay off next year finally after 14 years. So I am super looking forward to that I’ll be £250 better off a month. 

I can’t really think of any other ways to save or earn money atm! 

Anyway proud of myself for a spend free week. Keep it up 💪

WSC

Another spend free week. It’s hard (especially when you hear furloughed neighbours ordering 3+ takeaways each week) but I just need to keep going and stay off of the internet etc so I don’t get sucked into buying any clothes etc. Only two weeks until my payday so if I can just do another two week free spend (apart from food) then I’ll be on track to be able to put another £2k into my savings account to go towards a house deposit. The shame is I think we will just miss out on the stamp duty offer.  It should be easier atm if we are going into another national lockdown for me to save though. I am lucky enough to have a job at the moment so I have no excuse really to save, exactly what I think I should be doing especially if we are going to end up in a depression/recession. 

South_coast

Just keep reminding yourself of that £2k and how it will be used to buy yourself something that will last you a lifetime. Hopefully that will be enough to keep you away from the lure of new clothes, which won't last nearly as long 🤞 

Good luck 😀

caeler

Stay strong. You can do this. I’m doing exactly this right now. I resorted to selling some bits to cover the grocery shop and today’s hair cut so I don’t dip into much needed mortgage fund reserves!  I approach it as a challenge and get a lot of pleasure in reducing my spending. I too have not allowed any spend on clothing since March so I’ve been through my wardrobe to find some pieces I’ve not worn in ages so they feel new! 

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South_coast said:

Just keep reminding yourself of that £2k and how it will be used to buy yourself something that will last you a lifetime. Hopefully that will be enough to keep you away from the lure of new clothes, which won't last nearly as long 🤞 

Good luck 😀

Thanks very much south coast. That really helps to think like that. If anytime I need less clothes it’s now! I sent some clothes back today which I really wanted to keep but seeing your message helped me remember a house purchase will last much much longer! 🤛

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caeler said:

Stay strong. You can do this. I’m doing exactly this right now. I resorted to selling some bits to cover the grocery shop and today’s hair cut so I don’t dip into much needed mortgage fund reserves!  I approach it as a challenge and get a lot of pleasure in reducing my spending. I too have not allowed any spend on clothing since March so I’ve been through my wardrobe to find some pieces I’ve not worn in ages so they feel new! 

Thanks Caler. Really good to know others are doing this too, and it’s not just me! Thanks will try to do the same i.e. if I need something I will try to sell something first to pay for it. I do find it gives me a good kick too to do, well it does in lockdown as I don’t have the pressure of seeings friends or missing out. I need to just wear the clothes I have, as I have plenty. I just have a sweaty Betty addiction but I have it currently under control 👍. I can buy bits once I have my house. Well done to you too for your saving. 

caeler

Let’s use lockdown to our advantage! 

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caeler said:

Let’s use lockdown to our advantage! 

Absolutely caeler! Let’s do it 🤛. (Just done my own pedicure - a couple of years ago I was having a pedicure at a salon once a month 🤦‍♀️- no wonder I am not rich!) 

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Another week of working hard. Grateful to have a job. Spent zero. Sent back the clothes I had ordered a couple of weeks before so proud of myself for that. Aldi food shop done last night by my boyfriend which is great & we did a bulk order of cleaning products online as they were cheap. Not that we have anywhere to store them but there we go, will be worth it to get a deposit for a house! Won £25 on my premium bonds which is fab & got a £50 cheque from our flat management company so that’s another bonus this week.  Payday on Friday so on track. Literally can’t spend a penny again this week. It will be worth it though, I am staying focused & if you can’t do it in a lockdown when you are one of the lucky ones to have a job still, when can you. I have no excuse. I only wish I had saved like this and been more careful with my money years ago as I’d be in a house now, but never to late to turn it around which I’m doing. Onwards and upwards! 

caeler

Totally worth it! I’ve also got my groceries today and that’s it spend wise until next Saturday! I’ve got enough fuel for 2 days travelling into the office so thank god for lockdown! Well done on them premium bond win!