Project Change!

Adjusting_the_balance

Morning! 

Not much to report moneywise, just a manic week of home schooling - fortunately for the most part DS is keen. Having a bit of a clear out in an attempt to raise some funds to get some movement on the repayments - will try and list on fb and then if no joy eBay . Desperately need to do some exercise too. Been very much another week of surviving rather than thriving, mental health has not been great, but I managed to address a few things that had been bothering me this week, so a slight weight has been lifted.
Another 2 day week work wise. I could do without it as I have sooo much to do, but DS comes first and right now he needs one us concentrating on his schoolwork and playing with him, so that’s what he’s getting. He’s too young to be able to complete his work independently (reception) and occupy himself for 8 hours a day whilst we work - it’s so hard. 

Anyways here’s to a better week x 

savingholmes

I think on the home schooling remember some other countries don't even start kids learning reading and writing and maths until age 6. Take some pressure off. 

Adjusting_the_balance

Thanks Savingholmes, very true. 

So another week has flown by. Managed to get rid of a few bits that I no longer wear or use via fb - the result £132 off CC1. I know this wasn’t on my initial list of priorities, but  I realised the 0% deal was up and interest was being charged, so I’m on a mission to drive this down too! 

I sent off my final assignment for the course yesterday. Whilst it’s been really worthwhile, I can’t lie, I’m relieved it’s finished 🤣. It’s been an added pressure that to be honest I could have done without right now, but it’s done and it feels good knowing it’s done!  Hopefully now I’ll have a bit more time for updating the diary!

The end is in sight for the seemingly never ending month of January! On the whole financially it’s been a lot more comfortable than in previous years despite it being 6 weeks long!  Payday is next week so I’ll update the financial figures then - hoping it’s a decent start to the year.......
 Had a wee bit of a lightbulb moment a few weeks back on my spending habits  - bear with me, it’s a bit long winded! So I had an email from H&B with their offers - notice there’s a deal on vit d that I have to take daily - add to basket but realise I’m going to get stung p&p. Wonder if Boots have any offers on - check out website. Realise Boots are actually cheaper than H&B, add to basket. Go and check stash of mine and DS multi vits to see if there’s anything else needed. Pull out medicine box from cupboard and discover forgotten stockpile. Count it all up and realise I’ve got 6 months supply! Close websites, realising offers will be around in 6 months time and I really don’t have the money to spare right now!
This is progress for me - ordinarily I’d have placed the order (and filled the basket to the free P&P threshold) as I struggle to resist a bargain. 

Weight and exercise wise, I’m feeling a little more in control. I’ve lost 5lb since 1st January and have run 24km /1000km. Need to up the game a little with the running if I’m to make my 1000km annual target, but it’ll come as I up my mileage. At the minute I’m only doing 2-3 miles at a time but have a couple of half marathons planned for later in the year (should have done them last year but COVID had other ideas). Regardless of whether the COVID situation allows them to go ahead, I’ll be running the distance on the days and training accordingly so should  catch up with the mileage.

Right, I’m going to sign off for now - will be back to update soon x 

savingholmes

Wow you're making good progress on loads of fronts. Running, not spending, weight loss, selling - all good.

Adjusting_the_balance

Thanks savingholmes- baby steps, but ones in the right direction all the same.
So, it’s 6:30am, ponies have had their breakfast, I’m sat with a cuppa awaiting the online food shop and have just been accepted for a 0% 24 month balance transfer! The rate on one of my cards runs out next month and it’s been playing on my mind - I calculated the monthly interest to be approximately £65! Feel like a weight has been lifted. Will need to reorganise my plan to accommodate this as will alter the priority list. Next deal runs out at the end of the year, so that card now needs to be the focus. 

I’ve taken a look through our outgoings, unfortunately at the minute there’s not a great deal of wriggle room. Mobile bills are tied in for another 12 months and I already shop around for insurance and untilities so will continue to do so when they renew. I’ve cancelled my audible subscription, as I’m now using a free app via my library for audio books. It’s great as I get through a couple a week whilst I’m sorting the ponies, walking the dogs, commuting, running etc. My gym membership will be next to go. It’s currently frozen but I think I’m tied in for one more month once things open up again. I fund this out of my personal spends pot but will redirect half of it to debt repayments. I’ve got equipment at home and have found lots of homework outs on YouTube so I won’t be missing out. Food shop is obviously the other biggy  - I’m working on it, but seem to manage a good week (£20-30 under) followed by a normal for us shop of about £100.

Right this post has taken me nearly an hour due various interruptions, I’m signing off to grab some brekkie x 

savingholmes

Great news on the card acceptance. Good that you are doing a wallet workout to reduce costs too.

Adjusting_the_balance

Savingholmes I’m massively relieved about the transfer. Checked the cc and it’s all gone through this morning, leaving a balance of £73 😊

It’s payday tomorrow at long last! Did a quick check of all the accounts, £55 left in Paypal, £28 in debt payment account and £10 in personal. So I’ve paid off the balance of the Cc (and cancelled the direct debit). I’ve also managed to sell two items for £32, so I’ve paid that and £20 left over paying the cc off to the next account. Next had crept up slightly as had got DS a few bits in the sale - he’s having another massive growth spurt!  Feels good to be able to do this the day before payday - especially in January. Thank goodness February is a short month! 

I’ve downloaded a free trail of YNAB - I’ve tried in the past and didn’t get to grips with it. I know a lot of people rave about it so I’m going to spend a bit of time watching the tutorials etc and seeing if I can get my head round it.

Right, I’m signing of for now - will post an update later / tomorrow with January’s figures.

GeorgianaCavendish

You are making great progress - I love the energy that comes across in your posts! It took me a good few attempts to get my head around YNAB. They are so generous with the free trials - I think I've had about 3 or 4 over the years (not consecutively but still surprised they allowed it!) - so if it doesn't click this time then you can always come back to it. The thing that made it stick for me was setting up corresponding Monzo pots for the budget categories, otherwise I find there is too much of a disconnect between the very regimented categories in my YNAB and the giant pool of money (ha, I wish!) in my bank account. 

1 more month of gym membership isn't too bad, but have you checked to see if MSE have any templates about getting out of gym memberships? It seems really unfair for gyms to insist on tying people in to the original contract terms given the pandemic and that even when gyms can initially reopen, many people won't want to go back. Also it might be worth contacting them to give them notice you want to cancel now (even if you still have to pay the remaining month when it unfreezes) - I know that gyms used to be notorious for having really opaque cancellation procedures. 

joedenise

@Adjusting_the_balance - I didn't realise you could have more than one Free trial.  I'm still using the old Classic YNAB on my old laptop, mainly because I paid for it outright but having seen this might try this new version for the Free trial to see what I think of it but have it on my new laptop so I don't get muddled!

savingholmes

Good luck with ynab. I've just stuck with excel.