Building savings to bubblewrap my new life.

Irenadler

I definitely fight the 'urge to splurge' monster, it's only my teeny income & fear of debt that's forced me to budget properly - with the help of the lovely people in this forum. However, I have been more spendy for Xmas, and stress eating, so that little monster is always on my shoulder, whispering in my ear 'Go on, you have earned it....!' So I do empathise that if it's an ingrained habit, it's hard to alter that mindset..... 

It does improve, and you can rein it in, as you've shown.

longway2go

Sorry to hear that the house hunting is not going to plan but it's definitely worth holding out for the right thing. 

doingitanyway

Thanks @Irenadler It isn't the occasional splurges that I mind so much more the frittering of money mindlessly on ad hoc food shops and lots of nothing in particular. That is what I continually work on.

Thanks @MovingForwards and @longway2go I feel my decision to let it go until the new year is the right thing to do. I feel much calmer now which might be a release of pressure or might be a sign that waiting is the right thing to do.

Today I cycled to the shops to minimise my contact with others as I am in tier 3 and there is a high infection rates. My L1d1 changed its opening hours as it opened at 7am so there were a few people already there. I bought an induction hob so I have a backup when my cooker goes to the council dump. There were only a few left so I was pleased. I bought some Cava for a friend and one for myself for Christmas day. It is miserable outside but I need a new bike light so will probably go out again later.

Will look at my finances later and see if I can find a way to boost my EF by another £50

Hope everyone has a good day.

MovingForwards

It will be a mix of things, one of which is house hunting this close to Christmas.

Are you boredom or stress shopping? If you can get to the root of it, then it's easier to tame spending.

Well done getting your hob, do test it a few times so you've a grasp on how to adjust cooking, rather than waiting until that's your only option.

I've built up an image of you cycling along on a lovely ladies bike, with the shopping basket on the front and a big smile as you get around!

doingitanyway

Good point MF about checking hob use now rather than later. I am familiar with the way they work as a kitchen I have used has one. I quite like them actually.

I know the cause of my spending. I am naturally thrifty and dislike waste but when I become stressed and disorganised my spending suffers. It's fine and being pulled back effectively

Oh MF spot on with the bike (a Pashley) and it does have a front basket! I do feel happier when I cycle! 

MovingForwards

That's good about the hob, I never adjusted to electric.
Think it's the same with all of us with the spending, honestly, you're not alone with that.
Wow, first time I've got everything spot on! Those are nice bikes 🤗🤗

doingitanyway

I am pleased to report the longstanding fee paying account is closed as of today. I instantly save £17 a month. I can now have my discretionary spending in a separate account. I need to find the numbers of emergency trades in case something happens at home as this was covered by my old bank account. I need to change some DDs/SOs.

I am transferring the £17 saved over to savings. 
I've just paid my last CT payment. The CT not due for February and March will be added to savings too. I am now starting to think I might get to £1,000 in the EF sooner than I expected.

I need to take my bike in as I got a flat this morning after cycling over glass left in the road. I also need a new light. I am adding bike costs into my travel pot. 

Picked up loo roll and kitchen roll in SM. Saw people with silly amounts of stuff. I refuse to panic buy. Plus, hoping to move so don't want lots of stuff of any sort...

I need to deep clean. I managed to do it when I needed to have my house ready for viewings and it was so nice to be in. Surely I can do it for myself! 

Soup on the stove

Wishing you all a lovely day.

MovingForwards

Ask around for trade numbers.
That's a good saving each month 🤗 and it's good to see you adjusting pots when needed.

Christmas is silly shopping season, it's not as the supermarkets won't open a day or two later.

Good luck with the cleaning and enjoy your soup.

longway2go

Well done for the progress you are making. Will be great to get to 1k EF 

atrixa

Congratulations on the progress! I can't wait until January when the shops quiet down. I'm tempted to do all my shopping at 9pm to avoid everyone.