Now or never

Its_time

We've had lots of discussions about what to do, so far everyone is on board with a £25 cap other than DS and DH who say as long as we agree if we see something that is £25.72 for example then that's allowed   Better still i've run the list idea past them all and they think it's a fabulous idea, it means we get a surprise and also get what we want, everyone is sat tonight having a think , even DH!  Thanks for the ideas @CRANKY40 @joedenise and @astrocytic_kitten, definitely the way forward.  Christmas is beginning to feel quite exciting and not such a worry.  
This is the first Christmas I can remember where I am excited to ask for something and looking forward to what I am going to have, I always feel so guilty about the amount of money we all spend but feel obliged to spend it and never want my DS or DD to buy me anything, usually I spend the day in a bit of a depression really, trance like I suppose.  Strange but I feel like I can receive this year without any guilt or worry.  I am fancying a quieter, more relaxing quality Christmas, thanks guys!

Newsflash!!  I've just spoken to DH telling him how happy this money managing is making me feel, he has just said they have sorted my Christmas present, because I told him whatever he had planned I could no longer have because it had to be only £25, my DS, DD, their partners and DH have put all their £25's together so I have having one present costing no more than £75 between them, I am delighted that they have taken this on board so proud of them

Its_time

Up early this morning getting sorted, I've been listening to Paul McKenna on YouTube wonder if that is why?? 🤔

enthusiasticsaver

Just caught up on your  diary and loads of positives including the Christmas present ideas.  So much less stressful for you.  Also well done on being honest on how much the horses cost you.  That is your choice just like some  choose expensive cars or holidays.  No point in trying to ignore the real cost.  Just get prepared and work towards saving £300 a month into pets. 

Its_time

Thanks @enthusiasticsaver already its less stressful I can't imagine what it will feel like when the debt payments become saving payments.
I am really hanging on to stick to my £30 shopping budget, it renews on Friday but I don't want to go shopping on Friday and don't know if we can last till Monday.  I feel like taking my shopping budget tomorrow a day early just so I can do the shopping when it's quieter, I avoid weekends at all cost.  It's bread we will need, DH has said he wants my homemade bread and I've run out of bread flour....unless the wholemeal ones at the back of the cupboard are in date ....hmmmm...need to check they may just be a life saver.  I might change my shopping day to a Monday which would suit me better.
So far this week we've done really well with meals only eating out of the freezer and cupboard, but I'm running short on frozen mash so my cornbeef pie I'm making for tomorrow  nights tea might be a bit tricky unless I can find a bag.

WinterWarrior

I’m sure corned beef pie goes with lots of things. Do you have any chips lurking in the back of the freezer? Or just a big chunk of pie and veg would be nice too 🙃

Its_time

@WinterWarrior ,Was really looking forward to a piece of cornbeef pie and chips, I just need the mash to go in it first though, haven't got that far.   I've thought of making them and freezing but the mash I use tends to be precooked and frozen so I'm not sure about the freezer rules with heating and then refreezing albeit in a pie. 

Its_time

Wholemeal flour is out of date by about a year 🤔
Still not sure when I'm going shopping, maybe very quickly tomorrow morning for the bare minimum.
Finally teams meetings over for the week hopefully there won't be any more for a while.
Curry and rice for tea from the freezer, bacon egg and chips again tomorrow and then lasagne on Saturday.
Hoping to have another £150 to pay off the debt this week.

Its_time

One of our horses is showing signs of cushings so the vet is calling in over the weekend to run some tests, that will probably result in meds for life, not sure what the bill will look like yet.
Hay delivery yesterday £40, definitely enough in the horse account for hay, not so sure about the vets bill, maybe by the time they send it.
Popped quickly to Lidl yesterday and spent £5.01 with a £2 voucher so paid £3.01.  Shopping budget updated £30 with the 0.69p left from last week and the huge amount of coins I collected from draws around the house  shopping has a budget of £48.12 this week.  I have enough meals for the week in the freezer but need other bits and bins topped up.  I did a tesco app order but didn't checkout and it came to £44.93, although it's within the budget it feels too much, I am going to tweak it and also go to lidl and hopefully spend less.

enthusiasticsaver

Lidls will probably be cheaper than Tesco although I have to admit I am a fan of online shopping and tend to buy less than if I physically go into a supermarket.  Just a shame Lidl does not do delivery/click and collect. 

Its_time

Oh yes Lidl doing that would be the icing on the cake.
So I've decided to go with Tesco, I've tweaked it and as I have one month left of the 6 month delivery saver I paid for I won't pay for delivery, I also found two unused clubcard vouchers for £10 so the bill is around £34/£35 ish.  DH wanted to know why I hadn't put belgium buns on the order 🙈 I said they're a want if you want some, he said yes get them then and take it from wants, as he went through the door he changed his mind and said, no actually I might want something better than them, I will wait.... hallelujah.
Ham is in the slow cooker, again from the freezer ready for sandwiches Sunday and tea on Monday.