Beating Lifestyle Inflation and Staying Mortgage Free!

earthgirl2

So things are going really well in terms of money saving and making, and my progress with my goals too. 
Money Saving
I got the kids black trainers so hopefully I don't have to buy school shoes and trainers. They were £20 each and should be fairly long lasting. 
I have cut one boy's hair, probably need to do the other one.
We have ran out of books for the kids to read. One child I have found online free books for, the other reads at night, and I just prefer him to have paper books. I have bought him one book (£5) and have arranged to borrow some more from a friend on Friday.
Shopping this week was well under budget at £60, and included a stock up of a few toiletries.

Money Making
Tutoring is going well, I'm working as much as possible on OHs business, I haven't had many surveys but I am checking every day. March, April and May are looking on track in terms of earnings.

Goals
We are being very healthy and eating well, and doing lots of exercise. I had set myself the target of getting outside once a week as a family, and having a real adventure once a month (when restrictions are lifted). We have been doing more than this and yesterday we had a brilliant adventure exploring and making a shelter etc. I have also decided to build in a little me time - reading - at the weekend.

Karmacat

You're doing so well, especially with building in the fun - shelter sounds brilliant!

apple_muncher

Can I join your family, please?!

earthgirl2

Oh thank you of course!
Not such a great week this week. A friend is very ill in hospital and I think they have decided to switch off life support. She was only in her fifties, with teenage children. and it is very shocking. It kind of eclipses everything and I just can't stop thinking about her family.  In other less important news, I am trying to get back on top of everything at work, now that my own children are back at school. I'm finding a few colleagues are less understanding about my needing my allocated admin time. I am trying to be helpful but also protect some of my time - I need my time to enjoy life!
Money saving
I've collected a few more olio things
I found 2kg of live langustines floating in a crate in the sea. I couldn't find the owners - asked a local fish company, so we kept and enjoyed.
Money Making
Still tutoring no further news but OH has been able to apply for some funding - fingers crossed.

beanielou

So sorry to read about your friend.
JUst my age.

apple_muncher

Sending you hugs.

Karmacat

There can be little wins, like the langoustines, but your friend's situation overshadows everything, of course it does.  Thinking of you all.

earthgirl2

I'm very late at posting this weeks update because things got so manic. Like too crazy to manage and I had to drop a few plates that I normally keep spinning. So I've decided to drop 4 hours of tuition per week after the Easter holidays, so I'll drop from 16 hours extra per week to 12. These were at times that didn't suit me and clients that were harder work than others I have. I will be down £400 gross per month, but it is the right choice for my peace of mind. I might not meet my income target this year but I just couldn't carry on at that pace. Hopefully OHs business will pick up - the signs are good - so he will be able to cover any shortfall. 

Money saving
Within budget again this week and plenty of meals planned out so I'll probably just need a topup of about £25 this week. 

Money making
the student is here for his Easter course so a big boost to the savings account. I'm pleased we decided to do it as the weather is so awful and restrictions still in place so there isn't much else to do anyway.

Habits
I set myself habits to foster rather than goals this year as an experiment and it has worked well. Even if I miss a day I just get back to it the next day, but I tend to do it more often than not. 
My habits are:
improve health (workout or walk daily, eat sugar free, give up alcohol and I've added a new one, monitor stress levels and take action).

focus on children and us all being happy and kind in terms of or outlook and actions.

Do more of the things we want to do, without breaking the bank. 

I've developed habits that have let me achieve all of that, but the sugar free eating is hit and miss in times of stress. I'll have to focus here again in April. I've kind of plateaued weight wise at 8st 10, so I lost about 16lbs. And alcohol free, hopefully forever!

Karmacat

Sounds very good, Earthie - really looking after yourself  

beanielou

Glad that you have dropped some tutoring.
Good news on the student for Easter.
Keep plodding 
Great weight loss.
I will never be 8.10 again in this lifetime so a massive well done