Savings Diary: BDays, Xmas, Controlling Impulsive Spending

lindsay54v3

@Skint_yet_Again I think the issues I've had with mental health definitely pushed me to get back into education so I can go for the kind of job I'd want, funnily enough working with animals. Was very scared to go back and learn something new but pushed myself and so glad I did! After college I'll have to move on from my current part-time job which I adore while I wait for my 'dream job', my typical wage is just about enough to pay rent but need to put finances first when the time comes. I think it's true for many that money does need to come first, it's something most people I know have done, tolerate the work to be able to afford the things they want/need, but I find quite a few are going back to education like myself to try and change career paths.

Sorry to hear you aren't enjoying work, are there any options for you to claim pension once you reach retirement and then look into some part-time work in something more enjoyable to fill up some time and keep some money coming in? Volunteering with animals comes along every now and again as well, it can be very flexible, not too many hours and still give that satisfaction of being around the animals?

@MovingForwards Thank you! I've worked in some places that I found very stressful but overall I liked my colleagues which helped me stay there longer than I otherwise would have. At least there are some parts you feel good about, it's always about making the most of the situation we're in

MovingForwards

Returning to education is scary, but so much is gained as an adult.
Usually it is colleagues and managers which keep people in jobs, when that changes people move on.

We have to find the good bits 😃

lindsay54v3

Update

Treated myself to a takeaway and some snacks, little bit of spending but not much and feeling a bit down so think I earned it

Had a look at my income for the month, think I'll be able to put another £300 or so into my LISA which will bring me up to 5k, then what's left can go towards rent, phone, a little emergency savings and then general spending money if I need it.

The only thing that I could actually do with buying at the moment is some foundation, I mix three different shades to get my perfect match and coverage, so one bottle has just about ran out...Although considering the lockdown updates, I can go another month at least without having to purchase more!

Hoping my mood picks up a little bit soon, despite how much I've put into savings over the past month, I'm feeling a bit low about the fact I haven't put anything in over the last couple of days (which I know is silly but feel so inactive). I can't currently do much cleaning as I can't be near chemicals right now due to some form of unknown allergy, and my wrists are acting up so finding it difficult to even knit, overall just quite bored

Fingers crossed by my next post I'll be feeling good again

savingwannabe

I think it's an end of the winter/february/bad weather-  why doesnt it hurry up lurgy. I hope you feel better soon. The fact you have saved at all in this climate is amazing and you should praise yourself for it. I havent worn make up since facemasks came in. Saving a fortune but feeling sorry for anyone that looks at me!!! lol. hugs, swx

MovingForwards

One trick I do to avoid the savings blues is to keep a little bit back. Throughout the month I can move £5 here, £1 there etc and have the 'feel good' factor that I'm still saving all month and not just payday. I've been moving £1 a day for over a week now 😃
To me the 'happy feeling' is worth more than the extra few pence in interest.

lindsay54v3

@savingwannabe Probably a part of it, managed to get a decent sleep last night and feeling a bit more energetic today so going to focus on some studying It's so sunny here atm but bitterly cold outside! Thank you so much, and the makeup savings are a blessing aren't they, don't realise how much you really spend until you stop

@MovingForwards That's such a good idea! I just get so excited by putting aside lump sums, but having the round ups feature is pretty nice, just goes to show how quickly the little things add up

MovingForwards

Just keep a token £10 or £20 back from the bulk, and then every few days move £1 to savings. Try it next month and see how you get on, if it doesn't work for you at least you gave it a go.

lindsay54v3

@MovingForwards Outside of the bulk payments I do have smaller weekly payments come off automatically, think I just miss the manual aspect, honestly I think when my mood improves a little bit it won't bother me so much