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The savings pit

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  • savingwannabe
    savingwannabe Posts: 16,619 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    Don't worry. It is ok. Sometimes there is no choice and it all works out as we are on a journey. Dont worry. I've spent loads on train fares, and taxis, and job interview and that has added up. Then i had a chinese and treated a friend too.
    Aiming for a minimal spend 2022
  • MovingForwards
    MovingForwards Posts: 17,149 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Seventh Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    I mentally and physically separate money by having savings accounts with a different bank, once it's moved over it stays. Also I have a little float with my normal bank, if I overspend I can move it from the float.

    It's hard for you, but don't put undue pressure on yourself, you're under enough as it is.
    Mortgage started 2020, aiming to clear 31/12/2029.
  • Skint_yet_Again
    Skint_yet_Again Posts: 8,448 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Hung up my suit! Mortgage-free Glee!
    I also brought up my Ds as a single parent home owner after my divorce when he was 7yo. You are doing such a great job. It’s natural to worry about money, I’m sure we all do at times, I know I do even though bills are covered now & knowing I have some savings gives me comfort. 

    It’s great that you have a holiday booked and paid for, it sounds like you need a break. 
    0% credit card £1360 & 0% Car Loan £7500 ~ paid in full JAN 2020 = NOW DEBT FREE 🤗
    House sale OCT 2022 = NOW MORTGAGE FREE 🤗
    House purchase completed FEB 2023 🥳🍾 Left work. 🤗

    Retired at 55 & now living off the equity £10k a year (until pensions start at 60 & 67).

    Previous Savings diary https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5597938/get-a-grip/p1

    Living off savings diary
    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6429003/escape-to-the-country-living-off-savings/p1
  • savingwannabe
    savingwannabe Posts: 16,619 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    Well done on escaping for a day and hopefully the weather was great. I bet they had a great time and will remember this. Have a good day today.
    Aiming for a minimal spend 2022
  • MovingForwards
    MovingForwards Posts: 17,149 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Seventh Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    Have you set a fun fund budget? It may stop you feeling guilty as you know the money has gone to good use or that you actually have it available.

    A change of scenery and routine does make a huge difference.
    Mortgage started 2020, aiming to clear 31/12/2029.
  • savingwannabe
    savingwannabe Posts: 16,619 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    That is fine. We must keep going. I am facing a pay cut but will adjust my saving too. There are good times and bad times but as long as we keep trying we will be ok.  <3
    Aiming for a minimal spend 2022
  • It’s great that you have the money set aside for building work. No takeaways is hard! Maybe you could cut back the food budget in some places and spend a bit extra on some nice alternatives to takeaway that you can cook quickly instead? I sometimes buy a couple of bags of frozen chicken mini kievs / spicy wings / chicken thigh burgers & fries for same price as one meal from k fc. 
    0% credit card £1360 & 0% Car Loan £7500 ~ paid in full JAN 2020 = NOW DEBT FREE 🤗
    House sale OCT 2022 = NOW MORTGAGE FREE 🤗
    House purchase completed FEB 2023 🥳🍾 Left work. 🤗

    Retired at 55 & now living off the equity £10k a year (until pensions start at 60 & 67).

    Previous Savings diary https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5597938/get-a-grip/p1

    Living off savings diary
    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6429003/escape-to-the-country-living-off-savings/p1
  • MovingForwards
    MovingForwards Posts: 17,149 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Seventh Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    Do some home cooked take-away meals. Buy Chinese curry sauce and add your faves to it. Chicken dipped in egg and then flour, fried is KFC. 

    Hope the work went well and you've got some change as extra holiday spending money.
    Mortgage started 2020, aiming to clear 31/12/2029.
  • MovingForwards
    MovingForwards Posts: 17,149 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Seventh Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    You've done a lot in a short space of time and managing to save is a great achievement.
    Try to take comfort that at some point the kids stop growing!
    Enjoy breakfast.
    Mortgage started 2020, aiming to clear 31/12/2029.
  • savingwannabe
    savingwannabe Posts: 16,619 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    Well done on being in credit with all of that. Gosh you have been busy!  Stay positive you can do this. 
    Aiming for a minimal spend 2022
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