Virgo In Pursuit

anjyeah

Thanks @MissRikkiC - I'll see how much I get from setting up such as ambitious goal. At least I'm setting a goal post, I will still have to balance it with my day to day definitely. To be honest, I know many would suggest paying a portion of it off with my savings, but I built that these past few months and it was such a huge motivator. Seeing it back to less than what it was would be a killer. I'll take it easy, don't worry

Anyhow, the weekend and the start of my week have been quite spend-y. It was my turn to pay for date night (which was within budget), and having to do a bit of top up grocery shopping. Furthermore, my contact lenses decided to tear up on me so I have to prematurely by a new pair. I use a monthly one. Annoying little spends... 

Anyhow, I am keeping track of making it up. I have been good on keeping transport costs down and actually feeling a bit better of the thought of commuting again. The usual annoyance is there, but no more panic attacks. 

I’m still looking into checking my monthly overpayments. It looks doable so I’ll see what I can do. I’m checking where I stand as soon as work decides to calm down a little this week. 

anjyeah

Quick update from my side: Work has been extremely busy this week, it all kind of seem football related, and have been mentally drained just because of it. Earlier, I had a good nap (that took longer than I thought) and thought I'd reassess things as I'm off for the next two days. 

NSD are in control, transports costs on the low as well. I'm waiting for my overtime pay coming in today and will allocate funds wisely. No more overtime shifts booked for now, but I am planning ahead on what I can do for August. 

I had a quick look on moving my debt-free date closer, as discussed previously, and it looks doable. After my July direct debits have gone through, I will be able to pay it off in twelve months if I overpay £68 a month. I pay £600 monthly at present and it looks achievable provided I book at least one shift per month to cover it. 

I'll keep December 2022 as my debt-free date for now but paying it off by July 2022 looks tempting. 

Let's where it goes, no pressure. 

CRANKY40

Good luck wth your plans.

MissRikkiC

Good luck! I too am trying to figure out the best way forward. 

My loan is a few years off yet but really am trying to see the smaller things i do daily as achievements too. That said, i might be planning my new bathroom to be in by the end of 2025  How daft!

anjyeah

Long time no see, this is probably the longest spell of not posting anything since I start this diary. There has been no exciting from my patch of town aside from work. And when I'm out of work, it's usual saved for socialising (mostly date nights with my partner anyway). We don't live together as yet so date nights are our quality time at present. So much so that the work-life balance combined has ate part of my "me" time. 

No spend days are on a high especially when I'm at work, transport costs are surprisingly consistent. No more cab rides for me! Although, I did needed some makeup replacements but all were affordable quality options. May have bought some shirts too, badly needed, as I haven't shopped for a long time. All came from the "me" pot, of course. 


I haven't booked any shifts for the sake of my self-care and I already may have booked plans to see friends. Surprisingly, spending in consideration of my next payday is on track. So much so, I'm thinking of reducing some so I can overpay a little without having to book an extra shift. 

@MissRikkiC - I like how you plan ahead. Not daft at all especially when you are envisioning it to happen! 

How's everyone doing?

anjyeah

Another quick update from me since we're fast approaching the end of July -
I haven't got any shifts booked so far and have been enjoying my days off as much as I can. I have entered a few miles walking, using stairs instead of lifts, in my goal to be a bit more active. I have also started looking on my diet before I think of going fitness crazy. 

Anyhow, everything seems to be on track for July, just a bit a slower so less exciting: 

• Pay off CC1 this month - I have allowed £100 spending on here to be paid back from my monthly budget 
• Overtime shifts - All funds transferred to CC and savings overpayment. No upcoming shifts booked presently. 
• Add pots: Eating Out - no more takeaway to add on date night funds - ongoing 
• Continue to reduce transport costs - ongoing 
• Extras as the end of the month = "me" fund

The "me" fund, I think, is the best pot of all. I get to enjoy some self-treats without having to break the bank! This month, I have managed to pay for a few shirts and make-up refills without having to worry about overspending. I read in another diary about this approach and thank heavens I did! I feel like myself again. I was too focused overpaying my CC and savings that I didn't realise I have been withholding a little bit of treats for myself (previous lockdowns also didn't help). Definitely the most sustainable tip on debt-busting I would say. 

Anyhow, back to another work week tomorrow, hoping that it will be less stressful than the weeks back. I have my fingers crossed.

anjyeah

I spoke too soon. They said indulge in self-care and self-love which I did. Maybe a little too much this time. Only for July! The only good take out of it is at least it came from my "me" fund and pay day is coming next week. At least, I’m not as broke as I think I thought despite the indulgence. Not yet, that is. It's the money spending guilty that's getting me right? Oh well. 

doingitanyway

I agree about the 'me' fund. It was essential when I was clearing debt otherwise it is miserable and you are more likely to have a 'oh sod it' day and go mad. I'm keeping back £50 a month for 'me' money with the new budget.

Don't forget we need indulgences so don't feel guilty! 

anjyeah

@doingitanyway - I found it easier said than done, lol. And I'm not usually one with regrets. I'll start following your lead and create a budget for myself as well. 

How is everyone doing? I have felt better since that little purchase regret I had, a few of the items never made it on time so to the returns and refund they go. However, it has been a high spend weekend after seeing close friends for the first time this year. The partner and I decided to foot the bill as I have not been able to give them any presents for their birthdays and last Christmas. It's all seems worth it still. All coming out of my "Presents" and "Me" pots. 

With a few days before payday, it seems like I still have some extra cash left despite the social happenings and purchase regrets. It looks doable and I can definitely add those extras to my overpayment. I will probably be back to update with my current debt tally just before the month ends. 

Have a good one everyone!

anjyeah

Payday is here! And the weather is making me feel inspired and then uninspired all at the same time. So aside from moving my money to bills, pots and my spending account, I've done nothing else. I will probably come back to it on a later time when I'm in the right mindset. 

I have, however, started to plan my August spending. I have outlined what's good or not good from my July spending and will carry that forward to the next month. In overview, I have reduced transport costs dramatically, which is a plus, and left me enough to cover my high spend expenses (mostly going out). 

I haven't overspent this month (Thank heavens!), but with August being a 5 week month, I have to do better.