Future Proofing my life: Deposit saving then MFW journey in under 13 years

LadyWithAPlan

Managed to get some gifts yesterday in a 3.5 hr shop without any coffee stops with my mum (!!! But shops closing early) and did a last minute 10/11 pm rush order on Amazon and TKMax online  for pre Xmas delivery - so now just some food bits to add in stockings - crisps, choc,  odd small bottle cider etc 

did get as always some CS books, I re gifted a couple bits plus I picked up a few free things from neighbours that will be appreciated 

I did have a few old comp wins to add inc a football I had won last year still in its wrapping and a lovely water bottle but not as much as always - I have comped less this year and I realise my stockings often have free won stuff in plus I  didn’t travel to the States either in 2024  where I do also pick up gifts 

Also going to gift some beauty stuff that had been gifted to me this year and never opened 
I was given a charlotte TIL bronzer £45 and I am not that big a fan whilst my DN loves the brand - so as it’s still in its original packaging etc that’s an easy win - it’s a beautiful compact but I love my MAC 

I got my mum to buy the M&S beauty advent earlier in Dec as she was buying something from there anyway and that had loads great gifting things in it- we had fun opening it last night to see who was getting what plus great for the Sister in law gifts etc - it was amazing 
I normally get it or the boots one (neither this year) but will ensure I get something similar next year as lots of great products in often smaller sizes so perfect for Xmas  


I have bought very much on list aoart from free stuff so less stuff to clutter up homes 

not started wrapping though ! 

Comp win - a random box of 8 packs of coffee capsules arrived from Costa so 80 capsules - no email to say where from - posted - and I no longer have a Nespresso machine but I will sell or get the coffee out and use in my Smeg (which I still love using ) 

My mums knee is sore so I am getting her a couple acupuncture sessions as her main - she has lots of stuff and it’s always helped me 

Bought the parents FR turkey £59 plus champagne for Xmas day and also boxing day champagne bottle at sisters plus trying that Limoux stiff from Aldi for Xmas eve 

I have cut down a lot in spending but I haven’t had the normal levels of energy especially waiting to be paid and the housing stress 
plus my YNAB Xmas pot was low as I kept dipping into it for living due to irregular pay 

I will need to do a full audit of the year and big steps so good I am back in london this weekend 

redofromstart

Merry Christmas to you!

beanielou

Have a happy Christmas. 

LadyWithAPlan

redofromstart said:

Merry Christmas to you!

Thanks Redo - you are in my thoughts this Xmas - I hope you find some peace and  smiles this Xmas despite all you and your family have been through 

@beanielou keep warm and cozy ! Merry Xmas 

Merry Xmas to everyone reading - had a huge Xmas eve dinner with some family and caught up with the last half of ‘love actually’ - will seek out the Holiday as well of course 

To those who have lost people this year or are remembering loved ones from the past I send you a virtual hug and a wish of you soon remembering them with joy of how wonderful they were and the fun you had  as well as missing them. 

Peace on earth indeed and goodwill to all this starry night … and I hope (Ms) Santa visits you with fabulous and frugal gifts 

LadyWithAPlan

Hope everyone had a lovely Xmas, is happy and keeping warm - the fog and mist has been really severe 

Just travelling back to london as a big bday bash tomorrow of a lovely friend - will be a lot of champagne and drank a fair amount this Xmas but by 6pm yesterday I was refusing the tattinger to drink hot water day off today from all alcohol 
 Over Xmas been with /staying with various members of my family and cooked /ate up a storm 

had some lovely gifts and all mine were appreciated - no arguments so a good Xmas 
there was a debate on crypto - as you all know I have been slowly learning by having a small amount of it - I never understand people who fling themselves into a side of an argument without doing proper research or knowing much at all  - but people kept calm so

I was on Reddit and the amount of family dramas that were kicking off there  - we have been there as a family but this year was quiet 
A sister in law was dying to get into political crazy (but I had been pre-warned  she  has become a vitriolic huge trump far far  right supporter who starts and bangs  on one sidedly for an hour plus without drawing breath)  so I deftly changed the subject as I saw the glint on her eye as she tried to shoehorn politics into Boxing Day .. not on my (champagne fuelled Xmas watch) 

I have chosen not to think/worry/discuss flat situation this week and let myself enjoy Xmas and family. 
The new potential flat agents called /emailed me Monday yes Dec 23rd and emailed me also today - talk about harassing people over Xmas ! Plus those being made homeless in a week also been harassed on their next plans 

I am delaying my decision on staying and paying higher rent and being at the contractual mercy of people I don’t respect or trust or going down the legal route with the risks/rewards there and also the right thing to do to fight alongside others 
I plan to have a fabulous day with friends tomorrow then reorganise myself /chant on Sunday then have  a few conversations Monday to decide 

the easy path is to sign and pay more but annoyingly my instinct is screaming no! Every time I think just pay more and get focused on getting new job then buying something tells no .. they could hike my rent up again immediately- have power over then throwing me out etc .. 
so I need space, clarity and serious chanting to make the decision from wisdom not fear 

Gave my DN 2 dresses I was gifted 10 plus years ago and never worn and she loves them - both with tags still on - she also got some lovely gifts from me I actually paid for 

the vat on school fees is coming so family discussing that - luckily the family kids managed to get small scholarships that largely mitigated the rise but the stress of HCOL and huge fee increases for many plus I read that homelessness is up by 16-28% depending who you read this year …

I have 2 close friends whose new partners taking them away to some lovely places for NYE (separately !) - it reminds me I need to start dating again - not sure I want to go online though. 
I did meet someone Friday but he is coming across quite creepy ! So am ignoring the texts 
I think I need to focus on filing /paying my corp tax before Tuesday and new work and this flat situation plus EOY reviews and work not flings !
my YNAB is a bit of a mess after the last few days rush shopping so I need to sort  that  plus hardly done any MB this month 

I got paid a small amount from main client but a decent invoice was paid by the other so that covers my tax bill etc 
will get onto main client next week .. 

I will do a real review of 2024 for myself including YNAB and goals - 2025 is the year of the new fabulous home - the universe clearly kicking my !!!!!! to get my attention 

beanielou

Glad you had a lovely Christmas.

LadyWithAPlan

Tx @beanielou


December food/home cooking  ... ouch £407.2
Grocery spend  £222.69 
London entertaining spend (had 2 xmas dinner parties) plus food etc for family inc the £59  FR turkey  I bought for xmas day  £184.51

Total spent on food in 2024 £2,662.57
This includes abroad food (when stayed in flats and cooked), xmas entertaining food,  weekly grocery and bulk. May be more to come but great to have these exact figures for next year, 

dawnybabes

Sounds like a lovely Xmas except for Trump person 🤣🤣🤣

im dipping my toe into the dating thing buts it’s very scary out there, there’s some right creeps ! 

savingholmes

Glad Xmas went OK and usual got some £ in.

Listen to your instincts 

Queen_of_the_Hive

dawnybabes said:

Sounds like a lovely Xmas except for Trump person 🤣🤣🤣

im dipping my toe into the dating thing buts it’s very scary out there, there’s some right creeps ! 

Exciting times @dawnybabes, eek to the creeps. Happy shopping