Missy’s Surviving the storm so we can dance in the rain.

missymoo81

Thanks so much for your input everyone. It’s my own fault. I thought it was a large amount months ago then read an email wrongly And assumed it was only one of the Payments. But it is of course both. I’ve been employed my whole adult life then suddenly being self employed and now making enough money to be taxed is a whole new thing. I barely seem to have enough money to get through the month sometimes and that’s due to what happened to the business when we had to shut because of covid. Like many businesses we’ve just really struggled to build it back up. We’ve worked really hard this past few months. Advertising and we’re finally starting to see a better foot fall but it all just takes time.

thanks @Bluegreen143 we have talked about changing careers or supplementing the business with a job, there’s a couple that are 4 days on 4 off which could work. But I’d lose the flexibility of being able to be there for the children all of the time. It’s really hard As neither of us have a pension either.

i have a huge solicitors fee, which OH is paying. It just all comes at once. I’ve checked our energy bill and it’s tripled so i need to amend the direct debit, but on an up note I have finished paying £50 a month on one bill and another ends in March for £35. But I have signed up to 2 more subscriptions for the children for £25 which I need to pay now. 

missymoo81

So I’ve just had a good work through everything up until March and as long as everything stays the way it is. And with OHs help, I should be back on an even keel by March. I need to have a complete no spend Feb. I’ll use cash from the business coffee machine for food shopping and anything else. But no coffees out unless paid for by points and no treats for me or unfortunately the children. No lazy takeaways and no lazy coop stops. I can do this. It’s just one month after all. Going to check
surveys and see if there’s anything there I can do. 

missymoo81

Woo hoo just did a £2.50 survey so that’s something! 

Have also just found a £20 c0sta gift card I got for xmas. And I also have a free drink on my card. So that at least deals with my coffee addiction! 😳

missymoo81

Ok in bed now, got lots done off of my list but have lots more to do tomorrow that I didn’t manage. At work at 6. Will go to lidl.

missymoo81

Morning, didn’t sleep as mind was too busy. Just done my first our of work, have 3 more to do but 2 are at home. Work is freeeezing!
will go to lidl later. I have a £2 off coupon which is always good! Have got change out of the coffee machine to pay for the rest. Need to ring the dentist today and the solicitors as the payment details are wrong. Will also dig 3 things out of the charity bags to sell. As I put some jackets in there as I was too lazy to sell them. 

Meal plan this week:

Sausage & mash Tues
Chicken stew x 2 wed & sun
tuna jackets/pasta thurs
omlettes fri
antipasti Saturday

Would the chicken stew keep in the fridge from weds to Sunday? 

missymoo81

Ok so far I have managed to finish the list from yesterday! I have cancelled my future nail appointments and taken my nail extensions off, my actual nails are ruined! 

I’ve done a couple of small surveys, I’ve paid some bills. I’ve sold an eating plan for £25 more than originally thought. I’ve managed to whittle the shopping list down. I’ve got £48 to spend in lidls before I get £10 off. I was planning on shopping today and next Sunday, so hopefully I can make that work. I’m going to take more change from the coffee tub to cover,  so that will be £58 in total of shopping I wonder how long I can make that last. 

I need to get back into making lunches instead of meal deals. I have run out of vanilla coffee syrup too 😢😢. But I can’t allow myself to buy any unless I can make that money. So as soon as I hit £7.99 on surveys, I’m cashing out and going to buy some! I can get it cheaper at b&m but it’s a 15 minute drive and I never go past so I don’t know if it would be any cheaper.

I have a super long day tomorrow but it’s all money! I’m still waiting to hear about a government grant which would really help but no idea how long these things take. 

Almost school pick up time. Can’t wait today! 

Bluegreen143

@missymoo81 I’m pretty sure you can make coffee syrups really cheaply & easily - worth a Google? It’s just sugar water with flavourings!

Bluegreen143

Haven’t tried this myself but I made cinnamon flavoured syrup once and it worked fine so I’m sure it would. And be way cheaper than £8, especially if you have sugar in already.

https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/homemade-vanilla-coffee-syrup/ 

jwil

Do you use olio and too good to go?  If they are available in your area you might be able to reduce the food budget a bit.

missymoo81

Thanks @Bluegreen143 that’s so kind of you to look for me! I wish I’d picked it up sooner as I managed to buy some for £4.99 in lidl. I managed to get everything on my shopping list and hAd some change left over so hence the syrup. Spent less than £20 to last until Sunday. I will def try making the syrup in future!

I’ve been super good and baked banana bread for the children’s snacks whilst the sausages were cooking, I also Put in 2 big potatoes to make jacket potatoes for a meal later in the week! I’ve done washing and we all had a family dinner.