Munchin’s intentionally living with less diary

Munchin

Hi diaryland,

I’m back again and hoping this diary will keep me on the right track to cut down on my frittering which is still an issue.  So I’m a bit early for 2022 but I’m easing myself into it gently because I want to by the end of 2022 have my wasteful spending/frittering under control and to have both an emergency fund and about £4,000 in a rewire my house fund.  I’ve been on and off the forum for years and thankfully am currently debt free and want to stay that way. 

2021 is a year I want to see the back off, can’t really go into details but I had a close family member get ill and for 6 long months they were in hospital and a lot landed with me which I would do again in a heartbeat but there were a lot of balls in the air and a few got dropped . Anyway things have improved but my emergency fund took a hit because of the extra expenses but isn’t that what it is there for?

I really want to stop my frittering and build up savings but also travel (depending on the COVID situation).  I have a holiday booked for January and flights are paid and I’m staying with family so accommodation is free.  I’m supposed to be going for 2 weekends abroad in 2022 with friends and probably 2023 we are going to have a family holiday to put ill health and stress behind us.  Apart from sunscreen there is nothing I need for any of these trips (if they happen).

On my money front I want to have a low spend year and use up everything before replacing and I’m setting myself a £100 budget on clothes.  Honestly I don’t need any clothes but if I set myself a £0 budget I’d be just asking for trouble. I want to aim for 20 NSDs a month but for December I’ll aim for 15. I plan to replace anything I need with a sustainable option but I’ve that much stuff it may be a while before I have to replace anything which is kind of embarrassing to admit.

I have some big spends in December - I’ve ordered and paid for new flooring but it’s been delayed and I have to buy skirting board and pay the joiner and painter. In January my car is booked in for a service and I already know it needs work but I need to keep it on the road for a few more years yet.

Think that is enough thinking for tonight.  Plans for tomorrow is to call 2 friends, see family and squeeze in a run if the weather permits.

WinterWarrior

Good luck @Munchin. I am in a similar position of being debt free, but fighting to get a handle on my frittering. Feel free to follow my diary for tips on what not to do! I lost my lovely dad this year too, it seems to have been a dreadful year for illnesses and losses.

Munchin

Hi WinterWarrior
so sorry for your loss, I agree it’s been a terrible year and we thought 2020 was bad. Tootling over to your thread - thank you

WinterWarrior

Thank you.
I meant to say that I’m on a lovely challenge group to record NSD’s. Here is the link if you’d like a look… https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/78785710#Comment_78785710

Four_Seasons

Hi, I am also debt free but struggle with emotional spending. Here's to 2022 being a much better year for everyone. Cheering you on x

CreditCardJunkie

Hi, I've bookmarked your diary as I'm in a similar situation. Debt free but frittering! I had an idea a few weeks back to try and live off one wage for a year and save the rest. We desperately would like to upsize our house but don't want to go crazy on mortgage payments as I'm self employed. I need to sit down and work it all out though.

I'll be cheering you on along the way!

Munchin

Thanks WW, FS & CCJ

I think the battle to stay out of debt is really hard work because my behaviour that got me into debt in the first place hasn’t changed (which is why I’m here again). Will have to pop over and join your diaries if you have them. CCJ - really great idea to live on 1 salary. 

Today I had to pop into work for some new equipment and it was so strange, I’ve only been in the office once since March 2020. I stopped at the service station for fuel but was very pleased because I work in the city and didn’t take the opportunity to sneak to the shops  .

Things I want to buy before January - 

• Work diary;
• Calendar.

Was sort of hoping I’d find both in work today and that would save me money but no such luck.

So my furbaby is currently curled up beside me while I catch up on diaries and read which is not a bad way to spend a Monday night. Good luck all.

WinterWarrior

I bought a great day to a page a5 work diary for about £5.50 from amzn. I earned a £5 voucher from surveys so it cost me just under 50p. I then spoilt it by spending £13 on a mystical cats wall calendar (but I do need to look at the lovely pictures for a year).
well done on avoiding the shops.
I’m really struggling to change over to a savings mindset…it’s hard!

joedenise

@Munchin could you ask for diary and calendar for Christmas to save you some money?

Good luck with savings next year.

Munchin

Morning 

joedenise - thanks, will let mum or sister know to get them .. it will also save them from having to think what I would like.

so today I was supposed to combine looking after niece and work because her brother was due back in hospital for a short procedure. Sister texted last night to say hospital had cancelled which is disappointing but equally I was relieved because it is a busy week for me in work and the baby wouldn’t have been much assistance  .

I only have a few Xmas presents left to buy. I bought my Uncle his Xmas present yesterday and nephew would like money (easily sorted) and that just leaves my 2 sisters and that is usually just a token present. 

Making money - I have a bracelet from my ex I want to sell on ebay and I need to get my head back into surveys but one step at a time. 

Have a great 1st December everyone  

Munchin

WW. - that is so me!! feel great I saved x amount on something and then blow it on something else