Porridge for breakfast

ClootiesMum

So – back after a looong absence & need to take charge of finances again rather than just drifting along.

DH’s job depresses him – really depresses him & an ideal scenario would be that he could give up that job & get a small part time one to make up the difference that we need to keep on the straight & narrow.

My task – to work out what the difference is (&, as a result, what he would have to earn) to allow this to happen as well as clearing the debts in my signature below (there are more – but the below is enough to be going on with) and cutting expenses to the bone – thus reducing the amount needed to be earned.

I have a full time job so I’m not looking for a 2nd part-time job but I have a feeling that with the changes in lifestyle I need to make any extra time will be used up admirably anyway.

I am also going to try to incorporate using local rather than heading off to the big supermarkets.  I know this will be more expensive but the quality is so much better & and I know I’m lucky to be in a place where I can do this.  Produce lasts longer & the meat has more flavour & you don’t need to use as much as it’s not plumped up with water.  Should also save in petrol

So – here we go on a journey to clear the debt and improve the quality of our lives.  

Looking forward to getting tips fromy'all to hasten the journey I'm on

I’m going to save post number 2 for lists of :-

• Things I will stop buying 

• Things I have done & money saved (this will be a pick me up when I’m feeling sorry for myself)

• Money saving actions incorporated into daily life

• Any sales of stuff or extra money made.  I have way too much stuff & need this kick up the butt to move it on

ClootiesMum

Things I will stop buying

• Books & audiobooks from Audible/Amazon – Just totalled what I spent last year on Amazon/Audible books – OMG - #304.48.  Amazon - #156.86 & Audible #147.62.  That’s an easy #300 saving

• Kindling for fire – I can chop this – it’s just laziness on my part

• As much Noseco  - This is my treat to myself but I don’t need treats as often as I have them – maybe once or twice a week would do.  ON the upside – I’m still on the wagon & feeling so much better for it.

Money saving actions incorporated into daily life

• Stop using tumble drier – just need to be a bit more organised in keeping the washing up to date so it can dry on horses overnight

• Transfer #50 per month to pots for birthdays, Christmas & cars.  This is likely to be more than we need but knowing there are funds available will cut down on the panic/worry when another birthday sneaks up the day before payday

edwink

Hi ClootiesMum

Can I be the first to cheer you on? 

Just to say good luck and I hope all goes to plan for you. I'll be following you on your journey and will hopefully encourage you along the way.

Edwink 

ClootiesMum

Thanks Edwink - good to hear from you
Cheer away

I can't promise it'll be a wild ride but it'll be good to have encouragement

McKneff

Do you really need a car

ClootiesMum

Hi McKneff - afraid so.  We live in a really rural village & DH has to drive to work each day

CL21

Good luck! I feel your pain with the book situation 😳 Build some personal spends into the budget though and you can still have a treat from audible 

Sounds like you’ve got a good plan for the new year - definitely agree with having different savings pots for thing! 

ClootiesMum

Thanks CL21 - I did think about that but I do have books I still need to listen to & there are some I'll listen to again.
I will still get books but from charity shops - & not many (honest )

CL21

Ha ha - same! I’m slowly reading my way through a lot of unread kindle books! 

shoppergal

If you're a member of the library that should give you access to audio books and Ebooks online. I use both borrowbox and Libby, both free to use and a fantastic selection on both. 

ClootiesMum

Good call shoppergal
I have done this once or twice so is likely to feature again.  Real books aren't an issue as neighbour gets bags of books from friends & I get to raid them before she moves them on
And I have thousands of books on laptop that I just need to decide what to read & move to Kindle.  But audiobooms - library here I come