Debt and Caring

WelshmansDaughter

I'm not really one for following that sort of thing AK. I tend to think the news becomes true because people believe in it rather than the other way round.
The flat is a long way off, that is true. I've realised that I generally think about stuff that is far off when I don't want to or can't do anything in the present. And also because annoying interest rate rises on my mortgage. 
It doesn't exist in isolation either. It's not like I have a career to go back to either. In all honesty a big part of my problem is not knowing what I want to do to earn money. Or what I can do. 
I do know the definite first step is to get my finances stabilised. Which means actually paying my bills on time. And not spending money on crap. I've been agonising over buying a domestika course to try out which was 14.90. But today I bought a pizza takeaway for 24.99. Without thought. Admittedly it was because I am knackered. 
My plan for January is just to make sure all the money I earn that is fixed goes towards my bills. So that is Carer's Allowance and the money Teacup gives me. Anything I earn from working can vary hugely so I won't be accounting for that until the end of the month when I have earned it.
For spending, the nice lady in the post office broke up a 50 for me into 4 x 12.50. So that is in my wee boxes. Except for week 2 which has 10.50 because I just used the coins to tip the pizza man. It is not just a challenge of spending but also to think about what I actually need to buy. After all I don't pay food or bills here.  

Cherryfudge

I had a similar situation to your pizza one the other day: I'd bought a coffee voucher for a friend as a thank you for something, then saw the absolute perfect gift for her elsewhere, but it was more than I'd usually spend on a gift. Then I realised it was the same price as the voucher I already had! So I bought the gift anyway and will save he voucher for someone else, and let my friend have the more personal gift.

So why do I think a voucher for X amount is reasonable, but a gift costing the same is somehow more extravagant? It really doesn't make sense.

So perhaps a meal when you are hungry is worth it, but treating yourself to a course would be a treat too? In which case, could you invest in some supermarket pizzas for times when you need something quick, easy and not too healthy (don't we we all have those moments), thereby freeing up future money for a course for yourself? I can see that only works if a supermarket pizza would hit the spot, so perhaps a frozen curry or other quick meal might also help out? I think they could come out of housekeeping as it would keep the overall household costs down.

savingholmes

I agree with AK - be kind to you. 

And Cherry - I love the supermarket pizza - we had 2 today between us as a treat.

I have the mental block on different pots of £ and assigning logical values too.

WelshmansDaughter

library book. Hoping to pick up some fun free play ideas

WelshmansDaughter

Having spent almost the entire day in bed yesterday I am now feeling almost human again. 
Definitely overdid it on the planning/responsibility side of things. My thoughts were actually giving me a headache yesterday. Couldn't even watch any more TTDUP 🤣🤣🤣
I've decided that January will be a month of rest and fun, keeping the planning to a minimum. I'll make notes and such but just keep to my spending plan.
I've been given 50 euro for xmas and a 60 euro voucher for a local bookshop. I don't know how that will fit in to the spending plan, I might just keep the voucher for something I really want. 

WelshmansDaughter

The pizza was definitely overkill, CF I ended up sharing it out anyway. I was thinking of adding a supermarket pizza to the shop but didn't 🤦‍♀️ It was an unusual level of tiredness though, got a bit hyper then drank a coffee so no chance of sleep 

WelshmansDaughter

badmemory said:

WelshmansDaughter said:

. 
Setting intentions: to become a responsible, organised adult.

Good luck with this.  I'm still trying but then I am only 76.  So still a work in progress.

So I have a few decades to practice 🤣🤣🤣 good to know

WelshmansDaughter

@astrocytic_kitten definitely wise words and the ones I keep trying to tell myself. 
I do think keeping the flat is a stretch goal. Even if I can keep paying the mortgage, the cost of renovation is a factor. I will be returning (at some point hopefully far in the future) after an extremely stressful time so will I want to take on saving for and doing a renovation project? 
All things to consider so you're right best not to rush into anything 

astrocytic_kitten

Keeping January a month for rest and fun sounds like a truly excellent plan! January is a tough enough month at the best of times, not the time to be making life changing decisions if you can help it

WelshmansDaughter

My birthday is in January so this time of year is great for me 🤣