My journey to health, wealth (well, saving for works to house, so not really!) and hobbies 5 June 2022 at 10:26AM in Debt free diaries 82 replies 10.6K views

RebeccaPearson

Starting a new diary as feel like I need a fresh start/new motivation.

43, married, 2 young DC.  Work almost FT (28 hours) in a professional job.  No current debt (other than a mortgage) but been in serious debt in the past due to stupid choices, mainly to try to keep up with the Jones's.  Still have a tendency to feel inferior and that spending money/buying things will plug the gap but try to keep that in check as much as possible.

Bought a house recently which needs A LOT of work doing to it.  So saving for that but always seems to be 1 step forward and 2 back as we spend a lot each month.  Work unlikely to start until early 2024 as we are at concept stage with architects and don't think we will get planning permissions/building drawings until autumn so we have some time to save, but not that long.

Huge nursery fees but these will drop a little in Sept and then again from next Sept when DC1 starts school.

I'm currently larger than I've ever been and do little to no exercise.  Need to get the eating under control, exercise and lose weight as none of my clothes fit.  Starting this tomorrow.  Not sure how this will impact on saving - should be less on alcohol and treats but possibly more on healthy food.

Also need some hobbies as I am boring and a shadow of my former self.  I don't sleep well when I drink so if I cut this out/down then this should help to give more time in the day.  Running/fitness will be 1 hobby and have also started writing a book (fiction - thriller) so I'd really like to be able to get up early and work on this.

tacpot12

I'd suggest you try a watersport, like dinghy sailing or canoeing. Most clubs have their own boats that members can use for free so that costs are limited to membership and possibly a wetsuit (£125 from Decathlon).

You might post a SOA if your expenses have changed as a result of moving house. Someone might be able to spot where you can save more money each month. 

Blackcats

Ah a lovely new diary - great title! 

Healthy eating, more exercise, less alcohol - I'm trying that too.  I have put on a little bit of weight which just won't shift so we can both transform together 👏

writing a book sounds amazing.  Saving Holmes on the mortgage free board published a book last year - an amazing achievement.

Sun_Addict

I can highly recommend the Couch to 5k app for running, also Get Fit with Rick on You Tube for walking workouts plus FitOn, a free exercise app, lots of short workouts. Plenty out there to get you started. 

Good luck with the book, I love thrillers.

enthusiasticsaver

Good luck with the new diary and the saving for house works, losing weight  and getting new hobbies.  I would suggest free ones like walking initially or couch to 5k. Cutting out alcohol will probably help with weight loss and sleeping.  I don't tend to drink much these days and walk a lot and sleep much better for it. Writing a book sounds interesting. 

RebeccaPearson

Blackcats said:

Ah a lovely new diary - great title! 

Healthy eating, more exercise, less alcohol - I'm trying that too.  I have put on a little bit of weight which just won't shift so we can both transform together 👏

writing a book sounds amazing.  Saving Holmes on the mortgage free board published a book last year - an amazing achievement.

Love this - let's try to motivate one another!  I was pleased because last night DH was wanting a beer because "they need to be used up" and I managed to convince him not to (because then I'd feel I was missing out) because we literally just bought them so it's not like they're about to go out of date!  Trying no booze until Fri/Sat but would love it if could stop completely.

Oh wow, I will have to check SH out - that is amazing!

RebeccaPearson

Sun_Addict said:

I can highly recommend the Couch to 5k app for running, also Get Fit with Rick on You Tube for walking workouts plus FitOn, a free exercise app, lots of short workouts. Plenty out there to get you started. 

Good luck with the book, I love thrillers.

Thank you!  Yes, I've started C25K (and given up) a few times!  Going to start that again today.  Actually ran a marathon in 2016 but done nothing since so need to start at the beginning!

Will also check out Get Fit with Rick!

RebeccaPearson

enthusiasticsaver said:

Good luck with the new diary and the saving for house works, losing weight  and getting new hobbies.  I would suggest free ones like walking initially or couch to 5k. Cutting out alcohol will probably help with weight loss and sleeping.  I don't tend to drink much these days and walk a lot and sleep much better for it. Writing a book sounds interesting. 

Thanks ES - yes, I find my sleep is awful even after just one drink, and everything seems much more "do-able" after a good night's sleep.  I tried going to bed at 8 last night because we had been out/entertaining all weekend so was zonked after much boozing, but sadly DC1 had fallen asleep in the afternoon and was in our bed asking me to go through the animals in the Ugly Five with him 25 million times!  Then we had lots of giggles because he kept saying "close your eyes and lay your head" so I did, then I would feel him watching me or coming close to my face and breathing on me so I'd open my eyes and he'd burst into laughter!  Eventually moved him to his own bed but then he kept coming in and saying "mummy, I want to go through the animals".  Eventually DH found him trying to climb into DC2's cot at 10pm(!!) so I'm sure I'll be heading upstairs around 8 tonight again!

Def know cutting the booze will help with all facets of what I'm trying to achieve - it's just I have the breaking point of a kitkat!!!!

RebeccaPearson

Did my couch to 5k run this morning!  Finding it easier to pop out about 0930 when morning traffic has calmed.  V proud of self for that and had a protein shake for breakfast on my return.  Was wanting to go hardcore and do protein shakes for breakfast and lunch with a proper dinner but I am already hungry so re-thinking that one!

Lemonade_budget

Just popped in to say hello and good luck on your journey! I'm also at my heaviest so keen to try some of the tips already mentioned for being more active 

Blackcats

Get fit with Rick is great - Sun Addict recommended on her diary and the workouts are relatively easy but good fun.  

DC1's "going through the animals" is very sweet but of course that is very easy for me to say and probably a bit less sweet at 10 pm.