Three(ish!) years until I ditch the rat race?

85 Posts

I previously had a diary whilst getting out of debt but unfortunately I can't find it and I got locked out of my account when the forum changed over. I found the encouragement and accountability invaluable so I'm back again!
In the next 3 to 5 years I want to move back up north and drop my hours (I'm currently working a 50 hour week). My husband is also keen to have a change in lifestyle. My children have grown up but one is still living at home. I don't have the time or energy to do the things I love like growing veg, daily walking or cooking for fun. I feel like I'm stuck in an endless cycle of working and sleeping.
The only way this would be possible would be to save with the intensity we had whilst paying off debt. Being frugal, cutting out the canteen lunches at work, being organised and not spending money on stuff I don't really need.
If anyone wants to join me, whether in debt or not I would love the company.
Today I just worked my normal shift and didn't pick up any overtime. I also have tomorrow off so I'm planning on sorting through the freezer and then getting a few bits in for lunches. I took in some sandwiches made with a leftover baguette. It was a little dry and I am realising I'll need to make some nicer stuff to resist the cooked canteen meals. £0 spent today and I'm feeling chuffed with the good start to the year.
In the next 3 to 5 years I want to move back up north and drop my hours (I'm currently working a 50 hour week). My husband is also keen to have a change in lifestyle. My children have grown up but one is still living at home. I don't have the time or energy to do the things I love like growing veg, daily walking or cooking for fun. I feel like I'm stuck in an endless cycle of working and sleeping.
The only way this would be possible would be to save with the intensity we had whilst paying off debt. Being frugal, cutting out the canteen lunches at work, being organised and not spending money on stuff I don't really need.
If anyone wants to join me, whether in debt or not I would love the company.
Today I just worked my normal shift and didn't pick up any overtime. I also have tomorrow off so I'm planning on sorting through the freezer and then getting a few bits in for lunches. I took in some sandwiches made with a leftover baguette. It was a little dry and I am realising I'll need to make some nicer stuff to resist the cooked canteen meals. £0 spent today and I'm feeling chuffed with the good start to the year.
SPC #046 2021- £293.26
Make £2022 in 2022 #35 £10/£2022
Make £2022 in 2022 #35 £10/£2022
4
Latest MSE News and Guides
Replies
As you already know this is an amazing community.
by being accountable here I've been able to change my spending habits which has meant I now work part time and will be retiring later this year. I really couldn't have done it without support from here.
Why not start a savings challenge either on the DFW forum or the savings forum? There are numerous ones up and running for the New Year now.
Save £12k in 2023 Challenge #8 £12,000/£6500
The 365 day 1p Challenge 2023 #1 £670.00/£100.00
The 365 £1 a day Challenge for Christmas 2023 #43 £1000/£400
I will definitely have a look into some of the money saving challenges, anything to help keep the motivation going is most welcome.
I used my day off wisely and had a clear out in the kitchen. I found quite a lot of food I can use for work lunches. Tomorrow will be cous cous with some chicken from the freezer.
I did buy some bread and eggs but only spent £3.65.
Make £2022 in 2022 #35 £10/£2022
We've got a lot to do in our house as we decided to get MF then save to do it up, then there was covid so we didn't start on any home plans. Hopefully I can work out how to focus on my house and future and cheer you on at the same time!
I managed a no spend day! Hopefully I can manage quite a few more this month.
Make £2022 in 2022 #35 £10/£2022
All our rooms need redecorating basically (it's a small house), we are thinking of a heat pump to replace the boiler... we've been saving a long time for all this so we wouldn't need to borrow any money.
And yeah, it's a shame when you work in a great team but the company is going through a lot of change.
Make £2022 in 2022 #35 £10/£2022
I've managed to not go grocery shopping (apart from the £3 65 spent on bread and eggs). I keep finding odds and sods in the freezer and the back of the cupboard that desperately need using up. I've been having cous cous and pesto pasta for lunches. I did have to fuel up the car that was almost £80, but that is down from the recent high costs. At one point it was costing me nearly £100.
The interest rate on my Coventry FHS has now gone up to 5pc, thank god for the different savers threads on here because I don't have the time to shop around. I'm thinking of pulling my premium bonds money for the guaranteed interest but I quite like the dreaming that comes with the chance of winning big.
I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.
Make £2022 in 2022 #35 £10/£2022