Now for a healthier, wealthier me

AntoMac

Well done for keeping up the PADding LMD.That’s a great habit to keep, even when other things aren’t so good

LittleMissDetermined

Hi everyone, I hope you had good festive breaks and that Santa was good to you. 

I am back at work today and it feels nice to get back to 'normal', we haven't had the best few weeks, with all sorts going on, anniversaries of losing loved ones, end of relationships, winter vomiting bug, non-starting vehicles and a big tax bill... lots to stress about. 

There have been positives too, I promise! Time spent with friends and family, lovely and very thoughtful gifts given and received, oh and I booked another holiday to go with my friend in May. Not all bad see?

DH and DSD are still off until 5th so they have some plans whilst I am working which is nice and will keep them out of my hair somewhat.

I'm still PADding as usual. £5 was sent to the sabbatical today, with how the days fall for New Year, my envelopes from now on will be Thursdays, dice rolling will remain Wednesdays and my budget reset day will still be Fridays so it may seem that all my saving happens at once, but as long as it gets saved I don't really mind.  Now I'm getting older my weeks go by so quickly I will hardly notice

My reading challenge finished at 75 books read. Not too bad really, I'd like to do the same again next year, and I received a little 'reading log' where I can record how much I enjoyed (or didn't enjoy) the book. I also received a personalised book stamper which is fab. 

That's all from me I think, I hope you're all doing OK
LMD x

amber03

Good to hear from you LMD, the run up to Xmas is stressful enough without all the dramas you and your family went through. Lovely to hear you still managed to enjoy time with your family and friends. 

It is good to get back to “normal” after the festivities and totally agree about time going quicker as you get over. Hoping 2026 is a good year for you.

Bananabreadyum

Hi lmd, lovely to hear from you, sorry it's been stressful in the lead up to and including Xmas. I am aksi glad to get back to routine. I seen to find Xmas more stressful each year! 

LittleMissDetermined

It's scary how time flies... this year has been one I would rather forget but I still can't believe we are almost at NYE. We don't have plans for tomorrow evening, so we will probably watch a film in the hot tub with a glass of wine and then go to bed.

I am going to make some resolutions this year, I don't usually - but they will focus on spending more time with family and friends and being reflective and grateful for the positives. I feel like it's needed.

So, today is a NSD for me, I do have a busy work day with lots of admin to do so that will keep me busy.  I've PADded the £5 to the sabbatical as usual too. 

I did start another book last night, and it's rather an easy read so I may get this finished this year too, taking me to 76 books. Not bad at all. 

That's it for me in terms of updates Not much going on here today.
Hope you're all good
LMD x

LittleMissDetermined

So, last night I finished my 76th book, I won't start another until tomorrow though as I am busy today and meeting my sister for lunch, although she wouldn't bat an eye if I turned up with my nose in a book I think it's a bit rude!

Today is dice roll day, even if I had to double check what day it was! So £51 from the dice rolling has been sent to my big savings pot.  The usual £5 whizzed off automatically to the sabbatical whilst I was still sleeping and a few bills have left the account today. 

Not much else is happening, we are still getting over the 'mess'-up that was our festive period and to be honest 2026 will be welcome here. I will spend some time later planning my resolutions, there's a gratitude one which requires bits of paper and a jar so I will have a look around to see what I can use for that.

That's all from me in terms of updates, we have no NYE plans, I hope all yours go well and I will see you in 2026!
LMD x

LittleMissDetermined

Happy New Year all! 
I've sorted out all the finances this morning and started off a few 2026 challenges (1p challenge and the 52 envelope challenge) it's a NSD for me today which is a nice way to start the year, I will see how long that lasts haha.

PAD included £76 to the 1p challenge, £1 to fill the first envelope and the usual £5 to the sabbatical. I also had £10 interest added to the sabbatical so that gave it a little boost. 

I'll be starting the book challenge again with No1, and I plan to get a good start on that today.

Here are my finance totals as we head into 2026:

Sealed Pot 26	£ 824.38
Emergency fund	£ 1,000.00
Other savings	£ 1,738.32
Sabbatical	£ 4,220.82
Travel pots	£ 3,545.00
Sinking pots	£ 4,124.00
Total	£ 15,452.52

Not bad really, my sinking pots and travel is what I am concentrating on from my normal pay/budget as I now have 3 holidays booked that need to be paid for or that I am paying for. To complete my sinking funds goals will take another £2176, but these pots are moving parts as they are constantly being used for things such as my car, gifts, Christmas, self care etc.

I also still need about £5k for my various travel plans in 2026, (3 holidays, 2 being F1 trips, 2 short breaks and then my usual Black Friday trip) I'm sure I will ensure my focus is on these so I can make the most of 2026 and make fab memories.

I feel I am in an OK place. The Sabbatical is now in an ISA, the Emergency Fund is in Premium Bonds so I may have a chance at winning something there. I have my shiny new budget journal for 2026 and some accompanying 'no spend' stickers to keep me on track  

That's all from me, welcome to 2026 everyone!
LMD x

Wanna_Bee_Free

Wow, those totals are amazing. And thank you for mentioning No spend day stickers. But I am not buying anything today so I have sticker envy! Hapoy new year LMD!

LittleMissDetermined

Wanna_Bee_Free said:

Wow, those totals are amazing. And thank you for mentioning No spend day stickers. But I am not buying anything today so I have sticker envy! Hapoy new year LMD!

I bought mine ages ago, back in November. I bought the planner and all the stickers from Budget With Ira. So pretty! 🤩 

Wanna_Bee_Free

They are now on my 'Might Want to Buy' list. So I plan to track things I want snd then be pleased when the urge goes and I don't want the things any more. Some of them are so cute. If I post on the NSD thread for 3 months and if I still want them they might be a nice little motivator later in the year.