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NST June 2023 Flotsam and Jetsam

NST June 2023

FLOTSAM and JETSAM
We all  use the phrase 'Flotsam and Jetsam' to mean all sorts of odds and sods but the words have specific legal meanings. When a boat is sinking, any cargo which floats off into the water as a consequence is Flotsam. Any items jettisoned by the crew in an attempt to save lives or the vessel is Jetsam. As  the items are jettisoned any claims of ownership are relinquished. Items which float free as the vessels founders remain part of the cargo and must be returned to the owners.

So who is floating along without a paddle, drifting this way and that on the waves? Who has chosen to 'jump ship' and set out on a different course or has your employer or a former loved one decided to jettison? We all have times of uncertainty, feeling rudderless and without a much needed anchor. Debt repayments can seem never ending, our chosen career ends up being a job that we don't even know why we started and we can get stuck in a situation that is not of our making. Just trying not to drown amidst life's storms, we try to keep our heads above water, not sure which direction we're going in.

In our desire to avoid change we cling to old relationships, jobs, bad habits which may no longer suit us. Loss of income, a job, break-ups, a health scare (lots of those around atm) make us feel vulnerable and often we plod doggedly in the same old pathways because we can't break the pattern. AS I think Deputy Dawg used to say "Just a cotton picking minute". We need to pause, take a deep breath and work out the best course for ourselves and our loved ones.

Ninja Saving Turtles are generally swimming against the tide of consumerism, paying off debt, saving for the future or just existing on a small fixed income. We treat money seriously but celebrate our achievements, commiserate with and support those who are struggling and have a lot of fun along the way. From the stroke of midnight tonight (31st May) until the end of June we will be engaging in the

JUNE CHALLENGE - FLOTSAM and JETSAM

F   Finances first - pay to your debt or savings, live on what is left.
     Fifteen No Spend Days (fuel or travel pass, medical needs including hospital parking and any ys purchases are exempt).

L   Look at things differently. You can't change other people/ some situations so you need to change the way you think about it, make an escape plan or improve it
     Little Bit Better - If you are stuck in a situation which can't be changed short-term, work out small things you can do now to make it bearable, less boring, fun

O   Opportunities to make more money - overtime, second (or third jobs), surveys for vouchers - not available to most of us so make the most of them if you can
     Opportunities to save - mending and repairing, re-purposing, growing your own veg, making hm gifts/ cards/ bags/ stationery items, cs purchases

T   Take control of the things you can control, recognise what isn't within your control (you are not responsible for the behaviour of other people)
     Think about your needs, what you need to happen - anything that supports you and your health and timetable it (don't drop it because you're busy)

S   Self-care - eat, drink water, exercise, unwind (add pampering and anything else you might need - there are many forms of self-care)
      Summer is coming - even if you're having a staycation, plan a few treats (plus factor 30+, bite cream, sunhats and glasses, a well stocked first aid kit)

A   Always take time to enjoy the moment - observe, enjoy, laugh, smile, be happy, have fun. The little things are really the big things
      At the end of the month we will be half way through this calendar year. Think about this month, and the second half of the year

M   Meal plan. The food budget is still mostly within our control (even though prices are unpredictable but not coming down). Use what you have, make it yourself
      More than meal planning - lots of things work better if you plan them. Just having a list of all the odd jobs that need doing means you can make use of odd minutes

and

J   Just do it. Stop procrastinating. Just make a start and remember Just because you can't do all of it, doesn't mean you can't do some of it
     Jettison the things that no longer serve you

E   Eat your veggies
     Eat those frogs

T   Take care of your health, it will pay off in the long term (and will make it's presence felt if you ignore it)
     Take things slowly. Rushing at things and overdoing it is unsustainable

S    Sleep (DS3's suggestion)
       Stay hydrated (DS3 says it needs it's own bullet point)

A    Always check in (daily if possible)
       Always be grateful for what you have

M   Mini Missions - think of 3 things in your life that need sorting out, pick one to work on (it can be as small as a drawer that sticks or is overflowing to a project or preparing to return to study - explore courses/ funding/ time you need to set aside)
      Many people are having a tough time, be kind, give what you can (time,money, kindness
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Comments

  • grandmanerd
    grandmanerd Posts: 1,194 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 6 June 2023 pm30 3:21PM
    Reserved for Contenders

    1 grandmanerd
    2 Toni'sfriend
    3 Idee2111
    4 Shrewbie
    5 ditty1234
    6 FlowerPot
    7 apple-muncher
    8 Starlight-at-Sea
    9 Shineyhappy
    10 lianne1984
    11 Pauper1
    12 f0xh0les
    13 beanielou
    14 DawnW
    15 Esmerelda2662
    16
    17
    18 Thrifty-Taylor
  • Toni'sfriend
    Toni'sfriend Posts: 4,056 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    Me please, Grandmanerd, xxx
    Have adventures. laugh a lot and always be kind.
  • ldee2111
    ldee2111 Posts: 1,028 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Can you add me too please x
    NST 🐢 & MFW 🤸
    MFD was: Jun 2040 MFD aim: April 2025
    FINAL BIG PUSH…
    Savings target for March 2025: £14,200/£14,180
  • Shrewbie
    Shrewbie Posts: 931 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Me please @grandmanerd, thank you!! This resonates with me more than you know!! 
    Student loan £5655
    House deposit €23,583K/€40k
  • ditty1234
    ditty1234 Posts: 2,097 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Hi can I please join. 
    Isa help to buy: 400/3000 13%
    Emergency fund: 100/1000 10%
    HMRC tax payments: 0/388 due before Jan 31, which I think I can do.
  • ~FlowerPot~
    ~FlowerPot~ Posts: 1,538 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    hello i would like to join in too please x
    ♥️ Your thoughts are incredibly powerful. Choose yours wisely ♥️ Dr Joe Dispenza ♥️
    🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
    Decluttering 2025 So far 132 / 2025
    Decluttering 2024🏅🏅🥇🏅🏅🏅⭐⭐⭐🌸 DS2🏅🏅DD🏅🥇🌸
    25 in 25 So far 1 /25

    ⭐My rambling savings Diary ~⭐
  • apple_muncher
    apple_muncher Posts: 15,098 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Mortgage-free Glee! Name Dropper
    Oooh, a fab challenge, as ever, grandmanerd. Thank you! Please add me B)
    NST March lion #8; NSD ; MFW9/3/23 Whoop Whoop!!!
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