The Three C's - Coffee, Clothes & Credit Cards

Sarahwithlove

doingitanyway said:

You are doing really well. Everything organised. 
Re your food budget, when you don't feel like cooking what 'is the easy way' You could do a few fake-aways and freeze them for cba days? Just a thought...

I think I also need some easy foods in the freezer and cupboards as well. I am going to make a list of some easy meals and put them on my white board in kitchen. That way I have ideas of things I can have when I can't be bothered to cook. 

Sarahwithlove

Food shop done. Also had to buy some new underwear and got myself some 3/4 jeans in sale at £6. 

I have decided to trial YNAB again, have 34 days to decide if its worthwhile for me. I know I'm much better with my mindless spending when I'm tracking. Using a spreadsheet doesn't seem to be working for me. Anyway spent some time setting it up with my current circumstances and my monthly goals/bills etc. The new app layout is taking some getting used to. Definitely changed since I used it last. 

LzzyIsGod

I do love a quick meal sometimes when I'm tired or know I'm going to be late back. Bit easier for the yoofs too to make a start if it's just a case of heating up. 

I've never used YNAB so I shall watch with interest for your feedback! 

Sarahwithlove

LzzyIsGod said:

I do love a quick meal sometimes when I'm tired or know I'm going to be late back. Bit easier for the yoofs too to make a start if it's just a case of heating up. 

I've never used YNAB so I shall watch with interest for your feedback! 

I brought a pizza with my shop which I had this evening. Taken lasagne out for tomorrow so just a case of warming it up. 

I used it before when I had a free year as student, then paid for a year. But stopped when they put the price up but seen alot of people say it's still worthwhile. So I'm looking forward to trying it. Though if you do try I'd suggest starting at beginning of a month or very last day! 

LzzyIsGod

I'm so tight with money these days I suck my teeth at having to pay for anything!

alt80

Spreadsheet with a reminder that flags up on your phone / laptop to update it? Really don't think these paid for apps are good value.

Sarahwithlove

LzzyIsGod said:

I'm so tight with money these days I suck my teeth at having to pay for anything!

Haha yes I used to be similar but if it helps with the mindless spending is the cost worthwhile in long run. Currently be about £80 for the year. 

alt80 said:

Spreadsheet with a reminder that flags up on your phone / laptop to update it? Really don't think these paid for apps are good value.

I have had a play with different spreadsheets and styles. But I think because I spend all day looking at spreadsheets at work I struggle with managing my own. If it helps with the mindless spending then is it worthwhile in long run. That's why i'm seeing how it goes with the trial period. I got on well when I used it before and I know it still remains popular on here 

Sarahwithlove

I've had such a bad night's sleep. Today is office day, I am going to be inhaling my coffee and cant be held responsible for the hit to my budget. 

joedenise

I've been using YNAB for years.  I really think it's worth the money.  I have a category with the monthly figure so when renewal comes round the money is there.  As I changed from YNAB4 I got a 10% reduction each year when I changed over so only need to put £6.50 a month away.

Since using it I have managed to save far more money since retirement than any time whilst DH and I were working and we are also having more holidays because we have the time and the money available.  Regular savers are a great way of saving for big spend items like holidays!

Sarahwithlove

joedenise said:

I've been using YNAB for years.  I really think it's worth the money.  I have a category with the monthly figure so when renewal comes round the money is there.  As I changed from YNAB4 I got a 10% reduction each year when I changed over so only need to put £6.50 a month away.

Since using it I have managed to save far more money since retirement than any time whilst DH and I were working and we are also having more holidays because we have the time and the money available.  Regular savers are a great way of saving for big spend items like holidays!

Yes I've mentally added the figure to my annual subscription costs. Will see how it goes but think it would be worth it to regain control on my spending. I'm hoping it will stop me stealing money from other categories and stop and think. 

Expensive day today, parking at office £7.30, coffee and cake £6.35, Costa £5 and then chippy tea £5.80. Luckily my dad gave me £16 he owed me that I'd forgotten about. Parking costs came out of travel budget so refund from dad basically covered the rest. 

No plans for tomorrow, but Friday im off so having my hair cut. Its usually £40, I have £35 left in that pot so will take £5 from personal spending. I cant wait for payday so I can refill all my pots in monzo and on ynab