Flying solo

joedenise

Shows that a "personal spends" pot is worthwhile.  Well done on not having to raid any of your other pots.

twiggy86

Thanks @joedenise

I do feel an element of guilt that I've taken my foot off the pedal slightly in terms of debt busting (i.e. giving myself a bigger amount to fritter as I wish this month). However, it's trying to get that balance right and it makes me feel less guilty/ out-of-control that I was able to pull this money from there rather than somewhere else. My life always seems to be busier in summer, so I'm just trying to accept that in the knowledge that I will pull in the purse strings again later in the year! I do also make budget friendly choices where possible - such as driving on a night out sometimes, rather than drinking.

It's difficult when you're in this for the long-haul but I am determined to get to the final destination this time! Just need to find the right balance to help me get there! 

joedenise

It's important to find that balance.  As long as you are reducing the debt and not increasing it then you are doing OK.  If you know you need more money one month than another then that's what you need to do.  Far better to allow yourself some spending money than paying it off the debt and then needing to put something on the credit card.

twiggy86

Happy Friday!!!

I started the day with a 5am sunrise beach yoga session followed by a dip in the sea! The organiser provided croissants and I'd taken a cuppa in my travel mug, so that warmed me up after!!! What a delightful start to the day!!! Well apart from the 3:30am alarm after not getting to sleep until about midnight!!! Session was free and I parked for free as well!!! 

I nearly didn't agree to go with my friend as I had the late game of netball last night - meaning I don't get home until after 10pm and then can't switch off - but I'm so pleased I did! And we won at netball last night!!! Oh and I found a netball in the cupboard yesterday that I have given to one of my teammates! 

This weekend's plans shouldn't involve too much spending... Bf and his kids are staying over tonight, then going with them to a BBQ at his sisters tomorrow (meeting his dad who is down for the weekend). Sunday will involve some spending as got lunch out for Aunt's 70th birthday, then me and my cousin are taking mum and aunt to an outdoor cinema. Will buy snacks from the supermarket at some point - won't need too much now that we're going out for lunch so will have had a bigger meal. Tickets were bought back in February/ March, so that's already accounted for. 

However, back to today's bits and pieces...

• Free yoga session 
• Working from home again today
• Dad is here doing some type of things in the utility area - he honestly just turns up and does his own thing!!!
• Will talk to dad about sheds before he leaves!
• Wash bedding and towels on 30 degree quick cycles 
• Hang bedding outside to dry - I don't have a line but will move airer out there
• Put tortoises in garden - although need to keep backdoor shut as already found one in the kitchen!! Not an issue as such but I'll be hunting outside for them later!!! 
• Lunch from stores (not sure of dinner plans) 
• Continue with decluttering - given dad a few bits to take 

Afdaff

Hello, I’m new here and have recently read the whole of your thread. You are inspiring me to keep going with my own efforts and to get to a sustainable or even healthy position myself one day.

twiggy86

Oh thank you @Afdaff - I'm so pleased you've found my waffling inspiring! 

twiggy86

Oh thank you @Afdaff - I'm so pleased you've found my waffling inspiring! I certainly find help from others diaries, although I'm generally a bit of a lurking but must make the same effort you have and make sure I let people know how much they help me! 

twiggy86

Happy Monday people! 

Had a lovely weekend all round!!! I only spent £3 from my personal spends - and that was because we ended up being out and about on Saturday for a long time and I desperately needed a drink! (Technically it was only £2.25 but that account automatically rounds up and sticks the rest into a savings account!) I did spend some money from my grocery budget on picnic bits for the outdoor cinema last night - but anything we didn't eat will be used for my lunches this week. Also went for a family lunch yesterday for my aunt's birthday and I'm not sure who actually paid - must check and say thank you as I expected to pay for myself. I did also spend on petrol and some hair dye but that comes from designated pots. 

My dad was at mine working on some bits this morning. We also discussed painting the spare bedroom now that I've got rid of the big bits of furniture so once painted as then I can finalise that room - paint is leftover from the other bedroom. He does need a bit of reigning in at times, bless him - he's currently working on the utility/ toilet area downstairs whereas I need to save up some money before I can properly progress that bit as I want to spend what I do have on the upstairs!! I love him and appreciate him but sometimes he can take over - but I know it's only because he cares so it's difficult to get the balance right of controlling him without sounding ungrateful! Oh and the people that my neighbour had arrange are actually meant to be coming today!!! That does mean I need to keep the tortoises inside - there's a gap under my gate that I usually block with a piece of wood but had to move it so the gutter guys can open the gate! 

On to today's bits and pieces...

• Dad doing DIY 
  
• Make lunch to take to work 
• Update spreadsheet 
• Tweak/ finalise July budget 
• Snap a receipt I found in my bag
• Withdraw money for netball - I need some cash tonight so will need to buy something to get change 
• Pop into town on way home for something I need - will park for free 
• Pop some chicken breasts in the freezer as don't think I'll use within the date 
• Continue with decluttering - list at least one thing on FB (I appear to have stalled slightly!)
• Leftover quiche for a light dinner before two games of netball!!! 

satchmo1

You have made such fantastic progress, well done!

I wonder whether you could withdraw cash for netball for the month, and put it into separate envelopes ready.  Or can you pay for the whole month in one go? 

Is there a wee treat that your dad would like for his lunch when he's doing jobs in your house? It's tough to figure out a way of reining him back if it's a case of needing to save for some of the work you want doing, because he's probably likely to try and offer to pay. 

twiggy86

I keep a pot of worthers originals around for him @satchmo1! And yes he offers to pay for things which I don't want - but also haven't told my parents the extent of my debts, so even if they loan it to me I can't explain why I don't want that either!!! And netball I usually bank transfer to my captain but these were extra games so needed the cash for it - however, there was enough in the pot to cover it!