Budget with me one week at a time

DFB35

I’m feeling more positive. First day has been a no spend day. 

DFB35

Spendy day today. Lashes appointment £55 but my next appointment will be £40 as don’t have to get a new set. They make so much difference in how I feel so I would like to try and continue with the lashes and nails if possible. 

My son needed a new school bag, to be fair his previous one lasted him 3 years. Gave him £40 to go to town, I’ve also had a conversation with him that I am going to budget and with Christmas coming up he’s not to ask for pocket/ going out money this month. I don’t have much planned for the week so I will deduct this out of my weekly spends. 

Week 1 - £60 left
Week 2 - £100
Week 3 - £100
Week 4 - £100

Talking about Christmas, we have a bit of money in a family accounts £435 to be exact, which will cover presents for family  

I’m going to do a break down of what my £1,700 contribution covers at some point soon. Also might need to rejig that part of the budget. But essentially it’s all the house bills, debt payments, and I do try and have family savings but sometimes this also gets mismanaged. On paper we supposed to put away £50 a month.  

DFB35

A parent borrowed some money (they also struggle with budgets -25, I’ve taken it out of my week 1 and when it’s back will add back)

Week 1 - £35 left
Week 2 - £100
Week 3 - £100
Week 4 - £100
Christmas - £435
Food - £400

Also now I know the budget for Christmas will start making some purchases and record balance here. 

Will also be making a food shop and record that also. 

Feeling more in control and positive now. Moreover accountable so will be recording all spends. 

RelievedSheff

Great that you are feeling more in control. 

helensbiggestfan

Just read your diary from the beginning.  You are doing really well, you have made tremendous progress in a very short time.  Just keep going and you will get there.  

I think you are right - money problems and mental health issues are linked.  I am sorry to hear that the results of your surgery were disappointing. I hope you feel better soon.  

I wouldn't feel too guilty about your beauty spending, the amounts you are spending don't seem overly excessive. I also think that dressing well, good grooming and personal care are an essential component in our long term good health and well being.  

I am a retired beauty therapist and obviously can do most of my own treatments. I would suggest that you could probably do some of your own too, facials, skin care, possibly nails too.  Obviously a good hair cut (and colouring) is best left to professionals. 

You are right about hair extensions wrecking your hair in the long term, the same can be said for false nails etc. i think it's far better to think long term and bring your hair and nails up to scratch by using good products and maybe taking supplements rather than going for a quick fix with hair extensions and invasive nail treatments.  

Also, try not to torture yourself about how much money you have spent and the fact that you feel you are "selling at loss". We are all human and we all make mistakes.  The trick is to learn from them and not repeat them.  I'm glad you have got good prices for your high end goods,  I buy and sell vintage clothing but I tend not to sell high end items on eBay.  

You reminded me that I have some jewellery that I no longer wear or need. I'm not talking Crown Jewels value here but definitely too good for eBay.  

Anyway just wanted to wish you luck. You have cleared the high interest cards, that's a cracking start.  Now the long haul begins.,...so do allow yourself a little bit of leeway, a little bit of guilt free spending. I think if your budgets are too restrictive you are more likely to give up but if you build in some treat spending it will be easier to stick to your goal.  

DFB35

Thank you so much for your comments, I’m really surprised anyone reading this haha. I appreciate it Xx

Sarahwithlove

Have you thought about having your spending money in a separate account and transferring £100 a week. I use chase as you can't go overdrawn once it's gone it's gone and you get 1% cashback. 

I think you and your hubby need to come to an agreement as to your sons spending money and both pay into it. Out of interest how much are you giving him? My nephew is 13 and gets £10 a week. So if he wanted a day out he has to save for it or do other jobs to earn more. Maybe something to consider. Never too young to teach good budgeting skills. Most banks offer teenagers their own accounts with cards. 

I know you said it's a long story the reason you have separate finances but it seems your family budget isn't stretching far enough so maybe you both need to sit down and reevaluate it. 

DFB35

Just a quick pop in to update totals as done a food shop and bought some Christmas presents. And some spending in personal account. 

Week 1 - £16.45 left 
Week 2 - £100
Week 3 - £100
Week 4 - £100
Christmas - £214.10
Food - £300.99

RelievedSheff

We are only a few days into December and already those budgets look as though they are going to be tight.

Have you planned how you will split and spend your remaining budget so as not to over spend?

It's a bit late for this year but we split our Christmas shopping and present buying over the year so that is doesn't break the December budget. Saves any last minute panics as well. 

DFB35

Week 1 - £8.34 left 
Week 2 - £100
Week 3 - £100
Week 4 - £100
Christmas - £214.10
Food - £300.99

School lunches -£30

Week 1 ends tomorrow and no more spends today so I’m ending it with extra 8.34. 

However tomorrow we are going out for a big celebration meal with extended family (unbudgeted of course )

So that will have to go on credit card for now. I will get a grip on it all but at the moment doing the best I can until new year/ bonus time