2024 - slowing down, simplifying and saving up for a more intentional life!

Scott_Weiland79

Taking_back_control said:

@Scott_Weiland79 thank you I’ll take a look 😊

Not much to report here. I currently have £24 waiting to be payable in Vinted and a further £75 in TCB (although probably won’t see that until the other side of Christmas!) 

Really really need to get the food shop down. Currently spending approximately £150 per week which seems extortionate! Will sit and do a thorough meal plan either this evening or tomorrow. 

I’ve had a big sort out of coats and clothes that don’t fit or are surplus to requirements - all those suitable will go on Vinted. 

Running is getting back on track, although I’m finding it a fine balance between doing enough and doing too much. It is good to be out again and I even returned to running club last week after quite a break, which for me is a big step.

Anyway, better get cracking. Have a great day x

 

Re the 150 pw shopping bill my five penneth to get that down is three things

1) always always write a shopping list and say 3 of 4 weeks out of the month stick to it like glue ie no extras no lil treats. 

2) Use discounters like home bargains or b/m for toiletries/household things ie washing up liquid/deoderants/hair sprays/bin bags/washing powder/kitchen sponges/bleach/toothpaste etc etc you will find discounters do tend to be alot cheaper. My other half uses a facial serum thingy with hydraulic acid in we even get that from home bargains the garnier one she uses in Morrisons its £8 quid home bargains £3.50. Ever since we started using h/b its knocked our monthly shopping budget down alot as there offers are better and there prices are much lower. 

3) Use offers where they seem worthwhile but be aware if your paying say 2 for 2.50 or 2 for 3quid in Tescos could you get the same products in a discounter for less all I suggest is try it. 

Taking_back_control

@Scott_Weiland79 I love Home Bargains - the only problem being I find I can’t be trusted in there! May have to schedule a monthly trip with a strict list though, as you’re right it could have a big impact on my monthly spend.

It’s the final slog towards payday, hopefully a busy weekend of football means minimal spends elsewhere.

Need to start having a massive toy declutter next week. I’ve DS birthday before Christmas so it’ll be much needed. Will split between Christmas toy collection for work, charity shop and FB selling page. Will be a big undertaking but know I’ll feel so much better once done.

Picked a couple of Christmas bits up for my mum and sister for Christmas. I’m being disciplined this year and sticking to a strict budget and only buying what is needed/ useful / asked for rather than for the sake of it. 

Not sure if already mentioned, but I’ve fixed our gas and electricity. It’s bought the payments down by £30ish a month too and we’re over £300 in credit so hoping that’s a decent buffer for winter months. 

Right time for another cuppa, then off to start the day x

Scott_Weiland79

Haha 

re this 

@Scott_Weiland79 I love Home Bargains - the only problem being I find I can’t be trusted in there! May have to schedule a monthly trip with a strict list though, as you’re right it could have a big impact on my monthly spend.

Do this lol 

1) always always write a shopping list and say 3 of 4 weeks out of the month stick to it like glue ie no extras no lil treats. 

I hope this helps re your shopping budget i think everyone in the UK is in the same boat food costs are high even i have noticed even the discounters are charging more lol.

Taking_back_control

Long time no post….

The recent half term has given me the opportunity to reset (again!) and acknowledge that my life has once again started spiralling. I’ve took some time over the break to reflect and really explore what I’d like my life to look like a few years from now. I’m feeling recharged and motivated to work towards my intentional life. 

DS has been an absolute star and had a massive toy cull. He has donated so much to his old preschool and charity and we’ve sold some for which he’s kept the proceeds as an incentive. The house already feels so much lighter and calmer! Still the loft to tackle, but I feel massive progress has already been made! 

Money wise things are plodding. I had a run of close family birthdays last month so not a cheap month and overspent. DS party came in above budget and mum guilt kicked in with regards to a lack of things to open (we gave him cash for his main pressie) but a line has been drawn and I know I need to be more organised and stricter with myself next year.

That leads me neatly onto Christmas…….
I’ve started squirrelling things away and am a fair  way through everyone except DS. The gifting list has been reduced from last year which has helped relieve some pressure. I’ve been buying gift cards for my food shop via work and receive cashback for doing so. Currently have £120 sat in that account to transfer onto a card for Xmas shopping. Have purchased some pressies using Boots points and currently have another £60 waiting to be spent (thanks to taking advantage of some generous bonus point offers!). 

Health - I’ve been so run down for the last month, just about pulled myself out the other side now though. I think it was possibly Covid, which then led to a sinus infection so been feeling grotty. I’m just easing myself back into running as I’m very conscious that I have the small matter of a marathon to complete next year! I’ve also took the decision to go back to slimming world as I need the accountability to get back on top of my weight loss. I’ve chose a group that’s local to work so I can go straight from there in the hope that I’m more likely to make it! I’m aware of the down falls of the diet, so will be focussing more on calorie counting and getting plenty of veg down me! 

Anyways, on that note I need to get a short run in before I’m needed for football duties. Have a great day x

Taking_back_control

Morning!
There just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day at the minute. Day off yesterday and was desperate to claim the house back after half term  but it didn’t quite go according to plan!

Quick nip into town post school drop off to collect some Xmas pressies order and then on to do the food shop. By the time I got back and put everything away it was lunch time. Made a start on the house and will continue to chip away through the week. 

MSE wins for the last couple of days……
1. £40 worth of Christmas presents purchased using Boots points!
2. £10.50 Amazon voucher used against DS Lego advent calendar.
3. Small DIY job completed by me!!! Had put feelers out for someone local to do it but in the end gave it a go with the help of YouTube. Cost £17 for parts - sad, but I’m quite proud of myself for this one 🤣.

Right going to drag my backside out for a steady plod before work - can’t say I’m embracing these dark mornings, but at least nobody can see me 🤣

Taking_back_control

Morning!
Friday at last! First week back after half term and beginning to claw back normality! 

Have managed a 3 and 5 mile run this week and feel so much better for it. Have to admit the dark mornings aren’t very enticing but it sets me up for the day wonderfully.

House has a quick tidy and threw the vacuum round yesterday. Again it’s amazing how much better I feel for doing so.

Money saving wins for the last few days…..
1. Realised I’m signed up to a loyalty scheme for my pony food subscription and have earnt a £20 voucher which will reduce next months order to £6.
2. Also realised that I may be giving ponies more of the above food  than I should do! Small purchase of a weighing spoon (£3 on eBay) could end up saving me £10-£20 per month 🤦‍♀️
3. Read up on new cars “green” mode and have been using that this week. Usually a tank will last 6-7 days. I filled up on monday morning and have used a quarter of a tank so far! Estimated saving £50 per month 
4. More Christmas presents purchased with the last of my boots points.
5. £25 cashback payable - need to decide which pot to allocate this to….