Freedom and Independence.

BudgetingBelinda

Bit of a sickly household the tail end of this week. Operation recoup and recover in action. Major budget on groceries going well, best yet this year so far! Just one more shop to do that’s in the basket online and I’m eeeeking out the freezer things to get through the month. I’ll be very proud if I come in where I’m hoping to on groceries this month as it’s been my biggest challenge this year. Meal planning has really worked for me this month. I’m aiming for the same going forward. Though I so crave and enjoy takeaways the odd weekend as a treat. 

Half term now so thinking about budget friendly ideas for fun times. I’m thinking of going crabbing, play dates/sleepovers, maybe cinema. Nothing too busy or taxing 🤞🏼. I would love to pay off DMP in November but I’ve only got one more full payment and one lesser payment to go so realistically I should stick to that and not overpay and be left short for Nov/Dec- just incase. The thought of being done with DMP is so exciting! I may send a little overpayment as another step or two that won’t then hit my December budget. Will make me feel good and leave me with a better December budget for xmas things. 

Being so mindful about getting debt free this year has made me so much better at all round budgeting. I so would love a holiday, the thought of it makes me want to cry! Being in a position to do that (without getting further into debt) has not been possible for a decade, and certainly not while on DMP. I must remain sensible though , I want a good EF before going all holiday giddy! I am enjoying the thoughts about 2025 and what being debt free will look and feel like! ☺️💯

BudgetingBelinda

Floors cleaned, washing done, dog walked. Watching true crime and chilling! Feeling like I’m winning at the house atm, lots of pottering to do and I’m going to try and do a bit of extra something every day through the holidays. There are a few pockets of clutter to sort out and I’m keen to just get things a bit more ship shape. Money wise I’m debating a grocery shop in Aldi as opposed to Tesco online… but I don’t know if I can budget so well in the moment live in the shop, compared to online basket. My online basket is at £150 though so can’t go too far wrong in Aldi compared to that can I?! Monday or Tues will be shopping day. I’ll re check energy levels vs budget vs opportunity on Monday!

I’m looking forward to the rest of this month, pay day especially and moving towards the final straight of DMP. Will update here for my own accountability on house pottering and financial matters! 

BudgetingBelinda

Washed more things! Washed kitchen floor again! Some decluttering of desk area and old shoes. Walked dog, back home showered in pjs at midday! Might do some more decluttering later but a cuppa and chill now! Owww I’m loving the break!

Aimingforthegoodlife

Oh great work on all the decluttering, glad you are recovering and enjoy the hols!

debtfreewannabe321

I love your attitude! Can't wait to see the update when it is all paid off and you have your EF under way 🙏🥰

BudgetingBelinda

Fabulous day, couple of meetings and then fun on the pier with DSx2 and friends! Spent some serious change on the 2p machines, bowling etc but such great wholesome fun.. and all in the half term budget! Planning a cheap or free (stay home apart from dog walk) local day tomorrow. Nice to feel happy on the slots etc and giving the kids some £’s and not panicking about money when out doing things. It’s all accounted for and budgeted. 👌🏼 winner of a day. Core memories in the bank!

BudgetingBelinda

So I’ve done budgeting again… a daily occurrence lately! I have put £400 into EF and this month actually hope to leave it there and build on it! 🤞🏼I want to get to £1000 by the new year, so that I can see the new year in out of debt and with £1000 EF to build on. I do have a desire to send it to overpayment and be debt free in Nov instead of Dec but that will leave me very short and anxious and there’s no need, I like the thought and feeling that I’m in credit as much as in debt at the moment! That’s a first for about a decade. I think all incoming and outgoing including Xmas budget is accounted for, with some wiggle room. Must stay focused! Roll on payday and penultimate DMP payment. Need some pottering today to feel accomplished but mainly a chill day, dog walk in the park with the boys and back to PJ’s?! 

debtfreewannabe321

That's fantastic and I agree I would leave it in the EF, you are so close to DF date anyway I don't see the point of leaving yourself short for a mere 30 days difference! Can't wait to see your last payment celebration (hope you have something nice planned!) 

BudgetingBelinda

debtfreewannabe321 said:

That's fantastic and I agree I would leave it in the EF, you are so close to DF date anyway I don't see the point of leaving yourself short for a mere 30 days difference! Can't wait to see your last payment celebration (hope you have something nice planned!) 

Thank you @debtfreewannabe321 for the support and validation! I haven’t anything nice planned actually… but I’ll think about it, that’s a nice idea! xx

peb

Remind yourself you will be debt neutral.   That may help 😉