Stopping the backsliding… a family of four no longer living beyond their means

BadBookkeeper

Happy birthday 🎂 

beanielou

Happy birthday.  Glad you enjoyed your day.

themadvix

Belated happy birthday! Glad you had a lovely day.

takemymoney

Happy birthday. 

Suffolk_lass

Hope you enjoyed your birthday. It might be worth a chat with your Dad about the pocket money.

When I was young my parents really struggled financially and my grandfather's (childless) cousin decided to regularly gift money to my sister and I. Our parents used it to pay for holidays, clothing and school trips for us, that otherwise we would have missed out on. There was a big discussion about whether I should go to the local private high school at 11 but we all agreed the school trips and uniforms, tennis lessons and club memberships were a good way to use it. He was perfectly happy, and we were very very grateful. It was tax deductible in some way and he had no idea how much Mum & Dad were struggling until they asked permission to spend it on us rather than save it. He upped it after this, bless him

Bluegreen143

It’s an interesting situation Suffolk lass, but unfortunately my dad isn’t really the kind of person to give regularly or reliably to help. He didn’t pay any maintenance to my mum when we were growing up if that gives you any indication. 

He likes to look flash by pulling out £20 or £40 in cash each whenever he sees the kids (which he also did when I was growing up - not to sound ungrateful, it’s very kind). It’s far too much for their ages so I did tell him we were spending it on bigger stuff/experiences and the kids are so far happy to hand over the £20 notes to me after he leaves and they also understand we use it for other stuff, not toys. 

Bluegreen143

Back to reality after a lovely weekend!

My new morning routine is working well (getting up a bit earlier and segmenting my time more rigidly into getting ready, work and chores). 

For accountability I’m also aiming to start loosely following The Organised Mum Method cleaning routine. Today is living room(s) (going to do the living room, dining area and conservatory) and I’m going to do it while Monkey is at Cubs and while Bambi watches a little TV or when she’s in bed. 

I’ve been organised and chopped all the soup veggies last night so just need to get it all in the instant pot at some point today for dinner. I was going to bake bread but we have a part baked baguette needing used up anyway. 

I have a lovely leftover portion of risotto from dinner last night to have for lunch and I had leftover smoked salmon for breakfast (with avocado, toast and soft cheese) so it’s a nice food day!

Sarahwithlove

Ooo I've never heard of that I'm off to look as I'm awful with my cleaning routine 

Sarahwithlove

Glad you had a great time. Fingers crossed for your car this morning 

Spendless

I was going to suggest that you put some of the money your Dad gives the kids into accessible bank accounts towards the big ticket items during the teenage years eg the overseas school trips, driving lessons etc, but thats probably a bit difficult if the money is sporadic.