Living frugally in 2025......

Justcrackingonwithit

Thanks for joining me @Honeysucklelou2 @twiggy86 and @Sarahwithlove 💕
You are all absolutely right and I definitely need an emergency fund and it’s going to be a priority. It’s pay day tomorrow and I’m going to shuffle my money around in the morning. EF First and then the CC. Thank you for your advice.

Justcrackingonwithit

It’s almost Friday, almost break up from work day and pay day….whoop whoop! The only thing is it’ll be a long wait until January pay day.

busy day at work but I managed a break today and had some lunch. Have to confess I finished the chocolates off too 🙈

A NSD for me, which I’m pleased with. I need to go to the supermarket this weekend but want to meal plan and think about what I need. Hopefully will stock up on the cheap veg and make soups, veg curry and Tagine which I’ll freeze.

Lot of layers on again, definitely not having the heating on again tonight. 

Have a good evening everyone x

Justcrackingonwithit

Morning, happy Friday and happy pay day!  Woke up this morning couldn't wait to start transferring my money!  So I paid some off towards the x 2 CC's and I put a bit more towards my emergency fund.  I set up a monthly saver account for this so will be able to see it hopefully growing and I can add to it as and when.  

I have to keep reminding myself this is the long game and not be too impatient to a) pay off the debts and b) grow the EF!  I just need to take it a day at a time, well a payday at a time.  I also know I need to factor in a treat or two, so am debating setting up a treat pot on my on line banking.  I've never been one for different pots, but wonder if this might work for me.  

Right, best get up and get ready for work, last day today so I'm looking forward to being off for a few days.

Cherryfudge

It sounds as though you've got it nicely planned! You're wise not to be too impatient - it rolls out over years but is played out decision by decision. Treats are a great idea to keep yourself going.

I don't know if you've seen this thread on early pay in December: basically it points out that it's a long time from an early pay packet to the end of January, which you know, but the discussion is interesting. We are paid at the normal time this year but I can see how the irregular date can throw people out.

Justcrackingonwithit

@Cherryfudge ohh yes that’s very interesting and a good post and good advice.

I’ve been food shopping today and tried to stick to my 50.00 budget, just slightly over, despite my cheap veg, but will try not to go again for 2 weeks. 

I’m going to spend the afternoon now I’ve finished work pottering around, might make some soup.

I took the plunge and bought the paint for my wardrobes, that’s coming today, so I might get the wardrobes sanded down ready. 

I also need to clean the kitchen floor……

Justcrackingonwithit

Morning, happy Saturday!

A semi productive afternoon, I cleaned the kitchen so that looks and smells lovely, and did a load of washing. Then I sat down for a coffee and started to rewatch The Split……that was the end of my productivity 🙈 I’d forgotten how good the series was, love Nicola Walker, she was great in Unforgotten too, that might be another rewatch over Christmas!

I did have the heating on for a little while just to take the chill off.

I’m popping out to meet a friend today, we’d normally go out for coffee and cake but I’ve suggested going to hers instead as that’ll save me money. I need a couple of bits from Home Bargains so will definitely have to stay focussed when I’m in there, I love that shop, and B and M too. I could quite literally spend a fortune….there are a couple of nice charity shops near by so I’ll pop in there for a browse too…..My aim today is to spend no more than £10.00. 

Have a good day everyone 😁

I_Love_comps

Have you saved the change on your bank account? I have and it will send odd change from your main account to a chosen savings account.

I like Nicola Walker... The Split and Unforgotten are my favourites too. 

Good Luck with getting your debt reduced.

Cara_

Hi justcrakingonwithit, you’ve made a great start and I echo others with the treat fund. I’m sure your wardrobes will look lovely and you’ll have a great sense of achievement once they are finished.

Re cooking for one, when I lived alone, I used to do a big shop after pay day and then have a cooking / baking weekend and froze it for a quick meal when I couldn;t be bothered to cook. It also meant if funds were tight towards the end of the month, there was always something to eat. I did find it a pain when I was knee deep in flour and veg chopping but I was always thankful during the month, especially on a dark evening, after a long day at work.

Good luck with your journey – I’ll be following.

Cara

lilian1977

Popping over from my diary to say hi and welcome! Good luck with the challenges - I too am trying to stop drinking and have gone a whole week without a visit from the wine witch so hoping that will stick now.

Also hopeless at DIY - had our kitchen done about 12 years ago and still have bare plaster behind the hob! 🤦‍♀️

Chieveley

Just cracking, do you have a FWH (food waste hero) nearby? the app is Olio. Last night I collected sea bass, (which I froze) whipped brie and eggs, use by 27th. She had loads of Sainsbury prepped veg but like you I had grabbed the 8p veggies. She often has bread and pasties.