Don't hit me with those negative waves Moriarity

Humdinger1

Yes screenshots are a darned  good idea! Maybe take one of the bank balance when money still in there, one of credit card balance as it is now and one when paid off? You're doing brilliantly @LzzyIsGod love Humdinger xx 

LzzyIsGod

What a difference a week makes ........ and not in the way I had expected after my last entry.

Due to some irreconcilable differences I am currently on a sabbatical from not 1 but 2 of my side hustles - longish story on both counts. You could interprete that as me.throwing a tantrum toddler style but I prefer to think of it as having some self respect and dignity and not tolerating poor behaviour of others. Hence the "sabbatical" and tactical step back rather than a big I Quit moment. No "burning bridges" here (what a Kelly's Heroes reference to get in!)

So I have a bit of time in my week unexpectedly on my hands which feels quite unusual. It has meant I can focus a bit more in supporting both yoofs (not sure they appreciate it at this exact moment in time) and a bit of self care for myself (cheaply obviously).

This does all mean I'm just currently looking at usual.weekend work and 1 side hustle as additional income streams and at the moment I'm ok I think with that. I'm.sure like the phoenix I will rise from the ashes in the future but perhaps a little rest will do me some good.

Hugs Lzzy x

Rhyddid2026

Wow! Quite the week!

I hope you're holding up ok and can make the most of this time. I think it's pretty safe to say you deserve a bit of time off!

Humdinger1

Sounds like one of those situations @LzzyIsGod where if you don't make a stand, it undermines your resilience. That has knock-on effects into finances. Do you see a way forward or are you looking for something new to fill the gap? Onwards and upwards love Humdinger xx

LzzyIsGod

I think part the problem is my resilience is currently quite low - everything in life seems to be fraught or stressful at the moment and I just haven't got the armour to deal with ever increasing demands on me. As always it can be the smallest thing that breaks the camels back.

Some of the things said to me were so deeply personal and deeply hurtful that at the moment I can't see a way forwards but time may tell.

jwil

Taking a step back sounds like it's very much needed.

Blackcats

all your good money habits have now given you an opportunity to step back from a difficult situation.

I'm no good at getting over hurtful comments - in fact even years later I can feel the hurt as clearly as the day the things were said. But you will know if, how and when to move forward with what's happened.

LzzyIsGod

Thank you everyone xx it's been such a difficult 10 days I've really not been myself.

But as you say @Blackcats atleast I haven't got that desperation fear of absolutely needing the additional money (although I'm never one to turn it down!!) I wouldn't say we are out the woods yet but by heck we've come a long way since the start of this diary - we have a budget and we stick to it like a religion 😂 There's been no credit card spending since April 2025 and that feels so very good. Next month is the final payment of my phone handset and to mark the occasion I shall finally treat myself to a new phone case 😂.

On to money related things - I tried to have Eat the freezer and cupboards January and it was pretty successful ..... almost too successful as we ran out of many staples this week which resulted in a bigger shop to replace the stuff we use regularly 😂 swings and roundabouts hey.

Spends this week have been:

• The inevitable petrol fill up £55 (but found a cheap petrol station so fully filled up from.petrol pot)
• Weekly grocery shop £165 😱 (from grocery budget and accidentally double ordered some bits but they will freeze thank goodness)
• New pair of jeans for me from Vinted £16
• Birthday present for yoof £15 (from present pot)
• New Music book for yoof as requested by the teacher £9.49 - from my spends pot

Did make £20 from my one remaining side hustle and £7 on V@nted. I had £64 left over from Jan's petrol pot so that's been sent to the car maintenance/insurance pot.

Phew. Right off to catch up with everyone else's diaries!

Humdinger1

One saying that always makes me laugh is 'Drop old grievances - if only to pick up new ones.' It's often helped me. I don't feel obliged to pick up new ones, it enables me to move on. Shifting resentment after my first marriage broke down was a huge step. I felt my shoulders lift and I could breathe. Some others couldn't believe it; they were far more wedded to the idea that I should be oppressed for life. Love Humdinger xx

Blackcats

@Humdinger1 - that's a great approach. I used to bear grudges but read that Nelson Mandela said (to paraphrase) "bearing a grudge is like drinking the poison yourself and hoping it kills your enemy". I do carry hurt feelings for a long time though.