NST January 2025: Freedom!

Thrifty_Taylor

A rainy day, but pleased it's washing the snow away! Pumped all my car tyres up with a foot pump, after extra ting it from DS1's car. Couldn't open the boot (flat battery), but figured out I could use the key to unlock the door & put some of the back seat down, to access it that way.

Started taking down sproutmas decorations.

Took DS3 & DH to town. DS went to his friend's, DH looked at mum's washing machine to see where it's leaking, & I went for my hair appointment. Had booked a dry trim, but as I wanted a lot off/re-style, had to get it washed & dried too, so cost more.

Nipped to L1DL so DH could get some high cocoa choc (contains more iron, which he needs). Used my free vouchers accrued yesterday, so got spinach, Jaffa cakes, a cake & shower gel for 0p. Pleased I'd used them today, as they'd be in-valid when I go shopping next Saturday.

Took down the rest of the decorations & tree. Was shattered afterwards (had 4 helpers to put them all up, but solo to take it down), so had a 10mins nap. Did the ironing.

Watched a film with DH & did some knitting.

Grateful for getting my hair done, my living room feeling bigger & my free goodies at L1DL

cybertortoise

Had to do a small shop today but I was canny about what I bought. Made sure we had essentials for a few days so I hope to get at least 2 NSDs.

Got some YS bits too, mincemeat and mince pies. They'll do lovely. I actually looked what I had in the house before I went out!

Spent several hours trying to get my sons PC to work so I can swap him for my laptop.

Listed items was collected so that was £30 towards food shopping I wouldn't have had.

grandmanerd

Who let it snow? Haven't those poor people on the Bridgewater canal suffered enough? (I've been enjoying the drone footage). Half the canal's in the surrounding fields (next to the sewage farm but luckily it isn't mingling), most of them are stuck on the sludge at the sides of the canal unable to drive off until their rudders are back in the water. For safety some have moved their boats out nearer the middle of the canal but this means they have to walk across a plank to get to the canal bank.

For me it's no trips to the cs - I'll just have to pile carrier bags in the vestibule. No trips to the bins and stuff will just have to sit outside the back door until the yard is passable. I'm not a scaredy cat but I was struggling to make my feet behave yesterday, nearly fell half a dozen times for no reason. It must be time to do the flappy bird again, to check if it's myaesthenia gravis (it's rare but mum had it). That would mean a major rethink.

Okay 2 bin bags out (plus one of their's which I only threw out of the door as I suspect most of could go in the recycling and my black bin is prime real estate atm (it will be collected on Wednesday). I've identified some bits to go in the skip but haven't started bagging them (blue bags). They aren't a problem as they could go outside.

4 bags and boxes emptied plus 2 bags of veg sorted out (anything beyond salvaging went out to the green bin, thankfully. Later on I did another 3 bags. The room looks a mess but the corner with the cube shelves is looking great. Basically anything that I won't be able to use from tomorrow (pans, utensils I use with oven top cooking, crockery - washing up is difficult now, without a sink and Mr Builder working in the kitchen (I wouldn't have made him work outside doing his cutting and moving anyway, but not in the snow) I'm not going to try.

It took a long while to work my way through the stuff in front of the shelves, once I had access it was a lot quicker and looks really good. It's mostly stuff I won't need until I have an oven (air fryer) and hob so it's just me wanting to sort properly. I used two empty crates on top of the shelves to house books from one of the cubes. I have 3 cubes available and at least 4 empty cubes. 

As soon as I can move the smaller cube shelves across and move the microwave and toaster into here, things will start to get better. I still have cooking to do. Will fill the oven with things to roast - butternut squash, parsnips, carrots and other veg. I found some foil plates (bought years ago) and will put stuff on them so the oven trays can go in the bag with the oven cleaning stuff. I have 'pyrex' dishes (they were packed away in odd corners) but I can use them to assemble the cauli/ broc/ pasta cheese and pasta bake (using up more veg bits). I made the bacon soup which was lush (the sprouts were melting to buttery tenderness). There's one portion left and I have two stock pots and a large saucepan to use. A washing up mountain was tackled and much bucket emptying. Missed the bucket completely on one pass, but the old sheet waiting it's turn in the WM was deployed.

Grateful that I put my non-slippy socks on last night, that I have a plan, that my cough is not worse (minor hindrance atm). Okay time to force myself out from under the duvet (grateful that I finally took it out of the packaging). Have to be ready (clearly visible progress) before Mrs Builder arrives (please let it be after noon).

was very bad last night and ordered Indian food. I have been promising to treat myself for the past 2 months, it was gorgeous, I will get at least 2 more meals from it (more if I throw in a lot of veg in it to bulk it out. So still on 3 NSDs.

dizzyblnd

ldee2111 said:

@dizzyblnd I am the same. Feeling overwhelmed with the amount of stuff  taking up space we don’t have. I’ve set a target for myself of listing 2 items a day, and donating what doesn’t sell within 2 weeks... it feels less daunting that way.

Today I stick at NSD 1 as it was grocery delivery day. It arrived almost 2-hours later than time slot… because of the extremely icy roads. I wished the delivery driver a safe trip for the rest of his shift. Grateful not to be a delivery driver today! 

But I am grateful for grocery deliveries in general (they massively help us keep within our food budget - no spending temptations like there is in an actual supermarket), grateful also for a relaxed day at home and no need to go out, and for Dad and partner popping in for a visit. 

Listing 2 items a day seems more achievable. I will join you on this task and try to post on here daily updates. 

Shrewbie

NST January 2025: Freedom!

The title really speaks to me. 2025 has to be about freedom for me. The financial and physical type... 2025 has to be the year that I buy my own flat. I really need my own physical space back and an affordable living situation. 

Today is the first day I  feel motivated to start the new year!

Fashionista! Check over your wardrobe to see what you do and don’t wear.

I will aim not to buy any new clothes in 2025. Charity shops and apps only, but ideally I won’t need to buy much at all.

Revolutionary! Rebellious! Resourceful! Refuse to do things you don’t want to do. Refuse to bring into the house things that won’t make you happy in the long term. Refuse to spend time with those that drain you. And reuse, recycle etc

I love this. I will set boundaries so that I limit my time to the things I want to do. I REALLY don’t want to spend any unnecessary cash.

Evolutionary! Keep evolving, keep changing, keep learning.

I will write every day. I will read every day and complete some courses that I have on the go.

Eat well for the body you want! Nourish yourself, body and soul. Love yourself.

I need to eat more protein and reduce sugar.

Do good to others! Donate time/money/stuff. And dance to the music (see M)

Will do

Old-fashioned ways have a lot to be said in their favour. Have a gander at the board on the forum to get some ideas.

I’ve been perusing the frugal living boards and getting some ideas. A lot of things will be difficult to incorporate while I am still living with housemates, but I will give it a go.

Music! Play an instrument! Sing in the shower! Dance! Enjoy the rhythm/beat/lyrics.

I was debating whether to leave the choir at work as the membership fee keeps increasing but I love it so much, i will stick with it for now.

I considered using the word NEW too, but it didn’t seem to fit above, so it’s in the non-negotiables:

No spend days – NSDs – 14 please. It includes any spending except DDs, yellow sticker items, travel, medical needs.

 

Will do

Elephant in the room. What is that thing that you avoid tackling? At east acknowledge it and face it. If possible, write it down and aim to nibble at it this month.

Making extra money in 2025. This time next year I should have EUR 10k more saved, but I would really like it to be EUR 20k. I need to work out how I can get there.

Wish list. What do you want from the year ahead? Do you have 25 things you want to do in 2025? 25 places to go? 25 brands of chocolate to try? (Hmmm, that one might just be me!!!)

1. To buy a flat

2. To make friends

3. Get into the outdoors more and explore around Madrid

4. practise driving

And finally, BUDGET. Did you overspend last month? Do you have credit card debt to pay off? Were you paid early last month, so the money feels like it has to stretch further? What’s your plan for this month?

Plan for the month is to spend very little. I only have a EUR 20 budget per week for fun and food and everything. I am in the fortunate position that housemates cook for me and rent money covers most of that, so I only need to buy food to make work lunches and any extras I want. I definitely did overspend over christmas, but have a few ideas on how I can recoup some money.

Who is with me on the way to freedom?

Meeeee about freedom for me. The financial and physical type... 2025 has to be the year that I buy my own flat. I really need my own physical space back and an affordable living situation.

Fashionista! Check over your wardrobe to see what you do and don’t wear.

I will aim not to buy any new clothes in 2025. Charity shops and apps only, but ideally I won’t need to buy much at all.

Revolutionary! Rebellious! Resourceful! Refuse to do things you don’t want to do. Refuse to bring into the house things that won’t make you happy in the long term. Refuse to spend time with those that drain you. And reuse, recycle etc

I love this. I will set boundaries so that I limit my time to the things I want to do. I REALLY don’t want to spend any unnecessary cash.

Evolutionary! Keep evolving, keep changing, keep learning.

I will write every day. I will read every day and complete some courses that I have on the go.

Eat well for the body you want! Nourish yourself, body and soul. Love yourself.

I need to eat more protein and reduce sugar.

Do good to others! Donate time/money/stuff. And dance to the music (see M)

Will do

Old-fashioned ways have a lot to be said in their favour. Have a gander at the board on the forum to get some ideas.

I’ve been perusing the frugal living boards and getting some ideas. A lot of things will be difficult to incorporate while I am still living with housemates, but I will give it a go.

Music! Play an instrument! Sing in the shower! Dance! Enjoy the rhythm/beat/lyrics.

I was debating whether to leave the choir at work as the membership fee keeps increasing but I love it so much, i will stick with it for now.

I considered using the word NEW too, but it didn’t seem to fit above, so it’s in the non-negotiables:

No spend days – NSDs – 14 please. It includes any spending except DDs, yellow sticker items, travel, medical needs.

 

Will do

Elephant in the room. What is that thing that you avoid tackling? At east acknowledge it and face it. If possible, write it down and aim to nibble at it this month.

Making extra money in 2025. This time next year I should have EUR 10k more saved, but I would really like it to be EUR 20k. I need to work out how I can get there.  I am also waiting to hear if I got a payrise and bonus at work, so perhaps that will help a bit towards getting a mortgage, but not enough to make an impact on my deposit.

Wish list. What do you want from the year ahead? Do you have 25 things you want to do in 2025? 25 places to go? 25 brands of chocolate to try? (Hmmm, that one might just be me!!!)

1. To buy a flat

2. To make friends

3. Get into the outdoors more and explore around Madrid

4. practise driving

And finally, BUDGET. Did you overspend last month? Do you have credit card debt to pay off? Were you paid early last month, so the money feels like it has to stretch further? What’s your plan for this month?

Plan for the month is to spend very little. I only have a EUR 20 budget per week for fun and food and everything. I am in the fortunate position that housemates cook for me and rent money covers most of that, so I only need to buy food to make work lunches and any extras I want. I definitely did overspend over christmas, but have a few ideas on how I can recoup some money.

Who is with me on the way to freedom?

Meeee

abundant1972

Good afternoon folks ⛄

Yesterday was a family day and had a small spend on some car necessities. Lovely day visiting Mum and catching up with Dad and my Sister, and brother later in the day. 

Snow has arrived this morning for which I'm very excited - though I appreciate it may not be much fun for some. Planning on a nice walk after my lunch. 

Today I am grateful for:
1) Family time
2) Warmth and shelter
3) The snow!!! 

Today = NSD number 03

Have a lovely day everyone!!!

PS: Thanks Idee and Thrifty - I am really going to plough every spare bit of cash into my debts and live NSK style this month food wise. Still using up stores and no spends on food yet. 

craftingmad

Please may I join  

For me my January aims are:-

Fashionista! My aim is to put all the clean clothes away which are lying around the house and assess my whole wardrobe. I'm going to turn all my hangers one way and see what is left unworn at the end of the year - these things will be donated to  charity shop or sold if they are something expensive (although most of my clothes come from Primark)  

Revolutionary! Rebellious! Resourceful! Refuse I'm refusing to buy things that won’t make my life easier or more organised or bring me joy. So far this mantra is really working for me as I have been to B&M twice now and also Hobbycraft and come away all three times empty handed I am also getting used to saying NO and putting myself first and my family needs ahead of everyone else  

Evolutionary! I plan to actually use the four small business memberships I subscribe too and take some of the courses offered on them. This will hopefully help me improve my skills needed to grow my business

Eat well for the body you want! Now Christmas is over I am really going to try and eat at least 5 portions of fruit / veg a day and cut back on the chocolate. I also want to designate time each month to me and learn to love myself more. I aim to read 12 books this year as it is something I love but never seem to find the time for  

Do good to others! Donate - I really want to declutter the house this year so plan on having a box to fill which I will donate to our local jumble sale / charity shop. I also have a mad business idea to start shopping in charity shops and reselling items so this will also donate money to charity each time I shop

Old-fashioned ways I'm going to have a read of the board on the forum and come up with 5 things I could implement in our everyday lives   

Music! I am going to sing and dance to at least one song every day

non-negotiables:

No spend days – I am actually going to aim for 16 this month - I've managed 2 so far  

Elephant in the room My craft supplies taking over the house - I am determined to not spend any money on craft supplies during January and to actually tidy , organise and purge my craft room so I can at least fit most of my supplies into the one room (and get them out of the lounge, spare room, upstairs cupboards, etc) 

Wish list. I would love to do something exciting each month. Not sure quite what yet but I'm sure I will be able to think of something. For January I hope to go camping for the first time in our camper van with my work colleagues to a local camp site   

BUDGET wise we are in quite a good position although I want to save as much money as I can to put towards paying off our BTL mortgages. It is going to be a long month as not much work on for me and OH got paid early so we have another week to make the wages stretch so I'm hoping to live out of the freezer for meals and keep spending as low as possible  

cybertortoise

NSD 1 for me. I did go to the SM as needed some stir fry veg but checked in the reduced section and got some there!

I sorted a few more bits round the house, provided lifts to and from work for my son, and I've done ok with food today. 

Made a chinese fakeaway for dinner with home made sweet and sour sauce, which was not as advertised but it was delicious and I'll be keeping the recipe either way!

DawnW

Not a NSD, as we went out for lunch with 2 x DDs and their families and I paid. Birthday treat for DD2, and it was lovely having them all together   Missed DS and his lovely wife as they are not back from their holiday yet.

As DD1 brought birthday cake and we had that before walking to the pub for lunch, I only really had room for soup. Most of our number managed a roast dinner ok though

Came back and walked the dog in the dark, as it has stopped raining.

Put steak, kidney, mushrooms and onion in the SC before we went out, ready to make a pie tomorrow or the next day.

Also put a load of washing in. Hope it is dry tomorrow so it can at least partially dry outside.

It is unseasonably warm this evening, after snow yesterday. Very odd weather, but no fire needed tonight.

Grateful today for a lovely day with family

apple_muncher

grandmanerd, I am giving you a very hard stare. Buying a takeaway when you are in your situation is not naughty at all!!!

abundant- so good to hear that you had a lovely time with mum. Me and Pip are like you - we had a smattering of snow around 9pm, and rushed outside to jump in it!

Today I am grateful for the car starting first time, for sourcing some birthday presents for Pip online, for an email from big sis, for starting to plan our trip to Canada, for coffee.