Spendy Wendy to Saver Savvy

Spendywendywoo

That’s what I’ve been doing until today @jwil but found myself with a bit of time this morning, and afternoon, as I can’t get into the book I’m reading atm. Currently got to summer 2000 x

beckstar1975

That sounds like a great position to be starting the week in. Am not envious of you out at football in this weather, whilst I miss the social aspect (and bacon rolls) from honest DS rugby when the weather is like this I'm v glad to not be freezing first thing. The cold/damp seeps into your bones

Spendywendywoo

Thanks @beckstar1975, you’re spot on there with the cold. It was due to be an early morning kick off but changed to a late morning kick off and it was still freezing cold. DS really enjoys it though so that helps me through when I can’t feel my fingers and toes 😂. 

P.s.i think rugby might be better as there isn’t so much as a coffee van at the venues we go to…let alone bacon butties 😬😂

beckstar1975

If you don't mind me asking how old roughly are your DCs? We have 3  from 16 to 19 and despite us laying it out in black and white that we need to start saving money as to cover 2 at uni from Sept (that's a grand a month) they're still acting hurt that we can't afford a sunny beach holiday. It drives me mad!

Spendywendywoo

My DS is 9 so nowhere near considering uni yet - though we are putting away a smallish amount each month which is adding up and we hope to be able to increase that once I have the budget under control. I do think he'll be more hands on, like my DH, and may steer towards an apprenticeship, though atm he believes he's going to be a footballer and I'm not going to burst that bubble for him.

I paid my own way through university, by working 3 part time jobs and applying for the highest student loan possible (finally paid it off a few years ago, the greatest feeling ever), but I appreciate the yearly costs weren't a third of what they are now, I didn't stay in student accommodation and didn't go out drinking as I was too busy working lol. It's so difficult as things are so different to back then, so much more difficult for young adults to get jobs until they are 16+, and then the cost of living is higher too. 

I'm optimistic that summer here will be warm and lovely and there will be lots of opportunities to enjoy the sun here this year....park picnics and bike rides sound amazing right now

Spendywendywoo

Morning everyone, 

Another good night's sleep, though I was awake at half 5 and didn't feel tired, so I got up and read for an hour. I then did some ironing, tidied round and have popped DS's bedding in the wash (organised is the way forward!). I'm working 9-5 today so today's plan is to update my budget with spends so far this month (from 15th) so I am on top of where we are, though I already know we are in a much better place than we usually are after a weekend....!) Other benefits are that I feel refreshed instead of groggy, and I feel like I've had a weekend instead of it passing me by. I also want to do my nails as they are in desperate need but didn't get round to them yesterday (I decided to take some time out after shopping, cleaning, cooking etc yesterday, which was bliss). 

Meals are all from stocks and what I have prepped for this week. 
Decluttering - I'm going to continue to delete my FB posts that aren't relevant, and also clear down my personal emails. 
Exercise - I'm going to go for a lunchtime walk, and also attempt a workout this evening after work - no excuses as I now have the time thanks to not sitting and doom scrolling for hours on end. 

I'll be back in a bit with a budget update but for now, I hope everyone has a lovely day,
Wendy x

Sarahwithlove

Good idea about deleting Facebook posts, I may have to do the same with my social media. 

Spendywendywoo

What a day! Busy busy with work calls where I just needed to sit in, listen and answer questions that are relevant to my skillset and relevant projects so, I;

* decluttered my FB back to 2016! Not decided if I will leave activated and just look at memories each day, or if I will bite the bullet and deactivate definitely, or indefinitely - certainly something to ponder with how much time I am saving, and what I am achieving in the time I'm saving... 
* shredded a large black bag of papers which I have been accumulating for about 5 years (I was conscious that there were work notes with WFH so I purchase a cheap shredder last week), I'll be able to maintain constantly going forward as I've snuck the shredder behind a chair in the study
* eaten the beef stew that was made for meal prep
* eaten all home cooked foods
* NSD so far, and no intention on leaving the house this evening with this awful weather (reading in the bath and home salon nails are the plans for this evening)
* helped a family member out with a task (today's good deed)
* decluttered a glass...as I dropped it, and it smashed...oh well, one less to consider if we are keeping or not, it had clearly made a decision
* updated budget with current figures

Budget Update:
£97.04 for groceries...it seems a lot for 5 days, but all meals have been homecooked, we haven't any costs in the takeaway category (which would usually have £40-80 in it) and we spent very little on going out (again this would be a large amount), it's in budget and I have lots of stores in the freezer to keep us going for now, so we are in a great position. Really pleased with progress so far. Early days I know, but I'm determined. 

I've also realised that if we stick to the budgets then I will be able to save at least 2x what I usually put into the annual expenditure / savings pot each month (I've already double it with my backpay and promotion increase, so looking at 4x the savings this month and also no overdraft, hopefully) 

I hope everyone has had a lovely day,
Wendy x

LzzyIsGod

Following your progress (I'm only slightly ahead of you). Did you manage a workout? 

badmemory

Re the shredding.  I use the backs of things that I was going to shred to print other stuff.  Have seen how much lovely paper comes through the post that has nothing on the back.  Free printer paper & halves what needs shredding.  As a side comment, why do banks print your name & account number on all 8 sheets when 7 of them are just T & Cs that apply to everything.  I do print at least 2 shopping lists a week (arthritic hands & so handwriting gone to pot) so that is one sheet gone.