Silly Goose Indeed...

Blackcats

I would go to the music event.  I know this is an MSE forum but if debt repayment becomes a miserable, tough, long slog then it's not sustainable and this is about the long haul marathon not a sprint that doesn't get you to where you need to be.  After all in a real marathon you would take on refreshment and the music event will be refreshment on your journey.
you are doing really well!  

Glad to hear that olio is working for you.

SillySillyGoose

Late night post as I slept for far too long today after my last night shift!

My decision around the music event at the moment - as I don't have the flex in the budget to get the ticket right now is to see if they still have some when I get paid again (they've stated you can get them until the end of May) and, if so, I'll get one and cancel the overtime. If they run out, then it is what it is...

Been a while since I popped on, been super busy with work and overtime. 

Sofa is fab and I'm so glad I took the hit out of my spare money this month, I'd forgotten what it's like to lounge on a comfortable sofa. That came on the Friday and the old one was picked up on the Sunday, after money from that sale it only cost me £130 to get the new secondhand sofa which is a beautiful corner sofa - bargain!
I picked up my free mattress as well so that's finally in the spare room which should soon be fully useable 

It's been nice to have some actual leeway in my budget this month to shop a little bit. I've still been mindful but I have gotten:
- A rug for a whopping £15 that matches my tv unit, at some point I'll get some cushions in the same colour to tie the room together a bit. It's HUGE - 230cm x 160cm so proper bargain in my mind!
- Some proper blackout curtains for my bedroom (somewhat essential when doing night shifts) for £14
- I have bought a few dresses and tops on Vinted for holiday/the wedding reception at the end of this month, but also sold a few bits and pieces so not huge spending overall, I don't think I've paid more than £5 for an item. 
- A family meal out this evening with some family who are visiting 

Debt total is now under £8k (barely) with three accounts paid off
I have an overtime shift tonight then that's the last one I *need* to do as such, I'll pick up some here and there to get some more savings on the go, but from the next payday onwards everything fits into the budget including savings. 

Plan when I wake up today is to look through what else I can list on Vinted, I've definitely got a few pairs of boots I've never worn in really good condition and some branded sportswear I've never really worn. I think my favourite thing about buying on there, is being able to buy things a bit out of my comfort zone (I pretty much live in the same few outfits when I'm not in my work uniform) to see how I feel in them without spending loads of money. 

Oh, I did rejoin my gym it seems to be a thing where you cancel and then a while later get an offer with a few cheap months if you rejoin, I've gone a few times already (including after a 3am finish at work), I did a beginners Pilates workout on YouTube yesterday and I'm managing to get in a 30 minute power walk on my lunch breaks at work this last week so feeling positive all round  

jusferbrowsing

Its sounds like you're doing just great. The additions to your home are very MSE and you're being very aware of what's achievable and how you can do what you want without going over budget too. I need to give Vinted a go too. Let us know what you think.

SillySillyGoose

All of my Vinted buys have been great. Need to list some items today I've not gotten round to doing it yet. 

Just back from a family Eurovision party last night, giving myself an hour whilst a wash is on to chill out for a bit then need to crack on with tidying the house. Got some bits I can list on FB Marketplace, too. 

Relieved to say rent is all up to date now, not really a 'win' as such as it should never have happened in the first place but it's sorted at least. Now to see if they offer me a tenancy renewal or not. My previous renewal came through around 6/7 weeks before that 6 month agreement was up so I expect I shall hear something either way soon. If I do stay, I'm going to ask if I can decorate as long as it's all put back as it was as everything is very very white on the walls and grey on the carpets. 

jusferbrowsing

I'm no expert but do you need a tenancy renewal?

After 6 months should it not become rolling? If you're up to date with rent and stay that way surely you should be fine going forward. Maybe it might be worth checking with the folks on the Mortgage Home and Bills forum under the House Buying, Renting and Selling section.

Sarahwithlove

Great bargain with the rug. 

With my monzo I have pots for each budget and then pay on my monzo flex credit card. I then transfer it right away from my relevant pot.