Target December 2026

thepurplepixie

That's why I'm finding the NSD challenge so good, I swear I must have been spending a small fortune on stuff I didn't really need just because I needed a bottle of milk or a loaf of bread.  It's is forcing me to be more organised and avoid those popping in moments.

thepurplepixie

Well managed to get the cost of my shopping down this week so an extra £20 into savings.  Pleased with that.  Managed to get a birthday present for £5 under budget.

I've won £25 on premium bonds so saved an extra £50 so far this month.

thepurplepixie

Half way through the month so seeing where I am.  I've done £250 of birthday presents, taking money out of surveys, cashback, nectar has started the savings with £180.  So that's not a bad start, I'm being very careful about spending and no spend days going well so will hopefully getting close.  Forgot to add my premium bonds win, the saved £5 on a present and £45 saved on shopping budget so total of £475, £285 still needed this month. Hopefully my increased pension payments will help.

I've worked out my figures knocked of the 2 months when I get 2 payments of state pensions and I need £760 a month either saved or knocked off the presents total.  

thepurplepixie

Forgot to add I got my hair cut.  It badly needed doing and I was putting it off, DH very happy as he got his increased pension last month so he treated me.  His private pension is better than mine so his increase was good added to his state pension he was feeling flush.

Sarahwithlove

Can you remind DH about birthdays and ask they contribute? Or what about the commitments, would they help with them? 

thepurplepixie

He gives me money every month which used to cover his share and more but as time has gone on and new partners for kids and GC and cost of living it isn't keeping pace.  He's nearly 80 and doesn't really get it.

thepurplepixie

Been away for a few days but very disappointed with trains except train company has accepted my claim and I've got over £70 on its way back to me.

Ordinary_Yet_Unique

Very interesting diary. To put aside £850 a month is quite an achievement. Are you able to give an indication of your pension income that enables you to do this?
I am fortunate that I have a decent pension income that also allow me to save each month. At the moment I am trying to put aside £1000 or so a month. £500 of this goes towards annual expenses and the rest to my travel account, which I am trying to build up for some trips next year, and a cash ISA. I am trying to rebuild savings after some house and car expenditure in recent months. This has meant taking more control of monthly personal spends !

I wish you well with your endeavours.

thepurplepixie

Well I did it this month, £800 off my total plus DH gave me £100 so £900 plus the two months when I get two pension payments and I now have a target of £750 a month.  Bit of a cheat this month as I had money in top cashback, surveys and jam donut and cashed them out.  Still it's month one so onwards and upwards.

My pensions combined are around £1500 a month.  DH also contributing of course.  We have a pretty quiet life as DH is disabled and as a teenage mum in the 70s I have the habit of being thrifty.  No rent, no mortgage so council tax, water, gas, electric and food are main outgoings.  No streaming services but I do have a smart phone and pay £8 a month for that.  I feel like I should be able to do £800 a month but something always seems to come up.  This month I had a weekend away, split the cost with DH.  

Ordinary_Yet_Unique

Nothing wrong with a weekend away. Although you are putting money by for very good reasons you also have a life to live and enjoy.