NST May 2025: Film fun (+ financials)

apple_muncher · 27 April at 1:39PM

NST May 2025: Film fun (+ financials)

Welcome to the May NST challenge! Here we are, month 5 of the year already, 2 bank holidays and lots more sunlight. Greenery is sprouting up everywhere and, love it or loathe it (thinking of you hayfever sufferers), colour will be returning to the land.

F is for financial independence. Those of you familiar with FIRE (financial independence, retire early) will hopefully be actively seeking this. How? Know your debt-free date; know your mortgage-free date. Know the interest rates on your debts and your savings. Make your money work for you, not the banks.

I is for ice cream. Now this is a food item I could happily eat at every meal! Drudgery isn’t what we turtles are seeking. We all need an occasional treat, so allocate £10 this month to spend on yourself when you need it.

L is for lists. To-do lists. Goals lists. Jobs around the house lists. Items you need lists. Packing lists. Shopping lists. Plotting and planning lists. Get yourself a notebook and keep notes in it!

M is for mental health. Mindfulness, meditation, me-time. You are important and we want you to pamper yourself (for free, of course!) Get outside as much as you can. Aim to exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes.

F is for feel the fear and do it anyway. Try one new thing this month that takes you out of your comfort zone.

U is for understand your triggers. What sets you off on a binge of spending/eating/self-criticism. One you have identified any, make a plan (and note it in your notebook!) of what to do to help you react differently.

N is for NSDs. Yep, I’ve not forgotten these! No spend days. You can claim an NSD if you only buy reduced goods and nothing else. Or only spend on medical items or travel. If in doubt, ask! Aim for 16.

F is for freedom. From debt, from overwhelming clutter, from excess weight, from toxic people, from social pressures. Find your own path to your personal freedom. Where do you want to be? What can you do to get nearer?

I is for independence. Rather like freedom above, but more independence from what you feel is ‘expected’ of you.

N is for NO! Don’t take on other people’s issues. You do not have to agree to everything.

A is for admin. Is all your life admin up to date? Will. Power of attorney. Passport. CV.

N is for a new habit. Choose something you want to incorporate into your life and get going on it this month.

C is for choosing. Choose to have fun this month. Create, move, enjoy, watch. And choose to be kind. Can you donate some items/time/money to charities?

I is for inspiration. Know who or what inspires you and indulge!

A is for adventure. Get out and about if you can and explore your local area.

L is for loyalty. Look at where you are placing your loyalty. Would an energy/bank switch help? Do you need to always buy top-end products? Who/what are you giving your time to?

S is for Spend or Save? It is an old conundrum! Every month is different, so set your budgets looking at everything that might loom this month. Keep away from all coffee shops, cafes, sandwiches made by other people, work canteens (unless free!) Take your lunch to work. Eat down your cupboards and freezer.

The challenge runs from May 1st- 31st.

Check in every day with your progress, gratitudes, questions.

May the force be with you ...........and MAY the odds be ever in your favour!!!

Who will join me?