Turning Straw into Gold: Creating Long Term Security & A Solid Home

MillQueen

I have brought my lunch to work and an out-of-date yellow sticker yoghurt that looks fine. I have eaten a bar of chocolate I had in my drawer (it was actually free from the vending machine a few weeks ago, as it came out by accident). I am not spending any money today, as I took a look at my bank account and there's hardly anything in there now that all the bills have gone out. I hate that I work so hard all month and then almost all of my money instantly goes to pay someone else, as almost every pound is already spoken for before I even earn it. Never have I earned so much and had so little. This makes me angry and more determined to give companies as little as possible. I'm putting the heating back off tonight, as I'd rather be cold and have a hot water bottle than give the energy company even more of my cash. I'm going to keep an eye on the weather and if we get a particular cold spell I'll put it back on for a bit. I'm now moving forward into the rest of the month determined to spend as little as possible. Aside from a few more bills coming out mid-month and spending as little as I can get away with on food and petrol, I don't actually need anything at all. I have been trying to arrange it so I can work from home one day per week, so that over a month I can save the cost of a tank of fuel, but sometimes there are just things I need to be in work for, where it's not possible to have a consistent arrangement, which is the case this week.

The challenge now is to drink plenty of water, get a lot of sleep, and calm down my work rate, so I can get myself back into a position of being able to earn in my free time again. I think I am going to cancel that gym visit and just go out for a walk every day for now, rather than it being an extra thing I'm trying to fit in.

ellenvan

Walks are free and really good for you.

The sun is shining brightly here today. So I have had the heating on earlier for a hour, but am now going out and about, browsing the charity shops, dentist and then a walk along the beach. I may spend a little in a charity shop as they still need it, but nothing else. Yesterday I was tempted into buying a coffee at the beach just because I saw everyone else doing it. It was nice, but can't be doing it all the time.

Keep up the money saving. You're doing as well as you can.

MillQueen

That sounds like a lovely day, @ellenvan, it's good to enjoy the sunlight and get out and about to have a look around. I think you have got a good attitude to mindful spending, where you are careful with the occasional treat. I hope you enjoyed your walk and the dentist went smoothy.

I have got my lunch with me today and staying on track.

Blackcats

get fit with Rick is a great online walking fitness resource for when the weather is too dire to go out for a real walk. Rick is great fun!