So it Begins - The Accountability

sams247

Deciding whether I can afford to have a holiday this year. I have been searching around for deals and, I confess, I have found a few that look interesting. But as soon as I get to the total owed, I can't help but think I could put that money to better use in my emergency fund. And then I think to do my debt free plan I know this is going to take me a long time, and if I don't actually live my life or enjoy my life or get free from work stress now and again, I'm not sure it will seem worth it. So then I think maybe I can have some really nice days out. After all, isn't that just what a holiday is, a whole series of days out. But then when I factor in the toing and froing petrol wise, I get to thinking oh I might as well stay there then. And we are back to paying for accommodation, and then we are back to is it worth it. And that's exactly where I'm at.

Food wise, today I will run out of Greek yoghurt, coleslaw, and salad. This is okay as I have a budget for these things. This is not okay as it means I will go back to a food shop and some invisible person will throw lots of extra items into my basket. I shall endeavour to try not to pick up too much extra.

Breakfast today was fried eggs on toasted crumpets (you just have to try it!), Lunch is ‘chicken’ and (the last of) salad and coleslaw wraps, tea tonight I have defrosted half of the toad in the hole that I cooked last week, and I will have this with mini roast potatoes and vegetables.

InDebtEnby

Make a list before you go and stick to it. Don't go down the aisles if you don't need to. Giving yourself a time limit might help, I accidentally do this by leaving it til 9.30 to go to supermarkets that close at 10.

InDebtEnby

A little bit more extreme, but I used to use a wheelchair which means that your eyes are butt height, meaning all of the marketing literally goes over your head since it is designed to be at eye level.

peb

Is it worth getting a food delivery? I know it will.cost In the delivery but you wouldn't be tempted by stra things.

sams247

@InDebtEnby Yes, thats a good plan. I actually took that advice and arrived at Aldi with the list. I bought two items not on the list, but they were reduced and I will use them so I consider that a win :). I hadnt considered the advertising angle…… and that clearly marketing is discrimitory! (cant even spell). I am getting pretty good at buying own brand etc., but do stray now and again. I am fine with own brand baked beans, butter, tinned stuff etc., even cheese…but put me in front of a tray of eggs and I am as fussy as anything. Got to be great quality and as eco as it comes.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82052756#Comment_82052756

Thats true……. I have tried Gousto in the past and actually enjoyed it. Hmmmm.

sams247

I calculated all my debts today, and I decided I would add in my the amount I owe on a very old university credit debt that I've been slowly whittling away out. This was for an overpayment received. I fought it for awhile but to no avail. So that bumped up my amount owed a little. So with all my payments this month, drastically reduced as I'm trying to build up savings, I am a mere £13 lower than my original starting point. But at least every single thing I owe to everybody is calculated for now.

Savings wise I had planned to put away £100, that has been reduced to £50 as I had a dental bill that I had to pay. So £50 to my emergency savings fund, and £10 to what I'm calling hair and glasses fund.

Today, for breakfast I had scrambled egg and beans, for lunch I had a jacket potato with cheese and tea will be tortellini with a mushroom and garlic sauce.

Lolina

I enjoy reading about your meals, they always sound so tasty! I think you're doing really well, keep going! 🙌

sams247

Today was a day off kinda day. I met with family. We chilled. We walked. We chatted. All good.

No debt talk or action.

For you @Lolina …. Breakfast was crumpets with peanut butter on, topped with banana slices and drizzled with honey. Lunch was 'meatballs' in a cream sauce with thin fries and peas (just like they do in Ikea) and tea was 'chicken' cooked with veggies and sliced spring onions, served with rice. And I was bought a whippy ice cream with a flake in on our walk so a goood day 😎

Lolina

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82056720#Comment_82056720

Thank you for the update, my mouth is watering haha! Just wondering about the 'meatballs' and 'chicken' in quotes - are you vegetarian and referring to meat alternatives? I am also so always on the lookout for good veggie options!

sams247

Lazy day ….. had a very late night….. even for me, I’m a night owl but this was late late.  So today I am sleepy.

I confess to a trip to Ikea, which is OK as that was on the agenda.  And I had a budget of £30 for the bits I needed.  I spent £34.  So I’m ok with that.  But….. on the way home….. a pop into the supermarket to get some deodorant ……and £18 later I am carrying fridge food that I wanted rather than needed.

Hey ho.  So much for my Big Shop idea.  

Foodwise…

Breakfast today was muesli with blueberries, bananas and blueberry Alpro yoghurt, and added mango.  Lunch will be courtesy of Mr Wagamama and tea will be all those fridge Deli selection things I bought on whim yesterday. 

@Lolina Yes, I should have explained….. I do eat fish and shellfish but mostly I eat vegetarian and occasionally vegan. I try and test different 'meat' options and tend to stick with the best. Have you tried Juicy Marbles? Seriously the best little roast 'beef' you can get. I use it as it is for roasts, or cut it up for stews, pies and casseroles and shred it for wraps and chinese pancakes.