Spend Nowt, Buy Nowt, Owe Nowt

I was just about to leave the house this morning when the hairdressers rang to say my hairdresser was sick and my appointment had to be moved to next week. I can hardly see from under my fringe but I am sure I can cope for another week.

Because we didn't go into the city I didn't get DH gift and card but may wait until nearer the time he starts his new job.

We bought the film but were too late in to watch it so will cuddle up on the sofa tomorrow after DS has finished rugby training and watch it then.

I have stuck to SW, and made some gorgeous free soup for lunch, until tonight when I ate a small GF pizza and a glass of wine :eek:

I haven't been focussed on SW over the last 2 weeks and had 2 meals out with work and a meal out for our 10th anniversary so put on a pound last week. I haven't stayed after weigh in for the last 2 weeks and I think this really helps me focus so DH and I are both going to stay tonight and get right back on it.

I am making the SW pasties for tea tonight.

Our CC spending has got a bit out of hand as DH has needed a few clothing items for his new job and I had to replace 2 work items that were beyond repair. Gutted as I loved the blue dress that has had to be binned

I sat one day this week and planned our budget and debt payoff over the next 12 months, allowing for Christmas and a couple of camping trips. We should be able to clear the debt, if we both get full bonuses, within 24 months. Allowing for the odd emergency and spend not accounted for I would be happy with 30 months. We would still be under 50 and should also be able to knock 2 years off our mortgage in that time by securing a lower rate next June and shortening the term by keeping the payment the same.

Until January things are going to be tough in the XSpender household as we cover Christmas and get back on an even keel. It has been tough this year as DH salary has effectively dropped £300-400 month and he has received no bonuses. Although his new job will pay an extra £750 ish a month plus quarterly bonuses he wont get a full wage in October due to starting 1 week in and I feel it will be 6 months before we feel the benefit of his increased income.

We have agreed that this year we will be having a quiet Christmas and not catering for anyone. We may go to a dinner on Christmas Eve with our good friends and their children but I am cutting back where I can on food, gifts and decorations.

The cost of the fuel we used on our 2 week holiday comes off my salary this month so I will be £300 down too :eek: I also have an increased childcare bill by £30/month from the end of September.

I have set our budget for the month for all food and spending but excluding bills and debt repayments at £1150. This includes food, booze, haircuts, swimming lessons, personal spends (DH has a night out arranged), miscellaneous, family fun (we have a ghost train booked for Halloween and we all need a costume although I am limiting mine to a pair of cats ears and some face paint ), prescriptions and a pre-booked garden treatment. Anything else is just going to have to wait and I have not allowed any extra for half term as apart from 2 days (if I get the time off agreed) DS will be at DPIL.

There is also an amount in there set aside for some new work shirts and ties for DH. His old job required a certain colour shirt and a company tie and he doesn't have any other coloured shirts or any other ties but the one he got for his interview. The shirts are on special offer and I have a 20% off sparks voucher which means that I can buy 3 shirts and 2 ties for half price and come in just under the £85 I had allowed.

I am going to make more of an effort to check in on here in October as I avoid posting when I know we are struggling a bit and posting helps keep me focussed and accountable.

Thank you apple.

DH was asked if he would like to leave today and he jumped at the chance!:D They didn't ask him until 5.45pm and he left at 5.50pm :rotfl: He will get paid up until the 4th and can still use his company car but will start his new job 1st of October.

This is great for him and great for our finances as we will get a full month of his new wage at the end of October. :j

I am already writing a list of the jobs he can do this week as I am working from home all but 1 day and he distracts me terribly.

I lost 1.5lbs at SW (it must have been yesterdays run ) and DH put on a lb in 2 weeks. We are really going for it this week and aim to lose over half a stone between us this week. :eek:

£10 spent on Chinese food. We haven't had one in weeks and it was soooo nice. Also spent £6 on some beers for DH to celebrate the end of an era and some fat free greek yogurt.