How did it get to the middle of September already!!


We've been really busy over the last few weeks, but things are settling down now and getting back to 'normal'.


On the money front, DS1 is costing us a small fortune (all worth it though). Although he has got some money from the summer we need to pay towards his education. Plus his flights back for Christmas, which need sorting sooner that later.


Football starts again this weekend, and now DS2 is playing midweek so we're going to be busy busy busy. I've set up the DD pay one lot of football subs, DS2 will pay his own but we will still take DS2 as his away matches are miles away.


We've been a bit hit and miss with the food shopping. I've seen a challenge on social media where you eat out of the cupboards/fridge for the month, only topping up on fresh stuff. We are sort off doing this. Although its proving a bit tricky now we're back to doing packed lunches. I have put £10 in DS1's dinner money account, just in case. One week in and he has only spent £1.50.


My 20p jar is full....to be fair its not that big a jar, lol. But I'm going to keep saving and use it towards Christmas celebrations.


From next week I'm going to starting putting money into cards for nieces and nephews Christmas presents. If we do one a week we'll be sorted in 9 weeks.


Have managed to get a full line dry twice this week. The kids have taken it in about 4.30pm so it doesn't get damp. :-)


Looking forward to the weekend.


xx

Hi Alice,
Great to hear from you. I was wondering how you've been doing.
You seem very well organised and great to start getting Xmas organised too.
Vx

All sounding great from your end Alice!!! Brilliant that you are thinking about to Christmas too xx

Keep up the good work

Yep, active kids are expensive....shelling loads out on dance this term...not really complaining as love that they actually are still doing stuff but all adds up

Have a great weekend x

Thank you for your posts. I feel like I've got my debt busting mojo back....long may it continue.

This morning I've got two loads on the line and another two to do. It's blowing nicely.

On the money front we've tweaked our mobile deals to include DS3. We pay an extra £9 for DSs but I did get a new phone so although some might say not very MSE, it works for us. I've just done meter readings and we are -£5.26, which means we have used £30 on both utilities in two weeks. No heating on yet...ooo noo....going for at least the 1st October, and then it will have to be freezing.

Had Chinese and drinks with friends last night, £20 spent. Only had 4 NSDs so far this month.

Yesterday I went food shopping, still sort of doing the store cupboard challenge but somehow spent £49. But that did include a chicken for lunch, some new casual trousers for me and some socks for DS3, and some cleaning/toiletries stuff. Got petrol too £35.

Today we're going to cut the grass, deweed and sweep drive and trim the hedges. We're having a roast later so will get that prepped. Have a mountain of ironing to do. Also need to colour my hair, that is actually more important than the ironing. OH has taken DS3 to rugby training and DS2 is still in bed.

Need to update spending diary and budget. Hope you all have a great day.

Xx

Thanks for the update Alice.

Is this DS1 last year and did DS2 decide what he wants to do?

Hi Spendless,

Yes it's DS1s last year......phew.. It's going to be a tough one for him, mentally and physically. DS2 is working but still doesn't know if he'll go to uni next year. I'm sure it will all come good in the end....fingers crossed.

Quick update, today was a NSD, number 6 for the month. Tomorrow I need to pay for some stuff at the school, £17 in total. Will also need to get petrol, and I need £10 towards collections at work. So going to try and get all the spends done tomorrow.

Tonight I've sorted some paperwork on the kitchen out. Even after all the time we still don't seem to be able to sort out the post when we get it...Ggggrrrr. But on the plus side all the ironing is done and put away.

Anyway that's Monday done.

Xx

Yesterday was a bit spendy. Paid all school stuff, petrol, collections at work and did a small top up shop. Also got a prescription. Today should be a NSD though.


I've pegged 3 loads out today....its quite windy out there. Hope it is still on the line when I get home!!


xx

Inspired by you Alice, my washing is pegged out in the pre storm wind. T-shirts already dry.

Finally finished your diary, what a journey so far I'll be following you and cheering you on.

K x

That's great, hope it stayed on the line. I know I was surprised how crease free the washing was. Think the wind blew the creases out.

Xx

Thanks K, we're on the homeward straight. I like the idea in your signature of counting down how many payments left. Good luck with your journey.

Xx

Today should be NSD8. Yesterday we had sports club, quite a lot of travelling and yes we bought hot sandwiches whilst we were there, yum yum. Last night we had friends round, spent £20 on takeaway food.

Kids and OH are at rugby training this morning. I've got a wash on and it is supposed to dry up a bit here later, so hopefully will get that load pegged out. I've got another couple of loads to do so will do them later and put them out tomorrow.

We are cancelled the local paper we have delivered. Now this is quite a biggy because our paper has quite a good write up of the kids sports, and I always cut it out and keep it when they get a mention. I think I will have to check it out in the paper shop, and if the kids are in it then purchase it.

You know I mentioned about giving money for Christmas gifts, particularly now that some of the nieces and nephews are getting older (the little ones will get pressies), my question is how much? And do I give them a little something as well, ie bath bomb, chocolate, socks. Or just cash. Hmmmm what to do??

Whilst everyone is out I'm going to get the housework done......better get on, I've eaten half a packet of biscuits with my cup of tea this morning whilst writing this.

Hope everyone has a great day.
Xx

Afternoon Alice,

Your social life is sounding brilliant at the moment .

Re the nieces and nephews I usually budget £20. I reckon if you're buying a stocking filler you can get away with less cash! Do you have a lot to buy for?

Hope you enjoyed those biscuits xx

How old are the nephew/nieces concerned?

I’m currently on holiday and I must say reading your diary has been more entertaining than a book! I’ve really enjoyed reading it to see your debt coming down, well done you!

Hi mummy, yeah I was thinking £10 and a stocking filler. We've got 8 teenagers and a couple of little ones.

I did enjoy these biscuits.......a bit too much.

Xx
Hi Spendless, in their teens.

Xx

Thanks Locky, haha I always think my life is quite boring.

Enjoy your holiday.

Xx

To heat or not to heat, that is the question. As you know we always leave the hearing off for as long as possible. Unless the house starts to feel damp or we have company.. I've woken up with a right headache this morning and I'm sure it's because I was shivering in bed last night. Going to get the extra blanket tonight and pull the window too a bit.

Yesterday was NSD9. Today I need to get petrol, and a few bits for DSs cooking at school.

We've had a note from 3ON, they want to put the DD up for the gas/electric. You know I'm sure it's cost us more since we had the boiler serviced.

Yesterday I pegged another load out, and last I stood and did all the ironing. Currently winning in the washing and ironing stakes.

Xx

I'm trying to keep my heating off till the 1st of November but it was pretty chilly this morning!

It was, extra jumpers all round.. We don't usually have the heating on first thing. I always think we're not here very long from the time we get up to the time we all go out. Unless it's the weekend then that's a bit different.

xx

Still only on 9NSDs. Yesterday got petrol, cash, and a little supermarket run to get cooking stuff and a few bits.....£19 later. I just can't be trusted in a supermarket.

There is only £30 left in the bank account. But I have managed to put £250 into the other account this month. . It's payday Friday for me so need to get spending diary and budget upto date.

Other spends coming up are the kids sports clubs subs. We can pay in installments but I do need to make first payment ASAP (before the end of the month).

Xx