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Home > Archive: February, 2018

Archive for February, 2018

Meal planning

February 26th, 2018 at 02:35 pm

I've just done an online shop which is getting delivered on Friday (payday). Before that, I done a meal plan:

-slow cooker pulled pork
-black bean tacos with salsa and guacamole
-pulled pork carbonara
-pizza
-Mediterranean spiced pasta

I'm also going to try baking an orange loaf cake for the first time, and banana bread.

Update

February 25th, 2018 at 04:59 pm

Took out an amazon prime free trial. I didn't plan on SG buying the Frozen movie accidentally today. That was 9.99, but thankfully I had gift cards on the account.

It's SG's birthday soon. All money for it will be coming from this upcoming pay. I wish I had sinking funds already. Mothers Day is also next month.

I've decided I'm going to put an a4 sheet of paper on the fridge with our grocery budget, and spending, on it.

I need a plan

February 22nd, 2018 at 02:45 pm

My work are being a nightmare. I had a meeting to discuss my hours. They want everyone to be as flexible as possible. Well, I explained that I'm not. They noted it down. I asked if redundancy was on the table? No, it's the last option. At the next meeting they will give me hours that some computer decided is best (to meet the needs of the company). I'm dreading it. Someone told me that she was offered hours, but she couldn't work that late and they wouldn't negotiate with her. So, it's all or nothing.

For now, I'm job hunting and resisting the urge to hand in my notice.

So, any idea what I should do meanwhile? Minimise expenses? Put away extra cash? Or towards debt?

Update

February 19th, 2018 at 10:42 am

I've been paying into a private dental plan for years. Well I recently found out that I'm entitled to free dental treatment due to low income. I have a card that means I'm exempt. We've had them for a couple of years, but I just thought that I still had to pay the plan. Goods news is that I don't. It'll save me £13/month.

Any money that I can save is good because redundancies are happening at work. The company used to be flexible, but they're just not now. Sigh. I'm just pleased that my remaining credit card debt is already on a 0% card, and that I took out the loan when I did. Of course, it'd be even better if I were debt free, but I'm not. 13 months left on my loan.

Sinking Funds

February 15th, 2018 at 10:25 am

This is one thing that I don't have, but I know I'll need to set it up ASAP. I know a few of you have sinking funds. How do you keep track? Are they in a separate savings account? Right now I think I'll need one for school/nursery and clothes for the kids. Us too, possibly. I know this'll help my budget in the long run if I can get this set up.

Update

February 14th, 2018 at 12:46 pm

It's been a while since I last updated. So, what's been happening?

First of all, I started watching a lot of budgeting videos on YouTube. Actually, I started that at the beginning of the year when Creditcardfree mentioned it in her blog. Now, I'm trying to figure out if I'm more of a pen and paper gal, or if spreadsheets are the way forward? And, do I prefer updating daily or once a week? And cash only? Right now, it's mostly cash for variable expenses.

I had a birthday. I treated myself to a new cookbook from Amazon. I had vouchers so the book was free. The aim of the book is feeding a family of four for £40/wk. I'll be making some stuff from it.

I also just spent a Christmas gift card today. I added a couple of things for the kids. I was 6.49 OOP.

I had a check up at the dentist. One of my fillings needs replaced. It'll be £56. This wasn't in the budget so, today, I made sure that my health plan is updated online. I can make the claim the same day so that's good. I also made sure that both kids are on it. They are. (Youngest has had a lot of referrals since last year. Possible autism diagnosis. We've been to lots of appointments for him. Next one is ophthalmology this month, since they really did refer everywhere).

Hmm, what else? SG's birthday is next month. She told me the other day she'd like a party. I had to tell her that's too late notice to book a party. Looks like I'll be planning one next year.

Lots of Spending

February 4th, 2018 at 01:20 pm

On Friday I spent more on food shopping than planned: 72.xx in Iceland and another five in Lidl.

Yesterday it was 16 - I think? - on pull ups and some snacks.

Today it was some new shoes for littlest, whose went up half a size. I also got him a jacket that was on sale. Spent 38 on trainers, then another 26 on the sale stuff.

I think that's enough for now.