Trying to Save

I went to my mum's for dinner last night and, impulsively today I went over. It was only for a few hours. I had lunch with her then we took the dog for a walk. She lives alone and doesn't see a lot of people. I wish she got out more though. Her friend, who she hasn't spoken to in a while, is going to phone her tonight. I just feel bad for her. She is having problems with her neighbours. She is thinking about moving to a hopefully better area. My mum spends a lot of time alone in the house so I think that makes it worse, I think if she got out more she would feel better.

I am failing the Lunch Challenge this month. I've decided I will try harder next month.

Speaking of next month, it's going to be busy. This week two of my friends got in touch with me. They both want to meet up. It's been ages since I seen them. One of them just moved to London, she's coming home for the holidays though. My other friend lives nearer just we've both been busy. It's her birthday in a few weeks. I have another friend who is due her baby next month too. August is going to be a busy month.

We went to DH's friends house on Friday. We ended up not going to a club. Spent £9 on drink to take there and £20 for the taxi home.

Saturday morning I went to the garage. £69.30

Bought a few things today before work. £2

Not doing well on lunch challenge, I think that's because I haven't blogged in the past few days.

I still have money left over that I withdrew on Friday. I need to give a girl at work sponsor money (£5), I sponsored a woman in my department money too and a girl at work is leaving, so that will be £3.£8 isn't too bad. I've got £17 in my purse right now so at least I will have money left over.

I finally found out how much I have left to pay off the washing machine: £127.55. I requested more payment slips and they sent me a letter with my balance on it, which was good.

My tyres are causing me problems. One tyre has a slow puncture, the other is my spare and I should have replaced it since I think it's been about a month that it's been on. I'll need to get them replaced. I took the bus to work today. I'll need to go to the garage and get them sorted. Honestly, having a car is brilliant until there's problems with it. I think I'm going to have to put it on the dreaded credit card. I mean there's money in the bank but I don't know how much it's going to cost.

Lunch challenge isn't going too well. Bought breakfast at work yesterday. Packed everything today.

I've got some overtime for next week. Hopefully my pay will be good.

Lunch challenge going well. Packed everything today.

DH told me we've been invited out on Friday. First to a friend's house then to a club after. It's been ages since we've been out, I just wish I'd known about it earlier so I could have budgeted for it. We're having drinks at a friend's first so I'm hoping the night won't cost too much, although when I think about it we will need money for: transport (getting to their house, and to the club and back), drink and money at the club. I always feel like we're the only ones who are watching our money, DH's friends always seem to have plenty of money.

Speaking of Friday, I was arguing with my mum today cos I can't go with her to the hospital on Friday. It's an annual review because she gets benefits. I told her a few weeks ago I was working so I couldn't go. She has a map and they've told her how to get there. She's not happy with me, but I've made it clear I'm not going. I hope she finds the place. I am a bit worried. I told her to leave in plenty of time.

Ok that may be a slight exaggeration. I done some overtime at work today, eight hours to be exact,and it was spent showing customers into the fitting room and helping them. Eight hours. It was really boring, especially in the morning when the shop was quiet. On the other hand, I did get paid for basically doing nothing. I thought it was going to be worse than it actually was.

Came home from work to find DH tidying out the cupboard in our room. We found some spare change in a tin so I added that to the change in the drawer. I'm going to take it to the bank soon.

On another note, spoke to DH. He is going to continue to pay back MIL and I will try and save as much as I can.

Do you know what's helping me to save? The Lunch Challenge? Packed 100% today. Bought a multipack bar of chocolate bars for £1 this morning so that will stop me from buying chocolate at work.

Since my last post, I've had some time to myself. I took both DH and MIL to work so the house was empty. I watched Gilmore Girls, made something to eat, done some ironing. I really should have hoovered but I haven't gotten round to that yet. I'm going to talk to DH when he gets in tonight, or should I say when I pick him up tonight.

Right now, DH owes MIL £3k. It's debt in her name from credit cards and loans, which DH has used. I think DH should try and pay back as much as possible to her while we're here. The other night she told him she can't afford to pay back his debt anymore. I don't know her financial situation but does that mean that she is only paying the minimum payment/interest on the credit cards? This debt is from years ago. This is how it's broken down:

Loan: £1000
CC1: £94.99
CC2: £512.97

MIL: £1372*

*This figure comes from years of MIL buying things for DH and writing down what he owes her e.g. beer, games etc. As it turns out, she didn't write what he had paid her back...

I'm going to say to DH that he should clear CC2 first since it's the smallest. He had a small catalogue bill which he cleared so it shouldn't be hard to clear CC1. He gave her £180 the other day so I'm going to get him to find out where it went then I'll write it down.

In theory, while he is paying her back I can be saving as much as possible. I added my savings to my sidebar to motivate me. There's nothing like seeing other SA blogs to motivate me to save.

I don't know why I'm in this mood, but I am feeling annoyed and irritated.DH is annoying me, our room is annoying me, not having our own place, hardly any savings, the fact we've been here for so long... I could go on. It is driving me crazy that we don't have our own place. I was looking at places online last night and DH wanted us to go for a place that was £800pcm ("that's only £400 each"), it was a four-bedroomed house! I told him no way, there's only two of us. He says he doesn't want to live in a one-bedroom flat cos we're already living in one bedroom. I don't want to live in a one bedroom flat either but I do want out of here.

There's a list of things I need to do today:

- post birthday card
- post tax credits form
- post letter requesting more payment slips for machine
- pay credit card
- pay washing machine
- do ironing
- tidy room
- order prescriptions

I need to get those things done today, I'm working tomorrow.

I ended up buying chocolate at work yesterday. I don't think I'll meet my July goal of 16 days but I'll try.

My day started at 5am this morning when I woke up. I take DH to work on a Tuesday so had to wake him up. I dropped DH off at work for 6am. Then I picked up some shopping for my mum (she wasn't feeling well so I offered to get it for her).

After I'd done the shopping I dropped it off at my mum's and had breakfast with her. Then we walked the dog. Then I went to work.

The rest of the day was spent at work - although no money was actually spent I'm pleased to report. Ok so maybe it wasn't that busy but it sure felt it.

Hoping for another NSD tomorrow!

I never spent a penny today. Those are the best days.

Packed 100%. That is one day to add to my lunch challenge. I'm aiming for 16 so 15 more to go...

Got some overtime this week (7 and a half hours)

Nothing much else to report. Going to try and spend as little as possible this week.

I added a little bit to savings today. £10 to be exact. I'll see where I am in a few weeks and add some more. It felt good just adding that little amount and it took me seconds to do it.

It will be a relatively quiet weekend. Went to the cinema with MIL last night. Spent £4.75. MIL paid for the tickets (it's my turn next time)

It was payday yesterday. I paid my catalogue bill online and transferred money to MIL.

I try and use the envelope system for some things. Every four weeks I put money into an envelope towards my road tax, one for Christmas savings and one for if I have bought anything from the Avon catalogue (but that's just to make sure I don't spend the money) I tried using it for petrol but I usually just end up using my bank card or the cash I have on hand.

I seen a few things yesterday that I would like to buy friends and family. However, I didn't buy anything. I've got a few more things to pay this month, and I need to put money into savings.

I'm going to start putting money on an Asda (Walmart) Christmas savings card. It will mean I have a bit extra to spend on Christmas. I will start this month.

Well July is off to a good start. I worked four hours this morning and managed to pick up an extra shift next week.

I think I will continue the Lunch Challenge this month. I will have the same goal as before: 16 days packingf 100%. I'll keep the rules the same too:

- pack everything for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack
-no additional spending

I think the June Lunch Challenge made me conscious of how I'm spending my money at work. Also, the no-spend week really controlled my spending.

It's payday tomorrow. My bank account is now fully switched over, just need to close my old account. Tomorrow's pay should go into my new bank account.

I noticed today that I'm spending more money by renewing my road tax every six months rather than every 12 months. I'm going to aim to saved £150 by December so it can be used to pay it off in full.

I should have made a few appointment last month but I've been slacking. I'll need to get them sorted soon, hopefully today. Actually, that's what I'll do.

This weekend should be spendless since I haven't got anything planned. However, I'm not back at work until Monday so I might end up doing something.

I bought something at work today (a roll at breakfast) I don't feel bad though because I exceeded my goal of 16 days, only by one day though but I'm still pleased.

I'm working early tomorrow, 6am start, it's extra money though.

Getting my hair cut tomorrow, it's well overdue.

I noticed people are posting how they're getting on with their goals for this year. So how am I getting on?

-Start an Emergency Fund: it's started, just not a lot in it

- Pay MIL the rest of the money I owe her: done in May 2010

- Clear washing machine debt - have been making payments every month, in fact I need to order more payment slips

- Clear catalogue: been paying more than the minimum and I've managed to reduce my bill but it's not clear yet

- Get a used car - done in March

- Pay for Christmas with cash only: been putting £15 away every month towards high street vouchers

I'm not much further forward than I was a few months ago. And I have managed to add on some credit card debt (DH is helping to pay it off too though, it's not all mine)

One of my goals should have been for me and DH to get our own place. It is one of my goals, I just haven't written it on my sidebar. We really want to have our own place by November. We just need our own space. Honestly we are doing terrible saving and I hate to admit it. I have a savings blog, I should be doing better!! It just really annoys me. We didn't want to be here this long.

Sorry for the rant. If you managed to get this far, thanks for taking the time to read.

Packed 100% today so that is another day to add to my challenge.

I watched the new Harry Potter trailer, I can't wait until it's out. I have to wait until November to see it.

Speaking of movies, I'm hoping to go and see Eclipse soon.

and I've met my Lunch Challenge goal of 16 days! Woohoo!!

Bought yoghurts and ice lollies after work (and milk for MIL) Only spent £3 (MIL reimbursed the milk)

DH is still at work so I've got some time to myself before I go and get him later.

Packed everything today. One more day to go and I've reached my goal. I'd like to challenge myself for July too.

Another NSD today.

Came home from work to find mail from my bank. I can now check my bank details online and transfer money from my current account to my savings. This could be a good and bad thing (easy to put money in, easy to take out...)

DH and I spoke and we're going to have to try and rent somewhere. Private let is expensive though but we may be entitled to some sort of housing benefit since we are in low-paid jobs. It'd be fantastic to have our own space, I wouldn't mind struggling at first, it will be worth it.

I'm back at work tomorrow so I've been taking it easy today. That being said though, I've done a few things today: took DH to work this morning for his 7am start, went to vets with MIL then picked DH up from work.

I haven't spent a penny today.

I had to use my credit card today. On Tuesday I was driving home from work when I heard a noise. It was coming from my car. It turns out that my engine had almost fallen off and was dragging along the ground.

Wednesday I didn't use the car since I didn't have time to go to the garage.

Went to the garage today to get it fixed. £180 on my credit card. I need to get a spare tyre too, but I just decided not to get it today. I'm hoping nothing else happens with my car now. Fingers crossed.

I've had quite a busy day today:

-took car to garage
-went to the shops
-posted a birthday card and present (£2.65)
-collected car (£180)
-watched Four Christmases
-filled in tax credits form

Later I will collect DH from work.

Lunch challenge is still going well. I bought breakfast on Tuesday but yesterday I packed 100%

Lunch challenge still going well. Packed everything. I've nearly met my goal for the month (3 more to go after today)

Gave a girl I work with the money I sponsored her for Race For Life : £5

Apart from that, nothing else to report (makes for quite a boring blog actually)

Unfortunately I spent nine hours of it at work. The sun was still shining when I finished so I sat out in the garden again, at least I got to see some of it.

Lunch challenge going well. I packed everything today. After work today I bought some snacks for this week, since I finished the other ones. Hubby wanted me to get him Pot Noodles so I got a sachet for myself to take to work since sandwiches do get boring. I'll need to update my sidebar now, only 4 more till I've reached my goal.

It was my bank appointment today. I'm switching bank accounts. It will happen within the next 7-10 days. The bank manager said that I should make sure I have money in both accounts in case direct debits come out. I haven't got any substantial savings so when she offered me an overdraft I said yes. I'm hoping I won't need to use it. I also told her I would online and telephone banking. I like being able to check my bank balance whenver I want.

Today was a NSD.

It is day 6, isn't it?

I had a lazy day off, yet I got a few things done. I replied to DH's grandparents letter and I sent my auntie's present. They live in England so I'm hoping they get it soon. I know, these things cost money - under £3 in total so that wasn't too bad. I guess I made it to day 6 of the fast.

The weather here was lovely today, although nowhere near as nice as some of the weather you guys have been having. We were sitting out in the garden for most of the day, in fact I've only just come in now and it's after 8pm.

My MIL made cocktails earlier, we were sitting in the garden drinking them. Felt like I was on holiday.

Bank appointment tomorrow. DH is coming with me.

I took DH to work today. He bought me lunch so today is a NSD.

I went to the bank today. I've got an appointment to switch accounts on Saturday. DH needs ID to switch accounts, and to get a loan so the loan will not be happening anytime soon. I'll start looking at properties to rent online today.

I'm meant to be going to visit my friend tomorrow. My other friend got in touch and invited me. We'd be going on Friday night, and I don't want to stay (she lives over an hour and a half away) Hmm... they want to see wedding photos. I'll see what happens. I'll explain I can't stay cos of bank appointment the next morning.

I'm off work for the next few days. I haven't got any plans as such. I'd like to have some productive days off. What I really need to do is make an appointment at the bank.

DH and I were talking about trying to get a loan. We would use the money to help us put towards getting a house. I was against it at first but I've now had some time to think about it. Basically we are on the list for a government scheme for first-time buyers. We have a deadline to put an offer on a house... and we don't have enough money saved. The deadline is mid-August. We haven't been telling people since we don't know if we will get a loan. If we don't get the loan we are just going to have to private let. We are both tired of living here, we would like our own space. Honestly, neither one of us expected to be here this long. I'm going to phone the bank tomorrow to try and get an appointment.

I've just been paid back for buying the dog food. I think I was being too hard on myself. Now I actually feel like I haven't spent anything.

I think I've miserably failed the Frugal Fast. When I finished work yesterday I had a missed call from DH. He asked me to pick up some veg for MIL. Today I had to pick up dog food for a neighbour. I got the money back from MIL yesterday, just waiting on getting the money back for today's purchase.

Lunch challenge going well. I've packed 100% all this week.

I didn't forget about the Frugal Fast. I didn't spend anything today. I picked up DH's glasses from the opticians today after work. On the way there I spotted bags of chocolate but I resisted. I already know that you shouldn't shop while you're hungry - although I was just going to collect DH's glasses.

For the lunch challenge I packed 100%. Breakfast was the usual - cereal, plus I had a banana and a cup of water. Lunch - ham and cheese sandwich, yoghurt, apple, bottle of water, Snack - packet of mini crackers and a cup of water. I've got three more shifts to work this week.

I noticed some cheap DVD's last week, some of them were only £3. They can wait, I don't need them.

I've started reading the final Twilight novel, Breaking Dawn.

I can drive my car again! My brother-in-law fixed it last night. It felt so good to be driving to work again.

On my break I checked my phone and I had a missed call from the garage. Apparently the key's in. DH is going to pick it up tomorrow for me.

I took my own lunch today but I bought a bacon roll for breakfast. I'll redeem myself the next six days that I'm working.

I need to work out how much money I'll be spending for the rest of the month. I've got two birthday presents to buy but they shouldn't be too much. Sponsored at girl at work £5 for Race For Life, and I've got Avon to pay, although that is under ten pounds. Hmm, shouldn't be too bad.

I'm off today. I'm working the next six days after that. I can't complain, I could do with the extra money. I'm covering a woman's shift on Saturday, otherwise I wouldn't be in. I couldn't say no, her daughter's in a fashion show.

My car should be fixed soon. My uncle has a key that works so he dropped it off yesterday, just need to replace the tyre.

Lunch challenge going well. Yesterday was another day that I packed everthing I needed. I've packed everything for 6 days so it's going well.

I've managed to get my breakdown cover sorted. £28 for the whole year. I took it out through my cashback website so once it has been validated it will go into my bank account, but that will take a while.

Nothing planned today. I got a text about this month's phone bill. £38. I really need to get on the phone to them and cancel my web browsing pack. I've been saying that for a while, I know. I have tried to though, it just takes ages getting through to them.