Here we are – a couple of days from the end of the first month’s extreme money saving. How’s it going?
I’m up to 3% of my total, or thereabouts. At this rate I’ll hit £10,000 in about 3 years. That’s not quite what I was after, but I always knew the first month would be a slow burner. I’m awaiting payment for some freelancing work I’ve been doing, and that will go straight into savings: I need to email my accountant to see if I’m due a tax rebate in January, which would be nice; and I’ve signed up to things like YouGov and Quidco (a cashback, referral-based website) which will earn me little bits here and there.
The great news, however, is that I’ve spent less than I’ve earned this month, which – considering I’ve taken a 30% or more pay-cut in going part time – is pretty good going. Petrol has been the absolute killer on this budget, though, so next month will take that into account; I’ll not be taking petrol money out of my (reduced) monthly budget. I’ll also try to drive as little, and as efficiently, as possible. The lack of shower at home was also a problem this month, as it meant more driving to the gym or dad’s so I could shower – and a couple of trips to the swimming pool too, which isn’t cheap. Oh, and I started Christmas shopping, which has helped to spread the cost a bit.
All in all, I’m fairly confident about next month: I’m resisting buying things I want but don’t need, I’m learning a load of money-saving tips (and getting back into old habits like baking) and with luck Santa will bring me gift vouchers and cash, so I can get things I need without spending or I can add a little more to my savings.
In the mean time, all offers of writing work gratefully received… I only have £9,700 to earn!