Ouch! Credit card bill came yesterday. Since retiring I have made a point of clearing it every month, but the last 9 months have given it a bit of a hammering - 3 months of up and down from London when DH in hospital, then with his ESA stopped so I paid for any "extras" or treats, outfit for daughter's wedding etc etc Anyway, I panicked a bit, rushed to online savings account and took out shedloads of money to clear the card. Whew! However, can't really afford to do that again so Plan B comes into action:
CUT SPENDING
My free signed copy of feeding your family for £5 a day is a move in the right direction, but I need to do more with the C season also approaching.
I have decided to bin mail order catalogues (bye bye Hotter, Kettlewell, Lakeland, Wall etc) on receipt, stop "cutting through" M&S and John Lewis just on the "off chance", stop looking at the Amazon Daily Deals (those 99p s can add up) and NOT BUY ANY CLOTHES . I have enought to "see me out as my Dad used to say, but that has never been a reason not to look, touch, try on and (not any more) buy.
My direct debits are things like Pet Insurance, so can't cut that out and I have also cancelled next hair appointment and willl be scouting around for cheaper alternative (my hairdresser took her DH to Dubai for his 40th! I must have been paying too much)
Popping up to the pub for lunch now and then is one of the few pleasures (sad old dear) in life as is meeting up with friends, but those who are still working think nothing of £20 for a quick supper and I can'tdo that every week.Other helpful suggestions gratefully received! I don't want to be miserable, just in control.
Things you find stressful that other people don't notice.
Water Pollution -“ A National Disgrace”? A case for renationalisation?