Tough Decisions

Last week, marked a month since I left my job and I have to say that I'm not missing it one bit. I'm loving my new found freedom of being able to do exactly as I please and live a more balanced life. However, it's been tough week too, mainly for reasons of a financial nature. In all honesty, as you have probably already noticed, I have been finding it hard to rein in my spending this last month and this resulted in my budget running out with a week still left of the month.

I did the weekly shop as usual last Monday, with a strict budget in mind, namely £120 max, as that was all that was left in the budget for the month. I wasn't spendthrift and didn't buy lots of extras, save a couple of bits for Xmas (which I promised myself I would buy every week to spread the cost) and some beef mince, which I hardly ever buy these days. As we had guests coming over the weekend, I thought I might make a chilli one evening whilst they were here. I also needed some mouthwashes for my dental routine, but other than these items, it was just our regular weekly shop. Could I keep within budget? No, I couldn't. 

I'm not blaming the cost of living and rising grocery prices, although everything is more expensive these days. The fault lies directly at my own door. I have just not been able to rein in my spending on unnecessary items this month.  Too many visits to charity shops, car boot sales, jumble trails.  Any excuse not to rein it in and the consequence has been to go over budget by a few pounds and face an even more challenging month financially next month.

I'm not trying to garner sympathy, I'm just annoyed at myself for continuing to spend like I've still got a job. I'm not destitute, I do have savings I can use if I need to, but I really don't want to start delving into those within the first month of finishing work. I just need to grow up and spend less.

Hence, I have given myself a good talking to, knuckled down and cleaned the house, taken care of what we already have and made a promise to myself to minimise unnecessary spending from now on. It just can't be accommodated in my new post-work budget any more. I need to get real and start living according to my new means.

October will be a challenge, as I do have a few extra bills to pay next month, i.e. allotment fees of £35 are due, renewal of my gym membership at £40 (yearly fee) is due and a birthday gift of £30. Luckily, it is also my birthday next month, so that will provide me with the odd treat in an otherwise super low budget month. 

I am planning to start my Xmas shopping in October, as buying for others might replace the urge to spend money on myself and on unnecessary things and I have a budget put aside for this. Besides, I like to get my Xmas shopping done before the end of November, so it's good to start early.

Life and budgets have suddenly got very real and I need to put on my big girl pants and make some tough decisions going forward. If I get through the next month, I've done okay and can maybe get back on track.

Just as I was writing this post, I got some post through the letterbox, namely my P45 and a surprise payslip that I wasn't expecting. I was apparently still owed some overtime and holiday pay from my previous employer, so I'll be receiving £700 or so that I didn't know I was owed this month, which will very much help me over the next few months. This was a lovely surprise and came just at the right time, but I still need the financial reset to help make it last as long as possible.

 I'll keep you posted with my progress.