The payday countdown

Hello

So it's week 3 of Budget September and I thought I'd bring you an update:

Firstly, did I stick to my £90-100 Loughborough budget? Well, almost. £105 was spent so I am pretty happy with that! I went over because I chose a curry rather than a Subway to cure my hangover on Sunday evening.
I have also been sticking to my £30 food and £50 petrol a week and things are looking under control.
There is one week to payday thank goodness and the bank balance is significantly in the minus meaning it will go to the wire. I am sure most of the working population spend this week trying to spend as little money as possible, eagerly waiting payday! I have £160 available at the time of writing which means I shouldn't go 'over my overdraft', fingers crossed. Just one more payout for petrol and food and a wedding this weekend to go. I am quite pleased considering I paid a £160 and a £20 debt and a £180 gym membership this month!

I am by no means out of problems but I have managed to cut my 'silly' spending over the past 3 weeks.

Here's how:
1. I am back into routine - work and training mean that during the week my spend is basically zero (after petrol and food).
2. I have planned my food and cooked in bulk, Minimal eating out or buying food on the go.
3. I have been really boring! Apart from Loughborough and the odd free cinema trip I have not gone out very much at all. For me this isn't sustainable so I need to budget for social when things get a bit better.

My plans going forward (overdraft cut is coming) include:

• Trying out getting a meal box delivered using a Wowcher code £13 for 6 meals
• Getting creative in the kitchen and making snacks as opposed to buying expensive Nakd bars
• Making the most of my birthday to ask people for things I would like to buy rather than getting them myself like usual
• A scary one - balance transfer for my credit card (oh yea haven't mentioned that yet..)
• Keeping track of spending to see where I can make more cuts
• Use my time to blog - who needs a social life!

Not sure if that will be enough to save £500 (unlikely) especially as I really want a haircut next month (£65-75!)...

Wish me luck 

x