It was another cold start to the day, but at least the sun was shining today. It always makes me feel a bit better when the sun shines.
I had the usual walk and then went home to do the usual house-y stuff. Oh what an exciting life I lead! (Hence the title of my blog lol).
I was taking a look at the decluttering totals this month. There really hasn't been a lot of it happening. I've added some to the list tomorrow - 10 books and 5 other items to declutter. I feel in a bit of a funk with it, but I need to keep going. The totals are definitely not as impressive as last months.
I'm really starting to think about what's coming into the house. I'm trying to curb spending too, but money seems to be leaking more than ever. I suppose it's the expense of things. I've been meal planning and trying to stick to lists, but every time I go do a food shop it seems to be more expensive. I think I need to start writing down what I'm spending so I can see all the bits. Perhaps I am just spending more than I think.
Do you keep track of every little bit you spend? Do you use the cash envelope method? I used to do that but not sure if I want to go back to it! What's your favourite budget tip?
When we were first married in 1970s I used the cash envelope system (empty jam jars in the kitchen cupboard) £5 into each jar, £10 for food, a tiny bit left over. We had no savings. Prices were more stable and I knew the cost of every item on my shopping list in advance.
ReplyDeleteIt's different now; everything changes so fast. I'm tracking my 'luxuries' expenditure (I spent THAT much😵💫 already?!?) and being more thoughtful about food.
Also applying '1 in, at least 2 out' rule, but only in my dreams so far 😁
Maybe that would be better - tracking 'luxuries'. I definitely need to the 1 in 2 out rule. I am being more thoughtful about food purchases but things are so expensive right now.
DeleteI used to write down every expenditure but don't now. The best way for me to shop is online and then I'm not tempted by things I notice on the shelves. It's fairly boring, I have to say, and my list doesn't vary much, week to week. Sometimes, for a thrill I actually go to a shop!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I had to spend time at Mum's flat in quarantine I really enjoyed shopping online for food and having it delivered. It was a really good experience. Not a lot of places do that over here.
DeleteI don't mind doing the shop, I just get a bit tired of it, especially when the prices seem to go up and the sales get worse!
Beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteDecluttering ebbs and flows, I think. Some months, you find a lot to get rid of and other months, not as much. Maybe you are getting to a point where there's not much left to declutter. Keeping track of what comes into the house is important, too. I no longer buy books or home decor, however, I've bought a lot of yarn and fabric, recently.
As for keeping track of spending - when I first started budgeting, I wrote down every penny I spent each day and on what (I carried a little note book with me - in the days before cell phones). I did that for about 3 months. After that, I kept a weekly spending log and did that for several years. These days, I keep track of my grocery spending more or less to the penny, although, I sometimes spend more than what I've budgeted on groceries. I've never done the envelope system, but, it's very effective as it lets one see just how much is left in the envelope.
I know there's a lot to declutter, it's just letting go of the things. It is going to ebb and flow though I think. There are times when I want to get rid of everything and then I look at it and think, no maybe not. Lol. I'm still working on thinking differently about things. I am doing a lot better about not bringing things into the house. I haven't bought a book or magazine in a long time, at least not a physical one though. I've started borrowing magazines on my kindle and from my library digitally and that helps.
DeleteAs for the budget, you do really well with the food one! I think my main thing is that I need to keep check of the things I don't realise I'm spending on, bits here and there or subscriptions we have. I need to know where the money is really going so we can have a good retirement, making choices as to what's important and what's not.