How on earth is it the end of February already?! January seemed to last years, and yet the next month has absolutely flown by. Strange how that happens. I seem to have lost my motivation somewhat this month. I think that the lack of sleep is starting to catch up with me and I just feel tired all of the time. Suppose that’s to be expected though, right?
February has been a quiet month, but I still seem to be spending money more and more. I really need to reign it back in throughout March. I’m definitely aiming for a No Spend Month – join me in my Facebook group if you want to try too! – in the hope that it’ll restore some order. I’m also tempted to try using cash only for the majority of spends? Not fixed ones, such as our mortgage and bills as most of those go out automatically, but everything else. I’ve been reading a bit about the envelope system and am intrigued to see if it works.
I’ve also tried to get back into reading on an evening, though that does very much depend on what the two boys are doing. Mr FC has treated me to The No Spend Year which I want to get stuck into. I don’t know if I’d ever manage to do that. But, it has intrigued me so I shall report back once I’ve read it 🙂
My Financial aims for February were:
– Have 18 No Spend Days (NSDs)
– Overpay our mortgage by £85
– Put £600 into savings
So 2018 is getting off to the same poor start in relation to NSDs. I just cannot seem to get a grip on my spending! Says the person who writes a blog with frugal in the title. I am going to try and do a No Spend Month for March, as I desperately need to reign it in. In February I managed 14 NSDs, so four off target. I am a little disappointed by that to be honest. I really believe in NSDs for managing your budget successfully.
I changed my overpayment target for 2018, as it had been sitting on the back burner and not really thought of at all. But, as being mortgage free is definitely a part of our early retirement plans, it needs to be in focus somewhat. So, I’m still getting used to remembering to make overpayments! In February I overpaid £69.69 which I’m pleased with 🙂 I always like to make our mortgage a nice round number 😉
Finally, our savings target will be lower in the coming months whilst I’m on maternity pay. If we manage this consistently every month until I return to work, I shall be very proud of myself. In February, I put £634.70 into savings so I met this goal! And, as it’s the most important one in a way, I’m happy with that.
My Personal Aims For February were:
– lose 6lbs
– to not put too much pressure on myself
– start to get rid of some of my clothes
So, I mentioned previously about joining Slimming World at the beginning of the year to get rid of my pregnancy weight. I have to be honest, both boys have been ill during February as have I, so this has been put to one side slightly. Bad, I know! But, I have lost 2lbs in February so at least that’s something. In the right direction!
As a new mum of two, it’s so difficult not to compare yourself to others in the same scenario. Especially with the lives portrayed on social media! Being a mum of two is amazing but it’s difficult at times. With two small people to contend with, plus lack of sleep, it can be a challenge! So yes, not putting pressure on myself will be an ongoing aim, I think.
Ah, my clothes. I need to stop putting this as an aim – I am rubbish. This is a big fat no for this one.
The top 3 posts on The Frugal Cottage during February were:
How has February been for you? I hope it’s been a good month!
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I find that by taking a set amount of cash out of the bank at the beginning of the week for food/any other small items , really helps . If there is any money left over , I either put it in a jar or let it roll over for the next week. It also helps to know how much I have in the kitty when planning menus.(I guess it is a simplified form of the envelope system)
Looks like a good month! Keep up the good work. I hope March will treat you well!