Goodbye January! It feels like January has been the longest month, ever. For the first month of our No Spend Year, it has dragged! January has been quiet for us; just the normal routine of work/school/home but it seems to have gone by slowly. That being said, the first month is over already! I have a feeling that 2020 is going to be a quick year. But then, I feel that as I get older every year gets quicker.
I started the month with some great aims, and with a focus on our No Spend Year. Anxious and excited in equal measure! But, it has been a great month in terms of our finances. I have felt more in control with spending triggers than I have in months. The rules for our No Spend Year have helped with that; I haven’t been tempted by a takeaway when I’m tired after work. The simple reason for that is because one of our rules this year is no takeaways! It takes away the pressure of deciding and spending. Even though sometimes the last thing I want to do is cook, it has been good in that respect.
In terms of spending, it is also very evident. I have been filling in my budget planner religiously every day and the impact over the month is clear. I have only just finished the first page of the expense tracker. I have managed more NSDs in a month than I have for a long time. The savings aim seemed straightforward but that’s because our spending in other areas has been lowered. We have even managed to book our summer holiday and paid the deposit, all without interrupting our savings schedule. All down to spending less – a LOT less.
And, I’m also prepared for February. I have got my budget planner all set up and my cash envelopes at the ready. These two things combined have absolutely transformed our finances and our spending habits for the better. We could not save nearly so much as we do without tracking our spending and using cash. I recommend downloading the planner in time for February and start tracking your spending! It will transform your finances for the better 🙂
My Financial aims for January were:
– Have 20 No Spend Days (NSDs)
– Overpay the mortgage by £185
– Put £700 into savings
So, I have had the best month in terms of NSDs that I have in months. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I managed this number! As of today, I have had 22 NSDs so I have passed my target. Woohoo! I am so pleased with that 🙂 of course, not spending has a positive impact on finances over time. I love tracking it in my NSD tracker too. Visual aids definitely help me! We have also had a great month in terms of our mortgage overpayment. Each month the aim will be £185 but I have overpaid our mortgage by £236.44 so again, passed that with ease 🙂 and finally, I have put £700 into savings this month so a nice round number to end that with. Happy with that 🙂
My Personal Aims for January were:
– get ahead with blog posts
– plan out YouTube content for the month
– be organised!
I have half completed the first one of getting ahead with blog posts. I have them in a calendar for the next month but I have  yet to write them! But, I know what I am going to write, so half way there? It’s the same with YouTube; I have a list of videos to film and when I intend to publish them, all being well. I just need to film them now! I am enjoying my YouTube channel still, and I have ended the month on just over 800 subscribers which is great 🙂 and I am working on being organised! Some days I’m great, other days not so much.
The top 3 posts on The Frugal Cottage during December were:
How has January been for you? What has been the best thing that has happened to you during the month?
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