Happy Wednesday! I’ll be honest, I am glad that November is over. My Grandma sadly passed away and it is her funeral today. We are saying goodbye to an amazing lady and lots of family and friends are going to be there. I still can’t believe she’s gone. I suppose it will seem even more evident at Christmas time. So yes, I’m glad November is over.
I said at the start of November that we don’t have a lot planned apart from a wedding. It was lovely to see one of my school friends getting married. Her dress was gorgeous! We ended up giving them money as their wedding gift, towards their honeymoon. Apart from that, November has been quiet. However, our decorator starts today! The hall and stairway is finally going to be completed. In time for Christmas too, hopefully. I cannot wait for it all to be finished!
My Financial aims for November were:
– Have 18 No Spend Days (NSDs)
– Overpay our mortgage by £100
– Put £700 into savings
As a supposed advocate for NSDs, I have been rubbish at them lately! October was particularly dire so I wanted to claw it back in November. I have been careful not to spend during the week and as it has been colder, me and Frugal Baby haven’t been going out as much. That helps! In November I have managed 17 NSDs, so one away from target. I’m okay with that.
Our mortgage overpayment plan is still there, but plodding along quietly in the background as opposed to being a focus at this time. Our mortgage is going down nicely, so in line with our long term plans. In October I have overpaid £18.72 which is a small amount. However, I’m not actually worried by this. The interest we pay is getting smaller each month, so our plan is working.
Finally, my savings aim. I said that November was quiet, but there have been additional spendings this month. We have been buying Christmas presents this month, plus we have a lot of family birthdays in December. I knew that my savings amount in November/December could be lower and it is. In November I have managed to save £687.11 which I am pleased about. Not the biggest amount, but better than nothing!
My Personal Aims For November were:
– eat less processed/more fresh food
– finish decorating the staircase/hallway
– have no takeaways
I was doing quite well on eating healthier and less processed food, but since my Grandma passed away I have struggled with any kind of motivation. Plus, Frugal Baby is sleeping badly at the moment so I am so tired by the end of the day the last thing I want to do is cook. We’ve also had more than one takeaway, so I’m failed on that too.
The decorator starts today on the stairs/hallway. I cannot wait for it to be done! It will look SO much better and just in time for Christmas too.
One final note, the top three posts on The Frugal Cottage during November were:
- Introducing Frugal Cottage Coaching!
- Save Money On Your Groceries With Approved Food
- Why I’m Not Doing Black Friday
So, November is over and I am glad it is. It’s been a difficult month. I’m looking forward to December – my birthday for a start!
How was your November? Have you hit your aims? I’d love to hear about it!
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If you’re tired, maybe some processed food could help avoid the cost of takeaways? I usually cook from scratch, but yesterday a jar of curry sauce mixed with lamb & peppers was easy enough to cope with after a frantic day. Will be thinking of you and your family today.
My condolences. By the way, I hope you share some photos of your Christmas decorations.