At the risk of sounding like a spoilt brat (no comments, please) its dawning on me that my wages are going to take a big hit now that I’m part time. Yes, it’s my choice, and yes, it’s the right choice for me, but my money management is shocking, so I need to buck my ideas up. I should be able to live comfortably on my lower wage. But reality is a very different thing! Frivolity will just have to be a word that is not longer associated with my life! Or I’ll have to win the lottery (note, play the lottery) or inherit some cash (note, meet a rich person)!
Mr Fabulous has always kept our money separate- and rightly so, if I’m honest! If I have money, I spend it. Andy saves it, and his attitude has pulled me out of many a sticky situation. Yep, I’m a teacher, and I get paid alright money. But from the age of about 18 I built up credit card debts, store cards, student loans, normal loans and so on. I’m starting to see the light but I’m not debt free yet. This isn’t a pity post, I’m just telling it like it is. I know it’s my own doing, but I can still moan can’t I?! I find it hard to walk past a make up counter and not buy a lipstick. I can’t go into Asda without buying Noah something. Our shopping bills are huge because I succumb to Thomas the Tank Engine every time! I certainly live beyond my means most months. I think I would do this if I earned a million a month if I’m honest. Spending too much is a flaw that I am desperately trying to lose.
How will I combat this issue? Here are some ideas of how I might be able to pull back some money and make the pay cut seem less of a drop.
1. Sort out my bills
I’m a lazy bill payer, and I rarely shop around for cheaper options. My car insurance is up this month and I’ve discovered that by changing from my current provider (Marks and Spencer) to Hastings, I can save £21 a month, whilst keeping the same level of cover. That’s halving my bill! I’m going to shop around for our fuel and buildings and contents when the time comes.
2. Stop spending on credit
This is my downfall. The idea of buy now pay later is a trap I fall into too often. I have gone from having accounts and store cards all over the place, to just having my Simply Be account and credit card. This is much more manageable than it used to be, but I am aware that if I want something from now on, I’ll have to save up for it. No more using credit to get things.
3. Only buy little presents for people
Ok, so I am the queen of buying presents for my loved ones, and I have a tendency to spoil them. This, I’m afraid, will have to stop. From now on gifts will be humble, thoughtful and small, and I will try the homemade approach where I can. It is the thought that counts, after all!
4. Socialise less
Right, so I will have to curb my spending when it comes to seeing my friends. Meals and nights out will have to be swapped for quiet nights in. This is quite good really, as I’m too tired and old to go wild partying anyway! It’s took me a week to recover from one night out for my 30th. I think my party girl days are almost over.
I know that come pay day, I’m not going to care less about my wage dip because spending time with my little man is priceless.
