In answer to my own question - I really don't know what 2017 will bring! What I do know is that whatever happens, it will cost!
I know many costs - energy costs, water charges, council tax all leap to mind.
Other things I more-or-less know. Broadband, telephone. petrol.
Some things should be readily controlled but have a way of wheedling money from my purse - groceries and socialising nudge my conscience here.
For some costs I have a rough idea but there could be nasty shocks. The item hammering my brain is the cost of repair and service of my car. It's needed incredibly little attention thus far but that can't last. I'm putting a little aside every month against the dreadful day and hoping that it won't be too dreadful.
So, what I need is a "cushion" fund. This isn't really an emergency fund, more a way of levelling out the bumps in spending. This month I'm going to try and wallop the grocery bill and wallop it hard. There's loads of stuff in the cupboards and the freezer, and the winter vegetables are just about ready in the garden. (The Brussels sprouts are already being eaten.)
I shall be ready financially for whatever 2017 may bring - hope you will be too.
That is my aim this month. To use up lots of what we have and buy the bits to go with. Going for cheap cuts of meat, homemade pies with my pastry and just general cutting back, just to get back on track then to start saving a bit.
ReplyDeleteThere' no shortage of bits and pieces to use up and being Christmas bits and pieces they are totally delicious!
DeleteI spent time bargain hunting over the past few months, filling the freezers and stuffing the pantry to bursting point. My mega cleaning supplies shop has filled that cupboard also. For the next few weeks I will only be buying fresh stuff, milk, fruit and veg plus a little bread. I still have a lump sum from the grocery budget and that will be tucked away, in what I call my "just in case" account. I hope to keep topping that up through the year. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteJICA. That's a good name for a cushion account.
DeleteOur hope is to save the food money this month, we have a full freezer and cupboard, so we should not require too much.
ReplyDeleteyou sound like me -- I my goal is to stay on top of things, make good choices and be responsible with my money, time and my nerves! I am already thinking of ways to do Christmas next year. I pared down this year and it was much easier, next year will be even better I think. Wishing you good luck with your goal --I know you will be successful! A cushion fund is a good thing to have.
ReplyDeleteLike so many people I have cupboards and freezers full of food that I really need to utilise. And like you I aim to utilise that food and only spend on essentials bread milk that way I should save! I must stay away from the shops, I must stay away from the shops........
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