It's quite a long time since I did a monthly review of my finances on this blog. I do a monthly report to myself regularly, noting where I have been extravagant as well as what went well but it's a very confidential report!
Earlier this year I decided to aim at an average of £400 to be squirreled away each month. There have been several months when I haven't managed it but this month wasn't one of those as I saved £435. My average monthly savings have been £325 so although I am short of target I'm quite happy with that. My earnings have taken a huge cut this year so the savings have been real economies.
I'm ashamed to admit that although I regularly change my energy suppliers I have been lazy when it comes to my landline/broadband/TV/mobile phone deal. This month however this particular worm turned and my new set-up will save me about £25 per month. I've changed supplier for my mobile phone deal and got BT to reduce the rest.
Mt food spend was rather high at £175 although that includes some Christmas preparation. However, as you know, my food budget for November is just £34! Should be interesting!
One of my biggest extravagances is eating out, which in October came to £120. This is my main social life and I don't want to cut it out but I am making efforts to reduce it. We shall see.
In November I need to renew the car insurance. I've already checked the comparison sites but won't be changing supplier as my insurer gives a loyalty discount and very good service. It's not quite the cheapest for me but it's not far off. As with my telephone/broadband I'm happy to pay slightly over the odds for reliable service.
I think you are doing really well toward your goal-your within 20% and some months are higher. Whenver we can get the same benefit for less cost, it is worth a look isn't it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sam.
DeleteWell done on the savings. I have noticed that companies are doing deals for longer 18/24 months etc but it still comes round too fast. I've got my Broadband, phone line to sort next month and energy. I've been dipping into my savings more and more lately but for the renovations which are almost complete rather than everyday living. If eating out enables you to socialise then I think you need to factor it in as it's important.
ReplyDeleteYes, I feel that the eating out is important to my mental and emotional well-being. Most of my friends live a few miles away so we meet half way and eating out is the best solution.
DeleteYou are doing very well. With the costs of everything rising in the food department and in other areas any savings at all is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that when going out lunch is much less expensive than dinners out. That could be something to look at.
God bless.
Yes we usually lunch and it is much cheaper. Also most of us prefer to drive in daylight.
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