There is
nothing worse when all your plans are coming along, and life chucks an
unexpected curve ball right at you. If you’ve been keeping up with my blog over
the last few months you will know I’m off to Tokyo in November and that has
been the plan since October 2016.
Back in
November last year I got the dreaded text I never thought I would get from my
landlord telling me he’s decided to sell the flat and at the point my brain
went in to over drive. Luckily, we hadn’t committed fully to Tokyo at that
point and nothing had been booked or paid for.
Me being me
that was it Tokyo was cancelled, and we were going to have to save over £2,000
to move flats very quickly or borrow money from our parents which I am so grateful
for the offer. But after speaking with the Estate agent who came over to value
the flat explained how we didn’t need to rush to move as the flat could
potentially be brought by an investor and we could stay, even if the flat was
sold and we did have to move we’d have two months’ notice.
All I can
say is looking back now I’m so glad we didn’t rush to move as the flat is still
for sale and hasn’t really had much interest since going on the market in
January. Obviously, I would rather know what’s going on and if we must move but
I guess no news is better as now we can keep going on as we are until something
happens.
Now Tokyo, I
was determined we couldn’t afford to go and that it was going to be cancelled
even though my partner Joel said on so many occasions we could afford it
regardless if we had to move and after a few days of feeling sorry for myself
and upset about the trip I looked in to my money and with a few cut backs it
was do able. The difference with me and Joel is he’s very calm and rational
where as with me if something goes wrong then I go in to over drive.
As I write
this post believe it or not I’ve paid off my half of the holiday which was just
over £900 for flights and hotel which we booked in January. So already in two
months I’ve managed to do something I thought wasn’t possible this was with the
help of a little bonus from work but mostly down to making some cuts and saving
more than what I usual would.
Although
this is one hurdle out of the way I’ve still got to save at least £1,430 for
spending money and excursions for Tokyo and as much money as I can in case we
have to move depending on what comes first but it really is doable, so I
thought I’d share my tips with you all on how I’m managing to save money.
Cheap Cinema
Tickets/Snacks:
Me and Joel
love going to the cinema and now with the cost of tickets being up to £12 per
person for new releases its just beyond a joke trying to go but with the joys
of Compare the Meerkat and they’re cheap Tuesday and Wednesday tickets is great
help. Although now through work we now can get cheap cinema tickets meaning we
can go any time and just need to buy the tickets and use the codes online.
Set Menus
and Offers:
Making the
most of set menu’s that any restaurant offers can make such a big change to how
much you pay when going for a meal as there is usually something on there you
will like or making the most of any special offers and going somewhere that has
one for the time you are going.
Not Buying
Birthday Presents:
This is the
first time in years I’ve said to my friends I’m really sorry, but I won’t be
buying presents this year. A few years ago, once I moved out I did make the
decision to stop Christmas presents because with my finances changing I
couldn’t afford to spend £20 to £30 on everyone but Birthdays to me are
different as they’re special days and I love treating my friends but this year
I won’t be because I really need the extra cash and they were all so
understanding about my situation.
Budgeting:
I’ve always
budgeted ever since I moved out from home in to my own place nearly four years
ago, so this is nothing new for me but something I’ve always found helpful.
Just before
pay day each month I make a list of all by bills that are due and any extras
that need paying for that month whether it’s a hair, dentist appointment or a
birthday then I total them all up and take that amount away from my monthly
pay. I’m then left with the amount of money I must live on for the month which
I split between equal weeks until I get paid again which leaves me with my
weekly allowance. This may not work for everyone, but I’ve found it useful
keeping things on track
Not Making
Plans that Cost Money:
There are so
many things going on this year that I would love to do or people I’d love to go
and see in concert, but I’ve had to say to myself that this isn’t the year for
these events. I do have a couple of things in the pipeline, but these were
booked last year so are still happening of course, but any new offers are being
declined or put on hold until we know for certain what’s happening.
If there is
one thing I’ve learnt from all of this is that I need to learn to look at
things more rationally and not rush to the worse conclusion because it has all
worked out for now we’re still of to Tokyo and what ever happens next, we will
deal with as a team and get through but making slight changes has really helped
me with my money and saving!
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