This month although I have not been following new years resolutions as I havent made any. I have been trying to organise the family finance and make things a little easier to manage.
Part of being organised is also helping my mental health too. I hate leaving things to the last minute and invariably this also costs more too as you panic buy, groceries, birthday gifts or even clothing.
Clothing
Back in December, both boys went through a massive growth spurt and after a super tight 6 months, I ended up paying through the nose for clothing as there were no deals or offers available at the time I needed to buy it.
Since then I have been starting to buy things in the sale that we know the boys will need. After all, no matter what season some basics are always needed such as PJs, Pants, Socks and T-Shifts.
After being successful at getting some great bargains for clothing I have also purchased the boys’ next school shoes in a shoe size up from the current ones and also purchased some trainers and football boots.
Birthday Gifts
Birthdays are always an expensive time in any household and for us the first 4 months of the year we have tons of birthdays.
This time of year can be great for some birthdays as I can purchase some amazingly priced gifts in the January sales. However, to make that even more pocket friendly then you need to make sure you are using voucher sites such as simply paving voucher codes to ensure you save as much as possible. After all, saving another few quid at this moment in time with the cost of living is really important. Voucher codes also mean that you don’t have to skimp on the gift if you can get it cheaper.
Birthday Cards
Buy in bulk .. yes this one is super simple. We noramlly personalise cards card from providers online but these can be costly when you are adding in delivery fees making each card around £3.79 and then postage of 95p making each card £4.74!
I buy in bulk over 50 cards all in early January making 50 cards = £189.50 take the discount of 60% off and it means i pay £75.80 making each of my personalised cards £1.52 which is a massive saving all year through. Plus it means you are saving time and sanity with a years worth of family occasion cards all ready and at your finger tips.
Batch Cooking
If you have seen my recent post you will know that I have been tackling batch cooking in order to save money.
This month I have taken it to a whole new level now batch cooking calarie controlled meals and also ensuring that I have meals for work everyday too.
Through September and October my eating was rediculas. I was eating in the staff resurant most days and then buying junk food or takeaway options on the way home. There was no meal planning nor was there any time for me to cook once home and with everyone else already eaten it was beyond silly the weight i was putting on and the money that was being spent.
We are now 3 weeks into January and I am now a stone and a half lighter and since I am batch cooking 7 new meals everyweek and then freezing at least one if not two portions extra for work too I am only buying the essentials we need each week and we are spending far less on groceries too.
Overall this last 3 weeks I have saved a fortune and I have gotten a little more organised. Next to tackle is my excerise .. but that can wait till February!
*Collaborative post*
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