Lets talk money...

I am usually a pretty laid back person, not much stresses me out. But if I think about the things that keep me awake at night money worries is always top of the list. I am so bad at managing my money! I have no sense of delayed gratification. If I want something,  I want it now and to hell with the consequences. Savings? Hah I'll worry about that when I'm old. Usually when it come to the end of the month I having to pay for petrol with all my loose change and tap my mum or brother for a loan.

However I am moving into a lovely, new apartment next week so I need to take serious control of finances. I decided the best way to do this was to work out a proper budget but had no idea where to start. A quick Google brought up a whole multitude of different options and I finally decided on this Super Basic Budget spreadsheet.

 I choose this spread sheet as it was really simple to use (duh, clue's in the title!) You simply split your main outgoings into ten categories. Yeah I couldn't think of ten so I choose;

1. Rent
2. Bills
3. Petrol
4. Clothing
5. Make up
6. Toiletries
7. Socialising
8. Home Supplies
9. Emergencies/Misc.

The first three I could work out exactly, I diligently went though my statements and added up all my direct debits to know what I spend on bills, I then added on an extra £50 just in case there was something I overlooked. 

I then estimated what variables I could spend my money like nights out, clothes, make out and added an extra £50 again for anything that might crop up like MOT for my car or a birthday present. Feeling very proud of myself as I felt I underestimated how much I was going to spend I looked at my overall spending...and was £200 over what I actually earn!! How did that happen?!

So begins Sho's Budgeting Project. The belt is officially tightened! I've cancelled getting my hair colour done on Saturday so that's £80 saved. I've also had to say to friends that I just can't go out on Saturday night. Sacrifices are being made!
I am going to start filling in my spreadsheet every night with each purchase I have made that day. I'm hoping I might be shocked at stupid things I spend my money and realise that I really don't need to buy a bar of chocolate every lunch time.

Is anyone else like me and useless with money? Join me in tackling our issues head on and let me know how you do. Or is there anyone who is really good at saving and living within their means? Send me tips, or even better send me some money!

Here's to austerity

S x