Everytime I go to the grocery store for the last year, I have no idea what to expect. I laugh when i write a number for my food budget. It feels so surreal. Good luck with you journey 👍
Happy to see your post! Most of us know you are doing your best and love you for who your are and for your determination. Your circumstances will improve shortly. ❤
Nicola, Ignore the negative people and comments!! Most of us are pulling for you and can’t wait to hear the good results on the other side of this ordeal. Be strong for yourself and your boys!! Sending love from USA❤
re comments that your boys are missing out - I had a friend whose up and left her, leaving her with two small girls. She broke her back trying to ensure they did the same kind of activities -soft play/ crafts/sports/ eating out, often spending either money she didn't have, or money that realistically should have gone on other things - putting enormous financial stress on herself. Years afterwards, she was talking to the girls, and discovered to her horror that they didn't remember ANY of those activities etc - they had to be shown photographs! Children need to feel loved and secure - money isn't necessary for this.
Folk can be so cruel ...your children don't need money spent on them, the best thing you can give them is your time as that is more precious than anything which could be bought. I filled my car up with petrol this week WOW! it's gone up and expected to go up even more, so i feel your pain on the amount you set aside for petrol. Hope you've emptied all the boxes from moving into your new home. Take care Nicola Sending you a hug x
Hi Nicola. So sorry for the horrible messages you’ve had. You are amazing. I know from experience it’s hard being a single mum. Please believe me it does get better. Every day is a fresh day. If your kids are loved,fed,clothed & housed. You are doing your job as a mum. Big hugs.🤗💐💐
You inspired me two years ago., and continue to do so . Thanks to you I have been investing and budgeting. I am sure you will get back on track. Sending you best wishes .
Good to catch up with you tonight. I hope your not letting insensitive people get to you. They’re will always be folk who criticise others without thinking and justify it as being ‘helpful’. Your doing your very best in what are difficult circumstances. Keep on keeping on. You will get there.
You are doing your best - thats all anyone can, you are consistent in areas of your life... with your children for one because you love and care for them every day x
Thanks for your video and just keep doing what you are doing. Things will get better. 2024 will hopefully see you turning the corner on your finances😀👍
I totally agree, everything has gone up. Apart from wages. I think alot more people are going to start noticing this. You doing great, forget the haters!
Keep going Nicola - you have got this! I too have found the cost of petrol creeping up. I don’t know if your extra fuel cost is in part due to you having to drive to different places ( not your main place of work) for work purposes, but if it is your employer should be reimbursing you for this extra cost. You can also claim from HMRC for additional work based mileage using your own car. I also wanted to mention Olio - it’s an app I have recently discovered where volunteers collect left over food from supermarkets (Tesco for example) and list it for free for people to collect it from them so no waste. There are a few people near me that do it so I am able to collect quite a bit from them that I mostly freeze. Helps a lot with food cost.
It's a state when we have to pay more for fuel for the car than on food. You are stronger than you think and have your priorities right. People are cruel because they are jealous of you. I do miss your posts. They let me know not everyone has mooney to flaunt. Hope things improve for you soon and looking forward to seeing more posts when you have the time.
Hi Nicola, you are doing so well. When you think about what you have coped with and survived, negative comments are water off a ducks back. You are not alone finding general day to day expenses high. I think another person commented on how she spent money when she didn’t have it to spend on doing things with her children only to discover years later they had no memory of it - she was also right in what she said about making them secure and feel loved is so much more important. This situation will be resolved it’s not forever. Love to you and the boys. ❤
Hi Nicola, Apart from food & bills its another no spend month for me as I had some emergency repairs to contend with. Ignore the stupid comments you can't spend cash you haven't got! Despite whats stacked against you, your doing very well. All the best.
We don't have much spare but balance the books at the moment. We still do big things like a holiday in the summer up north and our weekend at alton towers but we have stopped spending most weekends tbh. We would normally go out for lunch Saturday and Sunday dinner, takeaway each week at least one a week sometimes more. We don't do any of that now, but I can honestly say there's not a nice savings pot sitting there. It's been spent on groceries, diesel and gas/electric. I don't know where you would find the money if you didn't do much to cut back on I hope I've made some sense here. Looking forward to the dividend video and as always ads watch and share what you want to/can do. Best wishes Kim ❤️
I wasn't sure budget wise until last night what we would do for budgets this month. I'm in the US and my husband is a federal worker so we weren't sure if he'd be getting paid for a little while. It's fine now for the next 45 days, but we're planning to still do as much no spend as we can to have a bit extra in case it does shut down then in November. We have savings (thank God and for my husband, who basically hasn't spent money hardly ever)but with one income and four kids, it makes you a bit nervous
Nice to watch your new video. It is hard but try and ignore the trolls, you are doing your best with what you have. The petrol is a difficult one, I know you just moved but I guess it was not closer to your job, hopefully the petrol prices come down soon. All the prices just seem to keep going up, it is really hard right now and I feel for you with two young children.
Our governor temporarily suspended the gas tax in my state, so gas has come down a bit and so have the price of eggs, but everything else has gone up. The electric companies have raised their rates, my car insurance has increased 10 dollars every year for the past three years, property taxes have increased, my cellphone rate has increased, my internet rate has increased, all the subscriptions (another reason I cancelled them) have gone up anywhere between 1-4 dollars. Groceries have increased, though it fluctuates from item to item. A bag of apples (a staple in my house) have increased from 4.99 to 6.49. Meat (I only shop sales and markdowns now) has jumped up in prices. Boxed and canned goods have increased a little less than fresh, but I’ve also noticed shrinkage and so you’re basically paying more for less. Even pet food has gone up, and I’m making cuts there too with a dog food switch (still in the same brand but a little less premium but paying the same price as the premium since everything has increased, and the cat is about to find her canned food as a weekly treat rather than a daily staple - she’s getting pudgy anyways). It’s a struggle to be sure, but I will say that it has really opened my eyes and made me more aware of my spending and usage. I cut out impulse buys, cancelled the half dozen subs I rarely used, have almost no food waste, cook every meal except for when I use my small allotted dining out fund, I plan around my pantry instead of whatever I end up craving, and I’m finally starting to build a decent amount in savings. Silver linings I guess. 🤷🏻♀️
Nichola I would say what you share at the moment is, a "minute snippet" of what is going on in your life right now or even over the last year. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who feel they can do it better and will quite happily feel they have the right to making you feel like crap. Look to stay up there and do not feel you need to explain to anyone what you can't say or tell for what ever the reasons. You can only do what you can do with what you have, you said you drive for your job, never mind the petrol going up, the wear and tear on you doing the extra driving is real, so, make sure to take care of yourself first as; no one else will. Don't get me started on food prices, on some things they are an absolute joke and have doubled in cost. Prices coming down, nope; where paying the same or more for less product across the board, not gonna change anytime soon. Watch RUclips quite a lot "it's a bit like TV to me" so, quite happy to watch the ad's as, I pay for a crap TV bundle pure rubbish but others watch it. I don't pay for this and enjoy the channels I watch so, two ads totalling less than a minute, well worth it.
You’re doing so well! So much better than I am. You’re budgeting is definitely inspiring and helps me to think more about what I’m spending on. Did your kitty cat come back?
@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage Great news!! 3 weeks 😮 What a relief ❤Oh I just re watched your video, I missed when I watched it the first time you mentioning about your missing kitty.
I'm not sure if you have the 7eleven fuel lock app in the UK but you can sometimes save a significant amount by using it. Fuel prices go in cycles so I try to lock in the price in the low cycle then fill up when my tank is empty. This fortnight petrol prices jumped 40c litre but because I'd locked in a lower price the previous week I saved $12.56. Not a huge amount but when you're on a low fixed income every dollar counts. I'm so sorry you've been bullied by unthinking trolls, you are doing great, try to ignore the naysayers.
It’s very difficult to budget with price increases. I did my October budget I have $10 buffer. I have had a low spend year but in August my portable air conditioner broke so I had to put it in my cc. I just paid it off at the end of September.
Hi Nicola what do you do for work. You mentioned you need to travel more. Keep going you are doing great. Life's a struggle at the moment. Cant send money will watch adverts . Take care ❤❤x
![Summer Walker - Heart Of A Woman [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SFddctbZzw8/mqdefault.jpg)
I don’t understand how people can put rude comments or suggestions. Please keep being you and do what works for you and your family
Everytime I go to the grocery store for the last year, I have no idea what to expect. I laugh when i write a number for my food budget. It feels so surreal. Good luck with you journey 👍
Hang on in there Nicola. It will come good in the end ♥️
Glad to see you post. Ive been very unfrugal but need to get back on it.
Thank you 💜
Happy to see your post! Most of us know you are doing your best and love you for who your are and for your determination. Your circumstances will improve shortly. ❤
Nicola, Ignore the negative people and comments!! Most of us are pulling for you and can’t wait to hear the good results on the other side of this ordeal. Be strong for yourself and your boys!! Sending love from USA❤
Thank you 💜
Glad kitten returned 🩷 🩵🩵
Keep well. X
Thank you 💜
re comments that your boys are missing out - I had a friend whose up and left her, leaving her with two small girls. She broke her back trying to ensure they did the same kind of activities -soft play/ crafts/sports/ eating out, often spending either money she didn't have, or money that realistically should have gone on other things - putting enormous financial stress on herself. Years afterwards, she was talking to the girls, and discovered to her horror that they didn't remember ANY of those activities etc - they had to be shown photographs! Children need to feel loved and secure - money isn't necessary for this.
That’s an interesting story - shows what’s important in the end 💜
Spending time with your boys and teaching them skills is what they will remember. Fancy stuff is just stuff!
@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottagewhere did you get it the budget book ?
@@emilyjames3110 I made it! I sell them in my Etsy store :)
Folk can be so cruel ...your children don't need money spent on them, the best thing you can give them is your time as that is more precious than anything which could be bought.
I filled my car up with petrol this week WOW! it's gone up and expected to go up even more, so i feel your pain on the amount you set aside for petrol.
Hope you've emptied all the boxes from moving into your new home.
Take care Nicola
Sending you a hug x
Thank you :)
You're doing your best, be kind to yourself and ignore any negatively- no-one else is in position to judge xx
What they said! 👍🥰
Hi Nicola. So sorry for the horrible messages you’ve had. You are amazing. I know from experience it’s hard being a single mum. Please believe me it does get better. Every day is a fresh day. If your kids are loved,fed,clothed & housed. You are doing your job as a mum. Big hugs.🤗💐💐
Thank you 💜
You inspired me two years ago., and continue to do so . Thanks to you I have been investing and budgeting. I am sure you will get back on track. Sending you best wishes .
That's so lovely to hear :)
Good to catch up with you tonight. I hope your not letting insensitive people get to you. They’re will always be folk who criticise others without thinking and justify it as being ‘helpful’. Your doing your very best in what are difficult circumstances. Keep on keeping on. You will get there.
Thank you ☺️
Keep going Nicola, you're amazing! xx
You are doing your best - thats all anyone can, you are consistent in areas of your life... with your children for one because you love and care for them every day x
Good luck Nicola. Life is tough at the moment even for those of us not going through any sort of trauma. Keep your chin up. 🙂
Just keep plugging along! The path will get clearer!
It is your life to live the way you choose. It is not for others to pass judgement. Thank you for sharing with us.
Hi Nicola, Thank you for your video and sharing what you feel able to. ❤
I’ve been waiting so long for the next dividend update, great video.
It'll be up this week :) keep a look out for it!
Keep going! You are doing great, keep your chin up, better days will come, i promise ❤xxx
Thank you ❤️
Thanks for your video and just keep doing what you are doing. Things will get better. 2024 will hopefully see you turning the corner on your finances😀👍
Thank you 💜
I totally agree, everything has gone up. Apart from wages. I think alot more people are going to start noticing this. You doing great, forget the haters!
You are not alone. Everything still seems to be going up. Thank you for the encouraging video. ❤
Thank you 💜
Keep going Nicola - you have got this! I too have found the cost of petrol creeping up. I don’t know if your extra fuel cost is in part due to you having to drive to different places ( not your main place of work) for work purposes, but if it is your employer should be reimbursing you for this extra cost. You can also claim from HMRC for additional work based mileage using your own car.
I also wanted to mention Olio - it’s an app I have recently discovered where volunteers collect left over food from supermarkets (Tesco for example) and list it for free for people to collect it from them so no waste. There are a few people near me that do it so I am able to collect quite a bit from them that I mostly freeze. Helps a lot with food cost.
It's a state when we have to pay more for fuel for the car than on food. You are stronger than you think and have your priorities right. People are cruel because they are jealous of you. I do miss your posts. They let me know not everyone has mooney to flaunt. Hope things improve for you soon and looking forward to seeing more posts when you have the time.
I will be here more regularly soon ☺️
Hi Nicola, you are doing so well. When you think about what you have coped with and survived, negative comments are water off a ducks back.
You are not alone finding general day to day expenses high.
I think another person commented on how she spent money when she didn’t have it to spend on doing things with her children only to discover years later they had no memory of it - she was also right in what she said about making them secure and feel loved is so much more important. This situation will be resolved it’s not forever. Love to you and the boys. ❤
Thank you 💜
Hi Nicola, Apart from food & bills its another no spend month for me as I had some emergency repairs to contend with. Ignore the stupid comments you can't spend cash you haven't got! Despite whats stacked against you, your doing very well. All the best.
I hope your emergency repairs aren’t too expensive!
I shopped around for quotes to get the best deal. Something I'd recommend doing!
Yep, price of things is insane. My tip is to buy most things frozen...if your petrol budget is so high, can you try to find a way to share lifts?
I keep meaning to ask at work if anyone travels from the same place - thanks for reminding me 💜
We don't have much spare but balance the books at the moment. We still do big things like a holiday in the summer up north and our weekend at alton towers but we have stopped spending most weekends tbh. We would normally go out for lunch Saturday and Sunday dinner, takeaway each week at least one a week sometimes more. We don't do any of that now, but I can honestly say there's not a nice savings pot sitting there. It's been spent on groceries, diesel and gas/electric. I don't know where you would find the money if you didn't do much to cut back on I hope I've made some sense here. Looking forward to the dividend video and as always ads watch and share what you want to/can do. Best wishes Kim ❤️
I wasn't sure budget wise until last night what we would do for budgets this month. I'm in the US and my husband is a federal worker so we weren't sure if he'd be getting paid for a little while. It's fine now for the next 45 days, but we're planning to still do as much no spend as we can to have a bit extra in case it does shut down then in November. We have savings (thank God and for my husband, who basically hasn't spent money hardly ever)but with one income and four kids, it makes you a bit nervous
I hope you manage ok 💜
Nice to watch your new video. It is hard but try and ignore the trolls, you are doing your best with what you have. The petrol is a difficult one, I know you just moved but I guess it was not closer to your job, hopefully the petrol prices come down soon. All the prices just seem to keep going up, it is really hard right now and I feel for you with two young children.
It’s further away so more driving. It’s expensive, that’s for sure!
Our governor temporarily suspended the gas tax in my state, so gas has come down a bit and so have the price of eggs, but everything else has gone up. The electric companies have raised their rates, my car insurance has increased 10 dollars every year for the past three years, property taxes have increased, my cellphone rate has increased, my internet rate has increased, all the subscriptions (another reason I cancelled them) have gone up anywhere between 1-4 dollars. Groceries have increased, though it fluctuates from item to item. A bag of apples (a staple in my house) have increased from 4.99 to 6.49. Meat (I only shop sales and markdowns now) has jumped up in prices. Boxed and canned goods have increased a little less than fresh, but I’ve also noticed shrinkage and so you’re basically paying more for less. Even pet food has gone up, and I’m making cuts there too with a dog food switch (still in the same brand but a little less premium but paying the same price as the premium since everything has increased, and the cat is about to find her canned food as a weekly treat rather than a daily staple - she’s getting pudgy anyways). It’s a struggle to be sure, but I will say that it has really opened my eyes and made me more aware of my spending and usage. I cut out impulse buys, cancelled the half dozen subs I rarely used, have almost no food waste, cook every meal except for when I use my small allotted dining out fund, I plan around my pantry instead of whatever I end up craving, and I’m finally starting to build a decent amount in savings. Silver linings I guess. 🤷🏻♀️
It’s tough ❤️
Nichola I would say what you share at the moment is, a "minute snippet" of what is going on in your life right now or even over the last year. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who feel they can do it better and will quite happily feel they have the right to making you feel like crap. Look to stay up there and do not feel you need to explain to anyone what you can't say or tell for what ever the reasons.
You can only do what you can do with what you have, you said you drive for your job, never mind the petrol going up, the wear and tear on you doing the extra driving is real, so, make sure to take care of yourself first as; no one else will.
Don't get me started on food prices, on some things they are an absolute joke and have doubled in cost. Prices coming down, nope; where paying the same or more for less product across the board, not gonna change anytime soon.
Watch RUclips quite a lot "it's a bit like TV to me" so, quite happy to watch the ad's as, I pay for a crap TV bundle pure rubbish but others watch it. I don't pay for this and enjoy the channels I watch so, two ads totalling less than a minute, well worth it.
Thank you ☺️
You’re doing so well! So much better than I am. You’re budgeting is definitely inspiring and helps me to think more about what I’m spending on. Did your kitty cat come back?
He did - nearly 3 weeks later! So relieved 😅 💜
@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage Great news!! 3 weeks 😮 What a relief ❤Oh I just re watched your video, I missed when I watched it the first time you mentioning about your missing kitty.
💖
I'm not sure if you have the 7eleven fuel lock app in the UK but you can sometimes save a significant amount by using it.
Fuel prices go in cycles so I try to lock in the price in the low cycle then fill up when my tank is empty. This fortnight petrol prices jumped 40c litre but because I'd locked in a lower price the previous week I saved $12.56. Not a huge amount but when you're on a low fixed income every dollar counts.
I'm so sorry you've been bullied by unthinking trolls, you are doing great, try to ignore the naysayers.
I don’t think we even have 7eleven here? That sounds like a good thing to have though.
It’s very difficult to budget with price increases. I did my October budget I have $10 buffer. I have had a low spend year but in August my portable air conditioner broke so I had to put it in my cc. I just paid it off at the end of September.
It is difficult 💜
Thanks
Thank you 💜
Hi Nicola what do you do for work. You mentioned you need to travel more. Keep going you are doing great. Life's a struggle at the moment. Cant send money will watch adverts . Take care ❤❤x
I work in education. Thank you for watching 💜
Your welcome. Thanks for getting back to me . Take care x 💕