Pay savings first

image from moneysavingexpert.com

I agree that the idea of paying money into savings first is the best, and I have done it this month in particular - perhaps a little too well.  But I am determined to manage with what I have got left in the pot, and the Stoptober plan is helping with that.  By shopping primarily from the store cupboards, I can afford the little holiday we are planning next week, and I am able to pay the bills due before we go.

I am not kidding myself that this is easy, and although some people may be incredibly disciplined, I am not, and I admit that I find this difficult sometimes.

I say "Thank you" every day for the blessings we enjoy, and I know that we are very lucky to live as we do at the moment, and that for many, many people, they live the Stoptober way as a daily challenge just to get through life, not as a choice to bump up their savings account as I am doing.  I know that there are people out there who would ridicule this challenge, but I find it makes one appreciate things more.  It flexes my money muscles, and helps to grow my confidence that in the future, if times get rough for this family, we will cope, just as others have to do.  It also challenges me to think outside the box, so to speak, and to find other ways of doing things, cheaper options, frugal opportunities, and fun pastimes which are free.