Category: Finances

Monthly Spending – February 2020

On By A Way to LessIn Finances, FIRE, Monthly SpendingLeave a comment

Summary 

Our February spending went slightly over our target of £2,000 with a total spend of £2,391 because of a few big expenses. Most of these were annual amounts so should average out through the year. See the sections below for a breakdown! 

We break our main expenses down into broad categories starting with the big 3; housing, food and transport. Everything else falls into the entertainment category, with any large inclusions explained in detail.  

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Reusable Nappies

On By A Way to LessIn Baby Way, Finances, Frugality, Optimisation2 Comments

We recently made our first large baby purchase, buying a bedside cot from Aldi! Shortly after that, the opportunity arose to buy some second hand reusable nappies. In this article we’ll explain why we decided to go down the frugal reusable nappies route and the potential benefits it can bring.

Preparations

As we continue to prepare for the arrival of Baby Way, we’re thinking about what we will need to buy. Our intention is to continue to live as minimalist a life as possible.

As new parents, there is severe pressure from advertisers to buy all sorts of gadgets for your baby, playing on your vulnerability and willingness to provide the best start for them.

We’re convinced most of the conventional baby purchases are unnecessary and we’ll continue to question these decisions at every stage.

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How to Kill off Ambition and De-Motivate Your Staff

On By Mr WayIn Finances, Optimisation12 Comments

A tale of how a recent experience has strongly reinforced my will to achieve FIRE and have more flexibility in the way I spend my time. 

Background 

Since starting at my company 7.5 years ago, I’ve been one of the stand-out performers in most areas. I don’t like saying that type of thing because it sounds big headed. But I’ve genuinely put my head above the parapet and done everything I can to succeed.  

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Monthly Spending – December 2019

On By A Way to LessIn Finances, Monthly Spending2 Comments

Summary 

December was yet another expensive month for us. Our kitchen was the last room in our house left to overhaul, having moved in nearly 5 years ago. The update was much needed and we’re really happy with the result. It doesn’t make the spending any easier to stomach though! 

As we head into 2020 we’re looking to get back to normal and settle around our desired £2,000 per month spending level. See this post for more detail. 

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Happy New Year!

On By Mr WayIn Finances, FIRE, Optimisation2 Comments

2019 

2019 has been a year to remember for us, with highlights including: 

Clearly, 2019 has been more expensive than we would have liked!  

Despite this we have still managed to achieve all of the above, as well as an unwelcome new car purchase, while saving in the region of 35% of our income. We much prefer to see a figure above 50%, but considering what has happened this year we are happy to still make significant contributions to our ‘FI funds’.  

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Baby Way

On By A Way to LessIn Baby Way, Finances, FIRE, Frugality12 Comments

We’re Having a Baby!

You’ve met Mr Way. You’ve met Miss Way. Say hello to Baby Way! Well, not just yet….

If the incredibly expensive Africa trip followed by a new car weren’t expensive enough, we’re now expecting our first child!

We recently found out that Miss Way is pregnant, with the baby due in July 2020.

Obviously, we’re absolutely delighted with this news. But at the same time, there are some severe doubts about whether we’re doing the right thing.

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