November spending and why I'm doing a No Spend December

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 3 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ •

  • @gillcoad5565
    @gillcoad5565 2 дні тому +28

    Ali you inspire me. Am rethinking things and am kicking off my new year asking "what would Ali say?"! Thank you so much

  • @brendafarris7590
    @brendafarris7590 2 дні тому +13

    I have basically the same plan. Here in the USA we're preparing for our own brand of insanity so we have purchased forward for our needs that aren't food, drink, or makes the car run. I know you will do very well for December. Have a blessed week. Hugs to Miss Luna.

  • @christinawalker-qh9jt
    @christinawalker-qh9jt 2 дні тому +9

    Thank you for the detail and clarity.
    Loved it when you said you didn't rule out a trip to the local Co-op during the month, you're so practical, Ali.
    I am thinking about having a few no-spend days each week in 2025, eek.
    All the best for this month 🎉

  • @johncallan4788
    @johncallan4788 2 дні тому +7

    I like the idea of home-made Christmas gifts and decorations. I remember, many years ago, when I was a poor student ; I wasn't able to buy many presents ; but I made a life-sized Snowman, ⛄with cardboard and cotton wool ; and filled it to the brim with chocolates and sweets (I hid it in the loft until ChristmasEve) It was a big hit with my wee brother and sister! 😃

  • @mjax8614
    @mjax8614 2 дні тому +8

    Thanks for this positive video! Like you, I live alone with a pet, but I find frugality less fun on my own. I remember when my late partner was preparing for a time when his income would possibly drop for a few months and we made these preparations into a shared hobby. Sadly he was no longer here when that period arrived. I carry out two different budget calculations per month! One is very typical. Pensions minus direct debits, then allocate the remainder to six categories. Then see how I've done at the end of the month. This month I had some left over. However I do a second budget calculation during the month which includes other figures, some of which are out of my control. And my income sources arrive on different dates. Last night my predication was that to avoid overspending on budget 2 I had four pounds to last till the end of the week! (Yes, even though I had cash to spare from budget 1!). So last night I did the old trick of searching everywhere for cash...handbags, shelves, drawers, pencil cases etc! It all looks ok at the bank, but it's what's in my own calculations that counts! I did feel motivated to go to Aldi after watching this, but I'll wait till after the end of the week so that budget 2 still looks ok.

  • @carol.luna.stella
    @carol.luna.stella 2 дні тому +6

    I love how you bring everything down on your outgoings Ali and make it easy to understand. I hope you and Luna have a wonderful month and run up to Christmas. I let the ads run and talked to my daughter about what a difference it makes. Bless you!

  • @kimbyrne2131
    @kimbyrne2131 21 годину тому

    Brilliant as ever, inspiring as always. Im so glad you bought yourself a wee treat.

  • @jackiephillips9042
    @jackiephillips9042 2 дні тому +6

    You are doing a marvelous job, Ali.

  • @SoulCareOver50
    @SoulCareOver50 2 дні тому +4

    I'm like you in that I create a monthly budget that I mostly can stick to. I tend to relax my spending when it comes to food though 😊

  • @StrawberryFields-1
    @StrawberryFields-1 2 дні тому +3

    I’m having a no spend month as well. I did all my Christmas shopping in November, and although I purchased less than last year I spent more.. ugh. So with all the bills paid, and gifts and groceries bought, I’ll not be spending on anything until end of January. It’s not so bad after the first week or two, and watching the savings account grow feels really good.
    Another great video Ali, thank you!! Your videos are inspiring and help me stay focused 🌷🇨🇦

  • @MadisonBriggsArtchick
    @MadisonBriggsArtchick 2 дні тому +7

    Very interesting vid, Ali! You are disciplined and organized, great combo!

  • @hayleykerrison-wright915
    @hayleykerrison-wright915 День тому +1

    I am loving your vlogs Ali ! They are so refreshing and inspiring - they’ve made me rethink lots of things - esp my spending habits.
    Keep the vlogs coming - I watch people that have 1000s of followers, but for me, yours are killing theirs .
    Love to you and Miss Luna x

  • @prittyn
    @prittyn 2 дні тому +6

    Another amazing video from one of my favourite channels on youtube! I just audited my November and I spend so much on streaming subscriptions which I rarely use so I've either cancelled or downgraded plans and that'll save me about £32 a month :D I couldn't even think of having a no-spend week let alone a month, good luck with it!

  • @doodleschucky
    @doodleschucky 2 дні тому +6

    Great video 😊 I love these type of detailed budget vids, thank you

  • @carolineskipper6976
    @carolineskipper6976 2 дні тому +7

    Your Money Monday videos are a great way to set us up for the week!
    Clearly there is little that can be done about the fixed costs one has (other than making good choices of service in the first place) but things like the supermarket spend are areas where you can make savings weekly or monthly. I am shuddering at the cost of my supermarket delivery this morning- but on the plus side I have now bought all but the last minute fresh ingredients for Christmas - I will be shopping weekly between now and then, but am determined to make good choices for the everyday meals to try and balance out the excesses.

  • @LindaMorton1973
    @LindaMorton1973 2 дні тому +6

    Hi Ali. First time commenting, long term viewer. I'm a fellow Scot too, based in Glasgow.
    Anyway, I'd like to thank you for showing us how to live well on less. I look forward to hearing about your tips and advice.
    I have a dog too (toy poodle) who likes to chew on the wrong things. I've found something in Pets at Home stores called Yak Chews. They're natural, hard chews and my dog is definitely distracted with this, instead of destroying other things. Keep up the good work. Linda x

  • @denisescally7090
    @denisescally7090 2 дні тому +8

    We’re the same, living really well on little and in Scotland. I get a bit nervous about your small savings pot but if anyone can pull this off you can!

  • @franwalker9437
    @franwalker9437 День тому +2

    Thank you Ali, so interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing your coming vlogs ❤

  • @Barneybudgets
    @Barneybudgets 2 дні тому +9

    Good luck with December xx

  • @cathymacnee1051
    @cathymacnee1051 День тому +2

    Hi Ali from NZ. It's currently 26 deg C here. I'm with you on Christmas. I really dislike shopping from mid November onwards. Seeing the shops starting their Christmas displays in October is nuts. Love your videos and look forward to seeing you pop up. Hugs and smiles 🫂😃

  • @SusanRowntree-br5oc
    @SusanRowntree-br5oc 2 дні тому +9

    Thank you Ali love and look forward to your channel, totally agree re consumerism . No decorations as yet in my home I’m currently making Christmas trees out of old magazines . I do think we can all do a lot more with the resources we have plus as we get older I don’t feel we hanker for stuff. Have a good week

    • @patmartin9727
      @patmartin9727 2 дні тому +2

      I too will not buy into the holiday consumerism. I have always thought once your children don’t believe in Santa Christmas is just how much can everyone get you to spend. I restrict my gift giving to my close family and one close friend. I restrict everyone’s gift to £50 including the card wrapping paper and any postage.

  • @loubudgets5992
    @loubudgets5992 2 дні тому +4

    I’m glad you are going to keep some of the you tube money for yourself. Another great video.

  • @maggiecraven9625
    @maggiecraven9625 2 дні тому +6

    Good luck with your no-spend December Ali.

  • @lindawhite8258
    @lindawhite8258 2 дні тому +3

    Thanks again, Ali! I think your videos where you break down your budget and show how your spending is allocated is so helpful for those people who have never really learned the art of budgeting (my son and his wife for one instance. I showed them how to create a budget on a spreadsheet and it was a revelation to them 😂). Plus how you can spend to save, when there is a deal on something you always buy anyway. Happy no-spend December!

  • @Glory3823
    @Glory3823 2 дні тому +8

    Luna 😂destroyed her toys 😂because she wanted some new toys ❤❤❤

  • @justdreaming3869
    @justdreaming3869 День тому

    Great video, thank you! Love these types of videos and your positivity! ❤

  • @pensivepensioner1244
    @pensivepensioner1244 2 дні тому +11

    Another brilliant video, Ali, thank you for sharing your budget in detail. I wish our water charges were included in the council tax too we pay £178 per month council tax plus over £500 this year for water and we live in a modest bungalow 😮 With rent (shared ownership) our monthly expenditure is around £800 plus food. It can be a struggle! And it will be harder now we have lost the winter fuel allowance of £200.
    Angie ❤

    • @irenedavo3768
      @irenedavo3768 2 дні тому +3

      Council Tax is expensive!

    • @jasonsmart3482
      @jasonsmart3482 2 дні тому +4

      Your water bill does seem quite large. Do you have a water meter? I know for us - just a couple - it saved us over £100 on our bills.

    • @pensivepensioner1244
      @pensivepensioner1244 2 дні тому

      @@jasonsmart3482 yes, we do have a water meter and we have 2 water butts to water the garden from too. The cost seems to have shot up this last year due, no doubt, to all the work the water company need to do to cut down on leaks, wasted water and river pollution! Thanks so much for your suggestion Jason.
      Angie

  • @shonamcginty5272
    @shonamcginty5272 2 дні тому +5

    Hi Ali, spoke to my daughter who has her own business and apparently you can make charitable donations tax free but obviously check that out. Also definitely go to comparison sites when your broadband and phone contract is up you could save a lot of money. Best of luck for keeping to budget in December 😊

  • @Amanda_downunder
    @Amanda_downunder День тому

    I love this idea Ali ! learning a lot; thank you. 👌💚💛

  • @maureenlowther7621
    @maureenlowther7621 2 дні тому +4

    Hi Ali, loved the vlog you did very well considering you bought Christmas presents as well. It will be interesting how December goes with spending. I always love your vlogs they are so interesting I am going to cut back on my spending for 2025.❤️❤️

  • @lansleyc
    @lansleyc 2 дні тому +2

    Good luck with no spend December , mine will be no spend January. Thank you for sharing your budget with everyone.

  • @barbarasevenoaks6821
    @barbarasevenoaks6821 2 дні тому +7

    Hello,
    As you know, it's all about managing money well rather than the actual amount. I found this out a while back.
    I don't know the rules in Scotland but in England you may be entitled to a further council tax discount on top of the 25% if you have a low income. It's worth looking into.

    • @aliliveswellonless
      @aliliveswellonless  2 дні тому +4

      That is so true, it's not about the actual amount! I'm not entitled to any benefits/discounts because I chose early retirement and am considered to still be of working age. I knew this before I made the decision to retire and worked out all my costs based on it.

    • @barbarasevenoaks6821
      @barbarasevenoaks6821 2 дні тому +6

      Thanks for explaining that.
      I'm in my 70s now so looks like there are different rules.

  • @kathleentanner343
    @kathleentanner343 2 дні тому +6

    Thank you for this budget video am taking some of your hints we had an unexpected expense 😮 so now setting up an emergency fund ❤ so it does not hurt so much

  • @caroldaviddaviejohnson2225
    @caroldaviddaviejohnson2225 2 дні тому +2

    I really look forward to your videos Ali! I think you've done a good job in bulk buying when things are cheaper and on offer- you'll recoup the savings made over the next few months. As for going over budget, when you factor in December groceries too you've underspent across the 2 month period. I won't be going near any shops now except for buying a job lot of cheap fresh veg at 15p/19p in the week before Christmas which will last me months once its prepped/Frozen. (I will probably give my husband a shopping list and ask him to do it!) Gift shopping is all finished for me too👍 All that's needed is to send parcels to my brother on the East Coast and to one of my daughters in Scotland. Even then the parcels will be collected from my home by Royal Mail, so I needn't bother having to go to a post office either😊. Clearly evident how disciplined you are, when you put pen to paper and move those figures around, that takes skill and determination to manage to live well on less, and just how well you manage to cover everything and budget everything out. Great video 👏👏

  • @lynnoorman2144
    @lynnoorman2144 День тому +3

    £186 divided by 31= 6. So you will have £6 per day or (×7) £42 per week. With a full pantry, a meal plan and staying away from the shops, you can definitely do this, Ali!
    About 4 years ago I decided to take a firm hand to get rid of the last of my debt ( various causes - not all of my making) and I went on a £5 per week (after all direct debits paid) months. Prices have risen since then so let us say £10 per week + full pantry. You can definitely do this! At £7 per day you can even afford a coffee out with a friend one day a week ( or a toy foluthe lovely Luna).
    I used to take my sons old jeans, cut into 3 strips, plat togethet andvtie well each end - made a fab toy for my large German Shepherd ( female) took her at least a week to get through. Might be worth trying?
    WARNING make sure they are no longer wanted jesns, and please remove the human first, before plating!!😂

    • @aliliveswellonless
      @aliliveswellonless  День тому

      I was actually thinking of making something from an old pair of jeans! I'm def trying that!! :-)

    • @sandydouglas3799
      @sandydouglas3799 9 годин тому

      Thanks for another informative video. I've had low spend months for October and November & continuing into December allowing for Christmas presents. Even the presents this year are low spend. I'm feeling quite pleased with myself & treat it as a bit of a game trying to last on a few dollars before my superannuation is paid each fortnight.

  • @lulucly
    @lulucly День тому

    November was a killer for me due to home insurance increases. I don’t do a whole lot of spending on Christmas so I hope balance out for the two months. I enjoy your content!!

  • @lorneb7627
    @lorneb7627 2 дні тому +5

    Hi Ali,have you considered trying Sainsbury's complete nutrition wheat free dog food (dried kibble)Our two older dogs seem to enjoy it
    mixed with some of tinned dog food and sardines.They were on the Lidl kibble for years 😊

  • @lindawilson8434
    @lindawilson8434 День тому +2

    Yes keep some you tube money for savings
    Everything keeps going up

  • @SourdoughbytheSea-d4w
    @SourdoughbytheSea-d4w День тому

    Great idea - the shops couldnt wait to get the xmas stuff on their shelves, seems to get earlier each year!

  • @CarolineMitchell-v1r
    @CarolineMitchell-v1r День тому

    Really enjoy your videos Ali...totally relateable...I'm not far away, Stirlingshire also... my aim for 2025 is NO CLOTHES shopping, wear what's there, even if it means losing a stone to fit into them 😂 definitely keep some You tube money for a rainy day/holiday

  • @cherrypie8796
    @cherrypie8796 День тому

    Love your videos and has definitely made me think about my needs and not my wants. Going to strive to save more in 2025.

  • @peterowen4456
    @peterowen4456 2 дні тому +6

    So well organised. Hope you have a bit left over to treat yourself. Posh coffee with friends?

  • @tracyburton3458
    @tracyburton3458 День тому

    I'm in awe of your food budgeting skills. I do my best but no matter how hard I try I struggle to keep our budget for two to under 400 euros (currently around £332 a month) excluding cat food. It doesn't help that my partner works from home so is constantly looking for snacks. 🙄

    • @aliliveswellonless
      @aliliveswellonless  День тому

      This raises a good point about how other people in the household (or in my case it was regular visitors) can sabotage your food budget by snacking on foods that are earmarked for meals. It's much easier when you're doing it for yourself. I'm tucking this away to talk about in future. Thanks! :-)

  • @meltimmins6368
    @meltimmins6368 2 дні тому +4

    Ali have a look at the JW good Cuz dog toys. My old Jack Russell loved his squeaky toys and didn’t shredded those!🐶 🥕🐶

    • @LindaMorton1973
      @LindaMorton1973 2 дні тому +3

      Thank you for that suggestion of dog toys. I have a toy poodle who is very good at not making his things last! 😂

    • @meltimmins6368
      @meltimmins6368 2 дні тому +2

      @ 🐶🐶🐶🐩🐩🐩🐩

  • @madamg612
    @madamg612 2 дні тому +6

    Hi Ali- I budget hard and find a lot of my spoken for expenditure is on insurance- home, life and car insurance, breakdown cover, home cover etc. Do you pay for these too and if so how do you manage these please? Do you also pay into savings? Thanks in advance

    • @aliliveswellonless
      @aliliveswellonless  2 дні тому +4

      I pay for car and home insurance from my savings. I have free car breakdown cover from Honda. I've spoken before about having a little money leftover from the sale of my house earlier this year and had set aside money for paying them this year. I'm currently not paying anything into savings but will use some of the UA-cam money next year to build up savings/emergency funds to pay for these in 2025. I'll be talking about this in future videos :-)

    • @madamg612
      @madamg612 2 дні тому +2

      @@aliliveswellonlessThank you so much - finances aren’t spoken about enough in my opinion. It’s refreshing to find such transparency in these type of videos and it’s really appreciated. I shall keep watching! Best wishes

  • @louiseroe778
    @louiseroe778 2 дні тому +6

    You haven't really gone over budget as you've shopped for two months. Good luck with no spend december x

  • @SimplySoloUK
    @SimplySoloUK День тому

    It always makes me laugh when people questions someone’s decisions! It’s up to you what you want to keep! Can I ask, what Council tax band are you? I’m a single adult too and looking at moving to Scotland in the next 18 months so seeing how it compares to what I pay now x

    • @aliliveswellonless
      @aliliveswellonless  День тому +1

      I'm council tax band B for a 2 bedroom semi and water charges are automatically included :-)

    • @SimplySoloUK
      @SimplySoloUK День тому

      @ ohhhh that’s brilliant! Thank you, I pay the same as you but for a Band a Property in England and I pay for water on top 😍, that’s really helpful, thank you for sharing x

  • @michellejennings3232
    @michellejennings3232 2 дні тому +2

    For some reason, " no spend" months are psychologically easier for me than " low spend" months. Maybe it is because there is no sense even thinking about spending with nothing allocated for play money.

  • @AlisonC-q3i
    @AlisonC-q3i 2 дні тому +4

    You're lucky that water is included in your council tax and me and my husband have to pay nearly 40 quid a month combined for private dental plans as there are no nhs dentists where we live or if there is they are full up .

    • @frugalitystartsathome4889
      @frugalitystartsathome4889 2 дні тому +2

      I recall when water rates in England were part of your rates paid to the local council, before Thatcher sold them off and made us all pay through the nose for shareholders to benefit. And I pay 30-odd quid a month for dental care just for myself, so you’re doing well for the both of you.

    • @caroldaviddaviejohnson2225
      @caroldaviddaviejohnson2225 День тому

      ​@@frugalitystartsathome4889yes I remember that too, I used to pay £2 a week for my rates to the council before Thatcher did her smash n grab on our purses and wallets!

  • @davidminton9937
    @davidminton9937 2 дні тому +4

    Hi Ali, follow you with keen interest, love the channel. You don’t appear to have factored in costs for you vehicle? Petrol , road tax and insurance? , how do you mange these additional costs along with your other expenses? Any thanks.

    • @aliliveswellonless
      @aliliveswellonless  2 дні тому +5

      Petrol and road tax are mentioned in this video. If you freeze the video when I'm holding up my notepad you'll see the figures. My car is paid off. I have a hybrid so petrol costs are low. I fill up every other month. I pay my car tax monthly by DD. My last Money Monday video talked about paying my car insurance and how I got a good deal. And I have free road side assistance through Honda. Hope that helps :-)

    • @patmartin9727
      @patmartin9727 2 дні тому +4

      Great video Ali, I love all your videos but your money Monday ones start me off motivated for the week. I too will go over budget if I see a real bargain on something I know I will use and would buy at the full price. I usually pay with my money back debit card but in October M&S credit card offered me cash back of 10% on purchases on my card. I just got my statement which I pay off in full every month and I got £60 cash back. 🎉
      I too am trying to do a very low spend month, Christmas cards and gifts already purchased, most food already in the pantry and freezer.

    • @alanyoung9200
      @alanyoung9200 День тому +2

      Have a local cafe here Ali ,where in Edinburgh ,when you can give a donation ,for some food supermarket s ,Bread ,crossiants ,rolls fruit and veg

  • @kathrynhall4775
    @kathrynhall4775 День тому

    🩷⭐️🩷