At the beginning of every year I always try and work out a rough financial plan for the year ahead. Of course you are always going to have some months with additional outgoings. Even though the age gap between my 2 children is 5 years, unfortunately their birthdays are a matter of a few days apart, so come March and April, it is a pretty expensive time in our house. My daughter is always easy to buy for, give her a piece of silver jewellery and she is more than happy. My son is a different kettle of fish and he is really difficult to get anything for. He doesn’t like any sort of men’s jewellery, so this is never an option. Last year it was his 18th, and be bought him a flying lesson from our local airport. This caused a huge row, but that is another story!!

August always sees us short of cash as we take our annual holiday this month. Given the choice I wouldn’t, but with a daughter still at school, it’s tricky to take holiday other than the school holidays. It’s totally unreasonable though as you end up paying double for your holiday, just because the travel firms know you have to take your holidays then.

For us September is also a costly month as not only is it my husband’s birthday but also our wedding anniversary. Last year was our 20th Anniversary and even though I dropped many a hint, the silver earrings I wanted never did materialise. This year for our 21st anniversary, he had better get it right, otherwise I can foresee big problems.

After September, the build up to Christmas begins and so funds are shorter than ever. It is such a hard way to live, saving for this and that and reaching the end of the year, and then come January having to start all over again.

What needs to happen is a big win on the Lottery. I have played the Lottery since it started way back in November 1994, so surely my luck must change soon and my lucky numbers will be pulled out! Just think how much jewellery I could buy myself with no worries that hubby has got me the wrong present AGAIN!!