MFi3: Mortgage-free by Christmas 2010 - diary of a MFW Martian

setmefree2 wrote: »

Me & Mr SMF have separate bank a/cs too. Saves arguments. Also we look after separate things - me, I look after the dribs & drabs - Food, kids, clothes, bills, etc. Mr SMF looks after big stuff - hols, xmas, etc. Anyway, it works for us and we don't think it's odd:D

Interesting - for us, it's the other way around... we have a totally joint account and draw from that equal allowances each month, which means that if one earns more, or gets a bonus, there's still an equal reward... DH is on commission, so his income varies quite a bit. If he had a brilliant month, he didn't want me not feeling able to join in a bit more spending - equally, if he had a bad one, why should he have less than me? Also, he was thinking further down the line when we have kids and one of us is the primary carer for a bit, that person can take money from a completely joint account and not feel they were asking for handouts.

I was a bit reluctant at first as I wanted to be able to have a little splurge when I got more income but actually it's been really good. We now have to make joint decisions (like at the mo with my bonus) which I think is good for us a couple and makes us generally more sensible and focused (NB there are exceptions - see my latest entry in my diary for example )

Guess it's all psychological rather than practical - whatever works in your relationship is right for you financially.

BTW I've heard the same about landlines...

All the best!

ML

Marvin_the_Martian wrote: »

our winter gas bills come to £40-45 a month for two people, both working, in a three-bedroom house - that is seldom at a comfortable temperature. This is far from optimal, I feel.

So, I need a decent combi (on-demand) boiler, a modern timer, thermostatic valves for nine radiators, and minus one hot water tank. (Heck, I wanted more floor-space in the study anyway, and we never use that airing cupboard.)

Hi Marvin,

Just caught up with your diary.

Until you can afford the full central heating makeover, I would suggest you look at using some of the following tips:

Get the thermostatic valves installed as a minimumas they make a huge difference for the cost, put on a jacket on your hot water tank (if you don't already have one), put draft excluder tape around the external doorframes (and windows if their not double glazed), put thermal linings (use blankets) in the curtains to add further insulation (you can attach it to the existing curtains using velcro tape so they can be removed in summer) and ensure your curtains are shut before dusk to retain any heat (I know this is hard when you are working - consider not opening the curtains in some rooms).

If your boiler is on most of the day - leave the airing cupboard door open and hang the washing up on an airer in that room to make the most of the heat! It will also heat that room up, so you can shut the rad off in that room. Our airing cupboard is on the landing, we leave the door wide open during the day and put an airer in front of it, moving it out of the way in the evening.

Finally, get yourself some cosy but nice throws and when it gets chilly in the evening, cuddle up under a throw - works for us!!!:D All fairly inexpensive and it will make a difference.

If you haven't already done so - invest in some low energy lightbulbs - they really do make a difference and switch all appliances off standby. Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle to save power. Ensure your freezer never runs empty - it uses more electricity that way - if necessary, use polystyrene packaging to fill up any empty spaces. Only use the washing machine when it is full.

Have you a water meter? If not, it might be worth considering. My monthly bills went from £50 to £19 per month as a result (we have less people than bedrooms living here).

Are you cooking with gas too? If so, it would definitely be worth you investing in a cheap slow cooker (cost about £15 - look on Old Style for recommendations) - you can cook a meal on low all day while you are at work using the power of a lightbulb so its energy efficient. You can buy cheaper cuts of meat such as brisket and have a fabulous beef stew to come home to. Just prep the night before and leave in the fridge overnight, popping the inner casserole dish into the external slow cooker element and switch on low in the morning. You can cook many things - stews, casseroles, bolognaise, chilli, curries. This sort of food really warms you up too!!! OS will have lots more info.

Well done you!