Earthgirl gets back on track!

earthgirl

Hi guys,

Well I've managed to rein in the spending, but I will not be sending OH to shops again, he spent £50 on a weeks shop for 2 and we just can't afford it.

I have cut down on spending on entertainment - I'm only going to go swimming twice a week and only go out for a meal once a month.

I also need to take fruit and snacks to work - I have been buying a bar most days as I am working or tutoring late and getting the munchies!

I managed two tutorings yesterday and ive got two tomorrow.

Redundancies announced at work. I don't know if ill be affected, but theres not a lot I can do. I think that it may be prudent to take a few steps

- continue to tutor, save money anywhere I can - this seems to be the advice from the redundancy board.
- save the money that I normally overpay so that its there if I need it as an emergency fund, so that I don't have to dip into the isas - I can always overpay it at redemption time.
- try to perform well at work - hard when you are not feeling so positive!

I should find out about the redundancies at the end of march.

Even though I know I shouldn't worry about it, I can't help feeling down.:o

So I've done a couple of hours work and I'm going to relax and read your posts now!

Lynn11

Try note to think about the "r...." threat until end March. It is easier said than done, as I have been there and still iffy about hubbie job but my view is that we can try to save any extra we can in case this does happen and we can survive for about 9mths.

StuartGMC

A long notification of pending redundancies I think can exacerbate the issues and concerns of uncertainty. I spent many years in the early '90s in that state (as did many, many others) so I do sympathise.

It may help to actually write down all the things you've done so far to achieve the financial position and perhaps reflect on the "proof" you have of requiring lower monthly spend to give you a "baseline" much as you've indicated here.

Then, write down all aspects of your current job, those which you would like to change and those you are positive about. Thus you can then face March knowing how you feel about the job and if you are part of the cut-backs you'll be able to have in mind those points you currently think are good as the basis for looking elsewhere (this is much more difficult if left to the time of the event itself).

If however, as you state, it is very unlikely to affect you (although impact on colleagues etc will of course have an influence) then you also have some ideas of the areas to discuss with your manager for improvement in operation etc in the period after consultations are complete.

I hope that you do escape, but if not, it can, eventually lead to a positive step in hind sight enforcing change and catalyzing action to move forward. I speak from experience following company closure and changes that followed for me.

Best wishes for the months ahead.

setmefree2

StuartGMC wrote: »

Best wishes for the months ahead.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

SmlSave

Fingers crossed that you're not affected at work

earthgirl

Thanks for the well wishes and the good advice. I will definately work out the minimum amount I actually need to survive on, and work from there.

I have worked out that I am a not really a department that they need to reduce too much - they cannot make me completely redundant, as there are still hours to cover in MFL teaching, and they cant get rid of me and replace me with someone else directly. So worse case senario I go part time and my wages are cut by 1/5th. I normally have about £1000 spare a month with tutoring, so I will be fine.

So i guess the only thing I am worrying about is having to go through the horrible process, and the not knowing. I guess the worst part of it for me would be giving up on my overpayment challenge of £1000/month, as this is tied up with me feeling like I am working towards my goal of leaving my job and starting a new career.

Its so horrible at work, and everybody is feeling down and not at all motivated.

So to the positive...

I am off to do two tutorings. I am then going to do some filing and banking and have a good old sort out and tidy up. I will top it off with a nice bath and a glass of wine, and then think about the (cheap) weekend ahead!

Thanks everyone!

EG x

PS am I still allowed to have an OP challenge if I don't actually overpay it - just save it?

gallygirl

Good luck with redundancy EG - not a nice experience working in that situation.

Re last comment - I count all in offset as having been paid off mortgage even although I will need to 'borrow' some back from time to time, so the same principle applies to your savings I would say. Do check with mortgage co though - you may find you can get back OP's at a few day's notice (depending on what savings rate is v mortgage rate) - you may be better off doing this.

abouttimetoo

Wow gallygirl - you were up soon:eek:

Earhtgirl, i agree with Gallygirl about savings counting towards your OP challenge - I've seen lots of other threads where people are doin this - don't forget that not everyone can OP monthly due to their T&C so save money up and count this towards the OP challenge.

I hope everything goes ok for you at work

Regards
ATT

earthgirl

Well its the weekend so I am just happy not to be at work - I'm sure peoples' spirits will start to rise soon, and things will improve.

Today I've been so tired and I really can't seem to shake it off! I have cleaned and tidied the whole house including the attic :eek: so thats a job well out of the way now!

I have done a little bit of work on the business, and we are now settling in for a night on the sofa, never mind the money- I dont have the energy to go out!

I've hopefully got most of our food for the month for £55. I will need to top it up with £10 per week for milk, bread, fruit and salad.

Was looking at valentines cards for OH, cheapest was £1.50, and I don't have time to make, so I got him one of their everyday cards with lovey message for 88p, and a tub of heart shaped biscuits for £1. They are really cute and its the thought that counts!

Looked at finances and we are ok, but I'd like to cut back more just incase. My saving for OP will go into a fixed rate savings account I opened on Martin instruction a few months ago.

I made a few mistakes this week, getting addresses wrong and driving 120 miles for no avail, and forgeting to post things. I'm putting it down to stress and working so hard on the business, every spare moment, that I am just diorganised. So now that I have spent most of the day getting organised I plan to stay that way!

Tomorrow I will:
Restart exercise and healthy eating/drinking plan (:o things got a bit messed up this week and bottles of wine were needed in force) Think I'll start with a brisk walk!

Work on monthly and weekly business tasks for six hours (including those that involve working on the computer in the attic!:eek: )

Have a good weekend!

StuartGMC

earthgirl wrote: »

Work on monthly and weekly business tasks for six hours (including those that involve working on the computer in the attic!:eek: )

Hope it's well insulated up there!