Mortgage Free ASAP

Queen-Bee_2

Thanks Sml and Ed_Zep...
I've also had a look at Quorn to see how it compares with meat:
http://www.quorn.us/PageComponents/LinksList/Files/2131/Mycoprotein%20At%20a%20Glance%202006.pdf

From this it seems that Mycoprotein has 11.5g protein per 100g, but that skinless roast chicken has 30.9g per 100g.

Problem is that whilst I can read the figures, I don't really know enough to understand the implications
QB

PS - the reason for upping my protein level is about a bit more than just loosing weight, though that will be a nice (and much needed) fringe benefit!!

LilacPixie

Not a clue re protein TBH. I would imagine the higher the protein per 100g the better provided the saturated fat and salt levels didn't raise comparativly.

Turkey is supposed to be quite high in protein, 19.7g per 100g accoring to my supermarket. Diced turkey thigh is inexpensive at around £3.50 a kilo from my butcher and quite lean. I personally use it for a slow cooker curry which feeds the 4 of us 4 times. I guess you need to work out what you want to do?/ is it as much protein as possible while keeping costs down or geting a balance between everything even if it means spending more cash?

Queen-Bee_2

Hi LP - the idea is to up my protein levels as much as possible in a MSE way. Previously when I had to do this, I simply switched to steak, but now that's too expensive to be an option, I'm looking for other ideas.

Turkey (I know it's really good value, but I'm not keen in the taste) and offal are two things I really struggle with, but it looks as if Quorn has only a third of the protein of chicken and I'm trying to avoid soya.

I always thought it was easy to follow a balanced diet, but trying to get more protein in without the bills soaring is proving quite a challenge!! Might try posting on the OS board...
QB

Queen-Bee_2

It’s approaching the end of the January, and as I’ve now rescheduled my mortgage payment for the beginning rather than the end of the month (thereby saving £15 interest/month), it’s time to request the transfer of funds from my A&L savings.
Even though I do everything electronically, A&L doesn’t yet operate Faster Payments, which means the request has to be lodged several days before the month end, rather than hours, to hit my bank in time. I know it’s mostly an administrative issue and we’re only talking pennies, but it still niggles a bit!

Also, following a tip-off from MoneyQueen, I’ve realized I can get a better interest rate on up to £7k of my savings in a Lloyds Vantage current account than in my A&L savings account (4% as opposed to 3.2%). Every little helps
QB

Queen-Bee_2

Phew, at long last I finished my MA assignment. That makes three in the last six weeks. No wonder I feel cream-crackered!!

So today, I feel as if a weight has been lifted and am busy drafting up list of all the other things which need to be done:
* Make parsnip soup with all the old parsnips kicking around in the fridge. Do it for this evening's meal
* Start meal planning for a higher protein diet (have posted on the OS forum for tips and inspiration)
* Try and find out what time the local supermarkets start to make discounts on their meat counters and start stocking up the freezer (is it OK to freeze whoopsies, or do you need to eat them straight away?)
* Big shop for basics, loo paper, toilet cleaner, washing up liquid
* Dig out my pedometer and do some exercise!!
* Try and find out whether I should opt back into Serps (I've never understood what this was all about, but opted out on the basis of some financial advice years ago)
* Call the tax people, check that my current coding is correct and ask about whether I can reclaim any tax for the current year
* Start making a list of all the little DIY things that needs to be done around the house...

I have also just realised that by focusing on my academic work for the last month, I've missed the chance to change my building and contents insurance which expired in December. Bother. Actually, double bother, 'cos my existing provider is extremely non-MSE and I'd wanted to change via topcashback!!!

Ah well...
QB

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

Still not to late to change building and contents insurance provider - check terms and conditions. Even incuring a cancellation fee but finding a much cheaper deal may work in your favor.

Queen-Bee_2

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice wrote: »

Still not to late to change building and contents insurance provider - check terms and conditions. Even incuring a cancellation fee but finding a much cheaper deal may work in your favor.

Thanks MRN, I gave them a call this afternoon, and it looks as if I can change any time up until 1st February and I'll just be charged for this month. The monthly DD is £58 at the moment, which seems to be quite high to me... I did have to make a claim last year (someone stole my handbag) so maybe that will affect my ability to get a competitive price.

Whatever, I'm keen to shop around a bit, and maybe have a look at Topcashback to see what I can get for less.
QB

chirpchirp

Queen Bee don't forget to check out Aviva and Direct Line who don't show up on the comparison sites. I got an excellent deal from Direct Line by saying I would think about their offer once I had checked the comparison sites. I'm not sure if they have a 25% discount on at the moment. I seem to remember reading about it somewhere but it may be car insurance!

Queen-Bee_2

Although my mortgage payments have shifted to the start of the month, for consistency, I’m going to continue to report on the net position at the end. I’ve also introduced two new measures, one reflecting the % of the mortgage which has been paid off and a second reflecting the % of the house I now own outright (is this LVR?). As at 29 January 2010 therefore, the numbers are as follows:
- Total payments (Year To Date) £3,980
- Total interest charged (YTD) £190
- Current balance outstanding £51,230
- % of mortgage now paid off: 48.77%
- % of house now owned outright: 91.74%

Not a bad start to the year. Looking forward to seeing my £3,980 total payment figure move towards my £27,000 target for 2010.
QB

Queen-Bee_2

Just got back after a MSE evening out with an old friend. Dinner at Prezzo, just off Trafalgar Square - a starter, main course and a glass of wine for ten quid (courtesy of two vouchers printed off the Deals & Vouchers section of this site ). Nice food and lovely surroundings. Once upon a time, I might have been embarrassed to use vouchers, but these days the savings make my meal all the more enjoyable...

And now, I'm home, catching up on the latest MFW posts with a coffee and slice of delicious HM Weetabix cake (thank you Weezl...).

Loads of new diaries on here, so a lot of opportunity to pick up and share new ideas.
QB