Peonie's journey to smart money management

shala_moo

Peonie wrote: »

I need some help. The 6th birthday (above) is next week and I need bargain ideas for a present. We have to post it so the lighter and cheaper the better. She's in her early 30s. Likes expensive perfume :eek: does not want anything for her home. I'm thinking a cheap piece of statement jewelery or an experience present like tennis lessons.

What's your budget, do you have any vouchers to use or could you combine with someone else so it would be cheaper for you but still a nice present for her?

A spa day or beauty experience may be cheaper than tennis lessons.. or even a cooking day?

Have you had a look on notonthehighstreet.com or etsy.com sometimes I pick up ideas from there..

newgirly

Hi , I would have a look on topcashback under the days out /experiences section as they often have good discount codes plus the cash back. Maybe a spa day/ meal/ theatre voucher, not sure e if there are tennis lessons , they used to do summer outdoor concerts etc. too.

Peonie

Thanks, they are great ideas - I did not know about TCB's experiences section. I was thinking of spending £15-£20. The perfume would have cost £50. I'll look through my purse for vouchers. I've looked on the internet and saw tennis lessons for around £10 each.

I'll think about the beauty experience for another present. M4c did a good one. £25, you get your make up done and spend the value on products in store.

shala_moo

Peonie wrote: »

I've looked on the internet and saw tennis lessons for around £10 each.

That cheap?? I thought it would be really expensive because it's a "posh" sport.. i'm shocked :rotfl:

The makeup lesson sounds great.. i'd love one of those.

Peonie

I have no idea how many people take part in the lesson. For me I would think more the better - less running around. In the end I bought her a necklace with a gift receipt.

I've been going through the SOA and last month we went £455 over. Ouch. The last few months I've been dipping into our savings to pay the joint account bills. I've told Mr P he's got to start putting money into the joint account again but only when he makes enough money. I'm going to take it a month at a time. But how much to pay off the mortgage this month? I think £14 to round it down to the next 100 and any extra at the end of the month.

Only 2 payments left on my FD savings account. Woohoo. I don't think I'll start another FD savings account I either want the funds for bills or to OP the mortgage.

Plus, essential building work should start tomorrow and we're still waiting for the plumbers bill.

gallygirl

shala_moo wrote: »

The makeup lesson sounds great.. i'd love one of those.

Hm, never thought of that. Another MSE'r and me were talking about doing it, time to actually read the Groupon etc emails again .

castlelough

Hi Peonie!
I hope you don't mind me subscribing to your mfw diary?
I know I amn't a mfw myself yet, but your diary is very upbeat and inspiring!
I have everything crossed for you with the IVF. My little godson was conceived through IVF and is a bundle of fabulousness! You've had a long wait, and deserve every happiness.
xxx Castle

Peonie

Hi GG, M4c are great as they ask when look you want, tell you how to do it while they are doing it, you get the value in products and they have a product gift list.

Thanks CL, thanks for stopping by, the more the merrier I say. I don't think it matters if you are a DfW or a MfWer, we are all trying to pay off some type of debt. Thanks for saying my diary is upbeat and inspiring. I think I'm usually moaning and saying why I can't pay off more.

Still no 2nd letter from the IVF clinic.

Today was a NSD so I might go and pay that £14 off the mortgage!

Peonie

This weekend was productive. I had the urge to sort out rooms so that's what I did. I tidied more than cleared out. There's still a lot to do but the rooms are looking better.

Financially, £13.20 OP the mortgage and £1,000 paid for the building work. We've still not been invoiced by the plumber. I took back the slips I bought the week before but saw the kids sales rack and ended up spending £8.50 on baby clothes. They are now stashed in the wardrobe as presents.

castlelough

Well done on your tidying Peonie and your progress too!