Jumping aboard!

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

Hello,

I am absolutely delighted for you. You have worked so hard and been so determined, you really deserve this good news. Enjoy your bit of time off.

Squirrel:j:j:beer:

downsizer3

Oh - I'm really touched by all your comments - thanks so much.
Have told the tax credit people - both about my losses for the last financial year (ow) and my being out of work now. BUT ONLY FOR A MONTH!! yahooooooo.
Withdrawn my council tax benefit claim and paid council tax instead - much prefer paying bills to benefits!
That list of DIY jobs now needs to be condensed into 3 weeks and frankly I can't see that happening!So - I'll deal with the easy ones and get a man in for the big one - that's the full wallpapering / decor room - its my daughter's bedroom and my wallpapering skills are non-existant. Not very MSE but sometimes you have to know your limitations!
Full time employment won't leave much space either. And on that note I'm back on the childcare trail. I've got my former childcare lady back to start with but need to look at the longer term as she's expensive and I could do with trimming those costs back.
On the upside - I will get something out of my business so will be going forward with a savings pot and mortgage on its way out. My other concern was my pension and it looks as if the one with the new job is pretty good - I have the opportunity to get back to where I should have been by retirement age - so pleased I can getthat back on track. Will also get redundancy cover now that I'm an employee - too expensive for self-employed workers.
Happy lass!!

gallygirl

downsizer3 wrote: »

get a man in for the big one

:eek::eek::eek::eek::rotfl::eek::eek::eek::eek:

downsizer3

Oh hahahahah - that made me laugh GG!
Now that you mention it though......................;)

feelingfestive

Hi downsizer. I hvae only just started my MFW journey but have been reading diaries for inspiration and just felt that I needed to post on yours! Your story is truly inspirational! You were in apickle but your optimism and hard work have paid off so well for you! I was reading the sections about your job thinking that you must be so down but you seemed so focused still and now you have (what sounds like) the perfect job! So, well done and a big thank you because you are an inspirational person and if I've read and commented you can bet that hundreds of others have been inspired by your story but maybe haven't commented yet! Well done!

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

So glad it is all falling into place. Hope you will still let us know how you are getting on when you are full time, it will no doubt be very busy!

downsizer3

Thanks again folks - and welcome aboard feelingfestive - I recon I'm living proof that a positive attitude can be beneficial although I nearly lost my way a few times over the past 4 years!!)
Today is my first day of 'child free unemployment' - although I look at it as a nice holiday before I start my new job.;) I could happily go off and spend my savings but instead I'm relooking at my spreadsheets - as if I could give those up..................
So. The new plan.
I have £3k in savings and another £2K I put in an account for my daughter so its off-limits, no debt but a mortgage of £22K. I recon I'll get circa £10K out of the business and have to survive the month of May with no salary until the end.
What to d?. I'd like to bump up my savings to about £6K - and would really love a log burning stove ( £2K installed I recon). Do I put some of the cash in the savings pot, rest in mortgage and pay for the stove the usual way - ie save up - or treat myself...........................hmm.
My other thought was re the car. Its 6 years old and absolutely fine - but one day I'll have to replace it. Should I increase my savings pot to have about £5K for that eventuality rather than put money in the mortgage?
Nice decisions but decisions nevertheless......
Haven't gone mad though and bought lots of clothes/nice things - which has been an exercise in self control!!:A My halo shines brightly!

downsizer3

New job childcare all sorted and I'm raring to go. The more I hear about my new job the more excited I get - and although its full time and I'll be flat out - I'm actually quite looking forward to it.
So. Worktop oiled, and bathroom redecorating commencing today..........got to get those chores done whilst I have the time!

downsizer3

Had my contract through and signed up for the pension - nice to have a work one after years of a private (lousy) pension. Going to ask if I can transfer that one over too.
Met with my new IFA last week and will top my emergency ISA fund up to £8k at his advice and then put the rest of my business money towards the mortgage. Hoping that makes a dent in it.
Apart from that - I need to get my childcare down. I've got it down to £600 a month from nearer £1k ( I know!) by using after school club combined with childcare lady. I'll also see if I can work from home one afternoon which would get me to my target of £500pm - still a lot but thats young family and single parenting for you.
Starting new job next week - really excited! Heck - hope I can prove myself! :eek: New jobs are a bit daunting at any age but after 19 years in my last job it was a known quantity......gulp.

downsizer3

New job starts tomorrow - very excited!
Maybe not quite MSE enough but have ordered double glazing in an effort to reduce the fuel bills - it'll make a difference but how much......
Self funding until payday at the end of the month - so can't overdo it - spreadsheets are still king!