Muchin's diary of recover; becoming debt free and being happy

in_need_of_direction

If you're in belfast and have money in the budget, treat yourself to some hot chocolate from co couture in Chichester st. It's so ridiculously good.

Munchin

Hi INOD - how did I miss a chocolate shop?? I must have walked past it loads - I'm pretty sure I can arrange a meeting in Belfast soon:).

So I've been looking at the budget for the year ahead as it won't be long until the rates bill appears on the horizon swiftly followed by car insurance and car tax....sigh. I'm also trying to budget for a family holiday as well as a holiday with OH later in the year. I can afford it if I save now. I also want to have a safety net started by the end of the year.

Rates - £850 (April)
Car Insurance - £300 (May)
Car Tax - £125 (May)
Holidays x2 = £2600

Total = £3875

I'm just putting it down here so that I can put a plan together. I have other savings pots for Xmas, Credit Union, £2 coins etc which I don't plan on touching.

in_need_of_direction

it's down a set of steps opposite SS Moores

Skint_but_Optimistic

Isnt it terrible how we have christmas and then a countdown of bills and renewals til the next christmas!

Munchin

Hi Skint - it is a bit pants isn't it - each year I hope I will be that bit ahead of myself with savings but it never happens. Maybe this year??

I was out and about at meetings today and then I made it to my circuits class which was great.

INOD pointed me in the direction of a chocolate shop in Belfast and believe it or not I have a meeting in May St, Belfast tomorrow which is about a stones throw from the chocolate shop. I'm heading there tomorrow lunchtime purely in the name of research.:D I think it is classed as therapy to get me through the dark days of January.

Skint_but_Optimistic

Sounds like a plan! And you can comfort yourself with the knowledge you did the circuit class so its all fine

Munchin

Afternoon all,

Hot chocolate was so worth it:). I was at a training course today which finished at 2pm - I had thought it would go on to 5 so quite pleased I got home early. OH is working today but has promised to bring an Indian home for tea.

I'm heading to England tomorrow and will meet up with some friends on Monday. I think I have the train times etc sorted and I'm packed ready to go.

I have a bit of a dilemma, I've seen a job opportunity in work which is a sideways move so no more pay but I think I would enjoy it. I'm just not sure if I should put my name in the hat. I know that it would be a temporary post (2 years). I think I am just very fed up where I am. I've said before I enjoy the work but not the staff. It would mean a bit more travel but I don't mind as it would give me more opportunities....... I've got 2 weeks to think about it and even if I put my name in the hat there is no guarantee I would get it. The pros are that it would be interesting, I would get loads more opportunities and if I don't like it ..well it is temporary. The cons are that it could be quite stressful and a bit more travel.

I am also on a mission to stop the frittering ....again. It hasn't been so bad this month but the closer I get to pay day the more relaxed I become. My mission is to have a bank statement with no paypal deductions on it.

Skint_but_Optimistic

Put your name in and give it ago. If they offer you it caveat your acceptance. Don't let the opportunity pass you by x

in_need_of_direction

You only need to decide when it's offered. Don't rule yourself out at this stage.

Munchin

Hi INOD & Skint - thank you, you've really helped make up my mind. I'm going to put my name in tomorrow and see what happens:).

I got back from London this morning and my friend has shared her cold with me. I feel awful but have just had some soup and am wrapped up warm. I think I'm worse than OH when it comes to colds - I soldier on but I do a lot of complaining.

Well it was all drama on the way over to England - I said to OH at the kitchen table on Sunday " do you have your driving licence for ID?" and he said No but I knew he meant he had his passport......didn't he? well we got to the airport and he had no photo ID, it was too late for us to go home and get it. In the end I got on the flight and OH caught the next one at an extra £60. After that dramatic start, everything else went well. OH went to his course yesterday and I met a friend in Windsor for lunch. I did buy a Bobby Brown lipstick at £19.50 but I didn't buy anything else apart from lunch. I negotiated London Underground and met another friend last night as OH didn't finish until 9. He felt really bad leaving me on my own but he forgets that I lived in London for almost 10 years and can annoy various friends.

Watching Magnum PI and drinking lemsip ....yeah:D