Pammy's 5 Year MF Challenge - New Year New Target

gallygirl

Well done Pammy

pammyj74

Thank you for your comments, its lovely.

I have had one quote so far for the brickwork, came in at £1450 and knocked down to £1300. I have three others booked to come out.

My addiction to OP hasnt stopped so I have OPd another £200 and another brick off my house :T
5% of my total annual target now done haha,

pammyj74

Total OPs for Jan £815

Do not think I will be able to do any next month as I have a new job :j which means I have to work a month in hand when at the moment I get paid weekly. So I will have about 6 weeks without any pay and then I may only get 2 weeks pay as I start mid Feb. Will be a tricky few weeks but at least I have the extra money I normally OP to fall back on.
Its 6 mins drive rather than 25 mins! so will feel like luxury but I will have to give up my Mondays off but will have an extra 5 hours a week wages (although then extra childcare in hols)
So will save on petrol but gain on childcare payments. Overall I will be better off financially (hopefully!) Just not next month

Have had 3 quotes for getting the brickwork done

First one - £1300 - odd job man
Second - £3700!! - large company
Third - £1900 - man who only does repointing
Fourth - £2700 - building company

My gut says go with no 3 but its the extra £600 that is telling me why not give no 1 a go. I know deep down the cheapest isnt always the best way but I may see if I can look at his previous work. He says he has done some near me. The only thing putting me off is if I do let him do it and it turns out wrong.
Do I give him a chance?? I know most of you will say pay the extra and go for no 3!

Lois_E

Congrats on the new job, Pammy.

Do you get WTC and CTC? If so, make sure you tell them about the increased childcare, because you should get more to contribute to it.

gallygirl

I'd ask No 1 for references but also ask refs for No. 3.

Well done on the new job :j.

pammyj74

Thanks guys bit scared about the new job but was desperate to work nearer home, the drive each day was stressing me out as I was always rushing to get there and rushing back
I will ask for references but then anyone could be a family member to say he did the work, call me cynical!!

pink_poppy

Congratulations on the new job!!

And wowee on the January OP ~ you amaze me, you really do!! :T

Sorry, no idea on the building dilemma, I'd probably do what gally suggested & then pick the cheapest & end up regretting it (from experience ).

newgirly

Congratulations on the new job Pammy

pammyj74

Thanks for congrats Start new job next monday. They have told me that I dont need to work a month in hand which has took a weight off my shoulders!
So to celebrate I have OP'd £250 for feb and this has took another month off my term. End term is now Sept 18 :j

Lois_E

Phew! That's a relief, Pammy. What will they do - pay you half a month's salary at the end of Feb and then a whole month's from end of March onwards?