TallGirl seeks new financial freedom & hope to loose a few pounds on the way.

TallGirl

Very naughty just emailed the guys who did our garden renovation for a qoute to fit a greenhouse. Really like this one as its Hexagonal

Same manufacturer but this is what is avaible in the UK even same size but square:



Unless I am going mad, which I was they are the same shape just got confirmation and found a more local supplier.

TallGirl

Just got my Amazon delivery of books and garden markers and my long tall sally tracksuits. Omg it's lovely yes expensive but will feel so good wearing it tonight at the gym. It's grey with pink and white details so need a top that goes with it now. More spending I know what am I like.

TallGirl

Right back on the Money Saving Trail as I have just applied and been accepted for a 1st Direct Account and two new savings accounts.

I have sat down my goals and worked out how to achieve them my main one being that I want to open a cash ISA each April for the full amount to take advantage of the Fixed Rates they always offer if you can fill them up within 14 days.

Goals by 1st April 2013
ISA 13/14 £5,760
I should easily be able to do this if I don't go and get a greenhouse and a load of gardening work done.

Goals by 1st April 2014
ISA 14/15 £5,700
First Direct Regular Saver £300 x 12 = £3,600 (This will go towards the ISA payments)
Barclay Card paid off £1,500 (this is interest free for another 12 months)

Income £1,927

Joint bills £500
Contacts £15 Gym £20
Extra ISA Saving £175
1st Direct Saver £300
Barclay Card £150
Zopa £100

Total Set Expenses £1,260

I shall set it up so I have two current account my main wages and all bills plus savings comes out of 1st Direct then I transfer spending money to Santander. I cannot touch 1st Direct or the savings.

I think that should work well and stop me from frittering money away.

Annoyingly I did not get my Santander 123 Credit Card canceled so just been billed £24 for it. I struggle to get enough cash back as my petrol is bought via the company credit card and that is the biggest earner I think. Will see how I go this year and certainly cancel it next year.

My other credit card is Tesco Mastercard handy for Tesco Points as I actually have two Tesco POints accounts and this one I get vouchers the other airmiles.

My 3rd Credit Card is the interest free BarclayCard taken out to cover my flights and other expenses late last year. It is interest free but will clear it within 1 year as I only pay min balance now. This can be my second credit card if I cancel Santander.

So got the ball rolling will keep you updated main aim isn NO MORE SPENDING I HAVE TO STOP.

Do want that greenhouse so will have to find a way to fit that in there once I know what the bill is going to be.

catshark88

Greenhouse looks nice, for whenever you choose to get one!

TallGirl

Thanks Catshark88 the more I think about it the more I want one hence the many posts.

Anyway got the costings in and they are not too bad to be honest as they incl putting in a new gate (the old one was fitted wrong and it is so tricky to close as it gets smashed up by the wind). I am also getting a moving strip layed down the other side of the lawn and new slabs down the side where the bins are as they are mainly loose or broken.

So here we are total cost £1866.31 but that does not incl putting up the greenhouse (some places charge £500 for fitting one) but I might be able to do it myself and if I get stuck I do have a friend who is a window fitter so I might get him to do the rest.

However can I fund this and still get a full ISA filled up in April this is where we are right now:

Savings Status 23.01.13
ISA 2013 money needed £5,760.00
Esaver balance £4,400.00
ISA Shortfall £1,360.00

OK I have already paid my credit cards off (apart from Barclays) for next month so should be bit extra out of my wages but still this doesnt look good:

ISA Short Fall £1,360.00
Greenhouse labour £1,866.31
Cost of Greenhouse £850.00
Extra cost of building £200.00 (paying friend potentially)
Total to find by April 2013 £4,276.31

I have 3 sets of wages left to pay this out of but its still £1425 each month to save.

OK I can cancel Zopa for 3 months thats £300, but I still need to pay into the joint account as well as pay for food and other bits and pieces. Not possible unless I buy the greenhouse on a credit card and balance transfer it.

Need to think about this but will cancel my Zopa S/O right now as that is not essential.

TallGirl

Just asked builders if they will fix the base to the paving and then I will try to build it. Also checking if the price incl vat. Did ask DH what he thought and he just said that's expensive but I know he will actually eat the cucumbers and tomatoes we grow so that's a bonus.

Feeling rough today did not sleep properly last night and its the time of the month didn't got to e gym either last night which was really bad.

Need to collect a parcel from the post office left yesterday as the post van was parked at the top of the road typical isn't it. I am hoping its my seed potatoes or the photo book. Don't want to go until the post have been today though.

Went to Lidl yesterday got some essentials I do love that shop wish mine was a bit nearer.

catshark88

We put a similar looking one up for the inlaws. DH and FIL both handy, me trying, MIL constantly offering tea....

Went up quite easily as I recall. It was a bit like Lego, get the base right and the rest goes into place!

TallGirl

Thanks Catchark that is really good to know my DH is totally useless with anything like that so will be a challenge but I can take my time.

Still not collected my parcel, got my Boden one the hat is nice but the blackberry cover is naff it's huge.

Got to be the photos book will go and collect it soon.

Also got all the stuff from 1st Direct need to call them and set that up.

TallGirl

It was the photo book OMG it's lovely cost £20 or so on Groupon so worth it is stunning and such a lovely memory from the trip. Can't wait to show DH.

Feeling really bad now want some sleep.

TallGirl

Still feeling rough but it's Friday so that is lovely.

DH has agreed to help me put the greenhouse up, I know we will fight and argue over it but he also agreed we will ask our friend to help if we get stuck.

Quote should come back today with final price, I can't think it will be much more to have the base fitted to the slabs. The price does not in incl vat as they are not Vat registered yet (just about to) so if done soonish will be saving 20%. I know I should get several quotes but they are a lovely company and they did such a good job on the garden last year.

I am trying to resist ordering e 6 Nail Inc varnishes for £15. I don't need any more got way too many already but I have £5 off and if I pay £5 to renew my VIP membership I get a free polish. However if you buy two items you get a freebie and free postage if over £40 so really don't want to get tempted by looking. Please let me be strong thinking of that greenhouse shortfall does help.

Got a few more places to buy the greenhouse from and all have special offers but not all have everthing I would like. However one does 4.04% cashback on TCP that's worth taking into consideration.

Still not spoken to 1st Direct will do today.