LBM in 2003.. What have I been doing since??!

jwil

Nice to see you again Brizzle!

brizzledfw

Thanks guys, it's good to be back. I am slowly getting aound the diaries, loads I have missed out on!

Today has been a day of reflection. I can't work out exactly what we owe as I can't find out what's in the OP part of the mortgage but am sure it's not great. I think we owe around £11k on interest free cards, although one is losing its promo deal and am not sure I will get a new one. Can only try tho!

OH has spent ages creating a new front garden over the last 2 weekends. It's amazing. He's done it all, laying slabs etc but of course it has still cost us £400 we think for stone, hire of tools, hard core etc. Still a bench to source too. But I guess it would have been hundreds more if we had paid for it to be done. I seem to have spent all day in the kitchen as well as a quick trip to Mr A, N.xt and Mr T. Stuck to the list tho which was largely some essential clothes for DD1.

Going to SMs is not really my idea of a great Sunday but made lots of yummy food for lunch and tea so that's OK. I made HM soup and then toad in the hole. It was good. I also made bagels and poached egg for lunch do pretty good day all round and most of it was store cupboard stuff.

OH and I are going out tonight for an hour or 2. Just the local pub, nothing glamorous but will be lovely to see him and have a chat. I will also talk to him about our budget if Budget Brain is on side.have put something in the budget for Sunday night drinks with my OH..seems like a key part of continuing to remain sane!

Will keep you all posted. My early NY resolution is to keep up my diary and with yours too!

Brizzle x

brizzledfw

Hi all

No wifi at our local so BB was shelved and we just chatted instead. I think I need to do more thinking before I formulate a plan anyway. We have spent considerably more than we have earnt this year which is completely unsustainable and cutting back is way easier to say than do.

Today I have checked with the bank re the mortgage. The OP pot has been really depleted..to pay off repeated ODs I think and to cover a splurge of spending when OH was away for a month in the summer. Anyway its out there now for everyone to see the only one I am not sure about is a 0% T3sco card. (whoops, have checked after searching through months and months of 'unfiled' paperwork and I was only out on my guess by £76 so not bad). But in doing so have found another CC with another £500 odd quid to pay off..:mad: c'rist I am a liability... and I will have to amend my sig again..

On a good note the solar panels have achieved more than my budget forecast..despite the carppy weather..

Off now. A trip to the big smoke so have had to spend money on tickets etc but will keep it as minimal spend as possible,

Hope you all have a good week

brizzledfw

PS just back as have updated my signature.

Not to have an OD and to pay off CC4 and CC5 as we pay 'usual' rates of interest on those 2 cards (rather than promo rates) are the first steps of the 2012/13 Financial Plan. I will get going on this today. Cutting down what we spend is key here.. prepare to hear tales of soup and dry bread folks!! And the screams of sad children!!

Laters

Brizzle

brizzledfw

Shattered..good trip to London but travelling back now and EXHAUSTED!!!!

Some successes this year:

-renting out campervan (first let this weekend..am nervous but its the right move)
-earning additional income, selling items we didnt need eg.second car
- income from solar panels
- keeping on some savings and until recently OPs on mortgage

Some categoric faiilures:
-spending too much on food and 'leisure' stuff and holiday type things
-having a budget and failing to stick to it..HUGE problem
-working too many additional hours with no additional recompense- adding to fuel and childcare costs

May add to this list...but its all kinda fundamental so a need a plan fast that we stick to...

Hope everyone has had a good day.

Brizzle

brizzledfw

Shattered..good trip to London but travelling back now and EXHAUSTED!!!!

Some successes this year:

-renting out campervan (first let this weekend..am nervous but its the right move)
-earning additional income, selling items we didnt need eg.second car
- income from solar panels
- keeping on some savings and until recently OPs on mortgage

Some categoric faiilures:
-spending too much on food and 'leisure' stuff and holiday type things
-having a budget and failing to stick to it..HUGE problem
-working too many additional hours with no additional recompense- adding to fuel and childcare costs

May add to this list...but its all kinda fundamental so a need a plan fast that we stick to...

Hope everyone has had a good day.

Brizzle

poohbear59

brizzled You have some good positives there. I like the idea of renting out the campervan. Your negatives are much like mine, one of which is overspending on budget. I am keeping a tally of till receipts on the notice board in the kitchen to see exactly where our money is going. It is scary when you see how much and where it is going.

jwil

Hope the rental goes well!

Piquant_2

Renting out the camper van can only help the finances, once the first rental is out the way you might feel better about it.

You'll have to step back into your Financial Director role for the family to keep track of the spending, you've done it before you can do it again!

Really good to have you back. Now all we need to do is track down Mrs PG and Mrs Happy....

brizzledfw

Thanks guys. You're right Piq, FD role is what is needed..

I like the idea of putting till receipts up or even a tally..I may start that. Thanks Poohbear for the tip.

Currently being let down by a supplier Jwil..have broken sink in van and a new one was promised over 10 days ago...won't be happy if it doesn't arrive in time and my foot is currently on his neck....let's see what he can conjour up!