Make hay whilst the sun shines.

MoneyMission

Had final tooth implant appointment today and paid the final installment. Glad its over in terms of taking up time, too many mouth injections / stitches to want to remember and taking a huge wedge of money. All money can be directed at other pots now.
Have work bonus confirmed for end March. We all hit targets so this year we'll get 100% of our bonus which is fab. It'll go 3 ways - mortgage OP; savings 1; savings 2.

Not much else doing this weekend. Took Girl MM to pony and are going again tomorrow. Heading out to see family in the afternoon tomorrow for birthday celebrations. I've made a carrot cake to take along.

No other spending on the horizon for us until next week.

MoneyMission

Lovely OP of £1024 just made for this month. Very pleasing. Made up of normal overpayment plus 1/3 of my annual bonus. The other 2/3 have gone to savings.

We've finally (13 years of waiting!) ordered a new front door. Money already saved for this but will be putting it on the 0% spending credit card and leaving the ready cash available to us until OH has passed his probation in his new job. Two weeks to go until he starts and he is looking forward to the very short commute.

Easter holidays all planned for child care. Girl MM has a couple of birthday events coming up (her's and others) so there will be some financial outlay there. All ready in savings for that.

Work so busy and I have a constant internal battle between my career and being there for the kids. They're getting older now and should be capable of looking after themselves in the holidays but I don't actually want to leave them at home for 4 days a week. I like my current job but it is all consuming sometimes. Have seen a job in my dream industry that is less hours so have applied for that. Will be a significant drop in salary though. If I get an interview I'll have to seriously consider my options in the event I get offered it!

MoneyMission

Front door all fitted and am super pleased with it :j

Mr MM had last day at old job yesterday. New one starts Monday - how exciting.

I'm still debating my hours. Have a constant internal struggle re: working vs. holiday childcare. My Mum's situation has changed slightly as my Step-Dad had a bad accident last year and I don't feel as comfortable asking her for help anymore. She's still offering bless her but she has so much on her plate. I work 4 days a week with one day from home (Tuesday). I guess I could leave the kids at home on a Monday, WFH on Tuesday so I'm with them, ask Mum to have them on a Wednesday and then take Thursday as a day off annual leave. Friday is a non-working day for me anyway.

It's not ideal but it might work. Honestly, it gets harder as they're too old for kids clubs but too young to be left alone all week.

I can't be the only one in this situation? Anyone got any pearls of wisdom for me?

Not much to report in money antics. All plodding along.

Right - off to enjoy this beautiful weather.

MM

MoneyMission

On annual leave this week and some much needed downtime has been fantastic. I'm wafting around in a state of relaxed bliss not seen for sometime! Make mental note to try and balance life a bit better when I'm back at work!

Mr MM enjoying new job. It's odd him being here in the morning - he keeps getting in the way! His commute is now 5 minutes each way compared to 1 hour minimum each way. Much better in terms of work / life balance.

Kids both out at sleepovers last night so am enjoying a couple of hours to myself before I head off to pick them up. Not going to 'achieve' anything - just chilling out catching up with some diaries.

Have managed to overspend on one pot of money by £9 this month. Haven't been keeping a close enough eye on things to work out where it went though! Some forensic investigation required but can't be bothered right now!

MM

brizzledfw

Pearls of wisdom??! :rotfl: not sure about your getting that from me!!

Think you need to follow your instincts. I wouldn't leave them if you're unhappy with that - you need to be happy with your choices. Can a student sit with them perhaps and make sure they do homework?? Sometimes older people and neighbours are happy to help. Maybe ask about and see what people say.

How did your dream job go?

Have a great Easter

MoneyMission

Thanks Brizz. Dream job applications closed on Thursday so I guess they'll be in touch next week or the week after if I have an invitation to interview. Would be nice to get that far but not convinced I've got all the right experience. Still, nothing ventured nothing gained! If it does come off I'll never have childcare worries again as it's mornings only and I'm happy to leave the small people for mornings. They're more than capable of that now.

Still really enjoying the time off. Had family over yesterday and made a mountain of bacon sandwiches then chocolate cake for pudding - very healthy

Off to walk into town in a bit. Want to visit library and need to return summer PJ's for Girl MM as I found alternative ones in Sainsbobs for less ££. Will drop off friends birthday gift on the way.

OH and Boy MM off to a car event this afternoon. They're staying overnight so that they can be there early in the morning tomorrow. I'll be having an MSE girly night in with Girl MM.

Taking pony for long ride tomorrow. It's my version of going to the gym! I'll walk a good 10 miles which should burn off some chocolate calories :A

Happy Easter everyone.:EasterBun

brizzledfw

Love the Easter emojis!! Sounds like a fair swap to me...hope the weather holds for the ride.

MoneyMission

Managed 8 miles with pony today. Not sure who was more tired - him, Girl MM or me! Was lovely to be out though and we found some fantastic new tracks to follow. Weather OK - not too hot and not too cold. Perfect.

Have realised that I managed to miscount the number of grocery shopping weeks in April! Doh. Have got to make the budget last as it's a bit tight this month due to various spendy reasons. Have compiled budget meal plan for dinners. Still need to work out lunches. Think I've got enough breakfast items to last.

Dreading what the boys have spent at motor event. Even burgers from vans seem to cost upwards of £8. Sounds like they're having a good time though so am happy for them.

Right, off to make a shepherds pie. Yum.

MoneyMission

Boys spent a fair amount at motor sport weekend. Bless him, OH has been Bay of E'ing ever since to try and make amends even a little bit. They had a fab time.

Off to see pony in a mo. He's got chubby so we need to work him more.

Was offered job interview at dream job but then I was given a pay rise, a nice fat one, so I've decided to stay put. Have a few regrets but it will bring retirement closer and easier. Feel a little like I've sold my soul for the money but I so badly want this mortgage reduced / gone.

Had good chat with Mum about childcare and she's 100% certain she still wants to help out. I've also sent our childcare dates to uni student next door as she's helped us out in the past. If she can cover a few weeks this summer we'll be OK.

Gardening this afternoon. Might take the family out for tea and cake too! Just what I fancy.

MoneyMission

Righto. Quick update.

Still chucking bits at mortgage. Am on target but have had some other expenses lately so not been putting as much towards OP'ing as earlier in the year.

Just completed the 'ditch your fix' calculator and worked out we could move products with our current lender and save £233 per month. So have completed the application and will wait for outcome. Fingers crossed we get it. The £233 saving per month will go straight off the mortgage as an OP so will reduce it even quicker. Happy days.

Got to try and get on top of the food shopping. I need to change my mindset and go back to the days of cooking from scratch as have slipped into convenience foods a little due to busy life. Not ready meals or such but it's the snacks and nice extras that have crept in. Will return to basics for a bit.

Can't wait for holibobs in a couple of weeks. UK this year as went to big US trip last year. Be nice to get away from it and chill out.