Hypno's kick up the backside debt diary....

millionaire_in_training

OMG!!!!!!!!!! Falling about doing this :rotfl:
:T

hypno06

Benben, when my head is a little more together, I may look at AQA again. I need to get my self discipline sorted though before I take anything else on. I need to make sure I don't put stuff ahead of my PGCE that I am now doing.

The meters have been read and a note made. So 7.30 next Sunday I must remember to read them again! Normal usage though this week, so that means the tumble dryer. Drat :rolleyes: :rotfl:

taxi73

Thanks for answering those things Hypno..RE the house insurance...try the AA..I had 5 years no claims on buildings and contents insurance until last winter I had to make a buildings claim and they bumped my renewal up to £545...so went to AA and got it for £235 ish ..so maybe worth a try!!!
Its so annoying when people get away with hiding behind small print(surveyors hoilday companies etc)
Good luck with the meter readings

LookingAhead

Evening hypno....

Can't really add much to what's been said about your SOA but I did want to say a big well done for finally posting it as I know you have always dreaded it.

Tumble dryer.....that's gotta be cut out hon. I know the Winter is coming but even on cold days - if it is windy during the day, things will dry even if they take a little longer and, if we get another mild Winter, you'll be laughing.

We identified (as I put on my diary) that oven baking meals was eating up leccy - is your oven an electric one per chance? If so, see if there is anything you can do there. Though I think you have a slow cooker actually...?

I know the SOA has made you feel emotional - but think of it as a re-focussing exercise, that's all. It was there before even though it wasn't written down. So what's changed? You'll be looking for ways to reduce things. That's gotta be a good thing, right?

And you *are* reducing debt...you *are* going to get there...and when you do, I can't think of anyone else who will get a bigger cheer than you!

benbenandme

Yep fair point Hypno, sorry forgot about the PGCE ... I can't believe the surveyor got away with it, kind of makes a mockery of having a survey done really doesn't it?
I'm not saying you have to do the meter reading things, just a suggestion

hypno06

Come to think of it, before Dad died, we didn't have a tumble drier - I took his out of his house when it was sold, so that would tie in with me working from home too as it all happened at the same time.

Ok, so the tumble drier has to be used for emergencies only - I really do need to get my act together don't I? I can hardly keep on top of the washing and drying as it is, so need a big kick up the bum with this one. However, for the next week PURELY FOR THE ABILITY TO COMPARE ONE WEEK WITH ANOTHER YOU UNDERSTAND it will be used as "normal".

See, I knew I would get something out of posting my SOA eventually. It really does focus you on things doesn't it!!

I will go and try the AA for the house insurance too - in fact because my workshop has been cancelled on Wednesday, I can set aside an admin day for things like this which will give me chance to focus on it all properly.

LA, yes I have a slow cooker, and use it when possible. I generally don't use the oven for much more than storing baking trays I am pretty good I think on the old food front, batch cooking etc and of course we have loads of pasta which takes no time at all on the hob. ditto for 8p noodles

In_Search_Of_Me

Aww hugs for you hypno...I know how you feel...it's just too much some days isnt it. I was in the kitchen the day before yesterday with my head in my hands saying "I just dont know what to do!". Possibly the lowest point of my life; have never felt so desperate & never want to again, thus the decision to sell.
Re the SOA I would echo what the others said about phone etc..my leccy is expensive & one thing I can cut down on but I dont thing it will make a huge difference - we shall see! How about we do a leccy challenge for a month! You limit use of drier and I'll stop using my electric "comfort" (but SOOO expensive!) fan heater (all night!!)? You up for it?!
The karate is a tough one as it is really expensive but can understand why you want to keep it on...Wish we all had enough money & lived close enough that we could come and have regular treatments!! Just look at your sig though Mrs and how well you have come DESPITE negative balances! EVe though the numbers say you cant you ARE but it is so exhausting isnt it! Endless "doing" and thinking. Some days you just want it all to stop...OK I'll stop now as waffling. In short. Huge squidgy hug for you!

LookingAhead

If you have to use the tumble dryer because you've got a lot of washing.....see if you can only use it for things that dry really quickly....leaving line space for the more 'serious' items!

If that makes sense.

hypno06

Ok then FF, you are on for a leccy challenge!! As from next Sunday evening, I will be using the tumble drier for:

undies - they dry quickly and I don't like my next door neighbour seeing my "smalls" on the line for fear of perving.....

therapy towels - they need to be soft, and line drying doesn't do it as well.

For everything else, it will be the washing line, or the radiators, should the heating be on.

FF, you are spot on - endless "doing and thinking" is absolutely draining. But then, I am not alone there am I - thankfully I have you lot to help me out.....(again!!).

liloandstitch

I dont know if this helps with the electricity, but we had very high bills (over £100 per month just leccy) We identified the items which were costing the money - electric heaters (not fan - convectional ones) mainly. We have looked at how we used them - we have no central heating, just a wood burning stove. Lets just say we are a lot more hardy now!!! But another thing that saves us money is that we have a night meter (cheaper electric at night) which we were hardly using. As I couldnt give up my gadgets, I now run my washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher on timer overnight, at 3 1/2p per unit - and am disciplined not to use it at any other time. The meter doesnt switch over til 9.30 (8.30 when clocks go back) so there is plenty of time to do extra loads in the morning. It can be a bit of a pain, but we get used to it, and our bill has reduced to £60 per month which is a huge saving for us.
I hope this is of some use hypno, I admire what you are doing and your dedication to giving to giving your kids a great life - keep up the good work and inspiration to us folk.
Lilo