Jazee's Diary

Jazee

Not a lot to report here except with all the news today re prescription charges I am going to get a yearly pass.  I hadn't realised you can pay monthly rather than having to find over £100 in one go.

Jazee

I have just realised that we sometimes have NSDs now that DH doesn't drink anymore.

Jazee

I have been moving money around and preparing a new budget due to rising fuel and food prices.  Part of this has been closing ISAs and moving a chunk of our savings to premium bonds.  We've had five small wins in the last six months so have had more ' interest ' than any bank account.
 I'm glad to see that we can still continue to only work part time and spend the rest of the time doing hobbies and enjoying our grand babies.

Jazee

Oops, I forgot something in my budgeting and we're £450 short for the year.  I usually get a bonus but this can't be relied on and DHs work is sporadic but we need to think about how we're spending every penny.  It was absolutely the right decision not to replace my car.
Yesterday I spent £2 to attend knit and natter, £1.50 for a loaf and DH spent £54.50 on petrol.
 I have actually squirrelled £5 to savings this morning but they will obviously be needed at some stage.

Jazee

DH has been offered a permanent role so that is really good news.

pennywisepoundstupid

congratulations that's brilliant news.

Jazee

I am trying not to spend money but not doing that well.  Our budget is now different again as DH has a permanent job.  It's good news because it will mean guaranteed income as opposed to temping which is not always available but is paying a little less overall.  However, I'm sure it's the right decision from a less stressful life point of view especially as DH has now given up drinking.  

We'll have to live within our means and we are lucky enough to have some savings to fall back on should we need to.  Having previously paid off over £50k of debt and having gone through previous recessions and periods of unemployment, I'm sure we'll survive the current cost of living increases.

 I'm not too proud to use the community fridge either.  I hate seeing food go to waste.

Today I spent at a local event:
£2 on raffle tickets
£1 on two toys for DGD1
£2 for a cup of tea and slice of cake while we were out
£3 for a jar of local honey, essential for my hay fever 

So £8, but I normally pay £4.50 for local honey and a lot more for toys so I'm ok with that.

Jazee

Today, I have ordered some items which for me seem essential and want to get stocked up on. Fly swats (last one has broken), interdental brushes, chub rub shorts, hair mousse and cleanser.  Everything bought at lowest possible prices or using offers.

Jazee

Trying to keep to budgets, didn't overspend on holiday last week and won another £25 on premium bonds.  We're both focused on being frugal so we can manage on the pay from DHs new job.
This morning we picked up some free paving slabs to lay a new front path.
The way to go will be strict meal planning, and always seeking out second hand when we need anything.
For leisure, we have English heritage membership and will take packed lunches and we also have a cinema and a restaurant voucher to use courtesy of birthday presents.

Jazee

We have been very frugal this week.
DH has done a meal plan and a big shop which came in at a similar price to an old weekly shop.
 I did go to an event today but only spent £7.50 and that was on lunch and ice cream.
DH has had to order a new shaver as he dropped his not so old one, but that is an essential for him.
 I'm hoping the next two or three days will be NSD as we had the realisation this week that we're actually going to have two months with no income from DH as he won't be paid till the end of September.  I want to keep dipping into savings to a minimum.