I have a dream...to be a MFW

ajmoney

Trying to keep going and actually get stuff done tonight. Starting by cooking myself a proper meal, chicken with harissa and tomatoes (seeing as Mr AJM isn't keen) with thai couscous and broccoli.

1 load of washing nearly finished and still warm enough to hang out (already tried earlier but took it out too early as I didn't look at the display )

The only thing I have done every day is wash up and keep an eye on the banking...priorities!

ajmoney

Trying to finally get things done today. So far I have managed to finish the ironing (started it early before it got too hot), have cleaned the kitchen and sorted a mountain of paperwork and mail. Glad I did as I have had my annual S & S ISA statement through value last year £12,058.83 value this year £24,879.08 :j and I have only paid in £7883.14 so not too bad. Sometimes I am unsure whether I should be paying into it or just putting the money into the mortgage but this is a reminder that I wouldn't get the same return and I am effectively offsetting it anyway. It is just a shame this kind of return isn't guaranteed.

I need to motivate myself to check my inventory so I can meal plan and make a shopping list of things to get tomorrow. Although I won't be here when Mr AJM gets back on Friday I am planning on having things in for him to have and food for the weekend so he won't go shopping and buy things we don't need.

I only have until about 1.30 as I am going to the gym for a cycle and swim and then need to work. I would like to have time to myself when I get back tonight hence trying to push myself that bit more now.

ajmoney

Inventory done and I have a list of things to be used before we go on holiday in 2 weeks time. I even cleaned the cupboards as I went. I am going to list it here as I am more likely to remember to use them up.

Vanilla sugar - I have a lot of this to use and it is quite out of date so this might be awkward
Baking powder - same as above
Tomato puree
Balsamic dipping oil
Red pesto
BBQ sauce - same as vanilla sugar
Croissant dough - WILL use for breakfast at the weekend and not buy fresh ones!
Vegetable oil
Walnut pieces - going into flapjacks
Plain flour - I have a lot of this to use!
Stewed steak
Flake easter egg - desserts
Creme eater egg - desserts
10 yoghurts - will be used up with breakfasts/lunches
Butter for baking x 2

I WILL use these up and make a start on some of the other bits when we are back from holiday. I am going to try and make an effort to list things as they come in from the supermarket to make the inventory thing a bit easier. I guess if I meal plan properly then I will only be buying what we need for each meal and it will get used.

joedenise

I wouldn't worry too much about using up the sugar, baking powder and flour. They'll keep way past their BB date. With the baking powder you probably need to use a bit more than usual once it's past its best though.

Denise

ajmoney

Mr AJM has just arrived in Dover :j looking forward to talking to him later, the last week seems to have dragged.

£120 should be in my account tomorrow courtesy of £co so that will be OPd

nattypants

Hurray for Mr AJ arriving back:T

Enjoy your day

newgirly

I have had my annual S & S ISA statement through value last year £12,058.83 value this year £24,879.08 :j and I have only paid in £7883.14 so not too bad. Sometimes I am unsure whether I should be paying into it or just putting the money into the mortgage but this is a reminder that I wouldn't get the same return and I am effectively offsetting it anyway. It is just a shame this kind of return isn't guaranteed.

Wow that is a fantastic return! Just being nosey but is one where you pick the investments yourself or a high street bank one where its spread over lots of different companies? Sorry if that's a daft question, I no nothing about stocks and shares!

Glad mr aj is nearly home

nattypants

Thank you for asking the question newgirly, as I have been wondering about this also:)

lulabelle1

nattypants wrote: »

Thank you for asking the question newgirly, as I have been wondering about this also:)

Ha - I was wondering this also, looking forward to the answer, been thinking about starting one of these for ages, but then I always get a bit scared when it comes to the bit where you choose what you want.

ajmoney

Newgirly, Lula and Natty - Mine are set up through Nationwide, they went through all the separate funds with me and I picked the ones I wanted to pay into. Now they are set up and I can access them online I can change the monthly amount between them although this costs me a little extra. I am quite happy to set my own "normal" accounts up but I am happy for someone else to help with the stocks and shares ISA. I guess all banks have their own funds etc. I set up them up initially 4 years ago as I had £19k in a cash ISA, was maxing it out each month and still had loads of money left and wanted to get a better return. Since then we have moved and got the larger mortgage and I pay far less in, but I know these work for me and is the only way I will get to my MF goal quicker so have stuck with them and just pay a smaller amount in.