Balancing not just the budget

RosaBernicia

redofromstart wrote: »

We did a few 'good food' pubs that let you take the van, generally found from here

Ooh thanks Redo that looks very useful, especially as the kitchen isn't in full operation just yet


I've also found a 'park for the night' app that covers motorway service stations etc - not as scenic but potentially useful if plans change suddenly.





Rosa xx

doingitanyway

All sounds so exciting

RosaBernicia

I'm stopping by for an update even though I still haven't got my shuffle done - the receipts pile is growing on my desk!


No major spends but do need to claim expenses for a train ticket that wouldn't go through the normal work system. Still 'furnishing' the van, but the good news is that this is helping declutter because the extra bedding, duplicated kitchen utensils and a few small storage boxes are being rehomed there! I'm having to pick up a few bits but am making good use of loyalty points atm - ShopNScan has paid for 2/3 of a steel cafetiere (less breakable than glass), N3ctar points have bought a grater, corkscrew and kitchen scissors and C7ubcard points paid for part of salt and pepper grinders. It sounds like far too much kitchen stuff to be taking but there is cupboard space and I don't want to repeat those student moments of finding that a peeler or grater would save my sanity and fingers, nor do I have any intention of packing this stuff every time I want to escape!



Need to make a couple of calls tomorrow - Bu7b are screwing up my switch and there is a problem with a standing order form where someone forgot to fill in the frequency (not me!) so it has bounced.



Was intending to catch up with my extra contract work tonight but what I've actually done is organise that email inbox. Feels much more doable now that I can see what's waiting and have detoured all the rest. Hoping another couple of weeks will get that and the van project just about done :eek: and then... well, we'll see what happens next




Rosa xx

beanielou

All sounding good

UncannyScot

Hi Rosa

When you do come up beyond the wall drop me a message and I'll give you some tips on routes and places to visit / head for. Maybe we could even meet up somewhere

As you say the rules are different up here

RosaBernicia

UncannyScot wrote: »

Hi Rosa

When you do come up beyond the wall drop me a message and I'll give you some tips on routes and places to visit / head for. Maybe we could even meet up somewhere

As you say the rules are different up here

Thanks US that's very kind of you

Buffythedebtslayer

Rosa I am so behind! This all sounds bloody brilliant! How cool are you??

I am so jealous, not that I could drive something like that but wow, such freedom and fun

XXXX

RosaBernicia

Buffythedebtslayer wrote: »

Rosa I am so behind! This all sounds bloody brilliant! How cool are you??

I am so jealous, not that I could drive something like that but wow, such freedom and fun

XXXX

Buffy! :j


It really isn't that difficult to drive, I've found it much easier to adjust than I expected. I think sitting high up probably helps. So don't let that hold you back

MuffinTops

Rosa, I've just caught up on all your goings on since I was last properly here and I'm so impressed with all of your updates. You've made me look veritably stagnant!

I would also love more of a van life and currently lots of people who post their van expeditions on YouTube. You've really got me thinking about going for that weekend traveller experience. Thank you.

It's been lovely catching up with everything you have going on.

MTxx

RosaBernicia

:eek::eek:

Ok I have finally faced up to YNAB. Accounting for all the van stuff (including servicing and some work in August) and a new mattress, I am £1700 over budget for August and that's after allowing for my extra contract payment and pulling £500 out of the buffer fund. On the other hand, I am not at all sorry - definitely things that bring me joy :j. I can't believe it took me so long to buy a decent mattress, it's definitely worth it.

Barring disasters things will be back on an even keel in a few months, though then again there are the costs of going away in September to be accounted for. I think there will be less furniture bought over the winter than I thought! I am still paying off the CC in full and just leaving the rest to show in YNAB in red, so that I am reminded not to spend on things that don't bring me their full worth in joy


Rosa xx