Balancing not just the budget

RosaBernicia

doingitanyway wrote: »

Well done on the exercise front.

I like the idea of money following our goals

It's a bit YNAB - I think some of my dollars have got distracted and not been doing the best jobs they could have

RosaBernicia

So, as I said in my last post I am beginning to find that I need to keep my eye on the finances ball a bit more than I have been. Not meaning to whinge, things are all ok and I am SO grateful that I found this place already - I honestly don't know what kind of a muddle I'd be in without it. :money::A Now I know that I already have the skills to get myself where I want to be, I just need to get it underway.



So... I am still a bit ahead of myself, but I do know why - I have been sticking my head in the sand about how much some self-care appointments cost, partly because I am horrified at the idea of spending that much per month. But of course it still does cost that and I need to acknowledge this. I also need to remember that I am worth it. Plus in a way I am still adjusting to having the van loan, as I had got used to having money to play with that isn't there any more.



What am I doing about it? Well, I've already set up my broadband switch - it's not much cheaper, but it should be better, and I need that now that I wfh more. I've also started a current account switch which should net me a welcome extra £150. I've checked my electric bill, which has happily dropped the direct debit by over £20 a month. And I hassled YNAB about what on earth was going on with my credit card bill. Turns out they did change the methodology for handling cc overspends, but only in the online version - and I hadn't noticed before because I'd always had it covered within the month. Now that I know, I will ensure that the cc payment pot covers the balance before month end and it should all stay square. Oh, and as the garden will be a project next year I'm looking out for ideas and cheap ways of doing that.



I allowed myself to take some money out of the buffer fund for this month, but I do want to start building it back up again as I get on track. I know I could leave it and I know I am fortunate enough that I don't really need to worry, but having paid things off once I find I am very uncomfortable worrying that I'm off track and I want to feel organised again. I will do some more planning as I know that I want money from next spring to be used for fun stuff, so there's only a couple of winter paycheques for other things.



My dollars are being given their proper jobs again and I am plodding back in the right direction




Rosa xx

RosaBernicia

Main shuffling already done on payday, so not much to add here.



I am making slow progress with the DIY but pleased to find that what remains is small costs and time, rather than major jobs. So will just keep plodding there.



I worked out that I will be back to an even keel with December's paycheque, so that feels a relief. I still need to build the buffer fund back up but it means that a lot of big costs are over and all being well I will have a bit more leeway.



In small :money:things... account switch underway, broadband switch confirmed, groceries budget not doing too badly. Discovered you get cash as change from the John Lewis CC reward vouchers, which is worth knowing . Overspent on clothes but not regretting it as they are just what I wanted, so will just reshuffle budget as needed. Enough points in 5hopN5can to get a voucher, but saving it as - finally! - the house has about all the bits it needs, so might put the points towards garden stuff nearer spring.



So all good here and grateful for it




Rosa xx

doingitanyway

Sounds like you have it under control.

Good to know the house is getting to where you want it to be.

Did you call the gardeners in the end or are you waiting for Spring to do that?

Wishing you a productive week ahead

RosaBernicia

doingitanyway wrote: »

Did you call the gardeners in the end or are you waiting for Spring to do that?

Wishing you a productive week ahead

I didn't get round to more quotes in the end, the gardener I had booked did turn up and cleared both gardens including getting rid of all the stuff. It looks very bare and needs weeding and tidying but I'm glad I had it done as at least now it looks a bit more presentable and will be so much less work for me - I get to do the fun bits now

MuffinTops

Hello Rosa,

I've caught up again! It's a shame you didn't get to go away this summer but I completely understand the priorities.

Also, don't forget that everything you're spending on the house is an investment. I didn't really do that with mine on an ongoing basis and now need the whole house sorted, which is making my heart palpitate just at the thought of how much that will cost.

Yay to getting the garden clear. Especially at this time of year as you have some time to get out and get lots done before it all starts growing again.

RosaBernicia

MuffinTops wrote: »

Hello Rosa,

I've caught up again! It's a shame you didn't get to go away this summer but I completely understand the priorities.

Also, don't forget that everything you're spending on the house is an investment. I didn't really do that with mine on an ongoing basis and now need the whole house sorted, which is making my heart palpitate just at the thought of how much that will cost.

Yay to getting the garden clear. Especially at this time of year as you have some time to get out and get lots done before it all starts growing again.

MT! Lovely to see you :j
You're right, it is all investment and it's much more satisfying than just having a landlord fix things. I will be working on the garden soon and am hoping to make use of the van in the spring.



Rosa

RosaBernicia

Today's lesson, folks, is to check your statements. I thought it was a bit odd the CC was so far of YNAB, and it turns out an order I cancelled wasn't refunded like they promised it was. At over £150 that could have been an expensive mistake.



I'm still a bit ahead of myself money-wise but that's because I bought my Christmas treat early and have been clothes shopping. Starting to catch up with myself a bit now.



Need new tyres on the car, but that's in the budget already. And to do the blasted tax return - there is about half the amount needed in there, and I must just save the whole of the next payment so that gets up to date.



Otherwise all fairly quiet here and hoping things stay peaceful for a few weeks!




Rosa xx

doingitanyway

At least you spotted the error.

I was wondering if you were okay as you didn't post the usual Sunday shuffle.
I'm glad all sounds under control

RosaBernicia

I've been away the last couple of weekends and got distracted! Otherwise I'd have spotted it sooner... hope they email on Monday otherwise I will have to chase them in between meetings etc.