Balancing not just the budget

doingitanyway

You've reminded me to move money in my account to PBs. Interest rates are rubbish and at least with PBs there is a chance of winning something.

Your comments about house prices are right. It's a mess. It seems obvious that house prices will fall what with the projected unemployment situation, but who knows? I'm still unclear what I will do if I sell.

Good luck with vehicle month.

RosaBernicia

Sunday shuffle, as I want to get back in the habit!

All up to date, didn't pay off 'regular' points gaining CC in full as refunds are due so didn't want to end up with the hassle of credit on the account.  I was going to give up this account as I can't shop in that store anymore, but then found out there is a branch in a town I will now be going to regularly, so a chance to pick up some of my favourites and use up the points.  I don't need to change, or to disrupt my credit record, and I don't think there is a much better option out there so it can stay. 

Decided at silly o'clock this morning to pay off the last bit remaining on the 0%.  I had been putting this off as wanted to see the deposit amount growing and it wasn't costing me anything, so had kept telling myself that the ever-delayed expenses would clear it.  Have now just paid it off, the expenses should finally arrive this month and so should some other money so will reshuffle on payday and if necessary take some out of savings and holiday funds. 

Current status...

• House deposit - a little less than I'd like it to be, but growing
• Emergency fund - halfway there
• Savings - a little bit (should really chuck these in the emergency fund and start again)
• Other pots - ok, could do with building up a few but spare money is being held back for the van and for house deposit at present. 

Things to do...

• Chase up work about my new pay allowance
  
• Book some leave - I have holiday funds but haven't sorted using them
  
• Read the books I already have instead of buying any more
• Debate again what is worth putting on Ebay and what can just go to charity (it really isn't worth the hassle of extra trips to the post office at present because it means having to go out at lunchtime and mess up my working day, so I think I need to up my minimum-bothering prices). 
• Everybody cross your fingers for the van's health!

RB xx

moneyonmymindsam

Ah well done on the Sunday shuffle haven't done my yet. 
I've split stuff between charity and selling as it all got too much when I thought all the time I would spend posting ☺️
I haven't really got many pots on the go at the moment but the grocery budget has a mega strict eye on it.

I brought a bag of revels (don't know why) do you happen to know if the soft minstrel type ones are galaxy counters(!?) if so I am addicted to them 😁🤔... 
Hope you have a good week. 
Sam x

RosaBernicia

Mmmm Revels... yes as far as I remember the Minstrel shape ones are Minstrels.  Haven't had those in years!

So much stuff boils down to time vs money doesn't it! 

RosaBernicia

Quick Sunday shuffle as have worked all weekend and have stuff to get done tomorrow. 

Will be putting in an offer on a house this week, send lucky thoughts please... deposit pot is ok for this, prices are apparently still mad in several directions but I don't think I could risk the value of this house changing so it's just offer what I can afford and see what happens. 

I've been assured that my expenses etc should come through this month, so all being well I will be able to save again from now.  Glad I did decide to pay off the last card, it feels a relief and a bit of a fresh start. 

A bit of potential spending but on exercise related stuff - the pools are reopening, yay! - but apparently times are limited and so are changing facilities, so I think I may have to try and fit it in work hours and shower at home.  Ordered a onesie - really NOT my thing, never really considered it before - for absolute minimum changing faff, as I will have to drive there anyway so can pitch up in trackies/ onesie and flip flops, and get back in the car in the same!  But realised I need swim hats and I want more hammam towels so that I don't have to do endless extra loads of washing to be ready for three swims a week (that's the plan).  I don't know why I feel vaguely guilty about these, I wouldn't about other clothes and it makes a difference to have stuff I feel good in to exercise in just like wearing any other time.  So I decided to try and get over it and have ordered a couple of expensive Lands End swimsuits to try (even if they were in the sale - I didn't know it was possible to spend £98 on a swimsuit, where have I been ) . 

Ebay stuff has gone nowhere, bored with it now tbh and it's a bit late for the summer gear so should probably sort through the winter bits later this month. 

So not much news this week but plodding all going in the right direction     hope all is well with everybody too

RB xx

moneyonmymindsam

Think the spends on exercise is totally worth it as all contributes to wellbeing - going three times a week sounds amazing and considering cost per wear at that rate you will soon get your monies worth. 
Wow about house!!! Am praying for you, if it's meant to be, I'm sure it will happen. 
So exciting 

doingitanyway

Sending positive vibes for the house you are offering on.
I am also excited about the pools opening. I have booked a swim for Wednesday.
Have a good week.

MuffinTops

Hello Rosa,
Thank you for dropping the chocolate my way recently.  It's still taken me a while to log on but I really appreciate the nudge as I need to get onto more thrifty ways again as I've managed to let things slide a bit.  All is sounding pretty good with you.  Good luck with the house hunt and I'm sorry about the home you lost.  It's also sad that the other bids got it with underhand tactics too.

I haven't properly caught up as I've been away from here for so long, but will do over the next week or so.  Love the sound of the swimming costumes.  Take care.

MTx

RosaBernicia

Oh MT how lovely to see you!  Clearly tagging is a wonderful new invention    Looking forward to hearing your news. 

Just waiting to hear about the house offer, deadline was 1200. 

RosaBernicia

Sunday shuffle... not much small shuffling happening, but one big piece of news - it looks like I have a house.  Offer was accepted, much to my surprise!  Am quietly pleased about it but don't have the energy for loads of enthusiasm right now as still have lots going on with work and it means so much to organise.  Already spoke with one mortgage consultant and will try another this week as well as calling one of my banks direct.  I am hearing there are still delays in getting mortgages through but hoping to move in mid November.  This also means it's just as well I'm still here on DFW, as I will be officially going back into debt - I will be borrowing some money from parents to enable me to get to a lower LTV band.  Not entirely happy about this, but I've now been looking for a year and the alternative seems to be joining the madness trying to get high LTV or buying a house I don't really want and that is not as likely to hold its value.  I expect to pay it off within 6 months or so, so it isn't dramatic amounts, and it's not as if I am the only person whose plans are being detoured by the pandemic, just feels frustrating.  There will of course also be costs for the solicitor, moving, and redecorating - delighted that more experienced friends have offered to come and help with painting and paper hanging, so I can minimise costs there except for one room which needs new flooring.  I will finally have more space for friends to stay, a proper garden, a much better kitchen and much easier access to the beach, the pool and the train, and driveway parking (which sounds a small thing, but I so hate not knowing if there will be space outside my house).  I really don't think I could have found anything that ticks more boxes, so fingers crossed for things to go smoothly and I can spend the long nights redecorating and the summer on the beach!

In other news, swimsuits are ace and are staying  (flattering shape while practical for actually swimming and moving around in), onesies are going back, and the van is costing me money again   -  I am so hoping I'll be able to get more use out of it soon! 

Hope all is well with everyone else too

RB xx