The BIG Plan...

MummyEm

Had quite a productive day yesterday. Sorted out loads of paperwork in the study. Piles shredded, lots moved to archive files to be kept for the just-in-case six years. Should make things much easier for DH who will need to start getting his tax return together shortly.

I should probably have been doing my studying really but I'm most productive when I procrastinate

Once paperwork was straightened decided to sort out some savings and isa accounts that I first planned to do last January

-opened new isa for DH and requested transfer of old one from rubbish rate
-arranged appointment with bank to open kids an Issa each (to transfer out of old rubbish performing CTFs) will also open them savings accounts here to transfer money from current ones as again much better rate
-opened myself an isa at above bank as want the better kids isa rate
-requested energy switch to save £110 approx p/y. Pricing has come down a lot, doesn't feel that long since last switch! Have credit on account of over £200 which should be fairly accurate tho think we will use extra over holiday period as lots of family staying

I think that's it though I'm also considering moving current account. Need to speak to hubby about this but fees are going up again which just doesn't seem to be worthwhile. I'd also like to change our credit cards. We have two paid off every month for every spending on one and DH work expenses on the other. We could be doing better with cash back/rewards so will look at this further.

The only other things to think about are pensions but I have a new one due to be set up at work and DH has new work one being introduced soon too. We have several old ones each that it would probably be worth us amalgamating and keeping an eye on so more decisions there...

Lastly the mortgage. Fixed rate ending April but don't know what our best route is with this any more. Mortgage broker has contacted us asking to book appointment to get something in place before we revert to expensive svr but need to speak with a FA first.

That should keep us busy for a while!

MummyEm

£24.50 OP made this evening from a refund i received. If I can find a few more £s perhaps I could get it to £252k for Christmas...

MummyEm

One more OP today £24.78 sent across which was cash back on rewards current account.

Yesterday was a NSD but today may not be as have one or possibly two more gifts to buy for Christmas.

Friends over this evening for Christmas drinks so must get house straightened up then away for weekend for friends birthday.

MummyEm

Back from night away. Lovely evening with friends. Lunch eaten now just relaxing for a bit before we pop to to local friend for a glass of mulled wine.

All Christmas gifts purchased just one outstanding for delivery. Have most of the wrapping still to do but have been doing a couple a day for last few days but will need to dedicate one or two evening this week.

Have most of food yet to buy but I'll be doing that on my own when DH is off work on Wednesday as no way am I doing it with the kids in tow!

MummyEm

DH wages hit bank account today so did my money shuffling for Jan.

Final Dec OP of £149.12 taking 2015 OPs to £3357.75 and mortgage to £252000.00

Looking at 2016 plans. Lots still vague re pension situation and remortgage but won't let that stop me setting a target to work towards in the meantime.

2016 OP target of £7500 which means £650 OP p/m

I have increased the OP standing order to £232.56 which leaves £417.44 to find in each monthly budget. Jan will be tight as have xmas presents on CC to pay off. My wages due tomorrow. Have transferred more than monthly target to savings this month to try to help he tighter months later in the year but currently looks approx £400 short so I will look to raise this from other income But worst case can transfer some back out of savings to make up the shortfall. Don't yet have the CC bill through so will have better idea once this arrives.

MummyEm

CC bill arrived. Have most of the money put to one side for this and the rest is DH's work expenses which will be refunded. Just need to get him to claim those asap and will 'borrow' from savings in the meantime.

My wages and expenses have come through. Final food purchases have been made for Christmas within budget (only just). Must now eek out what we have and run the freezer down so we a) don't waste and food b) stay in budget as January always seems a long month

I have realised that I've missed some bits off the Jan budget- car mot (fingers crossed no issues arise) and also subs for the kids clubs. This is all ok though as a) I have a car savings account b) I transferred a lot more to savings this month than I should have done so I can take some back out guilt free if necessary.

I am however compiling a long list of things to eb@y/ sell in January to start the new year with less clutter so perhaps I could try to see if I can raise enough to cover these outgoings...

MummyEm

Lovely Christmas had by all. Still eating our way through a mountain of food. Lots of NSDs and no plans to spend tomorrow. Starting to think about aims for 2016 both financially and in other areas too.

Beginning to look forward to packing away the Christmas decorations and clearing the house up. I always enjoy decorating but once the big day is over I start getting twitchy wanting to tidy it all away!

MummyEm

Did a quick bank rec this morning. Still short for the month to cover the kids clubs but hopeful to be able to cover this using extra income from eb@y. Had a big wardrobe clear out yesterday which should help.
DH popped to shops to top up some fresh bits as eating mostly from freezer/Christmas LO. Should keep us going for few days. Will try to get a monthly meal plan done this weekend and do an online shop for the bulk of it as busy few weeks coming up.
Work day for me today so must get on and get breakfast - sooner I start the sooner I can finish!

MummyEm

Having upped my standard monthly OP from £134.54 to £232.56 from Jan 2016, very encouraging to see that my spreadsheet says that this takes my end date from July 2034 to April 2033!

Right off to get some work done now to pay for it!

atypicalblonde

Hi MummyEm,

I hope you had a lovely Christmas. Looking forward to 2016 and what we will all achieve, you sound really motivated again best wishes and happy new year, ATB xxx