Time to move forward! Life and times of a city girl in the country

Breeze_Hill

Set back...car went in for mot and needed 3 new tyres and something else fixed - they haven't been specific. Bet it is going to cost a bomb. Bet i won't be paying off the CC after all.

Gretchen2012

Hi BH

Just read all of your thread and its so inspiring. I too am a single parent and although I only work part time I still struggle to find time to do everything.

I think you've done absolutely great so far and have subscribed to keep cheering you on.

Indebted2U

Breeze_Hill wrote: »

Set back...car went in for mot and needed 3 new tyres and something else fixed - they haven't been specific. Bet it is going to cost a bomb. Bet i won't be paying off the CC after all.

Ouch, sorry to hear about the car BH, hope it wasn't too expensive in the end? As someone who's never really had any savings before, I really like the idea of having an emergency fund, hence me trying to build up a small savings pot whilst paying off my debts. I'm determined not to fall into the "stick it on the CC" trap in the future. I also agree that the CSA sounds like the correct option. I know several people who eventually decided they had no option but to go down the official route and as far as I know they all got there in the end

Breeze_Hill

Thanks I2U and welcome Gretchen!
On the car front, I am still awaiting the final cost, but the garage man assured me it would not be too terrible. We shall see...
I did phone the CSA tonight and the lady recommended i speak to the maintenance options people, so will take her advice and do that. i really just want a confirmed calculation of what it should be and am perfectly happy to accept that.
Anyway. Had 4 NSD's this week so far so that was good. Had to get money out to pay cleaner but that was it.
I am feeling very encouraged that my online banking are now making me a loan offer! Not that i will take it of course! :eek: - however it means things are improving at least.

Gretchen - how old are your kiddies and how long have you been single parenting?

Gretchen2012

Hi BH

My DD is nearly thirteen and you could say I've been a single parent since the day she was born. Ex DH left before she was born and although I've had a couple of relationships since then it's always been be doing everything. Must admit though she has a great relationship with her dad and he is very hands on so a bonus really. Oh and he always pays CSA on time which is another bonus.

Have been single now for two years and although I might miss being part of a couple sometimes I don't the majority of the time lol.

It has been quite hard at times but she is brilliant and it does get easier as they get older.

Breeze_Hill

Gretchen, thank you for your post. I will reply properly. I am just on to moan - have terrible tonsilitis and would like to just get into bed and lie there, but of course it's a sunday so have to look after everyone.

Indebted2U

Poor thing Drinks lots of water and try not to strain yourself, or talk too much :shhh: Not easy I know when you're looking after the family. Hope you feel better soon

Breeze_Hill

Thanks I2U I went out with the DD's - we went for lunch and a scoot and took a magnifying glass and looked at bugs and plants etc. It was a great day in the end, even though it started out with me feeling pretty grumpy. Thank goodness for paracetamol!

I spent a whopping £17 buying them a toasted sandwich each with chips, a smoothie, and the same for me with a coffee. I felt quite outraged by the price when the lady had rung it up!:eek: This is definitely the MSE me kicking in as I would not have bothered a few months ago at all, but I have been taking packed lunch everywhere recently and it really does save a bomb. Anyway, I guess it was a once off but it really is not worth it.

I also had a panic when doing yesterday's big shop as i'd had a booklet of money off vouchers come through the post that i had been saving to take with me, and i could not find it despite tearing the house apart. Luckily it turned up today - they are all still valid so will get to use them after all :T. Feel I am definitely turning a big corner with regard to my mindset, which can only set us up well in the future. I would not have even noticed a voucher in the past. I was also irked that I had to fill up on the cheap petrol with a 5p off per litre voucher and only had half a tank empty!!

Anyway, Gretchen, thank you so much for sharing. It is really nice to hear from another single parent. It sounds like your ex is much better behaved than mine, who is being a pain. I can see myself not being in a relationship for years - i honestly don't know how I would manage it.

Breeze_Hill

Not a good day on the MS for me today, had to see the hygienist and then on the way back took a break in the nearest retail park, just because it is so amazing to have a little bit of time entirely on my own to wander...i wandered into B00ts and came out rather lighter of pocket, so am now feeling terribly guilty. I did buy some scissors and a 99p comb so I can give the DD's a home haircut though, so one cutting session for them both and thereafter we will be into profit on the scissors at least (thank you Brizzle for that suggestion!!).

brizzledfw

Hey..that doesn't sound too bad! Give yourself a break Breeze. I bought some stuff in B@@ts for some friends at the weekend, mostly unnecessary..and ice creams..not necessary for me:o..but I know that my lapses are much much smaller and less frequent than before. My behaviour and attitude towards money has really fundamentally changed and that's the main thing.

You are doing great. And you're ill so give yourself a break ( and that's an order !:rotfl:)