Looking for the silver lining

beanielou

Hope your busy week goes well.

Sun_Addict

Well the eye test was fine, eyes healthy, still only need glasses for reading and computer not for distance.

Got some news on my job today, my contract has been extended until April 2016. Not really the news I wanted but better than finishing at the end of the month obviously. Feels more like a stay of execution.

Talking of contracts, got my latest Tesco Mobile bill today and it's gone down to £10 from £28.50 as phone is now paid off Would like to upgrade at some stage but for now will enjoy having the extra cash each month.

Scottish Power have put my monthly payment down again by another £20 which is nice but scary as this means my monthly payment has halved. Why have I got this sneaky suspicion I've been reading my meter wrong?

Mr SA and his carer have been falling out today apparently. Mr SA is now determined he wants rid of him and no longer needs him. The medical form arrived today from DVLA and he seems to think this means he'll be driving again soon and won't need the carer. Sigh!

Worst thing I ever did was show Mr SA how to use the Tassimo machine. Bearing in mind his Costa obsession. Getting through Costa pods like wildfire. £4.50 a box of 16, getting through 2 a week!!!! Sometimes on offer £3 a box and I stock up. However, Amazon doing subscribe and save £16 for 5 boxes so trying this. Told him these must last a month although in my opinion a lot to pay for coffee especially when he and carer often go out to Costa as well. Don't want to seem mean, just wish he'd be a bit more sparing with them.

Not looking forward to tomorrow, be glad when it's over.

beanielou

So where does new contract leave you re the remortgaging?

Sun_Addict

Nowhere Beanie, no lender would take on someone who might not have a job in 6 month's time. Fed up of it. Feel like I'm in limbo all the time. Would like to know why I was told I was being taken in house earlier this year and what's changed since then. Have been on this contract for 15 years now! Should've made a move years ago with hindsight.

beanielou

Hindsight is a great thing.
We can only make decisions based on the information we have at that moment in time.

jozxyqk

Just wanted to de-lurk to comment:

1. I was in a similar work situation a few years ago, fixed term contracts being extended a few months at a time. Very frustrating so I started job-hunting (hoping to force them into giving me a permanent contract) and managed to get a new job that started when my contract ran out.

2. After a brief fight with HR I got paid redundancy as I'd been there more than 2 years continuously - after this time I had the same redundancy rights as permanent employees. The contract having an end date only constitutes notice. A bit of googling shows this happens quite often in the public & education sectors.

3. Remortgaging won't happen right now, as you said, but have you looked into product switching with your mortgage supplier? It usually doesn't involve looking at your income etc., and might be worth a look if you want to fix your monthly outgoings.

4. Keep up the good work! You're such an inspiration.

beanielou

Forgot about product switching.
I have just done mine as I wouldent pass the affordability.
Thanks jozxyqk

Sun_Addict

Thanks Jozxyqk. I'll have a look at product switching.

Well the funeral went ok. It was nice to see some old faces again and there was a good turnout. Feel a bit unsettled at the moment but I suppose that's only natural.

brizzledfw

Sorry to hear you've been to a funeral never easy

Re the contract..15 years ..yep you do have rights if it has been continuous all that time...am surprised they aren't just doing the paperwork now.

There are specialist brokers so could be worth some phone calls? are you on a fairly high rate SA?

Have a good rest of week..and as for the coffee habit... Could be worse I guess! It's cheaper than beer too

Sun_Addict

Hi Brizzle unfortunately he likes a beer too

Have decided to go to building society to see how the land lies. We pay less than £50 a month for the very small amount of mortgage left with less than 2 years to go. An endowment paid off a large chunk of it a few years ago. There is lots of equity in our house, we only paid £45k for it 23 years ago. Probably over £100k in equity.

Had the will appointment today, was very quick as it's a mirror will with no quirks. Basically not got a lot other than the house. No plans whatsoever to leave any large sums of money. The kids will get the house provided we haven't sold up, moved into a caravan and spent the proceeds Might sound mean but we had to set ourselves up without handouts from parents and neither of our kids have exactly been over helpful when needed. I could write a book on the stress they've caused us over the years. Just before Mr SA got ill he was beyond stressed working with DS and his continually being late, no shows and slacking when he did turn up. DS has grown up now he has responsibilities thankfully and can no longer hide behind his dad. As for DD she has been a pain since hormones took her over at 13.

Taking meeting notes most of the day tomorrow, 5 hour meeting, will have writer's cramp. Then got to type them up! Will be glad when this week is over!