Apple muncher's number crunching

apple_muncher

2 loads of washing; 2 batches of OLS so I am clear to moderate work when it arrives; quick trot to aldee and back; optician appts for dd and me made; lots of hand-sewing and embroidery done for 2 sets of bunting.

Took dd to pharmacist this morning as she had gunky eyes again. So we have drops that will clear up any infection that there is yet do no harm if there is no infection. And he gave us piriton under the minor ailments scheme. Result :T. I have thus far avoided using the scheme as we were earning plenty and dd and I have been well looked after by the nhs. But now that dh isn't working, it is a different situation ...

A satisfying day

And money still in the account so I shall top up the 'untouchable' account to a nice 5 figures, then put the rest into the mortgage :j.

Tomorrow dh is on PA and dd will probably go to kids klub. Nowt else on the agenda yet....

apple_muncher

May the NST Force be with you
Ninja Saving Turtles May Challenge

We are already into the fifth month of the year Turtles. The days are getting longer; people are more into socialising on these light nights; and some of us just fancy a treat to ourselves now the weather has picked up. We must not lose sight of our goals Turtles, and not allow ourselves to be sidetracked by the transition into summer. We need to focus, and make a plan to move forward successfully this month.

NST: May Rules

• The challenge runs from 1st to 31st May 2016
• You will aim for 16 NSDs
• Budget the month ahead and pay your debts off at the beginning of the month. Live off what is left.
• Plan your social activities. As there are two bank holidays this month I suggest a maximum of 3 activities. Try not to be impulsive.
• Take your lunch to work every single day
• Donate time or money to the charity of your choice
• Try and make an extra £50 over the month, either by decluttering and selling, crafting or wombling

It's time to work out what we really need and what we actually just want. Together turtles, we can show that life is there to be enjoyed and you don't need to spend a lot of money to do that.

• Every day post one thing that has made you happy today.
• Post one kind thing that you have done for someone else.
• Post one frugal/moneysaving tip; budget recipe or bargain to share with the other turtles

The force is strong in us Turtles, and together we can get through May.
Who is with me?

This is the May challenge for the Turtles, run by crazy_cat_lady.
Money has been paid over to untouchable savings and dh has agreed that the amount we have in there is enough! The rest can now go off the mortgage.

Yesterday was lovely and sunny and dd played outside a lot. Just as well as today looks much more gloomy and dull. Think we'll all head out for a coffee together at sbucks later on. And tonight, dd and I go to see Annie - yay!!! Means a super late night for her though...

Both buntings all done and a third started for another birthday - must remember to take photos to remind me what I've done.

Pearla*Merle

Enjoy your night out!

apple_muncher

Thank you! We are looking forward to it muchly!

We had a lovely time in sbucks. Dd got stuck into her Emily Winsnap book, I got on witht the embroidery for the latest bunting and dh read some fascinating computer geeky stuff on his phone. All very quiet but also sociable!

We dropped off 2 bags at the Sally Army and found Tracy Beaker dvds for £1 each in another ch shop - bought 6! I got some lovely embroidery threads in Monster High colours: black, white, strong turquoise and dark pink, and dd found another china doll for her collection - but has removed another one to make way for her. Good girl!

Washing is done; dried washing pile is humungous; my own paperwork and marking for my gcse kiddies is done as far as it can be; dd has been measured and is 4cm taller than at the start of the year. Yikes!

apple_muncher

Annie was amaaaazing! Dd totally loved it, but was not in bed until 10.30, so will no doubt struggle today. Money was saved on parking on a side street for free, not buying an interval ice cream and not buying a cheap and nasty and extremely un-Annie-like souvenir. Probably mounts up to almost £20 ...

Social activity #1 all done and dusted.

apple_muncher

Just wanted to share something I've seen on other forum I'm on. This is my frugal tip of the day (and a bit.... )

10 Money Lessons To Teach Your Kids Before They Turn 10

Want your child to be money-savvy like Warren Buffet? These tips will help your kid learn how to save and manage money.

1. Money Lesson: Money Doesn't Grow on Trees
When kids see bills pop out of the ATM, they don't realize that money is a finite resource. Explain that you work to make money, and the bank is just a place that keeps it safe (try to banish your cynicism about the recent economic crisis!)

2. Money Lesson: Work with Your Budget
The best way to teach kids to start managing money is to give them some. If they blow their allowance on a new Star Wars figure and don't have enough left for a DVD they really want, that's actually a good thing: "They learn firsthand the consequence of overspending," says Pearl.

3. Money Lesson: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Teaching kids delayed gratification will help combat the "buy now, pay later" mentality that could mire them in credit card debt later on. So, as much as you can, reinforce the idea that waiting pays off. For instance, make a homemade pizza together with all the ingredients your child loves; then microwave a store-bought frozen one. The homemade pie takes longer, but it tastes way better.

4. Money Lesson: Don't Spend It as Soon as You Get It
Curbing impulse buying goes hand in hand with teaching delayed gratification. Show by example. Before you go shopping, create a budget. Outline what you're going to buy, what stores you're going to, and the price range for each item. Then compare prices online and clip coupons together (consider letting your child keep the savings so she sees that bargain-hunting pays). She'll learn that planning purchases before you buy is the routine.

5. Money Lesson: Saving Is Cool
Your daughter wants a new doll that she doesn't have enough money for? Tell her to save up! Once has enough, take her shopping and let her pay the cashier herself. She'll never forget how good it feels to work toward a goal and be rewarded in the end.

6. Money Lesson: Keep Track
Simply knowing where her money is going is a big step forward in your child's money management skills. Have her use a notebook or go on a computer to keep track of her money. Make a file (or use an old purse) where she can store receipts.

7. Money Lesson: Have a Wish List
It's hard for kids to set priorities, so sit down together and make a wish list of the things your child wants to do with her money. Then help her rank the list by discussing what's important about each wish.

8. Money Lesson: Make the Most of Savings
Introduce your child to savings vehicles that could earn her interest, such as savings bonds and certificates of deposit. Search for a compound interest calculator online and show her how just $1 can grow with interest over time (and check out ThreeJars's Allowance Calculator, which shows the allowance you got as a kid in today's dollars). She'll be amazed!

9. Money Lesson: Be a Little Skeptical
While you don't want your children to think companies are out to get them, every now and then point out manufacturers' sales tricks. "Healthy skepticism is crucial not only so kids can resist the allure of products on TV, but also because it helps keep them from buying into the messages behind the ads -- like if you have the right clothes and toys, you'll be popular," says Pearl.

10. Money Lesson 10: Share
Have your kids donate a portion of their allowance to charity. It teaches them that money can be used to help people, rather than just for buying things. Remind them that it's not how much you give -- every little bit counts.


I think my dd is doing really well along these lines. She is sooo skeptical of the adverts, it makes me laugh!

greent

Your daughter strikes me as a very lovely young lady who is thoughtful of others
x

apple_muncher

Thank you greent - she truly is!

apple_muncher

Yay! A day off! And 4 things already crossed off my to do list. The washing is nearly done so I can hang that up outside in a mo and shove another lot in - a kind friend has given us a black sack of clothes for dd. She has 2 cats so I'm going to wash everything before going through it with dd to choose what she wants. Dd doesn't seem to be allergic to them, but I most definitely am!

Then I'm dragging dh out in the sunshine to go to the library and do some food shopping - lucky him! (he's only there to do the carrying :rotfl:)

Standardisation - if it lets me
Workout - but no burpees yet!
Bake - dd has a party tomorrow
Moderate - might as well, especially if the standardisation isn't available

apple_muncher

Shopping all done, and we got 22.45 of sains goodies for 2.45, using our last voucher. you really do not get a lot for your money in that shop!!!!!

Standardisation is not playing ball so I have flounced off from it in favour of moderation which got done, but the online mark submission thingy has fallen over as it is the deadline for centres to upload their marks. Bet there are some really frustrated teachers out there!

Workout has been done, including a little skipping. Wow, is it hard work!

Baking not yet considered. Did buy dd 2 gf choc muffins for tomorrow, plus cherry bakewells, so no real need to make my own yet.

Off to enjoy the peace and quiet...