Reeling from the Reality Check

Historybuff · 20 July 2014 at 4:56PM

Thanks, sugar and seaside. She came up trumps with £30 but couldn't get in at the hairdressers! Oh well...party was lovely and a great time was had by all. Now the holidays are nearly here I'm going to have to really be careful and try to save as much as possible, even more than normal. There's a good few things need paying, not least the water bill. I somehow managed to leave it off when I swapped over the DDs when I changed banks. Then there is car insurance etc etc. The list goes on. We are thinking seriously about getting solar panels to see if we can cut the electricity bill even more. Apparently the company puts the panels on and maintains them and gives us a free amount of electricity...is it too good to be true?

Historybuff · 21 July 2014 at 7:22PM

Managing, but seriously can't wait till payday on Weds. We've got a fair few things coming up between now and the end of the year, so saving as much as possible is the way to go. I'm looking forward to having a massive clear out again and getting some cash from the rubbish that's still accumulated in the garage and loft. I'm aiming to see if I can get an additional £1000 to see us through. That's my challenge.
Got another statement from one of the ccs today. It is soooo good seeing that total go down. I can't wait till it's gone down to the next 1000. This month will be six months since the LBM and I've been in the straight and narrow money wise. Those years will go quickly. Just have to make sure I still enjoy life and try to find cheap ways to do stuff. This weekend's party brought it home to me. Other people just spending like no tomorrow. How my attitude has changed. I WILL enjoy life and do as much as I can, but the difference now is I will stay within my means.
I will also pay back ALL the money I owe even though the bulk of it is made up of interest through paying minimum amounts for years and years. That hurts, but it's a lesson well and truly learned. I will so enjoy my retirement when it comes.

Historybuff · 21 July 2014 at 7:27PM

Forgot to post today's positives...
One day down, two to go to the holidays
Hairdressers booked for Thurs
Fab chocolate ganache cake was brought in for staff at work...delicious

Historybuff · 22 July 2014 at 7:48AM

Penultimate day...hope it goes smoothly.
OH is really keen on getting the solar panels. Will be worth it to save at least 40% on the electricity bills. He's researched it carefully and although the company will be making loads more money than us, A we can't afford to buy the panels our selves and B it won't cost us anything, but will save us on the electricity bill. I think it's win win on both sides.

hohum · 22 July 2014 at 12:01PM

Historybuff wrote: »

Penultimate day...hope it goes smoothly.
OH is really keen on getting the solar panels. Will be worth it to save at least 40% on the electricity bills. He's researched it carefully and although the company will be making loads more money than us, A we can't afford to buy the panels our selves and B it won't cost us anything, but will save us on the electricity bill. I think it's win win on both sides.

Well done you. 6 months and what a difference you have made!

Re solar panels, does your house get full sun? That's one reason my parent's didn't use it. They are super eco aware and didn't use solar panels, partly because the site doesn't get enough sun, partly because the energy it takes to make solar panels is about the same as you can realise from them. However, they have a different motivation from you - not wanting to nay say solar panels!

Historybuff · 23 July 2014 at 11:27AM

PAYDAY!!!!!!
I've survived! It was a bit touch and go getting some money together yesterday to pay for the meal out from work, but I did it...borrowed it then paid it back today. Praise be! Solvent again and the holidays start tonight! Get in!!!!!
Going to enjoy myself, but stay within budget. No option...there's no overdraft to tap in to!
So, the £1000 challenge starts tomorrow. A massive clear out of garage and loft to see if I can raise that amount of money to go towards buffer which is non-existant again. And that's the minimum I want to make.
Re solar panels, hohum, the back of our house faces due south, so ideal for them as it's a bit of a sun trap. Definitely going to have them...OH has decided.
I love this day! Have been paid...the sun's out...and holidays start this evening. Bliss!