The Big Adventure

Karmacat

It drives me crazy when things like that happen - though I must say I've never had on again off again like that, other than being in the wrong room in the house. Hope it stops happening

Watty1

Maybe the storms affected it Goldie? There are few in our village complaining about it after storms of yesterday and I think you are not so very far from me?
And with you on the pick up struggles - finally got everything from barn collected but it was a bit of a palaver!

Goldiegirl

Karmacat wrote: »

It drives me crazy when things like that happen - though I must say I've never had on again off again like that, other than being in the wrong room in the house. Hope it stops happening

I think I feel a bit resigned to the problem now - but it is very inconvenient. I posted on the broadband forum, and I've been told that 10 days monitoring is normal, so I think I've got to run with it


At least I've got 4G as a back up for anything important

Watty1 wrote: »

Maybe the storms affected it Goldie? There are few in our village complaining about it after storms of yesterday and I think you are not so very far from me?
And with you on the pick up struggles - finally got everything from barn collected but it was a bit of a palaver!

There were storms around on Monday, but we only had a few distant rumbles of thunder and 'normal' rain... we've certainly had far worse, with no effect on the internet. I checked back on the Talk Talk website and they've updated with more areas affected, but still not my area. 'North Thames' area is the nearest, but I'm very much 'South Thames'


On a more pleasant note, we walked up to the local Harvester for lunch, as Halifax had given me a 5% off offer - the more I'm out of the house the better, then I'm not constantly looking a flashing modem lights! :rotfl:

Goldiegirl

My internet woes MAY be resolved - the connection seems stable this morning. I actually had a letter from TALK TALK this morning, saying there would be works at the exchange on 7th June, which may result in disruption to service. There's nothing like timely communication.


We had a good day out yesterday at Lullingstone Roman Villa (English Heritage) and Lullingstone Castle (2 for 1 for EH members) The World Garden at the Castle is amazing. Took a packed lunch too, so only £8 spent

BookWorm

Glad to hear the Internet is better now. Must be something about ISP'S and late notification, as I had the same happen to me a few months ago.

I've just looked up Lullingstone Roman Villa as it sounded vaguely familiar to me. Turns out I went to see it years ago on a school trip! Thanks for the reminder

Karmacat

That sounds lovely, Goldie - I've been to Fishbourne, but never Lullingstone. So much to see!

Goldiegirl

BookWorm wrote: »

Glad to hear the Internet is better now. Must be something about ISP'S and late notification, as I had the same happen to me a few months ago.

I've just looked up Lullingstone Roman Villa as it sounded vaguely familiar to me. Turns out I went to see it years ago on a school trip! Thanks for the reminder

The internet is still stable, so I'm getting hopeful. It's been worse during the evenings, so I'll have to wait until later until I can be really sure.


I also went to Lullingstone Roman Villa, on a school trip.


I lived in Essex at the time, and I remember we had to go through the Dartford Tunnel, so I was fairly sure it must have been Lullingstone. When we got there, I recognised it, so it was nice to return after 38 years! :eek:

Karmacat wrote: »

That sounds lovely, Goldie - I've been to Fishbourne, but never Lullingstone. So much to see!

Fishbourne looks interesting - and bigger than Lullingstone. I'll put it on my list (it's a long list!!)


This morning, I downloaded the Halifax's mobile banking app on to my phone, as I was preparing to do the important stuff by 4G. It was a bit of a faff, as these things are, and I was intending to download apps for my other bank accounts, but hopefully I won't need too. Halifax is my main account, and I think it'll be quite useful to be able to easily check our account while we were away, and it's quite easy to use. But it'd be very fiddly on monthly money shuffle day!


Having a day at home, as we've been out quite a lot recently, and I'm enjoying the luxury of having an uninterrupted MSE session

Goldiegirl

Late on Saturday evening, the internet did drop out again, but since then appears to be solid, so it looks as if the situation is resolved.


Our phone line is with BT and we pay annually, so BT would be the favourite if we decided to change. But Mr Goldie reckons he wants BT TV as well, so we'd end up getting stuff I personally think we don't need. Then at the end of the contract the price goes up, and, as the BT line is in his name, it'll be him who needs to call to renegotiate. I can imagine the huffing and puffing that'll cause! I'm just keeping my head down on this subject!


Hopefully, I'll finally get rid of the cushion I sold on eBay last weekend - the person should pick it up this evening. The other late payer finally paid on Friday, so that one has been resolved too.


Other than that, not much to report.

Goldiegirl

This week the weather hasn't been favourable, so we haven't really been out and about very much. But we are using our rowing machine, so we are managing to get some exercise each day, but it's not nearly as much fun as walking.

I've been to the dentist this week ( only a check up needed), I've been to the hairdresser, and met my friend for coffee. She's given me a Radley bag for eBay selling - I've just listed it. Hopefully it'll get a good price.


I've been doing a lot of thinking about money and investments.


I've probably said before we have too much of our money in cash, so I'm starting to 'rebalance'.


This afternoon I've opened a S&S ISA with Charles Stanley. I've transferred £500 into it, but will wait until Friday until I make my first investment - things could be volatile this week before the referendum.


We both have a TSB monthly saver, which ends in August. I've been reading on the Savings board that the TSB MS rate may fall to 2% for new accounts from the end of July, so it most likely won't be worthwhile starting again.


Therefore, with that money, I think we'll both start a SIPP. As we are non earners, we can invest £3600 per year. We put in £2880, and the tax relief is automatically added to bring it up to £3600. So that's nearly £1500 extra money between us.


After that, I think we'll transfer Mr Goldie's two remaining pension pots to his new SIPP. This depends on me reading up on investment strategies and choosing a range of diversified funds. But I feel I am capable of this - I'd much rather do it myself than get an IFA involved.


In February we have some fixed rate saving accounts maturing, so it'll be an opportunity to bring some more money over to my S&S ISA.


It's a plan!

Goldiegirl

A new financial month has started


Last month I was a bit concerned we'd go 'over' our income, but as it turned out we were within our income after all.


I've noticed a pattern forming - at the start of the financial month, we buy things we have been waiting and wanting to buy. This then gives the impression we're going to spend at that rate all month. But after the first week or so, we don't spend so much at all, so it all balances out in the end.


This month has been no exception - we've been to Bluewater this morning, and have bought some long wished for items - a wok and griddle pan. Also I've booked tickets for Sister Act in Canterbury ( a year in advance). I've got a couple of other 'bits' to get, then we be done until next month.


I had a 150 point survey from You Gov yesterday, which brings me to 4550 points. Getting closer to the magic 5000