The Big Adventure

Goldiegirl

A super sunny morning here, and warm for the time of the year.

So, I'll put the towels in the wash and get them on the line, get the parcels posted and get housework done.

I have a couple of jigsaw auctions ending this evening. I have no expectations of what the finishing price will be - I'll just wait and see.

Have a good Monday

Goldiegirl

I've just written a long message and the board timed out and didn't post it :mad:


Basically, I was saying that I've had correspondence from Nationwide - they want proof of ID and address. I was hoping being on the Voters Roll would have been sufficient, but this doesn't seem to be the case. Proof of ID will be easy, but for proof of address they want a mortgage statement, or utility bills. We don't have a mortgage anymore, and all the utilities are in Mr Goldie's name. I'll have to call in to the branch tomorrow to see what else they would accept.


I think we'll carry on with our plan to open a Santander 123 account, but might not proceed with the TSB current account, as the faff might outweigh the benefits


Also, I'm miffed with TCB, I was signed up to the 'plus' account with a £5 fee which wasn't made clear to me. All the cashback I've earned so far goes towards the fee,


So I'm ditching them, and going with £Co instead.


I've just sold 2 jigsaws. One at £3.60 (okayish) and one at my aspirational figure of £6.50 :T

BookWorm

Goldiegirl wrote: »

I've just written a long message and the board timed out and didn't post it :mad:



Also, I'm miffed with TCB, I was signed up to the 'plus' account with a £5 fee which wasn't made clear to me. All the cashback I've earned so far goes towards the fee,


So I'm ditching them, and going with £Co instead.

The board did that to me earlier too :mad:

Re: £co - make sure you don't do the same thing. They have both types of account too!

gallygirl

Goldiegirl wrote: »

I think we'll carry on with our plan to open a Santander 123 account, but might not proceed with the TSB current account, as the faff might outweigh the benefits

The TSB account was done wholly on line and I got an email in minutes with my sort code and account number. 15 minutes later the 2k was sitting in there . The only hassle was you then couldn't log on again until you got an activation code through the post but it only took days to come, swiftly followed by the bank card and PIN. Excellent process so don't be put off GG .

Goldiegirl

BookWorm wrote: »

The board did that to me earlier too :mad:

Re: £co - make sure you don't do the same thing. They have both types of account too!

I signed up to £co in the summer, but never used it - it is the account without the fee, I double checked this afternoon.


I'm always really careful about what I sign up for, that's why I feel so miffed about TCB, as they couldn't have made it clear, otherwise I'd have noticed ! :rotfl:

gallygirl wrote: »

The TSB account was done wholly on line and I got an email in minutes with my sort code and account number. 15 minutes later the 2k was sitting in there . The only hassle was you then couldn't log on again until you got an activation code through the post but it only took days to come, swiftly followed by the bank card and PIN. Excellent process so don't be put off GG .

Thanks GG, that's encouraging.


I do like the sound of the TSB account as the 5% interest isn't just an introductory offer, so I'll be happy to go ahead if it's all online


The other accounts I've opened with various banks in recent years have all been done online with no hassle, so I'm quite surprised that Nationwide's process seems a little clunky. I've got bank statements, TV licence, correspondence from HMRC to prove where I live so I'm hoping they'll accept one of these items.

Goldiegirl

Today's plan of action.

Post one jigsaw, still awaiting payment for the other jigsaw.
Go down to local high street to drop off a 1970's crafting partwork at the charity bookshop. It belonged to my MIL.
Call in at the Nationwide to ask what documents they'll accept to confirm my address
Do some housework
Go to the hairdressers.

That's it, I think

Goldiegirl

I've done my errands. Nationwide say I can use my (non photo) driving licence as proof of address.

I've always thought of a DL as proof of ID rather than proof of address, but I suppose every bank/building society is different.

I hope to take in the documents tomorrow. I say hope - my letter requesting these things hasn't actually arrived yet. I got all the info from Mr Goldie's letter that arrived yesterday.

Just having a coffee, before my next task - dusting.

Karmacat

Dusting! So important, and I hate it so much Hope yours went swiftly!

thriftytracey

I am starting to think of retirement in 5 years' time. Looking at our existing outgoings I do not think I can reduce much (other than food/entertainment/impulse buys). I wouldn't want to have to rely on just one car. Also, I don't think a great deal would be saved on fuel, as I work from home 2 days a week and I think short trips would end up using the same amount of fuel as steady 50mpg fuel consumption on my commute.


We spend about £110 per week on food and that seems excessive for 2 adults (plus 2 cats)


Lidl: £70 for basics
Tesco: £10 for things I can't get in Lidl
Waitrose: £30 a few goodies (e.g. meat, decent wine) plus reduced items to go in the freezer. Last week I spent £12 on 4 meals for 2).


But I can't really see how to reduce. I try to home cook whenever possible. Suppose I can try the Lidl catfood. But I am not keen on Lidl wine!

Goldiegirl

Hi, Tracy, thank you for reading my thread:)


I've found with the whole retirement planning thing is to think what I'm happy to compromise on, and on what I'm not willing to give up on.


Once we retire, we'll either be going out together, or, if we go out separately, we are unlikely to both be doing something at the same time, so we think we can manage with the one car. It might not save in petrol, but we feel we'll save by having only one lot of car insurance, tax, servicing etc.


On the other hand, we have Sky TV. We keep on talking about cutting our package back, but we like and enjoy Sky Sports, having documentary channels and the HD package, so this is an area difficult for us to compromise on. However, we are on the verge of dropping Sky Movies! :eek:


With the food and groceries, last year I averaged £325 per month in this area, shopping at Sainsbury's online each week, and a top up at M&S at the weekend.


My aim was to reduce this expenditure.


I'm currently running at an average of £280.00 per month, still shopping and Sainsbury's and M&S.




I now do a big online shop every 3 weeks, to make sure I order over £100 to get free delivery. I also do a small weekly top up at Sainsbury's, or more occasionally M&S.


I invested in a bread maker at the start of the year, and I think I've saved a lot on bread, and it's easy to make pizza bases.


I've also been ordering extra items to stockpile to help me next year. If I wasn't doing that, I think my average would be closer to £240 per month.


I've been making sure I take advantage of offers when I see them, and experimenting with batch cooking.


Next year I intend to start working to a meal plan.


I've tried not to make wholesale changes all at once, just chipping away at things, making small savings which add up.


I'm a complete novice at this really, I get loads of ideas from the other diaries.


I've found having this diary really helps with focussing on the task in hand. Perhaps think about starting your own diary, for your 5 year journey to retirement. I'd read it, as I love to hear from people who are in a similar position to me:)


Whatever you decide to do, good luck with your planning