All I want to be...is Free!

juststuff123

Round up for the week: No crazy spending, it’s a good start to the month. I just got my latest gas & electricity bill. I was finally able to see what my new prices were. So I have been able to make the amends to my spreadsheet. On top of this reduction it looks like I’ve been paying less than I thought for the earlier months as well. Bonus!
One new problem though, the flat management company that runs my building has been taken over, I have just got a letter with the new bank details asking for the July payment – Well I paid the July money into the old account at the beginning of the week. Now I have to see if they can get access to it. I don’t want to have to pay it again, why on earth did they leave it so late to send the letter? :mad:Well I’ve sent them an email, so let’s see what they say.
Have a good weekend all.:A

WhiteSnowdrop

Hi Juststuff

You are so organised and focused, its really motivating to read! Well done on your progress so far, 2018 isn't that far away now. I need to look at my gas and electric as I think we are probably paying over the odds, as you say it is always something!

I've enjoyed reading your diary and will be subscribing.

Have a fab weekend

WS

juststuff123

Thanks WhiteSnowDrop, it's always so nice to here that people are actually reading!


The Flat maintenance charge has all been sorted now too. It's the same bank account as before - The letter wasn't clear and the details were wrong on it. Still they were very quick at responding to my email and it's easily sorted.

juststuff123

In most social circles I’d keep this to myself because it’s so sad, but I feel you guys will understand and probably applaud! :T I spent all day yesterday tweaking my spread sheets, I set up a sheet to track my deferred pension and I discovered that it was a bit lower than I originally believed, this is because of the way my ‘pensionable salary’ was calculated, it took me quite some time to work out how they calculated it! Still at least I found out now rather than in 35yrs time!
So far this month I've kept my spending down but I will need to review my car insurance in the next couple of weeks.

juststuff123

Hi All, WOW it’s hot today, I think I need to stock up on Factor 50!
So it’s time for my weekly update. I spent a lot of money this week but I’m not too worried it’s all (nearly all) been budgeted for. This week I paid in advance for my Autumn term for Pole and Pilates - £96 and I paid for a special 3hr Pole spin class with an amazing pole dancer in August -£60. And I’ve decided to sign up for another Aerial hoop course in September - £42. I know it’s all a lot of money but at least I’m not spending it on drugs or alcohol, and I’m not taking a holiday this year, these are my treats.:j
I’ve also just renewed my car insurance, my renewal quote was £271.30, but I decided to try a different company. And I renewed for £272.28. I know it’s slightly more expensive and on the surface doesn’t sound very MSE however I get breakdown cover included (which isn’t on my current policy) and I get £50.50 cash back through TC, so it’s a good deal. I won’t have to get additional breakdown so I’ve actually saved £30 there, meaning that overall I’m £80 up! :TWell that more than covers my special Pole spin class.:dance:
I’m off to a food festival tomorrow, but I promise I won’t spend too much!:A
Have a good weekend

juststuff123

Oh dear I didn’t keep my promise I went to the food festival and spent quite a lot of money. but not on myself. There were lots of stalls so I bought some birthday and Christmas presents (I haggled over most of them :money:) and I got a new pair of leggings for my fitness classes (I was in need of them). No food though!
I get paid tomorrow and I’ll find out if we get a bonus or not (maybe), supposed to be paid in July but it's a bit hit and miss.


Next week I'll do my end of month report and signature update.


Happy lazy Sunday!

juststuff123

My end of month round up:
It’s been a very stressful at work the last month. One of our suppliers lost an order for a component that is critical for our winter stock. Not my fault but my responsibility! The manufacturer has a 6 to 8 month lead time for the component, (Order was expected at the beginning of July). To cut a long story short our busiest line would be down for 2 weeks throughout the peak season! (While we usually run overtime) It’s taken me 4 weeks of nagging, arguing, begging and waiting but by ‘plan F’ I had managed to reduce the problem to having the line down for 2 days, if everything goes to plan and there are no further hiccups. But I don’t think I’ll be able to relax until January! :eek::mad:
No bonus paid this month; I can’t say I’m that surprised. There are some “things” going on within the company that are still up in the air that will determine the bonus, but it will be months before it’s resolved and even then the answer could be no. This is a real shame as the extra money would really be a boost to my goal.:(
A lot of money spent this month but all budgeted for (ish); hopefully next month will be a bit gentler on the purse.:o
Updated signature
MFW & DFW - Goal - to be Debt Neutral by Dec 2018
Mortgage -£56026/£66445 (started Feb 2010)
Parent Loan - £7844/£15000 Student Loan - £4869/£9479
Stoozing Credit Card - £1636
Savings - £23266
Debt Neutrality - -£47111

juststuff123

Well it’s time for my weekly update. And it’s just a short one.
I’ve been very good this week, I’ve spent £5 for a Zumba class & £7 for a meal out. If only I could repeat this feat more often!:A

juststuff123

I'm a bit late with my Friday report. It’s a colleagues’ birthday next week and she has requested my banana bread. I planned to go to Tesco yesterday to get the ingredients and start baking today but in the end I was up until about 11pm last night baking 5 loaves - I'll have to freeze a few, they freeze quite well fortunately. I also made a batch of Chicken curry, I have a friend coming over for Tea tonight:beer:
- I'm not being big headed when I say my curry is better than any Indian restaurant or take-away, because it's true!:D


So how did this week go?

I’ve had a reasonable week this week. No major expenses. I spent quite a bit on an order for a few pairs of trousers, unfortunately this was unavoidable as I’ve recently lost weight and none of my trousers fit anymore, this certainly gives me mixed feelings! I like being thinner, I don’t like spending money to replace my wardrobe!:eek:

Last weekend I went to a BBQ and garden Pole party so that was nice. :dance:

I went to a presentation this week regarding a medical cash back scheme at work using salary sacrifice. Doing the maths, I believe I could save some money here – as long as I’m diligent enough to claim it back. I think I’m organised and penny pinching enough to save some money.

That's a pretty detailed round up for the week

Have a good weekend all :wave:

juststuff123

Hi Everyone

It's been a mixed week, I have had some nice quiet evenings but work has been super stressful. The Banana Breads were well received by all, so I'm pleased about that. And the curry night was successful. :T

I found an amazing tutu manufacturer online and have been trying to arrange custom orders from 18 girls for an upcoming Hen night. The phrase 'Herding Cats' comes to mind! :rotfl:
Now I have to get the money from everyone! :eek:

So, for this weeks update:

I’ve had another reasonable week this week. No major expenses. I returned 3 of the 4 pairs of new trousers I ordered because they didn't fit, I only kept the really cheap pair that cost £6!

Can you believe it?! I finally got the TC cash back approved for my gas & electricity switch. I put in the non-tracking complaint on the 7th December and today I got the news, I had to wait 9 months but I got £46.40!:dance:

Well that was my week.

Have a good weekend all :wave: