Job on the line. Debt must go!

sashybo

Hi Brightspark, I do most of my shopping in Ald! as the prices are so reasonable & most of the things I've tried have been really good.

I like to shop around so still go to M*rris*ns, Marks, Co as well for top-ups or for things I can't get in A. Also use Icel*nd occasionally as well and the bargain/pound shops for some tinned things (I like Branst0n beans and can get 3 tins for £1 in the bargain shops which is pretty good.

My DH likes to go to Waitr0se now and again as they do price match most of the other supermarkets now so it's not much more expensive as long as you're careful.

Brightspark87

Hi all I just wrote a really long post about supermarkets and price matching and I lost it! **** shakes hand***
Never mind so what I was basically saying is that Wrose can be a great supermarket - especially the reductions but I know as someone paying off my debt its not the best place to spend a fortune! I still sometimes also do an ocado as they send me voucher off codes etc and they have a great flash sale and reduced section. this week I have got a £10 off a £50 sburys shop so defo for there and then next week a £3 off at Mr T's so will use them then with A*D* sorting me out with fresh fruit and veg. I will also not buy milk from certain supermarkets, especially being in the West Country because of the huge issues of dairy farming. So I always get from the supermarkets who at least pay them more than it costs them to produce, doesn't cost me more just means we are looking after our farmers.

House buying - so our lovely family have again Suggested that we start house hunting. In this areas the market seem rather flat with not many do em ups coming on the market (this is ideally what we would like so we can ensure we are doing what we would want to it!) so I think I will take some advice from the local people I have spoken to and leaflet the areas we like with our phone numbers and try fora private sale. The agents around here are very expensive - (my family are estate agents so dont tell them I am thinking of doing this!) and from my dealings seem pretty poor quality. This is the way that some of my clients bought their new house down the road from our current rented one so sure it works.

Had the MiL down at the weekend and the HUGE elephant in the room was that she was flashing an engagement ring. Her partner is an abusive horrid old drunk and we will have nothing to do with him. Sadly though, she will stay with him as he owns a house and she cannot afford to move out but the ring is a recent acquisition. Who knows? Golly all the weddings next year are our parents! My dad and my FIL both getting hitched for the 3rd and 5th time respectively. this is why people were surprised when we wanted to get married!!

anyhow I hope you are all well? thanks for keeping in touch I love hearing from you all x

Brightspark87

*Robin* wrote: »

Hi Sparky, :hello:

Glad to hear you're enjoying the West Country!

Agree with you about the cheap supermarkets - although I prefer buying from independent shops, must admit to using A & L for many staples, and wouldn't be able to live within budget if buying CD's meat from the local butcher, for example.
That said, I like Wa!trose too; their fresh fish and bakery takes a lot of beating on quality. Tosco & Sainsbugs I avoid unless they've got a good deal on fuel.
But can see your Mum's point. Whichever supermarket is within walking distance is likely to be the cheapest: A) no fuel costs, and less temptation to splurge on 'specials' - one only buys what can be carried.

Good news that you're 'collecting' new clients - hope they stay with you for many years! :T

I agree with you about local shops the only problem is I have given them a go here but the sausages I got from the butcher were not very nice- we buy the 'nicer' supermarket sausages and Ald* ones were a 1/4 of the price and nicer! plus the local fruit and veg man sold me £3 of rashberries most of which were mouldy - when I complained he said my fault for picking a bad punnet and wouldn't give me another. So that was the end of that!

Local Library is getting visited regularly though - I read so much that its much cheaper!

chocoholic_chick

Just read all your diary, it's been my bedtime reading for the last few nights! Well done on everything you've achieved, even though you've had more than your fair share of obstacles along the way, you've done it all with such a brilliant attitude and come so far. It's inspired me to pull my socks up a bit and be more organised getting mine sorted

Brightspark87

chocoholic_chick wrote: »

Just read all your diary, it's been my bedtime reading for the last few nights! Well done on everything you've achieved, even though you've had more than your fair share of obstacles along the way, you've done it all with such a brilliant attitude and come so far. It's inspired me to pull my socks up a bit and be more organised getting mine sorted

Thank you so much for reading it - I hate reading some of what I said before! although now I am loving my life as Financial Planner in the West Country it all seems like a million miles away. Esp when I hear some of the things going on in my old firm in London. Honestly, not saying people should enjoy it but I have so much more quality of life now and a great supportive firm who don't tell me off I use my initiative - and look after me!

I love hear how others are doing too -Choc (thats what I will call you!) I am sure you will get there just knowing something has to change is the start. I need to start paying more off my debt and things but still building up my savings after the moving costs etc.

Thanks again x:T

Brightspark87

Morning all hope you are all good?

So yesterday what a day! I went to visit some clients in their 80's and just as we sat down to talk about their investments, the lady of the house got up to get the tea she had made herself. As she did that, she twisted and fell very badly onto her wrist. I saw it was a compounded fracture and knew it was not a nice break. Her husband was in shock so I got him to call the ambulance whilst I stopped the blood and helped her sit up straight and distracted. Luckily they arrived within 20 minutes but it was a very awful situation, she was an amazing lady and coped very well with what was clearly a huge amount of pain. She safely went off to hospital whilst I had to wait 10 minutes in my car before I could leave! I was so shaken up by it, luckily I didn't show it but I hope she will be ok and glad I was there to help as I think it could have been an awful lot worse.

It really made me think about things though - how easily these things can happen to anyone!

So hopefully everyone has a safe and accident free weekend! xx

mary_hinge

Brightspark87 wrote: »

Morning all hope you are all good?

So yesterday what a day! I went to visit some clients in their 80's and just as we sat down to talk about their investments, the lady of the house got up to get the tea she had made herself. As she did that, she twisted and fell very badly onto her wrist. I saw it was a compounded fracture and knew it was not a nice break. Her husband was in shock so I got him to call the ambulance whilst I stopped the blood and helped her sit up straight and distracted. Luckily they arrived within 20 minutes but it was a very awful situation, she was an amazing lady and coped very well with what was clearly a huge amount of pain. She safely went off to hospital whilst I had to wait 10 minutes in my car before I could leave! I was so shaken up by it, luckily I didn't show it but I hope she will be ok and glad I was there to help as I think it could have been an awful lot worse.

It really made me think about things though - how easily these things can happen to anyone!

So hopefully everyone has a safe and accident free weekend! xx

It sounds like you did an amazing Job BS :T it is terrifying how situations can turn in to crisis so very quickly.

I have read your diary from the beginning over the last few days and think you have done amazing! Love the tales of the West country!

Take care

Mrs H x

LondonGirl252

Hello!


Glad to hear you are settling in to the West Country so well! And well done on reacting so well with the lady, I'm not sure I would have known what to do at all, have you heard how she is now?


LG x

Brightspark87

Morning all

My lovely client is at home recovering after her operation and was very grateful for my help - I hope they remain clients of mine for some time! I made her promise that she will not let this stop them or lose confidence. I hope they won't.

As for me, I have seen the wedding photos where I was a bridesmaid and I hate the way I look but they are gorgeous apart from that!

Moneywise I am trying my best to start my christmas shopping, plus ensuring I am still saving towards the house, paying off debt etc.

Hope you are all good? xx

Brightspark87

morning all hope everyone else had a fantastic weekend? I certainly enjoyed myself and had a very MSE weekend in some ways... not so much in others!

Firstly, SAyurday was a a NSE which makes it 7 for the month (I target c6-9 depending on the month!) then on Sunday we went to a designer outlet in Somerset and I bought myself something using a voucher that was about to go out of date and my student discount bringing it down from £350 to £65. Know that yes that is an awful lot of money to spend on a scarf. It was a scarf I know. But its is beautiful and just like one I lost in my fire earlier this year and yes I still have debt to pay off but I am doing well and I think why not. I used my money (not credit cards!) and have been ensuring the over spending since we moved in on things like the weekly shop have been nipped in the bud. Plus DH bought my christmas present which was a purse to match my organiser (very exciting for me - wanted it for ages but was £300 which I refused, now they were £95 plus my student discount of 10% wooo!!) so I felt very spoilt. Then we went to the local cider factory which sells my fav cider and saved ££ by buying it in a big jug rather than cans or bottles. YAY! (OK again very aware that cider is not a necessity but we both love it and its a cheaper drink and makes us happy).

Today at work its all go, seeing a few more lovely clients (one who is getting a rescue puppy so any excuse to visit!) and trying my best to help as many people as possible.

Have a great Monday everyone xx