Immaterial Girl

Sparkles87

Do not buy a flat, can chat more extensively on FB about why!

ZTD

Sparkles87 wrote: »

Do not buy a flat, can chat more extensively on FB about why!

But executive summary on here I hope...

Snagggles

Eek Sparkles, why not? (On FB is fine!)

Problem is I'm not sure I can afford a house in a decent area...and after my experiences in Leeds, I'm REALLY not keen on moving to an area that's rather 'interesting'.

Sparkles87

ZTD wrote: »

But executive summary on here I hope...

Of course, but minus any names obviously

Our neighbors have had numerous problems selling (that I'm hugely looking forward to) with the leasehold and its many stupid rules and hidden clauses.
They also actually tend to cost more as you have to pay a management charge or whatever they like to call it for the maintenance of the building.
You don't have any control over structural changes - some companies take this further than others...we can hang pictures but had to get permission to change flooring.
Minor things we've come across...noisy neighbors are too close for comfort, post issues - being left in lobby or given to random neighbors as postie assumes we all know one another and constantly having to call management company over things like lift, communal cleaning etc.
Oh and we were tied into utilities on the basis of which company had the keys to the cupboard for nearly two years!

Sparkles87

Oh and contents insurance rockets too

Snagggles

Thanks - I'll make sure I check all of those things really carefully before I make any decisions.

There's a factoring fee, but I don't know how much yet. I've asked them to confirm that before I even view it, because if it's huge, then it's not going to save me much money.

That's really helpful stuff though - it's good to get the perspective of someone who's experienced it (although obviously I'd rather you hadn't!).

I've finally finished my budget spreadsheet, and it's pretty and colourful! :j

Er...and useful too, obviously.

It shows that I have £40 per week left after the bills, shopping and childcare are paid for. Not a huge amount to cover school stuff, haircuts, clothing, birthdays, etc etc, but better than the deficit I had before I increased my hours.

I've probably forgotten something, mind you.

I went online and paid for my car tax. Slightly amusingly, you don't need your MOT certificate to do it any more. :rotfl: Ah well!

Also bought the things I needed, plus picked up a small amount of shopping for the coming week.

Financially, things are not the scary disaster I thought they were, but I have very little in the way of savings (other than those that can't be touched as they're for a house deposit), and there's that credit card debt...dum dum duuuuuuuuuum.

Tomorrow I'm going for my induction at the gym I accidentally joined. I did get an introductory offer (it's just opened) of £10.99 per month for the first 12 months, and no contract, which makes it cheaper than using the gym at my local council leisure centre (which is also very nice, but not near my office).

I can think up some other ways of trying to justify it if you like...

Goodnight all; sweet dreams!!

Snagggles

Well the flat had already sold when I enquired, so no need to start researching anything just yet!

I've actually decided to stay where I am for now anyway. I love the house, I love the location, there's lots of space, and if we're careful, we can afford it. Just!!

Which brings me on to my car. It's pretty, but I think it may have an issue with its gearbox, and I'm a bit worried that it's going to cost the earth. Sigh. I'd sell it and get something else, but I don't think I could lumber someone else with a possibly-faulty car with a clear conscience.

A new Matalan has opened near to where I live. I haven't shopped there in probably 15 years, but I swear it used to be a reasonably cheap place to buy clothes. Not any more!! It does at least have a good selection of school uniform items though.

I also bought a pair of black trousers for work. They were £6, which is really good. I've lost about a stone since splitting up with my ex, and can't wear either of my existing pairs of trousers because they look like clown pants.

This next couple of weeks is likely to be particularly stressful. I must remember not to seek solace in Debenhams. :rotfl:

Butti

Good luck with the next couple of weeks x

in_need_of_direction

If you liked the matalan stuff, sign up for their emails. You periodically get offers such as £10 off a £30 spend and given there's a store close by, you can click and collect and avoid postage costs.

beanielou

Positive positive vibes for the next couple of weeks XX