The 'I'm less money-idiot more money-savvy' Diary

TheMagician

judi24 I love how you turned it all around :T well done, it's all in the positive attitude. You don't have control over other people and certain things but you do have control over how you react to what happens.

Regarding your mum, you're very lucky she helps you out but if you really can't afford to pay for her travel you shouldn't. I've made a promise to myself a long time ago that as soon as I'm well off enough I'll buy my mum a house and make sure she's got everything she needs. At the moment, I also couldn't afford to pay for her expenses but as long as I know that when I can I'll pay for everything, then I don't feel bad. I'm sure you'll do a lot for your mum so don't feel guilty, you're a good person that loves her mum but needs to sort her finances out, that's all

judi24

Thanks for those wise words Magician - I know you are right - my mum is getting money towards her accommodation from my Aunt and I will be paying for all the bits like drinks at the wedding, taxis and the picnic.


I have also been thinking about buying her a little flat when I am debt free. She currently rents and gets housing benefit but her benefit doesn't cover the full rent and the small amount of money she gets from the church covers it - but I know she is worried about when she needs to stop working as a Vicar and can't afford the rent. I have been thinking aboutre mortgaging and using a little equity to put a deposit on a flat and rent it to her but not sure if council will pay housing benefit if renting from a family member. Its not to make any sort of profit just to give her somewhere to live that means she has security and affordable home. I Would love to just buy her a home - but I am not sure I will ever be able to afford that!!!

TheMagician

judi24 wrote: »

I have been thinking aboutre mortgaging and using a little equity to put a deposit on a flat and rent it to her but not sure if council will pay housing benefit if renting from a family member.

A lovely thought judi24 but no, I don't think that's possible. I would call your council and double check though when the time comes

judi24

Yeah its all a bit of a pipe dream anyway at the moment!!! I have just increased my debt by £1800 today - so further from debt free date now anyway!

Keeping_Motivated

Hi Judi how does the Boiler Grant work? Is everyone eligible for it?

judi24

this is it KM


https://www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures


I applied in the last release of money so slightly different things that you can get money for - but basically you have to pay £100 for an energy survey and if is shows your house is inefficient and you don't have 2 or more of the stated energy conservation methods/appliances then you can apply. The paperwork is a bit of a nightmare but if you do your homework and know what 'measures' you want (I knew I needed a boiler and the flue heat recovery system was recommended my the assessor) then you can look on Greenenergy fund website for suppliers who are registered to fit what you want an they will help you through the process.


In reality I could have bought a standard boiler for £1500 but the energy efficient one was more expensive although with the grant is cheaper and long term much more economical.


Its all a bit of a mine field - I put my research skills to good use this week!!! But worth it in the long run I think! (I could probably fit my own boiler now I have read 100 articles about boilers and energy efficiencies!)

Dansmam

Hey Judi you're
so doing things the way I did when my kids were still dependent and I was on my own with them. Just I didn't tackle the debt and still have it to be rid of. You're doing the right thing and all credit to you. Keep on keeping on. You are my inspiration!
DM

judi24

Thanks Dansmam - I just want to be rid of the debt - I was lying in bed considering whether to get up this morning thinking about things as you do - and generally I am quite happy with my lot! The debt is there and needs to be gone but actually in the grand scheme of things its not too bad! My other massive challenge is to get fit and loose weight - but I don't want to do anything faddy - just like money and debt it needs to be change in mind set! Need to really think about this!


Ah well money wise I'm off to Al*I with my list - I need quite a lot of bits for our various events this week to keep the costs down- we are going trampolining tonight so will take drinks and a snack for kids, I need a picnic for the train on Thurs and my DS has decided he wants packed lunches so need bits for that - also dog and cat food!


Hoping to spend around £60 looking at the list (just need to stick to it!!!!)

Dansmam

Hey Judi
Well, it's a struggle but I'm up and off to the cheap veg shop after a lazy kindle book read. A few of us have a deal toshare losses in pounds but not start weights. youre welcome to join us!
DM

Dansmam

[
Oh and confession. In your position I'd have fallen for the £x/month for the boiler. Just cos it was so easy and we'd have had heating and hot water

DM