Nst; fearless february

Fmess

stewby wrote: »

So.... the boilerman has been.

I am now convinced that there is someone conspiring against me. First my car needed £600 worth of repairs... finally get that paid off and became all excited about getting back on track.

Boilerman has just taken another £370 off me.

Can't even begin to describe how "deflated" I am feeling. First time in a while I have just wished that I have never had my LBM.

Heading to work soon so thought I should do a wee update. I imagine that the boiler bill will demolish any hope of a spend-free day too.

Hugs to everyone who needs them.

Don't give up stewby, it's just a little bump in the journey

Calling14

Stewby now your boiler is fixed take out boiler insurance with British Gas I pay 10.29 a month all parts covered, Got the one with no excess for call outs and had a lovely £60 back from Quidco within first month. Claimed for a new pump already.

I had big car bill last year, hugs you will bounce back. Just think how far you have come. X

mothernerd

thriftylass good luck with your collectors items.

cupcake queen know what you mean about the cakes, I have been helping my mother make wedding cakes since I was three (started off mixing all the fruit, using my thumbs to quarter the cherries). She never charged enough. So what do I do - embroidery which is even more labour intensive. Really need to get myself to the point where I design and sell my own patterns online.

Bobarella I had to consider that as part of my decision making process as your reaction to their gambling can affect the family as much as the gambling. So had to think about how long I could carry on plodding with no money, watching all the time for any signs of lapsing and think about what sort of person I would be if that went on another twenty years.

The lying was what got to me most. He didn't tell me, I found out when I was pregnant with DS3. Had just worked out we should possibly have some modest savings by the time the baby was born when the cc bill came. Sat down in shock, went through several scenarios for where the money was going (so he's having takeaway every night, drinking 10 pints a night - not enough, 20 pints a night?- not enough) and finally had to ask him (on the phone as he was away). Never told me when he lapsed so every time the cc bill came I would sit trying to work out what the worst it could possibly be - it was always more. Until he joined the Reading group he insisted on keeping his cards - they told him he couldn't control it and must get rid. I have ended one of my relationships since then because the person concealed something I should have been told about.

The boys have been affected - they were from the start. DS1 started bed-wetting at night when he first went contracting when he was previously dry. DS3 attributes any mistakes in his upbringing as being down to me as 'Daddy wasn't there' (he can sing the song from Austin Powers all the way though, so it's been there as an issue for a while).

When his contracting work eventually dried up, my ex was forced to join the rest of us in the real minimum wage world and only saw the boys twice in a three year period as he 'couldn't afford it' (still smoked and drank).

He eventually moved back to his mother. I've said before (think traveler was having problems with her ex) that when DS3 was the only one going to visit him (again up to me to pay for bus and train fares) DS3 would come back in tears as he was not interested in him and asked questions about the other two all during the visit.

DS3 and I haven't been speaking to him for the past two years and DS1 avoids it as much as possible. DS2 still has contact and he is the one I worry about as he has the addictive personality (the only one who smokes) although his excesses are less frequent.

Synonymous give yourself time and look after yourself. Well done on the meditation.

Stewby you have had a really rough week and the cold has seeped into your bones. Do your work then get warm again and take a little time out. You are doing really well, you will get there. I think it is beanielou who has a Chinese proverb in her signature "Fall down seven times, stand up eight". (Not that I am wishing that any more bad things befall you).

So a SFD today but went to little Arseda last night as I couldn't get to Tessimo's and the bargains. Very frustrating as I knew I could get several things cheaper, but did it in case these minor ailments ramp up any (and getting very low on basics). Spent £14 and am getting very near my budget limit but I know that £8 I have already included will be used in March and some of the bits from last night can come out of the spare £5 from my birthday once I have checked the last piece of my outfit for the 15th (the £10 allocated for drinks also came from birthday money).

Ah the joys of town centre living. was getting in bed at 2am and there was a knock at the door. Not going, it'll only be a drunk. More Knocking (hope it's not the next door neighbour feeling amorous - he insisted on showing me his dog yesterday, a while ago he was telling me about having his pacemaker replaced and opened his shirt to show me where they had glued him back together).

Went to front door - no-one there. Went to back door -someone using my ladder to climb up. Stepped out and asked what he thought he was doing. A drunk looking for his friend, thought it was one of these houses and had seen the light on in DS3's room. DS3 came through. Drunk kept insisting we must know his friend. Asked if he could wash his hands, then shook my hand and wandered off again. I asked DS3 to go for my slipper boots so I could put the ladder back.

Couldn't get back to sleep until 4.30am so tired today. Phoned mum to say I would go after dinner and she said her other Friday visitors had had the sick/ diarrhoea bug but were over it. Realised I only wanted to eat toast and crawl back under the covers so phoned again to say I was not risking the bugs. Had a lovely day with the odd nap and might have a couple more. Just have to work out how we can wash my hair.

Was going to do more shopping for cooking but thought if I only want toast and sandwiches over the weekend shopping can wait. I did get a YS pineapple for 26p. I bought bread, eggs, cheese, one onion (wouldn't pay 83p for 4 onions but wanted a cheese sandwich so have bread and other ingredients), apples and a few other bits.

Resolved at the beginning of the week that I should 'do more' but feeling under par and am just frustrated trying to do more, so I am slowing things down for a day or two, get my sleep pattern right, eat simply and then try again.

Today I am grateful for
1) Sunshine that dried all my dark wash and successful colouring experiment - the linen skirt and long sleeve t shirt have come through the wash still black. DS3's underpants probably need a second coat but much improved.
2) Catch up time with George Smiley and enjoying one of the library staff's latest selections.
3) For entertaining drunks - sometimes they come back to apologise.

LoveaDove

HAPPY FRIIIIDAY, ALL!! :j:j

So yesterday was another terribly stressful day at work. I had a bit of a cry when I was on my own in the office, then calmed myself down, then the head of my profession for the whole UK company came into the office (unannounced visit) and had a chat with me about my role- what I felt worked what I felt did not work. Today, some big changes around my job and those senior to me, have been announced. These structural changes will have a very positive impact on my job and my currently insane workload is going to be distributed to another 2 new members of staff that they will be recruiting within the next month....wow!

Still no news on the Masters- thank you for your support- MagicCat

Had a Spend day yesterday- Small spend on food, fuel top up and £1.85 on a diet coke whilst watching a friend's band at a local pub.
Found 1p on the floor by the stage!

SFD4 today, found another 1p whilst out walking today. Every little helps!

Having a quiet night in this eve, with cosy clothes and a soon to be brewed hot bevvie! Will be out with my work colleagues and 2 ex work colleagues (including my recently ex manager) tomorrow evening for a proper farewell to her!

Positives for the Day:
*Some potentially positive changes at work to alleviate the amount of work that is currently on my shoulders!
*Finding another shiny penny!
* My colleague making a bizarre and impromptu owl like sound when I handed him a pen whilst he was on the phone earlier. Much to his immediate embarrassment as not only did I hear but the professional he was on the phone to also heard.
* Falling in love with YNAB as I slowly learn how to use it!
*It's Friday night, I am feeling relaxed and now have 2 days off! :T

Calling14 - I'm a 100 square fan! I got the idea from the 1% challenge. I still do this now for saving, but put a sticker on my chart every time I save another 1%. I find it to be a great visual motivator, and it was really effective when clearing debts as well!!

cupcake-queen - What an amazing read regarding your perseverance with your business! The amount people are paying you for your cakes surely reflects on how great they think they are! Also, what a lovely, supportive company you work for! PS. Good luck with the rice crispie dinosaur sculpting- that sounds amazing!

lilt - Your Ma sounds amazing and awe-inspiring!! Also, thanks for the fascinating bogie share- I do love the ifl science site! :cool: Gold star definitely deserved for your antarctic dangerzone trekking this week!!

thrifty- This could be a case of a real life 'cash in the attic' Hope all goes well!

mothernerd - Thank you for sharing- amazing as always x Sounds like you are also surrounded by some interesting neighbours! Do look after yourself though!

stewby - Very frustrating news regarding the boiler bill, but I suppose the silver lining is that you know it is ok now and you have returned to the world of heating and hot water. I hate shock spends likes that, Calling14 -Great advise with the boiler insurance- I believe my ma has the same insurance. stewbyChin up chick, you have been doing so amazing with all of your multiple pots you have been keeping to! Like fmess said- it's just a little bump in the journey.

Hope you are all warm and well, n'night for now x

liltdiddylilt

Crikey mothernerd you're braver than I. I would have been out there and knocking the ladder away without asking what he was doing. Nighttime visitors, telephone calls and all other things frighten the life out of me.

Anyways I have come to retract my earlier SFD status My jellytot conquered three solid meals with no fuss today, and was not given any dubious snacks by dumb-in-laws thanks to me stating she was not having snacks ever again until she conquered eating properly. Him actually sided with me & so she deserved an after dinner treat after doing so well, so went to fetch her some dairy free custard. Whilst ruining it I did the shopping. May I boldly state that I am now aiming for 5 SFD's in a row by hook or by crook

Shopping also included a balloon whisk. My 10 year old one finally gave up the ghost some weeks ago and they had some rather swish solid metal ones (with a wee balloon/ball inside the whisk!) on clearance for £2.20. Bargains.

Total groceries: £58.03/£150
SFD: 3*/15 Next goal - to get to 12th Feb without another penny escaping!
Household: £3.50/£10

Today I am mainly grateful for surprise presents, lovely friends, amazing writing by lovely little girls... :T :smileyhea

apple_muncher

Today I am grateful that dd managed the whole day at school, that the rugby is on, that I sewed several bunny ears and limbs, that I had to wear my cap because of the sunshine, that 2 chaffinches have been playing in the garden.

Thank you to all of you turtles who share so much of your lives - both past and present - with us. We are an awesome bunch!

Fmess

mothernerd have you thought of writing a book?

calling I'm hoping that once I'm DF, I'll get boiler cover like that. I'd love the peace of mind that it'd bring.

Incidentally, does anyone on her have life insurance and/or critical illness cover? My friend mentioned she had and was astounded that I didn't. Is this something all grown ups should have?!

Today was SFD number 3, LTW, tidied but no exercise - lilt when I read your post about walking in the cold, I told myself off for being a wimp and not going for a walk because it was cold.

Today is seeming like a great day; I broke up for half term, my sister got the keys to her first home and I made some money tutoring

liltdiddylilt

fmess I have both types of cover. Got £150 cashback of course. Pay £18.53 a month for £150k life, and £50k critical. That is expensive because I was rated by a dramatic amount due to so many cancer risks from close family members/my own issues. I only got mine when I had Jellytot. I think you can only truly understand the need to cover yourself when you have someone so wholly dependent on you to provide their world. it didn't matter one jot until then!

I giggled to myself walking today. I wore my scarf in a way I haven't done since I was a teenager and it was cool to half cover my face. The only difference being that a tigger scarf worn like that on a woman approaching 30 probably looks a bit silly not to mention it smushed my lippie :rotfl:

Glad your day is great! Those look like some amazing positives! xx

WelshKitty85

Good evening everyone!

Stewby sorry to hear about the boiler.

Mothernerd you sound like an amazing brave woman, but please be careful. I would be cowering under the duvet if somebody was knocking on my door at that time!

I'm still feeling a bit out of sorts today. I don't feel ill as such, I just don't feel well. I've had a headache all day that nothing will shift and feel constantly cold (even with the heating on) and a bit light headed. DS is full of cold so wonder if I am about to come down with it.

Anyway, it means I haven't achieved as much as I wanted to today. It's been a spend day as I have done weekly shop. DH came with me which stressed me out as he doesn't understand the word 'budget' (& I think my feeling a bit under the weather made me a bit short tempered with him). My shopping total is now upto £107.73/£185 for the month. The rest of the month is going to be quite tight now, but I have all my toiletries, loo roll etc for the month and most of what I need for meals so in theory I should just need small top up shops.

I have managed to cook off the butchers mince and made 2 lasagnes, a portion of bolognaise sauce, 4 bolognaise & pasta 'ready meals' and today's lunch out of it.

DH had £5 from a family member for helping them out today. He has given it to me. Think I will put it into the savings jar for now, but may take it for shopping if we need it towards the end of the month.

I have another day off tomorrow and am hoping I will be feeling a little better and able to spend some quality time with the children.

Have to say I am disappointed with the rugby score tonight, but am still so proud of the boys #iamwales!

mothernerd

I don't have life insurance now but I had it from soon after DS2 was born. Wills were written before DS1 was born, with everything going to the other and if we were both killed money and care of the baby went to my mother, not his. Can't write a will in favour of an expected child until it is born.

I had straight life cover £10 a month with a £100k payout if I were to die (think you got extra for an accident and always took advantage of the freebie accident cover banks sometimes give you). When the first ten year period was running out, the payout dropped (in line with changed life expectancy). I had to pay a bit more monthly (couldn't afford to keep it at the £100k mark but had the house as well) but worked out a figure I thought would cover it and extended it up to DS3's 18th birthday.

I sometimes look at those 'have enough to bury you' things but probably better to just have it as savings as they won't pay out for the first few years and hopefully I would pay for the end benefit many times over if I started now.

Re-wrote my will after my divorce and again prior to my other operation 10 years ago. Bought a form before my admission this time (think it is a fairly simple update, DS3 was still young enough to need someone to take care of him then but is now legally old enough to manage his own money) but didn't get it done - must put that back on my to do list.