How I live now.

Knitting_Nora

Thanks for the advice on the breakdown cover. I've gone with the RAC for comfort (or is that habit?), but got them down to under £100 for the recovery *and* a few extra bits I wanted. Really pleased - though now kicking myself for not doing it through Quidco!! Live and learn.


Off to amend that pesky SOA.

Knitting_Nora

Well, guess who accidentally deleted half her SOA and had to redo it? Luckily, I realised I'd overstated the credit card repayments so a quick dabble (as you do) and it's all tickity boo. Well, maybe not quite tickity boo - there's a big old overspend, for a start!

Aaleigha

I am this month working on my SOA (is that statement of account - can tell I am new cant you)
writing down EVERYTHING I am debt free but a life changing happening has nearly put us back into debt and my husband wants a credit card - ok its 0% BUT that term will end and I know from experience it will be run up and then a huge interest will need to be paid

so I am here for the tips you can all give me (especially keeping the other half in line ) and I hope to support you on your journeys

lcc86

I just changed my breakdown cover from Lloyds bank to Startrescue, cut the cost down to £28 for medium level cover. £100 seems expensive, especially for RAC? They were doing an offer for about £30 back in January.

DawnW

lcc86 wrote: »

I just changed my breakdown cover from Lloyds bank to Startrescue, cut the cost down to £28 for medium level cover. £100 seems expensive, especially for RAC? They were doing an offer for about £30 back in January.

The offers you see are introductory ones, ie you not eligible if you are renewing, and the price differences can be astronomical. So I NEVER renew, just cancel and go with another provider via Quidco. There is absolutely no advantage in being a loyal customer these days, you just get treated like some kind of mug and ripped off

Knitting_Nora

lcc86 wrote: »

I just changed my breakdown cover from Lloyds bank to Startrescue, cut the cost down to £28 for medium level cover. £100 seems expensive, especially for RAC? They were doing an offer for about £30 back in January.

It's certainly not the cheapest out there, but I know them (by name at this point - my poor car!). It includes person cover (so I'm covered), roadside and recovery - and a few other bits and pieces which experience has taught me I need.


If I'm honest, it's suited me today - but it's clear I could do better, and I agree completely that brand loyalty is a fool's game - which makes me sad (who's got the chocolate?).


So the lesson today is to set aside proper time to better research my options. "Research and Preparation" - the frugal person's mantra!


See, you've already got me all ephiphanising (is too a word).


Next biggie is my car insurance, *whispers* which I've always simply renewed after Tesco were so brilliant when I had a car accident 5 years back. :eek:

Knit_Witch

yay shiny new diary! Not sure what advice I can give but I am subscribing!

Knitting_Nora

Aaleigha wrote: »

I am this month working on my SOA (is that statement of account - can tell I am new cant you)
writing down EVERYTHING I am debt free but a life changing happening has nearly put us back into debt and my husband wants a credit card - ok its 0% BUT that term will end and I know from experience it will be run up and then a huge interest will need to be paid

so I am here for the tips you can all give me (especially keeping the other half in line ) and I hope to support you on your journeys

It's not just that you're new - it's that I'm a terror for acronyms! There are so many (plus I invent the odd few), but everyone's so lovely - don't be afraid to ask what something means.


Sounds to me like you've already got the right mindset - which is the bit I really struggle with. As for your other half - I recommend a cattle prod.


To be fair, assuming he's thinking about having the card for emergencies, then I get why he wants it. But I agree with you - it's the thin end of the wedge. In the end, it's still money you've got to pay and none of us know what the future holds in terms of being able to pay something like that back.


So instead, why not think about a joint 'accident and emergency' account that you both pay into each month when you can? That way, if something happens and you suddenly need money, you've already got it - and without paying interest or the worry of repayments etc.


Nora.xx

Knitting_Nora

Knit_Witch wrote: »

yay shiny new diary! Not sure what advice I can give but I am subscribing!

*waves* glad to have you aboard the new 'leaf', Knitty!

thriftylass

Hello!

Sorry couldn't just read and run.

Yes the earning more option sounds sensible but not sure how achievable. I guess the rent is what it is and moving is not an option. It just seems £560 rent out of only 966 income is a LOT.

I agree definitely look at your gas and leccy tariff and consumption. Is your heating electric or gas. Have you got a timer etc.

The mobile is that on a contract or PAYG (might be cheaper?)

Good luck