From debt to freedom...

crazy_cat_lady

Pleased the mediation went well. Another step closer to getting stuff finalised. I really hope that it's over quickly. I had to pay £125 for my mediation - ex didn't turn up then I got the form from them saying I could go to court.

savingholmes

Glad mediation went well. Roll on the divorce. 

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you CCL & SH.

Weather is from one extreme to the other today. We’ve had hail, snow and sunshine so far. Debating whether to go into work and get a couple of bits done but certainly don’t want to get caught there! Thankfully so far, nothing has stuck, but I got caught out last year and haven’t forgotten the experience!

Slightly  spendy day today...so far have spent £100 on nursery fees and £20 on a debt repayment. It’s very little by little but at least going in the right direction. The bank balance looks relatively healthy at the moment but the direct debits have yet to leave my account so by Monday will be a different picture. March is full of birthdays, so I did go to a different shop today to source some cheaper cards. Need to scour a couple of shops, in the closest town, this afternoon to get a couple of  gifts for 2 of the birthday people.

Honeysucklelou2

Made the apple cake yesterday afternoon. Thank you Jan, that’s a delicious recipe. More of a batter mix than cake mix but  makes a light sponge. Will do that one again 😋.

I didn’t go into work in the end. The weather was unpredictable to say the least. I did a couple of hours at home  instead and can transfer it tomorrow.  I bought 3 presents for the birthday people...had totally forgotten 1 🤭. I only bought small gifts but getting harder to find things for a few pounds. I need to make gifts or grow them I think 🤔.

Not going to work made a bit more time  for getting things done at home. I made Jan’s apple cake, a couple of lemon drizzles and some pasties. Cracked on with a bit of sowing too and got some mangetout sown.  This variety has purple pods that change to green if steamed but remain purple if eaten raw. I thought it would make a colourful addition to salads!  For now I’ll keep them on the window sill at home until they have germinated, just in case any mice  are lurking near the greenhouse. The seedlings should be a decent size to plant out at the end of the month, weather allowing of course.

I went over and over the budget yesterday and am trying not to worry but it is still paper thin. The only extravagant spending has been the greenhouse glass which will help me to bring  plants on. It would be good if I could sell a few like I used to. I’ve paid an extra £10 off a debt. Unfortunately some of the free council tax money has been eaten into by the rise in the electricity direct debit and the birthdays. 😕

savingholmes

HI HSL - you are working really hard under difficult circumstances to make your money stretch. That you are making any OPs is a major cause for celebration. I think the greenhouse glass was a very justifiable expense given that you are trying to grow some of your own food, feed a very large family and stay sane going through a divorce with one of the worst ex stories I've come across. Give yourself a break. You are doing amazingly well under very trying circumstances. Once the divorce goes through - you will hopefully not be undermined as much by stupidities from your ex and will free up more mental spaces to sort yourself out financially.

janb5

Hi HSL- glad you liked the recipe. Forgot to say that the recipe doesn`t need a mixer so makes it even quicker to assemble. When I have `cookers` I peel slice and freeze them ready for the recipe.
Savingholmes sums up the situation beautifully but your hidden band of supporters are noisily cheering you on!

Kitten868

Your budget is going to look so much freer without solicitor fees going out every month. It will end. You are getting there. Plus the kids are growing up now and should be less and less dependent on you (and contribute cough cough but we will leave that one alone). 

You are doing this!

jak

I’ve just read your diary and you are truly impressive. Your children are so lucky to have you as a Mum. You ex sounds really abusive. My ex was to and I did a course that really helped me and was free. If you like I can pm you the details. My normal wasn’t normal, if that makes sense. 

Anyway, I’ve bookmarked so keep on keeping on xxx

lucielle

Regarding the plants can you set up a table outside your house to sell them?
L

savingholmes

hi HSL I love reading about your walk and cooking. I sometimes can almost taste it LOL