From debt to freedom...

Sarahwithlove

That's great news about the window loan gives you something to aim for. I like having goals and targets helps keep me focused. 

Cherryfudge

I'm behind on Christmas presents too.

What a shame that your DD can't be with you at Christmas. I think it will be this way for lots of people but it doesn't make it easier. Perhaps you could send her some little Christmas treats and open presents over a video call? Another thing might be a mini present to open before she goes to bed - something that appeals to the senses such as a hot water bottle or scented hand cream, so last thing in the evening there is something that will 'stay with her' when she goes to sleep.

Spendless

Awww that will be emotional for you, having DD1 away and unable to spend Christmas with you. Are you able to do something special beforehand?
I'd look for a more suitable savings account. It's so hard though, you're second guessing if it's just this year that's a blip, or if some things will never return to the way they were.
Good plan for the window loan though make sure you're not making yourself short if another unexpected bill arises.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Janb5, SA, SH, Sarahwithlove, Spendless & Cherryfudge. 

I’m hoping that we can do something special with DD1 before she travels to her new abode. It will depend on work shifts with the older DDs it even if we can just have a cosy film/ present giving/ chocolate fondue fun meal, I will feel better that we have celebrated Christmas with her in some way.

Thank you Cherryfudge- what great suggestions for gifts. I think a hot water bottle may be very useful because I think it may be colder where she is going. I was debating about making her a little Christmas cake but had probably better check customs rules before doing that!

This week has been busy. I worked an extra day on Monday and spent yesterday in meetings, so got to today and felt that I had to get outside.  I’ve managed a walk with the elderly lurcher this afternoon, not overly far, but still a good distance for him. We ambled across the fields nearby and enjoyed watching the lowering sun highlight the left behind stems of maize, in the ground.

Off to job no 2 in a minute. Hoping for a busy yet steady shift! 

janb5

Hi HSL just to say sometimes if awake in the early hours I hear a 'click' on my phone and think HSL is up too and posting!
That cheers up the early hours! Xx

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Janb5 - that did make me smile! I have thought that in the past, when our posts have been a minute or two apart at 3am ish!

It was a busy shift, so no time to be bored 😉. I took in a couple of festive homemade treats as ideas for the chefs for desserts. They weren’t convinced but did get complimented on my pastry which I was happy about!  I made a suggestion to my boss that would allow me to be more versatile during shifts, which he thought was a good idea, so just hoping he will remember and let me crack on! I’ve brought home about £20 in tips this week which will help to replenish the savings that had to be used last month to cover family  birthdays. 

Car issues have surfaced again  this week, which will mean I’m very likely to have a hefty garage bill ( 2 front tyres, brake pads and something to do with anti rolling🤷‍♀️). The plus side is that I haven’t had to do any  taxiing around. It’s been quite nice to not have to go anywhere.

  I haven’t dared get many presents yet, as I’m waiting to know the bill and get that paid, before I get Christmas sorted. I know it will make it busy just before Christmas but needs must. DD2 must have felt I was behind, as she sat  me down with a piece of paper to plan presents! She is very good at thinking of thoughtful present ideas which is great, but doesn’t quite understand I need to get the last of December’s bills dealt with first ( oh and squeeze in time to traipse across the county in search of an open branch of Na*we*t to get the Christmas money out!)

I did decline, as graciously as possible, our Christmas work do with a Job no 1. We are  too many to go out so we’re having a meal delivered but the cost per head was just too much for my budget.

I’m finding I’m feeling more impatient about getting out of debt. Spendless made a good point about not over stretching myself in the bid to get out of debt which I’m keeping in mind. Setting out the plan for the first window loan has helped me so I was thinking of taking time to plan out the remaining debts in a similar fashion. One day I will be brave enough to out the scores on the door! I can see the overall figure coming  down each month when I check the MSE club report which is motivating.

janb5

Hi HSL
My excuse for being up late is that I've been listing some of my ex's collections on E*bay . His flat is being cleared and both sons were resolute that the proceeds from selling should go to the other one!
So I've suggested that any profit will be shared between the grandchildren but am heartened that they have supported each other.
I was scheming the other day that we should do a paid quiz to guess where you live snd that would help with the window loan......!
Maybe your family should do a Secret Santa and spend no more than £5 for the person they buy for....would that help?
Don't worry about presents...your greatest gift to your family is your indomitable spirit and your refusal to be bowed down by adversity.
 You're such an inspiration!
But,on reflection, the elderly lurcher needs to be on the Secret Santa list so he can get a special treat!
Sending a virtual hug Jan.xx

Spendless

I'm another one with insomnia. Like it most nights unfortunately. Think DD2 had the right idea to help. I've got a friend who always says Christmas shopping is easy if you know in advance what you're going to buy, it's the walking round the shops looking for inspiration that's the problem.Totally understand you declining the meal. Going out is an 'occassion' if you'e reduced to having a take-away instead then you don't want it to also be expensive. 

savingholmes

I too am struggling to sleep at night and then barely awake during the day at the moment. Roll on the holidays. Well done on the window loan repayments. Hope the car bill isn't as much as expected but either way not a fun expense this time of year. 

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Janb5, Spendless. & SH - wow a whole club of 3am ers!

Janb5 - you must be so proud of your boys kind hearted attitudes, in each preferring to support the other. Thank you for your kind words.

Its been a challenging week on the financial front.  The garage bill came in at just over £400 😳😩😵😳. A bill that size would make me wobble at the best of times but just before Christmas was 😢.  I emptied my tips savings, my job 2 account, half of my Help to Save account and another savings pot to be able to cover it. For reference should anyone need to know, it takes 3 days for the Help to Save money to come  from the H2S account to one’s nominated account. That did throw me so I ended up ringing the garage to explain that I’d paid half and the rest was on it’s way and would be with them by the end of the week. I know I should be thankful that I didn’t get into more debt ( which I am thankful for) but am also disappointed that the saving pots have been wiped out.

On Saturday I went to the nearest big city ( about an hour’s drive away) to try and find an open Na*wes* branch. I was there right at opening time and carefully explained to the manager that I needed to withdraw money from a savings account, for which I have no card and due to branch closures can no longer access easily. His answer staggered me. Apparently, despite being in the nearest ( and only city ) in the county, the branch has no counter service on a Saturday😵😵😵. So I was unable to access my Christmas savings pot. The whole reason I hadn’t been there earlier is because their opening hours are completely incompatible for anyone  who works in the day. The manager suggested I close the account which I will most certainly be doing but that doesn't help the immediate situation of having saved for Christmas and not being able to access the money. I am working a couple of lunchtime shifts at job number 2 this week, so hope I can drive to the city on Wednesday. 

DD1 is supposed to be flying to her new country of abode this week. I am really worried about her going. She will have to self isolate for 14 days as soon as she gets there. She will be living with 2 other international students but they are arriving a week later. How exactly she is supposed to get food to last her for the 14 day isolation period, when one considers the Covid regulations and restrictions of the country she is going to is a bit of a challenge. Yesterday afternoon, I spent  most of it with Google translate trying to organise an online grocery order and was nearly there but they required a local mobile phone number and wouldn’t accept an order without one. I guess the answer is to pack enough food for 3 days and then order when she is out there?!

Last night, after DD3 and I had finished our shift we had a Christmas celebration of sorts. We gave DD1 her Christmas gifts ( I emptied another savings pot and changed it into currency for her new country) and spent the evening altogether. It sounds odd but even though we all live together, the older children’s work patterns are very different, so all being together at the same time doing the same thing is quite a rarity so last night was special to have that time.

Boris’ announcement came as a bit of a shock. Thankfully my parents are in the same county so it is possible for them to drive up on Christmas Day but not to do their usual 3 day visit.  I’m sorry for those who had looked forward to seeing family further afield and who have had their plans dashed.