From debt to freedom...

Spendless

I wouldn't beat yourself up about it. Window loan1 is due to be gone within weeks.

Kids at Uni do cost, regardless of how much maintenance loan they receive. If I remember rightly she studied some distance away so that would always cost you in petrol costs to visit or drop off/pick up plus overnight costs and at the beginning even if the next eldest ones were old/mature enough to be left then you'd have had to take at least some of the younger ones too, paying for big enough accommodation for you all overnight and the costs of meals for you all on trips.

My DS at Uni, decided last Mother's day when we visited not to come home for Easter, I can't even remember why now, though I think it was to do with keeping a housemate company who wasn't returning home. A day later lockdown 1 was announced. Prices rose, the bargains DS bought for groceries disappeared and he spent his next (min) loan instalment within 3 weeks. I was convinced he'd done something stupid with his money till I saw his bank statement and he was correct it had all gone on food, albeit not always the wisest choices (eg buying a meal deal instead of a loaf and some ham etc) but it showed how easily money can go.

I've heard others say their shopping has gone up but they've been putting it down to everyone at home. Not entirely sure what you can do to reduce the costs of the cheese sandwich maker. Grating makes it go further as I'm sure you're already aware. Is he doing this or just plonking a slab onto bread? 

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you SH, SA, Parkyp & Spendless. Yes that’s exactly it Spendless, the petrol costs and overnight stays and the younger ones had to come. I did manage to do a couple of trips up and back in a day but not ideal.

Today has been productive. I got a second coat of paint up in the utility room and the walls of the separate toilet painted. There’s been a box of tiles underneath the sink that were earmarked to go up in the utility room 12 years ago! I’ve bought the tools I need to do the job, bit by bit over the last 12 months, so finally got started today. I’ve never tiled  before but have carefully watched a tiling tutorial online and given it a go. Nothing has fallen off the wall yet, so that’s a positive😉. Cutting the tiles has been more of a challenge as  they are incredibly thick, but will keep trying.

The postman came this morning with my cheque from the A*. I’ve got to grips with technology and deposited it via the banking app, so as soon as it clears, the window loan can be paid in full😀. I’ve felt so elated by that prospect today. The knock on effect of that will mean I’ll have £100 “spare” that I had allocated for the final payment of the window loan on Friday but this can now be diverted to 2nd window loan. That will hopefully kick start it downwards.

Only got out for a short walk today as it’s been raining for  most of the day. The elderly lurcher hasn’t quite been himself today, so am keeping a careful eye on him.

Cherryfudge

Great to hear you have your cheque!

I hope the dog is okay.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Cherryfudge. Thankfully the elderly lurcher has been more himself today which is a great relief. He is 14 next month so I am very thankful for every day that we have him.

Yesterday was very productive and today had been the total opposite. I overslept to start with  and on getting up found that my painting and tiling motivation had vanished. In the middle of the day I started with a pounding headache so went back to bed at 4  and slept for an hour or so. I end up feeling so frustrated on days when I have zero energy 😣. I think DD3 was having a lockdownitus kind of a day as well as she wasn’t her usual cheery self either, but just couldn’t seem to get going on anything. The ongoing rain didn’t help either 🌧.

I made chicken pie for tea with roast potatoes and veg followed by apple crumble and custard. Tomorrow is an early start as DD1 starts work at 6, so must wake up early to drive her there.

Cherryfudge

I think it's always harder when it's rainy. However, it sounds as though you really needed that sleep! I know you are often awake at night, and you had a full day yesterday so perhaps your body was just getting its balance back?

Lovely that your dog is feeling better!

savingholmes

Great about the cheque and clearing the window loan. Getting there

janb5

Remember to be kind to yourself!  There are off days and your body demanded sleep so all is good!
Really it`s been a win win week with the debt slaying and the dog getting a second wind! 

MeandO

Fantastic news about the cheque xx

sashybo

Clearing that first window loan must be a great feeling. 🎉 

Sorry to hear you weren't feeling great yesterday but you're always so busy, sometimes you just need a lazy day.

I still haven't started off my sweet peas as don't have any compost and haven't been able to go and get any. 🤦‍♀️ My seed potatoes will be arriving in a couple of weeks so I really need to get some!

Drawingaline

My motivation has cleared off too. Want to make a start on painting our utility room, but apathy has struck. I can't get focused on anything. Normally I would read to procrastinate on jobs, but I haven't picked up a book since Xmas, and have read two and a half Kindle books since then. I can read up to 10 books a week in normal times. This is so bad for me!!!