From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

A productive day today 🙂. I got the youngest DCs into one of the closest big  towns by 9 to get the school shoe shop done. I hate shopping at the best of times, unless of course it involves plants 🌱 but shoe shopping I detest the most. Having got there, I went in and was asked if I had an appointment. Since when  did we have to book appointments to buy shoes😒🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️😟? Fortunately, the sales assistant checked with the manager and they decided that as the shop was empty, I could come in and get some shoes. Half an hour later,  I was £90 lighter but at least the youngest DCs have shoes for the start of term.

I went to Job 1 for a couple of hours to get sorted for next week. I haven’t  got it all done but getting there. I popped to another shop to try and get a School bag for a DD and DD2’s birthday present. I was able to get it, so I hope that we can keep it hidden until the right day!

Direct debits left my account this morning...September is looking quite a squeeze financially😔. The positive is that £20 has been paid off a debt with a other £60 being paid tomorrow 🙂.

Kitten868

We are having one of those constant children's and family member birthday times here. It's all I can do not to add to the debt so if you manage to get through on what you've got with lower debt repayments you're winning in my book. 

I'm impressed by you taking on all these jobs and I hope it all flows well for you. As you say job 2 picks up when job 1 is shut so it should all work out perfectly. 

I hope the solicitor fees do increase as they focus on steering you to a successful end xxx

lucielle

All sounding very positive.  Hope the new greenhouse goes down and up ok!
L

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Kitten868 & Lucielle.

Yesterday I was genuinely shocked by how much has gone through my account since payday on Tuesday. On top of the normal direct debits, I’ve spent money on getting presents for 2 DCs, which included the 21st. She will be having a rare day off work, so I wanted to do something fun but memorable. I suggested doing Go Ape to her which she was  enthusiastic about so have had to draw upon savings to cover that. It’s a bit of a drive from us so not quite sure what to expect but hope that it will be a fun day.

The shoes have been a necessary cost as have new rucksack type bags for one DC and myself. Both of us had bags that no longer zipped up and in the DC’s case had fallen to bits from much use. It  will be a case of having to be ultra frugal for the rest of the month.

I did bank £48 of tips from the last week. Half went to make a payment off a debt, the other half went on putting a balance on youngest’s DD’s lunch account and on paying for a Maths equipment pack at school for her. She starts at her new school later today, so some sort of routine will be back as of today.

Still battling a sense of guilt that we haven’t done anything wildly exciting, partly through lack of money to do so and partly because of trying to keep away from crowds of people as we are now one of the worst places for Covid😳☹️. I thought it was just me until I saw a colleague who said they have been the same. We have also been kept busy with the puppies which has helped  to distract the younger DCs.

Parkyp

Going back to school and Children’s birthday is bound to put a dent in your bank balance. Hopefully you’ve got plenty food in your freezer you can use to save a bit of the food bill this month. 

I feel your summer holidays have flown by. 

I think a lot of people feel the same as you and not wanting to be near crowded places. I feel fine outdoors but I’m very reluctant to go indoors to other people houses, restaurants etc. 

Hope dd enjoys her new school. 

Cherryfudge

I don't think we did much during our summer holidays when I was growing up: I didn't even go on holiday anywhere till some friends took me when I was eleven - but I still remember them and Christmas as my favourite times.

I do think a lot of people are still avoiding the crowds, and that might continue for a while.

You are amazing being able to make a payment off a debt while having all these new school year expenses. There is huge value in the 'small' payments. They add up and they also show you are in control of your money which of course has wider implications to your benefit.

Are you still harvesting blackberries? I don't expect you have a lot of time, but it's a great year for them.

Drawingaline

I feel the same about not doing stuff with the kids. The shift from working evenings four years ago didn't help, I used to be able to go out for most of the day before work. Being self employed sucks sometimes, no holiday pay. 

But I am sure we didn't do a huge amount as kids either. But at least I spent much of it out and about. Mostly down the stables. My kids never want to go out or meet anyone 🤷 they are so antisocial! They really take after their dad.

savingholmes

I am impressed by all you fit in. Love the greenhouse too, very practical

lucielle

Very jealous of the greenhouse.  I have good intentions regarding the garden but they don't come to fruition.
L

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Parkyp, Cherryfudge, DAL, SH & Lucielle.

Cherryfudge - I’ve harvested a few blackberries from some overhanging brambles from the boundary hedge! I won’t cut them back until after  the blackberries have been  picked 😉. I need to get to the allotment and make sure I pick the blackberries there.

Parkyp - Thank you, youngest DD had a positive first day🙂.

Its been quite a busy weekend . On Friday I had a good baking session in the kitchen. I’m usually making things regularly but just a batch of something as I cook tea, but this was a real baking session! 2 lots of brownies were made, following 2 different recipes, a couple of lemon drizzle cakes, a Victoria sponge, a batch of pasties an apple and blackberry crumble and some fruit curd. It’s helped to top the tins up for a while!

Today has been a birthday. We did get to the beach which felt a little quieter . It was our favourite beach which we have hardly been to this year through lockdown and then the busyness of the tourist season. We took a picnic today - the youngest 3 had a great time in the water🙂.

Back to the full work routine tomorrow. I just have to make sure I know which day of the week it is to know I’m where I should be 😊.