From debt to freedom...

Willowtree222

I've noticed the chill in the air too. X

savingholmes

Sorry you've feeling torn about extra DD. Hopefully time will show it was the right decision for all concerned - and for you at the very least. We've had extra people in our household from time to time - but I always see these as 'seasons' of life rather than something that was ever intended to be permanent.

Well done on the continued decluttering. Glad you are feeling so much happier and more secure too.

Cherryfudge

I understand you feeling churned up. It must be very upsetting, even though you didn't rush into anything.

Yesterday was definitely cooler.

Spendless

I don't think I'd realised that you still had extra DD  staying with you. I do think the decision is probably for the best though.  

Years ago my sis-IL briefly fostered someone her DD knew. It ended in a similar way. Roll on 10 years and the foster child emailed SIL out of the blue updating her on her life (she was working and about to study a degree)  and explaining what a positive influence she had had on her, she just needed time and maturity to appreciate it.

I also could smell an Autumnal nip in the air this morning.    

Honeysucklelou2

Can’t believe it’s been weeks since last writing 😵. It’s been straight back into the routine of both jobs. The first week I always find tricky, remembering how much juggling goes on but after that it’s ok!  Weekends are equally busy but more with trying to get through household tasks, laundry, garden and trying to split myself between adult children and those still at home and SO and his children. Thankfully my children at home and his get on  really well so spending time together is lovely.

Last weekend was time for baking. Got a batch of brownies done, a batch of gingerbread ( like Jamaican gingerbread) and a banana loaf, that helped to use up some rather old bananas.

Payday is on Friday so need to spend time before then, going through everything. I’ve upgraded my bank account so for £10 a month, it gives mobile phone insurance, travel insurance and breakdown cover. My current breakdown cover is £37 a month and due to rise to £41 a month in October. Even if I have to pay for the bank account, it’s still saving me money to get breakdown cover with the bank.

DD4 has started college and come home with 3 possible trips she could go on ( Geography course). They are all well over £1000, one being £2000.  All of the trips are great opportunities but am trying to figure out how I can work such costs into the budget. DD3 didn’t have such chances as everything was Covid restricted when she was at the same stage. DD1 went to New York at that stage and I recall the struggle to get the trip paid for! Mulling it all over at the moment.

I need to change the  standing order for savings as SH was right…the emergency fund is low and I need to build that up.

Sun_Addict

Great to hear from you and that all is going well. How lovely that your children and SOs get on so well. Ouch to the trip costs. These schools and colleges must think everyone is made of money. You’d think they’d come up with something a bit cheaper with the cost of living being like it is currently. 

OpalGirl

Is there any possibility that DD4's father could contribute to the cost of the trips?  It seems unfair if it all falls to you. But maybe based on his past behaviour that's not an option.

Spendless

Wondered where you'd got to and was hoping the absence was only for a positive (if busy) reason.

Bank account sounds like a good idea to save on other costs.

Ouch to the trip/s.  How far into the future are they before they need paying? Does DD4 have a p-time job and can help towards costs? I was also wondering if her Dad could contribute. If he would then would paying one third each (you, ex and DD) be feasible to go on one of them? 

savingholmes

Glad you are okay.

Ouch to the trips. I wouldn't pay for the £2K one personally. I'd suggest she find a way to earn more of the money. It's difficult but you are already working long hours - it's not reasonable to do even more. 

Bluegreen143

I did a week-long school trip to Atlanta when I was 17 and my mum agreed with my dad (they were separated) that they would pay half each of the cost and I had to fund my own spending money and if I wanted eg any new clothes etc for going. 

My dad rarely if ever contributed financially when we weee kids which I was aware of at the time but I remember being pleased he did chip in his half (probably because I asked myself rather than my mum asking tbh 🙄).

He quite liked to be showy and get the credit for paying for big ticket things that made him look good in our eyes versus actually contributing to maintenance…