From debt to freedom...

Sarahwithlove

Good news about the payrise and backpay it all helps. 

savingholmes

Hope your health continues to improve. 

Lovely win on the backpay. I'm due some in December too.

Cherryfudge

Lovely that you got backpay (and more going forward of course). I had a  somewhat complex payslip this month including areas in one area of 20p. Not sure what I'll blow that on, or maybe I should invest it?  

I hope you're feeling the benefit of the infusions.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Lucielle, Sarahwithlove, SH and Cherryfudge.

Today was a lovely relaxing day. Made waffles for breakfast - love weekend breakfasts as we can be altogether. On week days DD4’s very early start makes this impossible to do. 

The youngest DDs were working today so DD3, DS3 and SO, his children and I all went to see Paddington 3.  SO took us to choose a Christmas tree. I’ve never done this before so was intrigued. We wandered around a field of trees of differing heights. SO’s children have done this before and were intently examining height and shape of the trees. SO tied a ribbon on an agreed tree and we can collect it later in December. It is fascinating to build new traditions and share ours in the hopes of making  blended Christmas traditions.

Honeysucklelou2

Moneywise I have ordered a few Christmas presents so feel better about at least having started. 

Willowtree222

I think there's something quite nice about starting shopping. Like you've made progress! 

lucielle

A blended Christmas sounds lovely. 

L

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Lucielle and Willowtree222.

The direct debits went out at the beginning of the week so £200 paid off a debt…the numbers are coming down slowly!  This week’s wages from Job 2 have gone in petrol, childcare costs for DS3 and a grocery top up.

Had another iron infusion this week and am hoping that this will bring my levels up to a reasonably normal level. I had the pleasure of meeting a former pupil who was volunteering at the hospital and happened to be on the ward I was in. After the initial surprise, it was wonderful to hear how they were doing and of their  future plans. It gave me renewed motivation in a very busy and draining week at Job 1.

DD3 and I were supposed to be doing a craft fair today but it has been cancelled due to the weather. Disappointing but better that everyone is safe and given the fair’s proximity to the coast, a necessary decision. DD3 is hoping to take her craft items ( and hopefully some of my plants) to a stall with DD1, at another location next week.

Hope that everyone is safe in this very windy storm.

Cherryfudge

How nice to meet and have a catch-up with someone you used to teach! I imagine you don't often get to hear how they turn out.

I imagine a great many small traders are badly affected by this storm. The market in town, which usually takes the middle of the High Street, seemed to be down to one vehicle, and that packed up early. Better safe than sorry. Many of the roads here have had fallen trees and floods, and we are much more sheltered than many places. Hopefully all the thwarted spenders will be out in force next week and your DD will have good sales!

Well done on the ever-downward debts totals. You really are making a serious dint in it despite all the calls on your earnings. You are very nearly half way with the first one in your signature (but I expect you noticed that)!

Do you feel any better for the iron infusions?

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Cherryfudge. I can definitely notice the difference after the infusions. I’m not feeling as wiped out as I did in September. I remember thinking I needed a few week’s rest then because I felt so tired. That said, I am trying to listen to my body more and not push myself to that last ounce of energy!

It’s been a busy week at Job 1 with various seasonal activities and next week will be a busy one too. I’m plodding on with the 2 shifts a week at Job 2. 

I sat down last night and went through who I needed to get presents for. There are 22 on the absolutely essential list! In previous years I have been rigorous about putting away a bit each month, but this year I seem to have had to dip back in for one thing or another so haven’t built up very much. I’m trying to be as savvy as I can present wise. 

I went through my list of aims for 2024 that I wrote down in January. I haven’t achieved very much on the  list 😞 but between the 2 jobs and family, time and energy have been limited. I to need to plan and manage my weekends more wisely in 2025, in the sense of trying to see my adult children more and planning more garden time in. Health has to be a focus too.