A Ditherer's Diary (again)

Naomim

Talking of fuel, I managed to get petrol today. Looks like things are slowly returning to normal here in Surrey. 

Driving home, I saw an old lady barefoot walking down the road. I couldn't stop but called 101 as I was concerned for her welfare. Police found her and she has been returned to her family.  I felt guilty I couldn't stop but happy I made the call and she was found quickly.  

I just found out today the YOLT app I use is ending. I only use it to see all my balances in one place. Had a quick search on this site and have now downloaded the EMMA app and added all my accounts.  

Naomim

I've been chatting to my friend and just thinking out loud about the emergency fund. Was thinking I might knock the credit cards all down to minimum payments for a few months to build the fund up and then put the payments back up. I know it will add time to my dfd but will help. Having said that, most of my 0% offers run out in 2022 so if I'm paying minimums, they might not offer new ones which I'm relying on. 

Something to think about. 

GeorgianaCavendish

How about something in the middle? You could pick a round number a bit above the current minimum payments but still below what you usually pay, and put the difference into the emergency fund. 

From looking at my credit report, there is a marker for making the minimum payment which doesn’t appear even in the months when I only paid a couple of £ over the minimum. 

Naomim

Yes was thinking about that too. Just dont want the 0% offers to dry up.  I've also thought about opening my £2 tin. I so rarely use cash I don't really put any thing in it anymore. My guess is there must be about £400 in there which I can top the EF up with.

I have £200 in PB's and save £40 a month into EF so add the £2 tin and it'll soon be back up. 

Maybe I'm just over worrying about having had to spend it but this is a good place to knock ideas around and get other opinions. 

GeorgianaCavendish

Dipping into the £2 coin tin sounds like a good idea to replenish the EF too. Maybe you reduce the monthly payment on just one credit card, rather than all of them? Or reduce them all by small amounts to find another £X per month for the EF? 

I find that I really don't like taking money out of my pots, even when I've always known that I was going to take money out of it on a set date! I definitely think there is an emotional connection there!

Naomim

That's a good idea. I think even if I knock £10 off the payments and up the EF that way would be a help.  There's definitely an emotional connection. My monthly pots for things like petrol I'm absolutely fine with spending as I know that's just replacing what we've spent and making sure the money is there, but there's something about an EF. It takes so long to build up and then it's wiped out in one go.  It's painful! 😂

I just checked both local branches of my bank and both closed tomorrow so no banking of the £2 tin. I know I could use the post office but then I'd have to count them all up and not use the super money counting machine in the bank that's so much fun.  🤣

Naomim

Boiler replacement is happening today. The man is here, I'm freezing as he's in and out but will be good to have hot water and heating for the winter! 

EssexHebridean

Hope the boiler replacement all went smoothly and you now have hot water! Actually you might need the heating sooner rather than later judging by how chilly it feels here today! 

16YO is a silly boy - not surprised at your reaction at all - his pals are lucky you didn't tell their folks too I'd say! 

I also hate having to take money out of the pots - it feels truly offensive after all the work to build them up! 

Naomim

EssexHebridean said:

Hope the boiler replacement all went smoothly and you now have hot water! Actually you might need the heating sooner rather than later judging by how chilly it feels here today! 

16YO is a silly boy - not surprised at your reaction at all - his pals are lucky you didn't tell their folks too I'd say! 

I also hate having to take money out of the pots - it feels truly offensive after all the work to build them up! 

Hi EH,

Yes 16yo is a silly boy! I'm not blind to the fact he's a teenager and ultimately going to try things but he really should have had some thought and respect in our home.  Especially as his Dad is always on at him so think about not giving him ammunition!

Boiler is in a lovely.  Turned the heating on for a bit this morning to take the chill off.  Stupid open plan living. Don't do it.  The plumber has to come back on Thursday to put in a neutraliser but he's local to me and I'm still wfh so told him to give me a quick call just to check I haven't popped out anywhere.  It was a bit chilly down here at lunch time, feet were cold but I put socks on (already had slippers on) and had a bowl of soup and now feel nice and toasty.  I'm a bit annoyed with British Gas as I supplied meter readings about 10 days ago and still not provided an updated bill.  I'm hoping the new boiler will be much more energy efficient. It has an A rating.

Also waiting for my Barclaycard statement. It's usually around the 10th or 11th it comes out and I'm waiting to see if they offer me a 0% deal this month to cover the one that's ending on the 22nd. Otherwise I'm moving it to my Virgin card which is 0% until October 2022 with a 3.5% fee.  I don't get any 0% fees anymore. I guess as all my debt is on 0% it's the only way they are making any money out of me.

I'd fallen off the Prolific bandwagon. I'd been so busy with work and was so stressed with moving teams, learning new systems and adjusting to new manager etc I'd stopped. However I had a good read back over my diary at the weekend and realised how much the overpayments from surveys etc really added up. So this morning I signed in again and have done a few short ones today. I can't really commit to many that are longer than 10 mins.  I also have £9.94 in my tilly tidy pot, just transferred that over to the credit card.

I've played with the budget sheet as some things have changed with the kids education changing one moved to high school and one to college and having to account for MrM going back tot he office 2/3 times a week.  Not much else on the financial front to report. Mid month lull.  

Hope everyone is staying frugal and healthy!

Naomim

EssexHebridean

Prolific! I can't do their stuff at work any more - I don't think they like our ISP. I have discovered the ease of doing them on the ipad though...just a shame I get a lot that need a desktop!