A Ditherer's Diary (again)

Naomim

@LookingAfterThePennies_2  Thanks for coming on and commenting.  Sometimes it feels like I'm just talking to myself! 

This morning I have been searching comparison sites for car insurance. Mine runs out at the end of the month.  My renewal quote was £254 with Tesco and I have managed to bag insurance with Hastings Direct You Drive for £184.00.  After searching I cleared cookies and went onto Topcashback who are offering £35 cash back with Go Compare, essentially insurance for £149 fully comp.  The only thing is I have to have a small box in the car and use alongside an app to monitor my driving.  I think I'm a fairly safe driver so it shouldn't be an issue.

I had a bad night's sleep last night. Had a late night as I was binge watching Cobra Kai on Netflix - series 1 done!  I was just nodding off which usually takes about half an hour for me when the dog came up and started being an a***hole. Had to take him in the garden twice before he eventually settled.  I was still awake at 1.30am and just slept badly and kept waking after that.

I've updated my spreadsheets for the next 6 months.  I've not been doing great with the grocery budget. I usually have a weekly delivery so I've tried to slot them all on the spreadsheet at the right times just to try and make it more accurate.  I still have some way to go to keep it organised but we shall see.  Hoping YNAB will sort me out! 

Nothing planned for the weekend. Cleaning and tidying and hoping to get the dog round the park although the parks are so busy at the moment.

Stay safe and well.

Naomim

WinterWarrior

Good luck with YNAB. I tried a trial, but I just couldn’t get on with it and went back to my excel spreadsheets. A lot of people rate it highly though, so it must just be me.
although a lot of people love Monzo pots and all I seem to do is add money in and then whip it back out...I’m trying very hard not to touch them, but 3 weeks to go until pay day, sigh!
I will have to try cobra Kai as I’ve been struggling for something new to watch. I binged Bridgerton over Christmas and we finished rewatching all of Scorpion! 

Naomim

I love Monzo and find the pots work really well for me, but I'm really disciplined at keeping the cash in there and only transferring out when I should like today for the car insurance. 

Brigerton is on my watch list as is The Crown. There's just not enough time! 

I cant see this month being too expensive with no going out so I'm hoping to be able to put most of my monthly spending money in the bank account to reduce the overdraft a bit more come payday.

Naomim 

Willowtree222

Hi, just come to say hi..
I've seen a couple of the Cobra Kai but don't have Netflix as you know! X

Naomim

I've spent the morning lazily watching television. I'm off for a shower in a bit, plugging my earphones in and will get started on the housework. 

I've spent £12.95 on Amazon today for a case for the fire tablet we have. It was primarily dd's but she rarely uses it so I've nabbed it for watching Netflix on. I've also signed up to BorrowBox with the library to listen to free audio books. I often listen to podcasts but I'm almost up to date with them all.  The only problem I have with audiobooks is I tend to zone out and miss some bits. At least it's a free service so I'll see how I get on with it.

DD is watching Karate Kid with me tonight as we've been watching Cobra Kai so this will give her the whole backstory. I'm looking forward to it and may get us some popcorn.

Hope everyone gets a restful weekend. 

Naomim 

Naomim

I'm in that middle of the month financial slump.  Just watching the bills going out. 

It's my nephew's 18th birthday on Friday. It's so sad we can't celebrate with him. He's very close to MrM as his Dad left when he was about 13 and he really struggled with it.  We've bought him a top and had it delivered to his house, I just need to drop a birthday card off.  

Work has been busy which is a good thing as by Christmas I had zero motivation and was struggling to do anything.  I've got a bit of renewed vigour and am cracking on. I thought I would love working from home all the time and although MrM is here working too (and the kids), I actually miss my commute and my work colleagues. We talk everyday on video calls but it's not the same.

WFH is also taking it's toll on my Gas & Electricity bills.  The heating is on much more, as are the lights and kettle!

This weeks groceries came in at £112 and the meal plan is:

Mexican beef & pasta - This was a Hello Fresh recipe we really enjoyed before. Made it last night and was delicious and has enough left over for lunch today.
Cheese & Onion glazed pork steaks - another Hello Fresh recipe we liked
Fajitas
Lamb Rogon Josh
Lasagne
Chicken Kebabs - The "Eat Well For Less" recipe

I also had a good chat with my in-laws this week.  I've asked them to think about Power of Attorney.  They are both 71 and starting to have some health issues.  There was a thread on the DFW Wannabe boards that really struck a chord with me. I've asked them to look into it at least.  They were also talking about gifting MrM their house but there are other issues and I think that boat may have sailed.  I found some links and sent them over to give them some idea of what the consequences are and things to think about.  It's good I have such a great relationship with them and can talk to them about these things.  Both MrM and his sister are useless at things like this and I think my in-laws appreciate I am looking out for their best interests. 

Oh and final bit of good news. My 94 year old Aunt has had her vaccination. She lives independently but suffers from terrible asthma so has been shielding. She's a bloody marvel!

Hope everyone is doing ok with the lockdown and miserable weather.
Stay safe

Naomim

Willowtree222

Glad your aunt has had vaccine. That will be a weight off her mind anyway and yours. 
I told my sister where my will was the other day and she was a little bit uncomfortable about that conversation. It's nice that you can have that conversation with them. 

It's not nice all these birthdays that are going by where people can't celebrate. 

x

Naomim

Nicnak said:

Glad your aunt has had vaccine. That will be a weight off her mind anyway and yours. 
I told my sister where my will was the other day and she was a little bit uncomfortable about that conversation. It's nice that you can have that conversation with them. 

It's not nice all these birthdays that are going by where people can't celebrate. 

x

I should make a list of everything to keep safe for MrM.  He has no idea about any of it, online banking, life insurance etc.  

This year has really knocked my Aunt for six really. She's very active with the local bowls club and has a great social life so from going to nothing has been very difficult.  She's been doing circuits of her flat to keep herself moving and she has a balcony overlooking the promenade on the south coast so if the weather is good she's out there chatting away to passers by!   

I think this year will just be one to remember for muted birthdays and other celebrations. I'd rather keep them safe and well and have future years to celebrate.

Naomim

Willowtree222

Agree about the birthdays this year. Best to keep people safe in the long run x

Naomim

My plans for housework always go out the window at the weekend 😥. I did have a lovely lie in this morning and didn't get up till 10am. By the time I'd had a cuppa and caught up on last night's tv it was 1pm. Started on the kitchen then 15yo comes down to cook himself something,  then MrM comes down to cook something.  I have managed to get the kitchen clean though. Rest of the house will have to be tomorrow. 

No financial updates. Plodding along although being in lockdown should save some money at least in petrol. I do have a days out pot but thinking just going to build it up.  I also have a fair bit of cash lying around I need to bank. My in-laws always give me £50 at Christmas and I have cash from selling bits and pieces.  Hopefully I'll get there next week. 

Naomim