NST February Challenge : A Winter Voyage

ChasingSunshine

Another NSD today, mainly as spent my day off wallowing in self inflicted misery after indulging a little too much last night. Damn those happy hours cocktails, Will I ever learn!!!!

Today I am grateful for
Wonderful night out last night even if I did spend today paying for it :beer:
News that a neighbour is expecting after years of trying, so thrilled for them
My phone started working again so didn't have to spend on a replacement :T:T:T (started making loads of crackling yesterday and couldn't hear or be heard but it was magically working this morning. Doubt will be able to postpone getting a replacement for much longer but if could get another month or two out of it would be thrilled as March looks like will be quite spendy)

Fmess

Morning all,

Need a little pep talk if anyone is up for it?!

Payday was yesterday and after checking my budgets I should have £350 to put towards saving for the new bathroom and my holiday in April. Then I checked my credit card where I put all unbudgeted spends and it stands at £346 This is mainly due to two vets visits and buying the doggy pushchair for the housebound dog who has now developed depression from being indoors for 6 weeks. I've also got another vets appt for him next week and two physio appts for the three legged dog this month as he's started limping too. I feel really dispondant now. I'm not going to have anything saved for my holiday or bathroom and the vets bills keep on coming Oh well, not much I can do I guess.

Today will be spendy as I have to park in town for my eye test and have a hair appt - kind of wish I didn't as that would save me money.

Hope the weather calms down as it's blustery here again.

Eager_Elephant

EagerElephant – Haha! I laughed when I read your DD was ‘starving’ – I remember saying that to my Mum when I was at home. So dramatic lol! I like how you think about your car fund. That was really helpful. I put away enough for car repairs, but I think I need to increase that amount so it starts building up to cover the cost of a new(ish) one like you are doing. Thank you! I love this board! Sorry to hear about your PC – and I would feel exactly the same. I use it every day. See it as an investment. It will enable you to stay in touch with forums and MSE – which in turn will keep you on track financially. Where did you get yours from? Mine is getting on and I could do with pricing them up.

Thanks for taking the time to comment on everyone's progress Abundant.

I got my new PC from Argos - cost £349. I did look at PCWorld but they don't really do separate monitors unless you are a gamer and want to pay £1k+. It seems the new style of PC has all the gubbins in the back of the monitor whereas I like a separate tower.

I am getting on fab with my new PC and have just transferred all my data from my old one to my new one - it looks like I still have YNAB!!! yay!!

Had another NSD on Tues taking me to 13.
Weds I spent on an anniversary card for DH and takeaway Indian for tea as had meeting at DD's school which is right next to the Indian!!, Thurs was our anniversary and we went out for a meal at lunchtime (we both took the day off). Yesterday was a spend day as needed squash - can't believe we ran out, I buy about 12 bottles each time I shop but I guess this month I haven't really done a big shop.

Hoping I can get another couple of NSD's before Tuesday!!

Can I just say how fab everyone is doing this month.

Eager_Elephant

Fmess wrote: »

Morning all,

Need a little pep talk if anyone is up for it?!

Payday was yesterday and after checking my budgets I should have £350 to put towards saving for the new bathroom and my holiday in April. Then I checked my credit card where I put all unbudgeted spends and it stands at £346 This is mainly due to two vets visits and buying the doggy pushchair for the housebound dog who has now developed depression from being indoors for 6 weeks. I've also got another vets appt for him next week and two physio appts for the three legged dog this month as he's started limping too. I feel really dispondant now. I'm not going to have anything saved for my holiday or bathroom and the vets bills keep on coming Oh well, not much I can do I guess.

Today will be spendy as I have to park in town for my eye test and have a hair appt - kind of wish I didn't as that would save me money.

Hope the weather calms down as it's blustery here again.

There's always something isn't there - especially if you have pets or cars!!
Is there any way of moving the credit card balance to 0% to give you a chance to pay it off a bit more slowly?

When you mention unbudgeted spends - is that because all your income is already allocated to other things?

I try to save monthly for everything but it is hard going especially if the car goes wrong and I only have £30 in the car repair pot!!

abundant1972

Ahoy!!! SHIPMATES

Ok. I will no longer be using the term 'Swabbies' from here on out. True - it is a legitimate term used by many a sailor. However it was pointed out to me by a colleague that it has an 'alternative' meaning... One google search under Urban Dictionary later and now feeling mortified!!! However... I guess it's sort of funny!!! Don't read if easily offended haha! <you're so ALL going to look that up now haha!>

:eek:

I was so busy in my cabin last night catching up on things, and learning about alternative meanings for perfectly innocent words that before I knew it - time had slipped by and it was Saturday! I retired and am writing a double post today. As Captain - I cannot walk the plank unless there is a mutiny! Hahaharrrr!

Yesterday I was grateful for:

• Another rare chance to really really catch up at work and get to the bottom of my in-tray, to the point where I sat back and said, 'I have finished'. Yay!
• My boss arranging well-being activities for us free of charge
• New friends!

Today I am grateful for:

• A much needed lie in and 2 days off
• A free house again... silence!
• Positive feedback from you all. It's funny how you see yourself... and then suddenly - people reflect things back - and you see a glimpse of yourself in a different light. Thank you.

Yesterday = NSD number 14

I had a request from TheOnlyGirl to go up on the Captain's deck - I think I'll open it up for he last 2 days of the Voyage. To everybody who has contributed and offered support - a kind word, a helpful idea - you are all Captains! (But you can't have my false peg-leg, parrot, spy-glass and Pirate hat!).

MrsHubbard - I laughed at your storm comment. How true... I mean Doris? We have had Edna. What's next...? Ethel? It conjures up an image of a doddery old half-hearted breeze whipping up a few leaves! I vote Storm VOLDEMORT!!!

Ok - teachers <I'm looking at you SkintTeacher and Fmess> haha. What is PPA? You guys have it tough. You do a fantastic job. Some of my best childhood memories are of my teachers. You have a huge influence.

Short_bird - that really does suck. Talk about inconsiderate. Sending you lots of good fortune that something bigger and better turns up!

Mothernerd - you are the craftiest <in a good way> person I know haha! I wish I could sew. I think I could do a bad cross stitch lol. I have 2 pairs of trousers with bust zips and the hem has gone on one leg, I am thinking I'll have to buy new. Alas - I haven't the patience to learn to become craftier haha! Lol re. Dolly Parton. My Mum has a huge bust (she blames it on having children) and used to dress up as Dolly Parton to fancy dress parties.

X_Raphael_XX - I'll check it out... a technology free (ish) break can be a good thing... certainly when I was computerless I got loads more done. We will miss you next month for sure - but if you need any support - find your way to us next month whatever the time.

F0xh0les - stay sane with the SiL. I think I regress too when I'm home - though luckily we get on so it's in a good way haha. As a Doctor Who fan <stay with me> when I read 'SiL' - I immediately thought of a Doctor Who villain. Go google it hahaha!!! It's childish I know. But there you go. Her secret alter-ego haha!!! He only eats marsh-minnows <picky eater> and is quite volatile and argues a lot. Perfect haha!

Applemucher - your comment was really kind... and I must get that book. Mum is in the 'denial' phase of early onset dementia I think and probably quite scared, and we are struggling to get a formal diagnosis as she is reluctant to go to a GP again. They did a one off cursory check and told her she was fine when we as a family clearly recognise changes etc. Is it a book that would comfort her - or more for people who have someone with the condition. I know we chatted about this before but I forgot!!! <the irony!>

Fmess - I'm with EagerElephant. Can you look into a 0% Balance transfer? The vet bills/pet costs are unavoidable and a necessity. If it were me, I'd have done the same. Put the lot and the rest of the vet bills on your current card, and transfer it all to a 0%. You can then pay as much as you can afford until you get back on an even keel. Yes, you are adding to your debt total - but saving yourself worry and anxiety in the short term.

As for the holiday savings - it's a personal choice. I know a friend who lives for her holidays - it's the one thing that keeps her sane and gives her something to look forward to. She would see that as a necessity. I struggle to spend on them because I don't see anything concrete for my trip - though of course there are memories/experience. I think when I am a bit more settled I will venture out more... I guess I'd say weigh up having the extra debt <how that will make you feel> vs the benefits of going on the holiday you want. Would delaying the bathroom re-fit by a couple of months ease the pressure? Shuffle some of your savings from that to clear the card/pay the vet bills? I guess that's an alternative... Go for a walk and clear your head - and get some headspace - see what feels right inside. Whatever you decide - you'll be ok. It's just money at the end of the day... remember if you feel washed out - focus on all the good and simple things in life. You'll soon feel rich again

EagerElephant - so pleased to hear you're up and running again on your brand new shiny PC. How exciting. I reckon you might be a bit of a financial guru on the quiet. Noticed you've been on the boards for like 10 years too!!! It's great to have your expertise on-board to give us all advice. Thanks.

I know I haven't commented on everyone today - but I have read all your posts - of that be sure... I'm trying to keep on top of posts and sometimes folk have a quieter less eventful week.

Damn. My OCD tendency is kicking in now - OMG. Look at the colours on everyone's names!!! Do I keep their original colours and keep continuity, but have the same colours running one after the other? Or change them to a rainbow sequence that looks prettier but will re-colour everyone??? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

:eek:

Gosh this Captain job feels very responsible!!!

Have a fantastic day me SHIPMATES

mrshubbard

:rotfl: at your name colour dilemna, that is so me! I would have to go rainbow for the visual satisfaction

abundant1972

mrshubbard wrote: »

:rotfl: at your name colour dilemna, that is so me! I would have to go rainbow for the visual satisfaction

I'm NOT LOOKING!!! La la la la laaaaa!!! :cool:

mothernerd

Fmess when DS2 was a baby, one day as I was putting him back in the carrycot on wheels (my original pram, 'found' on a car park by my brother's gf and her father, had expired shortly before the birth) DS1's reins slipped from my grasp and he ran off. The street was not pedestrianised then and no one attempted to stop him and I had the dilemma of running with the transporter or putting the brakes on and leaving the baby, whilst I caught him.

Having achieved that, we went straight back to the pram shop where I bought a brand new Silver Cross complete with a toddler seat to go on top with the credit card. OH said I was extravagant (changed his mind when said pram saved DS3's life in an accident when he was 6 months old). I was unrepentant and my back pains (transporter was slightly too low for comfort/ constant use) disappeared within days.

I have scrimped and scraped, made do and mended nearly all my life but sometimes money must be spent. Your dogs are your family and constant companions (that is not to say there will never be anyone special in your life, indeed the dogs may lead you to them). You realised how much your dog was suffering by not being able to go out and remedied it. The same goes with the vets bill.

Debt freedom is hard to achieve and maintain. You have done excellently and worked hard but not everything is within our control and life messes things up for us. Sometimes you need to tread water until things improve.

Incidently is there any 'significant' anniversary around this time. Even though seperating from your ex was the right thing to do, sometimes a date trips us into remembering 'better times'. I was going to suggest a little pampering to boost your mood. Enjoy your haircut. Look at how well you have done and get this small setback into perspective.

Captain abundant not sure I can blame my children for my bust (my mother would - can't blame her either as she is nearly flat) except for the gradual rise from D to G. The first time I was measured for a bra (didn't get one) the lady said I would have problems as I had a narrow back but was well endowed.

Don't even think about changing the name colours - everyone will start demanding their favourite colour and you will have no end of trouble.

Well I came on to write the March Thread, so will leave you all for now.

x_raphael_xx

Fmess wrote: »

Morning all,

Need a little pep talk if anyone is up for it?!

Payday was yesterday and after checking my budgets I should have £350 to put towards saving for the new bathroom and my holiday in April. Then I checked my credit card where I put all unbudgeted spends and it stands at £346 This is mainly due to two vets visits and buying the doggy pushchair for the housebound dog who has now developed depression from being indoors for 6 weeks. I've also got another vets appt for him next week and two physio appts for the three legged dog this month as he's started limping too. I feel really dispondant now. I'm not going to have anything saved for my holiday or bathroom and the vets bills keep on coming Oh well, not much I can do I guess.

Today will be spendy as I have to park in town for my eye test and have a hair appt - kind of wish I didn't as that would save me money.

Hope the weather calms down as it's blustery here again.

Last year I had to put £600 onto my credit card due to failed MOT and the needed repairs.

Leave the money on your credit card (they are for emergencies anyway right) enjoy your holiday, then worry about the credit card when you get back.

Not generally MSE way of thinking, but you've got to have a break now and then, and it's only money after all. As long as the CC remains 'for emergencies' and doesn't become 'I need new clothes for holiday'

apple_muncher

Abundant - re the book, it is kind of aimed at both. I really would recommend reading it. And then re-reading it a few months later. I wouldn't give it to my mum to read, as she is at the stage of new info not being retained and she would then fret about random phrases she could recall. It very much goes against what we would call 'common sense', as common sense is not where the person with alz/dem is at. By applying the advice, the person can be kept in a 'green' state, and not slip into 'red' and panic, fear, frustration.

Maybe borrow it from the library first...:)