A whole new world, for now

jwil

Hope today has been better for you.

milann

Oh no to the laundry. At least it showed the meds are right for you 👍

in_need_of_direction

Yesterday I had an early start to get to a client site. This combined with a fear of missing the alarm meant it was a broken night’s sleep that I’m still paying for.  This was my first meeting with directors on what should be a three year contract and I’m happy to report it went well.  Celebrated by buying lunch from another client’s cafe which is a social enterprise.  So, money was spent but some going to a worthy cause. It also meant I didn’t shop as beyond bread and milk, there’s little in.  

Today I need to knuckle down to work.  There’s a lot to be done by Monday. Some straightforward, some less so.  

Still nothing through from SW but dh and I had a chat and we have decided that once we reach a, as yet to be determined amount in the savings pot, that used to be the mortgage offset fund, we will send half of the current amount of payment to my pension fund.  Until now, I had just been topping up with an annual lump sum. 

Payment is in from vinted so that’s en route to the pb pot.  DH has a cash out from inbox £s and I’ve been invited to a second stage pa which must be completed today for £8.  We will hit 10% before the end of the month contribution to annual bills.  

I wish I was as committed to work targets.  

I read an article recently on saving for retirement.  It talks about the 4% rule.  I need to go lurk on the pension board as I’ve some questions on this and the impact of db pensions.

right, can’t put off the working day any longer.  Today I am grateful for 
an unexpected but pleasant meeting with a relative 
a productive work meeting 
the recent roof work that meant we stayed dry despite last night’s deluge

Cherryfudge

Well done for progress on the potential contract. That feeling of stability is important (as well as the money ).

beanielou

Great news on new contract nearly at fruitation.

jwil

Glad that the work meeting went well

in_need_of_direction

Had an entirely no work day yesterday. DH needed an eye test so I went into town with him. While there I treated me to some ham and him to some cheese from a favourite but rather expensive deli.  I also visited the sparks food hall and picked up 4 whoopsied food items one of which has already gone.  We called by the Saturday market and dh got his favourite home made spicy tomato and onion chutney. I also chatted to a stall holder about a piece of artwork that dd really wants but that wasn’t on display. Turns out that he still had it at home and will bring it with him today so I’ll be getting it today.  I know it’s early to shop for the C word but once I get both their July birthdays sorted, I keep an eye out for a gift. I’m fortunate that they are fairly financially stable so prefer to buy them something rather than give money unless it’s towards something specific.  That said, once my mum’s house sells, they will each get a lump sum that they’ll possibly blow on a joint holiday.  

This morning I had my weekly chat with mr wii.  I was down a pound on last week when 2 lbs had been gained.  Sig has been updated but it hadn’t been updated last week so my weight has gone up.  

On other news, on Fri I got a letter from SW regarding my complaint full of inaccuracies. I wish I had the energy to respond.  I just want shot of them.  Yesterday I received a cheque for £50, no letter to refer. That’ll go in this month’s pb pot.  I just wish I could persuade dh to buy as we go along.  He prefers to leave it to just pre month end. I always worry that we will miss the cut off.  

So, having been looking at vanguard, I did their pension calculator for both of us.  On the assumption that we both work to SRP age, we are slightly ahead of where we need to be which is such a relief.  Especially given that I opted out of a workplace pension for a number of years when I was bringing up my kids on my own. So the plan is to go in periodically and play about with figures and retirement dates and set targets.  We are fortunate in that we didn’t feed in anticipated lump sums or current savings so if we choose to cash those in, we could probably bring the date forward by 3 to 4 years.  It won’t be a lavish life but it’ll be comfortable plus we should be able to reduce some outgoings if we have more free time.  

Right, enough wittering from me.  Need to get some work done.  

Today I am grateful for
sufficient available funds to buy something that dd wants
a £50 cheque
whoopsied items that were my breakfast 

jwil

Glad you had a day off yesterday.  I'm also starting thinking about the C word!

Good news about the cheque, even if the rest of the complaint is still dissatisfying.

Great news about the pension too

in_need_of_direction

Yesterday, I cleared one outstanding job before going to the market and getting the artwork. It combines sheet music, hand written words and sea glass.  Wouldn’t be to my taste but I can appreciate the work in it.  That said, my framed poster of “use sunscreen” isn’t to DD’s taste.  

Had some of my lovely ham for lunch in a toasted bap. The weather was so bad, toast was needed.  I am current checking the weather before doing laundry.  I’m thankful there’s only two of us.  

Late yesterday afternoon I went back to work and cleared five sixths of what was needed for another client.  The last bit requires client input and should only require 15 mins.  I’m due at a client this afternoon but it’s 5 mins away and should only be for about an hour.  Then, I’m getting a haircut at half five.  

On other news, I mentioned a holiday to dh yesterday.  Apparently despite us having chatted about this particular one, that destination had never featured on his radar.  It’d be a biggie but could include something I’ve always wanted to do. I’d rather do it now while we are relatively fit than be further limited if we wait ten years.  I called the travel agent for more details but they haven’t gotten back.  It could be funded by what was the mortgage offset fund but given that it’d be for travel next April (conveniently falling between DD’s trips home) I’d hope to be able to leave that money for other purposes.  

Right, today I am tackling two write ups due for a not very nice client.  That will get me close to up to date.  

Today I am grateful for
work progress 
a lengthy chat with dd
sorting out some resource 

jwil

Exciting about a potential holiday!