On a Mission

Mummy_bear

Good morning

Just come on for a rant really.

My SIL has had a baby, a beautiful little boy :heartpuls

A few months back we gifted her tornado toddlers baby swing. I'd got it as a bargain off a work colleague a few years back for my sister for her youngest. Then she gave it back to me for tornado toddler. It was going to get reused for the latest addition...but as we all know that turned out to be twins :rotfl:

It's an all singing all dancing baby swing. It plays all sorts of sounds and music and rocks on its own etc.

Well DH nipped round to see our new nephew the other day and came home to tell me the swing was no where to be seen and she had this brand new baby rocker thing. I've since seen photos and knowing what I know from research, the particular rocker she has won't have much change from £270 :eek::eek:

Two things frustrate me here. If she didn't want the swing we gave her she could've said and either we would've made use of it or I could've sold it or even better gifted it to someone else.
Secondly , SIL and her Bf have NO money. Like seriously. Her Bf does have a job but it's minimum wage. SIL is forever being cut off in her mobile because she can't pay the bills. They've also purchased a £700+ pram :eek:

Now I realise I'm in debt busting mode so my perspective is skewed possibly. But even when I had DS almost 7 years ago I didn't spend that kind of money on items that are for a short time.

Even DH agrees with me re. The extortionate amount of money they're spending. That's a win in my book as DH realises now you don't need to spend a lot for things you need :T
But DHs family are very materialistic. They like to keep up appearances. I really dread to see how much debt they're all in.

I realise I sound rather stuck up. But I really can't get my head round why they're doing it. Her excuse is that's her last baby so why not. But baby won't remember any of these things and certainly won't look back at baby pics and show off to his mates that he had this expensive rocker :rotfl: BTW, the swing we gave her does exactly the same thing :cool:

Our debt was primarily made up of replacing cars or fixing cars, DIY issues, consolidations, new boiler etc. Basically, not being prepared for life's hiccups, having no savings and using credit to solve the problem.

DH keeps telling me not to worry myself about their issues. But his family do often turn to DH to borrow cash, which I never agree to, and he NEVER gets it back :mad:

Right. I've vented. I'll move on. I have my chant "IT'S NOT MY PROBLEM".


MB

Chrystal

Mummy_bear wrote: »

Good morning

Just come on for a rant really.

My SIL has had a baby, a beautiful little boy :heartpuls

A few months back we gifted her tornado toddlers baby swing. I'd got it as a bargain off a work colleague a few years back for my sister for her youngest. Then she gave it back to me for tornado toddler. It was going to get reused for the latest addition...but as we all know that turned out to be twins :rotfl:

It's an all singing all dancing baby swing. It plays all sorts of sounds and music and rocks on its own etc.

Well DH nipped round to see our new nephew the other day and came home to tell me the swing was no where to be seen and she had this brand new baby rocker thing. I've since seen photos and knowing what I know from research, the particular rocker she has won't have much change from £270 :eek::eek:

Two things frustrate me here. If she didn't want the swing we gave her she could've said and either we would've made use of it or I could've sold it or even better gifted it to someone else.
Secondly , SIL and her Bf have NO money. Like seriously. Her Bf does have a job but it's minimum wage. SIL is forever being cut off in her mobile because she can't pay the bills. They've also purchased a £700+ pram :eek:

Now I realise I'm in debt busting mode so my perspective is skewed possibly. But even when I had DS almost 7 years ago I didn't spend that kind of money on items that are for a short time.

Even DH agrees with me re. The extortionate amount of money they're spending. That's a win in my book as DH realises now you don't need to spend a lot for things you need :T
But DHs family are very materialistic. They like to keep up appearances. I really dread to see how much debt they're all in.

I realise I sound rather stuck up. But I really can't get my head round why they're doing it. Her excuse is that's her last baby so why not. But baby won't remember any of these things and certainly won't look back at baby pics and show off to his mates that he had this expensive rocker :rotfl: BTW, the swing we gave her does exactly the same thing :cool:

Our debt was primarily made up of replacing cars or fixing cars, DIY issues, consolidations, new boiler etc. Basically, not being prepared for life's hiccups, having no savings and using credit to solve the problem.

DH keeps telling me not to worry myself about their issues. But his family do often turn to DH to borrow cash, which I never agree to, and he NEVER gets it back :mad:

Right. I've vented. I'll move on. I have my chant "IT'S NOT MY PROBLEM".


MB

So point out to him that 'their issues' impact on you because of this! They are very unlikely to change their ways, so OH is going to have to change his and let them get on with it. ((hugs))

Mummy_bear

Chrystal wrote: »

So point out to him that 'their issues' impact on you because of this! They are very unlikely to change their ways, so OH is going to have to change his and let them get on with it. ((hugs))

You're so right.
DH can be so hypocritical when it comes to his family

Kitten868

Hello!
I've just read your diary. Wow! What a turn around. I'm absolutely in awe of how you've never given up. Truly remarkable and well done you. You must feel very proud. It's mad isn't it, the time in your life you need the most money is the time you're your most frugal. Kids really put things in perspective! Massive congratulations on the new babies!
I have questions but I don't remember all of them.
First and foremost your mortgage with alliance and Leicester is now Santander. On standard rate that's 4%! You can definitely, definitely do better even with a high ltv. I really, really want you to look into it as I'm sure you'll save loads. You may even just get a new deal with Santander without credit scoring you.
Also you do know you can take out a new loan to replace your old loans on a lower rate? We've just had to take out a loan for hubby as he's totally messed up his balance transfer offers I sorted for him. Don't do this until after the mortgage is sorted obviously. I know consolidation isn't a good idea typically but you've proven you are dedicated to this. All the debts in one loan might cost less and be easier to over pay.
Getting rid of books use webuybooks. There's usually a code to get 10% extra on Facebook. Makes it most worth getting rid of them.
For your partner there's a shop called cex. Weird one I know. But regardless, they deal with second hand games, consoles etc. You take in your old games and consoles and trade them in for credit to buy new games. This is how my hubby gets games - he has to trade in his old stuff to get it. They take games, dvds, consoles... You can check their site on what you get.

Keep going. You're doing amazingly xxxx

Mummy_bear

Kitten868 wrote: »

Hello!
I've just read your diary. Wow! What a turn around. I'm absolutely in awe of how you've never given up. Truly remarkable and well done you. You must feel very proud. It's mad isn't it, the time in your life you need the most money is the time you're your most frugal. Kids really put things in perspective! Massive congratulations on the new babies!
I have questions but I don't remember all of them.
First and foremost your mortgage with alliance and Leicester is now Santander. On standard rate that's 4%! You can definitely, definitely do better even with a high ltv. I really, really want you to look into it as I'm sure you'll save loads. You may even just get a new deal with Santander without credit scoring you.
Also you do know you can take out a new loan to replace your old loans on a lower rate? We've just had to take out a loan for hubby as he's totally messed up his balance transfer offers I sorted for him. Don't do this until after the mortgage is sorted obviously. I know consolidation isn't a good idea typically but you've proven you are dedicated to this. All the debts in one loan might cost less and be easier to over pay.
Getting rid of books use webuybooks. There's usually a code to get 10% extra on Facebook. Makes it most worth getting rid of them.
For your partner there's a shop called cex. Weird one I know. But regardless, they deal with second hand games, consoles etc. You take in your old games and consoles and trade them in for credit to buy new games. This is how my hubby gets games - he has to trade in his old stuff to get it. They take games, dvds, consoles... You can check their site on what you get.

Keep going. You're doing amazingly xxxx

Hey, thanks so much for reading my diary! !

Our mortgage is still technically with the A&L but Santander just took over the company.
So our original terms apply. Therefore our standard variable rate is 1.99% . Therefore our overall interest is currently 2.74%. I've had a half hearted look around around and don't think we'll get much better than that at the moment.

Re. Getting a consolidation loan. Mmmm I feel part of the problem of how we came to have so much debt has been consolidation. I also don't like the idea of adding a couple of years onto the debt free date. I know we'd aim to pay it off quicker but I think psychologically it would affect me. That being said it is definitely a consideration.

Will most definitely look into webuybooks. Thanks

DH hasn't bought any new games in ages! He is also aware of CEX so I'll remind him of there once the urge comes back

MB

Mummy_bear

Today I've made the beeswax food wraps. They've turned out super well actually. The real test will this week when DH uses them for his sandwiches. Fingers crossed they're a full on success.

Ordered, and paid in full, our Christmas turkey crown, pig in blankets and sausage meat to make our own sausage rolls. Got it from the butchers we use every year. Think this may be the earliest I've ever sorted it. Will be picking it up on the 23rd Dec. Salivating at the thought of it already :rotfl:

Sold a few more things on 3bay and listed some more. They're not high value items by any means but it's bringing in some pennies. Already used some of the proceeds to get tornado toddler a few winter clothes. Might chuck a little to the BC in order to help ,e towards my monthly target.

Eagerly waiting on my payslip via email. I *think* my wage drops this coming pay. I'm keen to see what my student loan contribution will be. I reckon after this month I'll have about £100 ish left. If so I'll call them up and pay up the balance in full. That way once I'm back to full pay from work I won't have that coming out anymore :j

MB

Kitten868

I think I've remembered more of the things
1. Check for ppi on the mortgage
2. Close your new look credit account
3. River island and top shop to tall and I've been told asos do shoes up to size 11 for ladies

I was not suggesting that your dh needs games just that it doesn't have to be famine or feast. My hubby now is very quick to get together all his electronics to do a trade in. He still gets his games but without the cost.

I will no doubt be back with more brain flashes. 1.99% is brilliant ignore me and I only meant to save you some money on the loans you already have. I wasn't trying to rock the boat I promise xxxx

Mummy_bear

Kitten868 wrote: »

I think I've remembered more of the things
1. Check for ppi on the mortgage
2. Close your new look credit account
3. River island and top shop to tall and I've been told asos do shoes up to size 11 for ladies

I was not suggesting that your dh needs games just that it doesn't have to be famine or feast. My hubby now is very quick to get together all his electronics to do a trade in. He still gets his games but without the cost.

I will no doubt be back with more brain flashes. 1.99% is brilliant ignore me and I only meant to save you some money on the loans you already have. I wasn't trying to rock the boat I promise xxxx

Really appreciate all your suggestions. Sometimes we can be so focused in what we want we fail to see what other options are available.

On the CEX front DH has actually handed me a number of games to try sell!

Newlook account is closed. :j

No PPI on the mortgage unfortunately (:rotfl:) we've exhausted the PPIs

Surprisingly Primark also do tall and some of their jeans fit super well. Thankfully I have size 8 feet so not ostracised on that front :rotfl::rotfl:

Keep your brain flashes coming x

MB

Kitten868

Youre waaay ahead of me then so well done you. With the games then you can check on cex what youd get and what they'd sell for so you know what to market them for and whether it's worth your effort. You don't get enough on webuybooks for the games.
Hope you're doing ok solo with the child army. Xxx

Mummy_bear

I will not put the heating on *brrrr*

Oh it's a chilly morning but I'm determined to hold off on the heating. Once that's on we won't be able to tolerate even this temperature and it's a slippery slope to constant heating on! Apparently it's 16.5°c in my living room.

DH forgot to use my food wraps when prepping his lunch for today:mad: He better get using them :rotfl:

Have a post office visit today after the school run. 10 items to post that sold over the weekend on 3bay. Managed to put a few more on yesterday. I've got a couple of higher priced items to go on today to take advantage of their offer of £1 total selling fees that ends today.

Today DHs Loan payment has come out. The new date each month is the 6th. This is way better due to DH'S new pay date.

Totals as of 8th October

Lloyds CC £5133.09
MBNA CC £3873.17
Barclaycard CC £458
Tesco Loan £7243.36
Santander Loan £4508
M&S Loan £5738.96 £155.12


Total debt as of 1st October £27113.44
Total debt as of 2nd October £27110.44
Total debt as of 4th October £27108.94
Total debt as of 8th October £26953.82 below 27k :j

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Monthly Challenge


Earn £30 payable from survey sites

£0/£30

VO is now up to £5.60
PA currently has £30.28 payable and £1.40 pending. Had a good few days here. Will cash out this evening in case anything else clears. But this will mean my target has been met for the month once cleared. However I want to try and get another £20 from PA to cover last and this month's payments to my annual bills account which I fund with PA surveys.I will, therefore be setting myself a second target in this category later this week.
Onepoll currently has £23.35 in there.
Yougov currently has 2685 points in there.
E.Rewards currently has 4675 points in there.
Qmee has £0.79 in there . Admittedly I keep forgetting to go on here. Must do better as it's a small but consistant earner



Reduce debt by £850 £159.62/ £850




MB