Mrs S, family life and debt

MrsSave

My plans for this weekend are to declutter upstairs!! Mainly my bedroom. I'm planning on moving a few bits of furniture around (nothing too heavy!!!) and just freshen it up a little. I've managed to empty the laundry basket (briefly!!) and had a glass of prosecco in front of the tv. I should buy those little bottles of wine/prosecco - it will stop the prosecco going flat as there's no ways I can manage a whole bottle to myself (once upon a time.......)!!

Anyway, today has been another nsd. I almost went to get a takeaway, but then a mixture of knowing I shouldn't and not wanting to actually leave the house once the boys had gone stopped me. I ended up having some pasta! I'm spending less at the moment than I have for a very long time. I don't know if it's because everything is down to me now, those boys depend on me being able to budget and keep a roof over their heads. I actually have Christmas money left in my account and usually by this point in January it would've all gone!!

wishingthemortgaheaway

Decluttering is a good plan, but so is going out. What about going for a walk around lunchtime? Bit of fresh air will do you good.

Well done on avoiding the takeaway.

And yay to the Christmas money. Is it money left from the Christmas budget? (In which case treat you and the smalls to a day out somewhere maybe?) or money gifted to you? (In which case, what about treating yourself to those new bedcovers and curtains you were talking about?)

Have a good day today
Wish.

MrsSave

You're right I should go out somewhere. It's pouring with rain at the moment, but might head out somewhere if it stops.

The money was gifted to me. That's a good idea about the bed covers. Will have a think about it.

I've spoken with the boys this morning, and they were full of energy! So far they seem to be adjusting well to the situation. It's definitely us, the adults, that find it more difficult to cope.

I've checked ynab and the accounts this morning, and they're all good. I might pop to Tesco to pick up a couple of things later, but shouldn't be expensive. I'm guessing £20 max. Not bad for a weekly shop. That will leave over £70 to last until next Thursday. Sounds good, but the household income is going to decrease by a substantial amount soon (depending on tax credits and child maintenance amounts), so will have to re budget. I'm really hoping I find out by the end of the month he exact figures so can get budgeting.

MrsSave

I spent £18.74 in Tesco yesterday and should have enough bits now to last until next Thursday. I did also order the bedclothes and some curtains I can't wait for them to arrive now so that I can give this room a face lift!! I then treated myself to a book. I love reading but haven't done much at all recently. I figured it's a good way of relaxing when the boys aren't here.

I then spent yesterday de cluttering my bedroom, moving furniture around and vacuuming. I'm going to vacuum/dust the rest of the house this morning and then cook a roast for when the boys get back. I'm going to put a load of washing on in a bit and then iron what is on the clothes horse.

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I'm going to a health spa for my birthday as a gift from my parents......that's next weekend, I'm so excited.

This morning I have updated ynab with yesterday's spends. Everything is up to date once more.

debtaghh

You seem to be doing so well and I’m glad you treated yourself.

wishingthemortgaheaway

Great news on the bedroom updates. You need to turn it into your little paradise.

How have the boys got on this weekend?

Have a good week.

MeandO

I meant to pop in before now and see how you're doing, but I somehow missed your thread. Have subscribed now.

You could be writing my diary from 4 years ago, everything is so similar. Even to the ex popping in to put the children to bed etc and how you are getting on better with your ex these past few weeks. The fact that you still know 100% that you're doing the right thing says it all though.
You're doing so well with everything.

I wholeheartedly recommend the moving of furniture and (within budget of course;)) making the house feel more like 'yours'.

The boys seem to be taking everything in their stride too, as children do. It is indeed us adults that struggle to cope more. Soon it will be the norm for them. They obviously have lots of people around them who love them dearly and that is the most important thing.

Have a wonderful time on your spa weekend, I'm very jealous!
xx

MrsSave

Thank you for your messages. It really is lovely to read. I've had a wobbly few days but getting there again now. Mr S and I have been speaking and we both still 100% agree with our decision and it is definitely the correct thing, but I'm finding missing adult conversation difficult. Despite the fact that our relationship has been over a long while, we were still good friends up until the end. I miss having that someone to chat with after spending all day with the little ones. It'll get easier I'm sure. I'm not someone who enjoys things like baby groups, and mixing with people I don't know which makes it a whole lot more difficult.

During my 2 days off this week I spent far too much. I went to the supermarket both days and literally stocked up on so many household cleaning products the second day because there was nothing I actually needed to buy. It was just somewhere to go!!! I think I'm going to try food shopping twice a week with a list. I'll only plan 3-4 days at a time. I'll see how that works out!!

Money wise: I've had a letter from my council to say that they owe almost £80 as a refund for overpayment of council tax due to Mr S moving out after paying for the whole year. It doesn't mention how the refund is supposed to come about so will wait and see what happens. They may take it off next year, though a refund to the bank would be better.

I need to contact HSBC to take Mr S off those bank accounts. It does look like I'll have to go into store though, which is a nuisance. I'll give them a ring and see what they say.

I should be switched for my gas and electricity by the weekend. There will be money left to pay to the old company but have a little put aside for it. I've also had a letter saying my house insurance is up for renewal next month. I'm going to have a look to see what prices I find and see whether I can get any cashback as well. On the to-do list.

louby40

This is where you need the gym or some sort of hobby you can do when the kids are with their dad.

The gym was my saviour when I split with my ex.

And it’s where I met my new partner

debtaghh

Sorry to hear you have had a wobbly few days but remember it’s still very fresh. Hopefully in time you will get to a routine. Could you try organising to have friends or family round for a catch up once a week? Or write a list of any films you would like to watch or books you would like to read.
I can imagine it being very hard but you’re doing extremely well.