Starting over 2017

redofromstart

You've done so well to clear all of that Dora! Hope you have a lovely Christmas break.

Dorastar

Busy sorting out the messiest house in Britain (possibly not the worst but it has been pretty dreadful!) Downstairs now looks fairly decent but upstairs has yet to be tackled. Have had a quiet Christmas and just relaxed for a nice change. Have managed to steer clear of any substantial spending apart from a new dressing gown for the boy as his was shamefully small and a new set of scales for the kitchen as the old ones had died and the teen loves baking. Tumbler drier needs a new belt so got to get that fixed in next few days, we have a local business who are ace and don't overcharge like some of the big companies. It's the first time it's needed a repair in 11 years so pretty happy with that really.
Both kids have decided to put quite a bit of their Christmas money in the bank so off to do that tomorrow and then going for a nice meal out with friends tomorrow night. Quite happy not doing much and not spending much either. Got to re-jig electric and gas contracts as they're due up before long too so hoping for some more savings there.

Dorastar

No joy with the utility bills but the tumbler was only £50 to get fixed. Got the boy's bus pass for school so that's a mere £86 spend today but at least it saves money in the long term.

Dorastar

£1 spend on car park at hospital to visit m-i-l and nothing else, reckon that's a win for the first day of the year. Have set up a savings pot to build up for Christmas using the 1p, 2p method so will see how far we can get with that.

Dorastar

Looks like we'll be getting some PPI back fairly soon, not sure exactly how much but enough to put a smile on our faces for a week or so! :j
Not sure whether to pay off a debt, pay down the debts or stash it in savings as my job still isn't permanent and we might need to have a slush fund to tide us over any future unemployment. As long as we can make minimum repayments everyone will be happy and one debt is due to finish in August as it is. If I knew I had a permanent post then it would go on debt-busting but as it is we just don't know.
Haircut today and then visiting friends for a few days so a few spendy ones ahead but will try to keep costs down

redofromstart

I think I'd put at least part into your emergency fund dorastar if I was you.

beanielou

Put it in an slush fund

Dorastar

Think stashing it's probably best as well then it's there if we need it, although I might splurge on a new pair of boots cos mine are held together with fresh air in places!

Dorastar

Had a day with friends but kept the cost fairly low. Got to do a check through the cupboards and fridge/freezer to see if we can eat out of those as much as possible this week to hang on to as much money as we can this month. Pay day is still a bit uncertain as I've changed roles and each role has different pay days, will ring Payroll on Monday to check as mortgage and loans would go out before payday if its the later date in the month. Hubby has managed to do a few extra shifts in the meantime which is no bad thing. Haven't bought anything in the sales as there's nothing we really need at the moment. Have been decluttering loads too and realising how much stuff we actually have. Loads of books have gone or are on their way to school for the class instead of cluttering up the house. Going to tackle all my craft stuff next weekend - it will take the entire weekend there's that much of it!

Dorastar

Supposed to be doing lots of stuff ready to go back to work so have distracted myself by sorting out lots of household papers instead. Have mulled over the PPI and got an action plan now that I have spoken to both loan lenders to see what their settlement figures are.
1) Re-fill emergency fund
2) Put aside 3 months of "bills budget" in case I don't secure another post as soon as this one finishes
3) There's a teeny bit left that we can use for a few repairs around the house, minor things but that irritate.
4) Carry on being frugal and carry on saving up while I do have a good wage coming in

Not exciting, but important stuff. Haven't spent anything today so that's another positive.