Atrixa's Saving Diaries

MovingForwards

Just stopping by to say hello.

I'm pretty sure your employer is not able to change a term in your contract without a consultation! Ask on the employment board.

Do you keep a spreadsheet or anything to work out your budgets?

Also, when I got paid, had bills come out or use my debit card, I used to save everything 99p and under, distributing the money across my accounts. I know this one isn't viable for you at the moment, but it's something to think about when things return to normal.

atrixa

Yes, I keep a spreadsheet with tabs for each month (or periods between paydays really). It's been unbelievably helpful since I started saving and it's useful to look back on.
I used to have the Save the Change thing on my current account but I absolutely hated it. I do a zero based budget with a pay yourself first method of saving now and it works much better for me.
It'll be interesting to see if anyone else has asked on the employment board. It's quite a big company and I doubt I'll be the only one unimpressed.

Skint_yet_Again

I know what you mean everything is so unreal! Now might be a good time to switch council tax to 12 months if you usually pay over 10 months. A bit extra freed up to put into your emergency fund. 

atrixa

Mine's automatically 12 months for some reason, but I do like to spread the cost

Skint_yet_Again

Ah ok. Hope you get the sick pay situation sorted. I pay mine over 10 & put the other 2 months into my “holiday” fund. All my family apart from my DS live up north and so I use it to go visit them. 

atrixa

That's a good idea They've sent something clarifying the sick pay thing. They are going to pay as per contract if it's sickness but the SSP applies for self isolation. Luckily I can work from home but I worry this will stop people self isolating and will thus make the spread worse.

savingwannabe

Well done on sorting out the paperwork. I haven't even thought of doing that yet. 

atrixa

Well, exciting developments! I can now afford to buy a house! Bit nervous about trying to buy one during this bin fire, but I'm sick of living in a flat and I'm sick of renting. I've got a few houses shortlisted and I've gotten some quotes from conveyancers. I'll ask around at work tomorrow to see who my colleagues used and if they would recommend them.

MovingForwards

Ooooh fantastic! 
If you plan on living in your home for years, then you can ride out any blips.
Make a start on your emergency fund now as hopefully you can get a nice pot together by the time you find a home and move in.

savingwannabe

OMG Fantastic news that you have raised enough!!!!! You are doing the right thing researching all I know is from bitter experience of my  old house (lol) if you see a place you like go back and  visit it day and night to see what the area is like (no asbo weirdos etc) and ask the neighbours for feedback on the area.