Adventure wanted, but first we must rid ourselves of debt

jwil

Sorry to hear about DH's work.  Are you eligible for any of the support packages/benefits?

It's hard work being at home with the kids, I hope DH is fine and can help you out.

AdventureWanted

jwil said:

Sorry to hear about DH's work.  Are you eligible for any of the support packages/benefits?

It's hard work being at home with the kids, I hope DH is fine and can help you out.

Hi Jwil,
I've been checking Martin Lewis' updates and we should be able to furlough our PAYE salary as directors of our own business. It is a big help, as although will be a HUGE drop in our monthly income it is a definite added benefit.  He said that we would also be eligible to apply for universal credit as self employed people (even though we are classed as employees for the furlough purposes). I've had a look at the online universal credit many times this week, but feel completely stupid when doing so, as I don't understand how to fill it out! Do you write the number of hours you were working and were being paid or what you will be getting? No idea!!

We have the mortgage payment holiday available which we started to fill the form out for.  Not 100% sure we will need it, but thought we could save the monthly payments in a 'just in case' pot.  It says it doesn't affect your credit score, but did say it would be noted on your file, so am unsure if it would be held against us if we do get to move house and want to increase the mortgage in the future. 

I checked our budget spreadsheet yesterday and think we will be ok, although it will all be a bit squeaky, until the end of June. DH got really annoyed with me when I tried to talk to him about the budget. He didn't see the point of me stressing myself out looking at the finances and said everything will be ok as we have my parents money available.  Tried to explain that I don't want to have more debt if I don't have to, but he said it isn't debt as it's from my parents!! We just have very different views on finances.  For me it calms me down having a plan in place and knowing where we stand. I guess some people will always be different!

Feel a bit calmer about the situation now, although still think it's going to be a long 12 weeks all together. Think both DH & I will be relieved when he goes back to work! Just hope it happens in July!

Hope everyone is coping with the lockdown.  There are some amazing resources now available for the kids.  If you have access to YouTube our daily favourites are Joe Wicks P.E lesson live at 9 weekdays and Maddie Moate (from CBeebies Do You Know program) on at 11 - yesterday she was explaining about the human digestive system and did a demonstration of how poo is made! I should add she used old food to make it, not anything gross! The kids loved it! 

take care everyone and stay safe 🙂.

AdventureWanted

March debt roundup.

Joint debt at 31/03/20
CC1 - £0
CC2 - £0
CC3- £0
CC4 - £7,475

Total debt - £7,475.
(Total debt at 29/2/20 - £8,330).

DH Course CCs
CC1 - £0.00
CC2 - £0.00
CC3 - £0.00
DH Car - £10,140.00

Total debt - £10,140.00
(Total at 29/2/20 - £10,245.00)

Combined debt now sits at £17,615.  Debt repayments will slow massively from April until DH is back working (whenever that may be).  Feel pretty gutted that I can't continue on at the speed I was, but the aim is not to add to the debts.

It's looking more likely that we'll have to balance transfer CC4 when the 0% ends in October.

abba1772

I'm the same when it comes to my finances I like to have a plan whereas Hubby just goes with the flow and is absolutely rubbish with money xx

jwil

It's the same here really,

I'm glad you might be eligible for some help.  It all counts.

AdventureWanted

Evening,

I've had a good few days. Have started doing more exercise and feel so much better for it. Have taken to having a daily walk on the treadmill, which is definitely more of a pregnancy plod, but it's been enjoyable.  Have set myself a challenge to walk 25 miles in April. Hopefully it will get me to do a bit of exercise most days.

Spent time today tidying up my bedroom, which has become a bit of a dumping ground. Hoping that it'll be finished in the next few days. DH did a few jobs which I've wanted completed for a while, so all in all it's been a good day 😊. Going to make a list of jobs I would like to be completed and hopefully slowly work my way through it.

Next month is DC1s birthday and I've started thinking about buying some presents now, just in case the online shops stop delivering.  It's going to be a really odd birthday for him and it's hard to think of ideas for presents for him.  I feel like I should be getting him something to make isolation at home easier/more enjoyable for him, but haven't got any ideas!  Whilst worrying that the online shops and deliveries might cease at some point, I have ordered the car seat that I need for the new baby. Hadn't planned on buying it just yet, but can't risk not having one when needed. Have had to use some of the EF money to pay for it.

We are having to start limiting the days that the DC go on their electronic devices, as they've started getting too obsessed with Minecraft! They definitely struggle to entertain themselves and play nicely/imaginatively when they've been using technology.

Hope everyone is ok and getting used to being at home.x

AdventureWanted

Hi,

Today the CC payments have gone out. Ended up paying slightly more than the minimums, as forgot I'd set up a larger SO prior to all of this happening. Glad that they've been paid so I know exactly how much money is left now.  Have just finished checking the bank account and have reviewed all DDs and SOs getting rid of ones I no longer need.  Seems really strange that this will be the only debt payments made this month. Fingers crossed it gets back to normal soon and I can resume the debt busting.  Debt now stands at £16,860.

Kids and DH are still doing their daily exercise at 9 with Joe Wicks on YouTube and I'm planning on going on the treadmill later this afternoon. Hope everyone has a good day 😊.

abba1772

mine too are becoming obsessed on the xbox so I've set a limit that its 2 hours on then they have to come away from it and do something else, be it school work, arts and crafts etc, seeems to be working xx

AdventureWanted

Hi 👋,
The weather has been glorious today and I woke with a spring in my step.  Was sat with DC3 in the night trying to get her back to sleep and just felt pure gratitude for my family. Money may be tight and life a bit stressful at the moment, but I am so thankful to be surrounded by my little family.  

Have had a productive day today and got lots of jobs done.  Have made my list of jobs for the week, so I can hopefully accomplish lots. DH has been busy finishing some jobs he's been meaning to do for the last 6 months! Hoping we can get lots achieved in the next few weeks, as well as spending lots of quality time together.

jwil

Glad you've had a good and productive day xx