“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”

WannabeFree

Thank you Pmo2

Well this morning's jobs done, youngest having lunch.

Still some things to get done this afternoon although I think I could do with a nap :rotfl:

The weather has brightened up though

x

WannabeFree

So far this morning

I have opened another basic account along side the one I use. This way so I can transfer the 'bill' money out every Friday as if I where still topping up the electric/gas meters etc.

I have arranged for the meters to be installed on Tuesday morning. The Direct Debit is set up for the 15th of every month.. but I forgot to ask does that mean the 15th of this month they will take the full amount? Will need to check as if it does I'll have to change the date to the end of the month

Have completed the form for the support water tariff including that even though I don't have arrears now I have always had arrears since first opening my account at my first address after leaving parents home. Fingers crossed! I know it's only £2 a week but its over £100 a year difference in the bill.

I still need to see if I can set up a new paypal account with the new bank account/card when it arrives Until I get photo ID. I'm annoyed I've had this PP years and never had a problem until now

We will get out for a walk this afternoon before school run, then home and dinner. Early nights all round as tomorrow is another busy day having to go to an appointment the other side of town, DS has a school trip and DD has some extra work on at school.

I have located broadbean seeds from Homebargains 69p. I now need to grow a broad bean as we have to win in DD's eyes. Plus youngest can do one and I will upload it to her school account online. I still haven't uploaded the work we have done so far this week including making a caterpillar and locating 'mini beasts' in the park. We are trying to do as much as what she would be doing in school together and it will still be looked at and assessed as long as the evidence is uploaded

Anyway that turned into a bit of a waffle so I will get on and be back later
x

teafor2

Hi WB you have been busy this morning. What a great idea to upload what DD is doing at home for her teachers to look at. I was never keen on mini beast term at school, especially when the guy turned up with all his creepy crawlies - not my thing at all :rotfl: Much preferred the 'people who help us' day. We had a policeman and a fireman dad who would come in their uniform - whit woo

I'm finding it quite cold today but still nice for a walk if you wrap up. xx

HairyHandofDartmoor

You seem to be all organised with the finances Wannabe . I hope you enjoyed your walk before school finished.

WannabeFree

Thank you

Tea I really don't like 'minibeasts' either :rotfl: Luckily our next thing is to learn the actions to incy wincy spider :rotfl:

It was colder than it looked and it kept trying to rain! Youngest fell and banged her face and will be sporting a super black eye for the next few days *rollseyes*

Anyway home and fed, uniform is drying and they are all reading before bed.

The first DD is on the 15th and is for £140. I will squeeze it in this month and then going forward but it away weekly. I'm hoping that means there will always be a bit of credit on there as it won't be a full months usage especially as I don't think we will use as much as they think we will now the actual cost is less.

Tomorrow I just have one appointment in town at 11am and then Friday I have something on at school first thing but then the long weekend can start I'm going to plans some things in like baking/crafting. I miss having it all prepared and a plan of what we are going to be doing.

Hope you've all had a lovely day

x

greenbee

I'm sure you're on top of your energy usage anyway - just don't let anyone use any But remember, summer will be cheaper (less/no heating and longer daylight hours), so if they try to reduce the DD before winter, think carefully about it.

Lots of salads and sandwiches, spending time outside and going to bed if it's too dark to see! Plus wearing more layers and hot water bottles (I was just reading a thread about someone who doesn't understand why their electricity bill - with electric heating - is so high when their thermostat is set to 28C!!!).

WannabeFree

28

Mine is on 18 during winter and 13 in summer. I'm going to have a look around the boards to see if I can be more careful and what others 'normal' settings etc are without being too extreme I know I do too much washing but cutting back anymore than I have just makes my anxiety worse. All our bulbs are normal fittings and have expensive energy saving bulbs in that was done by the charity when I was in debt. I guess I also have the advantage of the boiler being regularly looked after too. The smalls do have a bath everyday though But its only a few inches of water and it does all 3 of them.

x

greenbee

I know! I nearly said 'turn it down 10 degrees'!

During the summer it's worth turning it off. Spring and autumn are the difficult times. I keep turning mine off and then regretting it and putting it back on - but I'm lucky as I have electric underfloor heating in the kitchen (currently off) and bathrooms (on) and a stove (using it with wood at the moment in the evenings - I use coal in the winter when it's very cold) so I have lots of choice and flexibility.

If you have thermostats on the radiators, then use them to get the right temperature in each room (bedrooms should be cooler than living rooms). Even if you don't have thermostats it's worth checking that the radiators are properly balanced - my heating is much more efficient when this is done properly. Obviously in winter extra blankets and lots of hot water bottles mean you can keep bedrooms cooler.

With laundry, wash on the coolest appropriate wash and sort the laundry carefully so you maximise what can go in each load. Try not to run and almost empty wash.

Avoid ironing. I'm sure it uses WAY too much electricity :rotfl:

Stuff like only filling the kettle with the water you need, filling the oven when you use it, putting lids on pans etc. all make a difference. I'm sure you'll find lots of tips when you start looking.

Sharing bath water is definitely efficient, and kids need cleaning regularly!

Honeysucklelou2

Great idea to upload evidence of DD's learning. This will all go towards her learning journey that EYFS teachers create.

teafor2

Evening WB It's harder when you're home all day not to use as much energy but I'm sure you'll find ways of keeping it down. That's quite a lot to find by 15th, hope it doesn't leave your budget too tight.

I'm looking forward to a long weekend as well and then it's only a couple of weeks before they're off for a week again! xx