2018 New year, new focus and new mission

Homegrown0

Oh Choccy, i'm sorry it had to get to the point you're losing your sh** before your family take notice. It's pretty common in this house too, although doesn't have the same effect. Yes, my house is a tip when the boys just leave everything at their backsides, but i don't have trouble getting around. It's not only irritating, but totally thoughtless so I'm glad your rant worked. Hope it doesn't get to that stage next time.

I really hope you get your claims in place soon to keep your finances ticking along nicely. It must be worrying knowing this is your last sick pay, but you're a genuine claimant so hopefully they don't hold things up too much for you.

Sometimes we all need a good rant and/ or cry so it's healthy to let that out. Hope you're feeling a bit better.

Choccygirl123

Thank you fir both popping in. The weekend was very quite and I ended up with a horrendous viral bug, but the kids were lovely and hubby cooked roast pork.

I've had both my esa and pip assessments. The esa was straight forward enough, check of my paperwork etc so hopefully will get my confirmation letter in 2/3 weeks and more importantly some cash. The pip assessment was brutal and I really struggled. Once the nurse had finished and put everything away, she said she's not a decision maker (Dian to dwp) but she said she'd be surprised if I didn't get anything awarded.

It's a rollercoaster I really hope the pip assessment is successful, but I feel mortified that I'm having to claim it. My real world friends have no clue about my mental health issues and that added to my disability that I'm in such a state.

Money wise ouch! Shane old sane old.....waiting for rent to come in so account looks a bit healthier. The youngest needed new shoes and school skirts (can't manage any longer so I've pinched £200 out the EF. Going to get a food shop with change. It's there for a reason. Will hopefully be able to put it back once esa starts paying.

teafor2

Hi CG Yuk to the viral bug, especially over Mother's Day weekend

Glad you've got both the assessments out of the way. I know it's easy for me to say, but the help is there for people who need it, and there's absolutely no shame in claiming. Hopefully, it's just a short-ish term stop gap and you'll be back at work in the future. I can understand everything that's happening is having a real impact on your mental health. Do you have somebody professional to talk to?

You're right the EF is there for things that crop up unexpectedly and I'm absolutely convinced your DD will see a skirt and new shoes as an emergency - even if they are for school

Hopefully, the awards will come through soon and you'll be able to get back on track with things, although I think you're doing a fantastic job of keeping it all together. Try not to be so hard on yourself. xx

Choccygirl123

Thank you tea, your support means a lot. You know my real life story so can fill in the gaps missing. Mental health - I do have a therapist I speak to every week for my diagnosis of ptsd. It's helping I think, but it's going to take time.

With regards to EF, at least the money is being borrowed from that abd I've not just opened up my bank! I'm so selfish now after all hubby never treats us out of his money so fair is fair.

Did have a quick trip to homesense tonight (my first proper shop since Christmas) bought foodie treats for our friends in Germany. Need to get them boxed up and on their way. It was so nice to be out even though it was in the wheelchair. I feel like I've lost so many months of my life and it's time I get it back.

teafor2

Morning CG Just swinging by to say I hope you're feeling a bit better about things today. Glad to hear you have somebody to talk to. I can imagine how frustrating all this must be for you, especially when your mobility is affected, but keep going, it might be one step forwards, 2 steps back at the moment but you will get there. xx

Totally agree about taking the money out of the EF instead of your own - we've come a long way over the past few months haven't we :T

Have a lovely weekend and be kind to yourself. xx

teafor2

Hi CG - hope all is well with you and the family. We've had a few days away so I'm catching up with everybody tonight. Hopefully it won't be long before you hear about your money now. Take care of yourself. xx

Choccygirl123

Thanks tea, I'm pleased you've had a good break at your van. we've had a lovely week with hubby and children....a real Staycation. We've spent quite a bit on odd trips and treTs, but this was always the plan whilst we've got hubby off. I need to redo the budgets and make sure we end the month on track. Hopefully should hear about the ESA just after Easter and pip is still weeks to go!

I did think of you the other day when I opened up 5 new pots (accounts with the Halifax) for my new pots when the benefit settles until I'm back to work. Budget centres are cars, dog, school stuff, children's birthdays and a misc. I do already have my sealed pot bank account for Christmas. Looking forward to knowing what'll be incoming so I can start building the savings in these.

I'm soevding the day whilst my log off to a sports tournament and I'm enjoying every minute! Time suddenly seems a luxury now school holidays are here. Going to catch up on some dairies, as haven't been around for ages.

pidge04

Thank you so much for your positive message on my diary.
Hope it’s all going well with you. What a good idea to put away for Christmas throughout the year.

Choccygirl123

Thanks pidge. The Christmas savings are from Quidco, surveys and any ebay / Facebook sales. I've thought about about trying to keep it all in a pot for a purpose, but never been this organised before. It's amazing how quickly it's adding up and we've not missed any of it as it's all extra income.

Today is our first non speed day in the first time in ages! We're having a very quiet rest of the month until pay day so I'm hoping this is 1/10!

Choccygirl123

Getting out and about is certainly good for the soul, but not the wallet tea. We had a great week and hubby certainly needed the holiday. It's been a stressing full months with my health issues.

I'm due what will hopefully be my final surgery sometime in May and life can get back on track. I've still no news or update on my esa or pip application. We've made the tough decision to cancel the cleaner. It is becoming harder and harder to find the cash. I've dug out the black mould remover and given my en suite a blitz.

Money wise the account is look empty, but it could be worse! Balance £150.63 / available £148.63. Hubby's car needs fuel so that'll be £60 gone later. Need to do a food shop, but have enough to wait until weekend. At least the Easter eggs for kids and hubby have bee bought!

The child benefit is due into our account on 23rd, a week today but trying to eek cash in account as far as possible without touching the CB. I've created some saving pots and my plan is to use the CB to help fund them as it is paid into same bank as pots are held with. Woukd love to start it this month but need to see what other expenses come up.

Cars £50
Dog - grooming, treatments & food £50
School uniform / stuff £25
Birthdays £12.30

Ideally need to up the car and dog savings, but this would be a start. We currently pay car tax and insurance monthly for both cars. Woukd love to save for these throughout the year, but I'm concentrating on building a service and mot pot first.