2018 New year, new focus and new mission

Choccygirl123

Thanks tea, it means a lot. I'm slowly getting there but find my diary and your support a great way to keep motivated.

It's the little one and it's just a normal cost a fortune school trip. She's so excited she's packed already.

Should find out for sure but either end of May/start of June. Trying not to get my hopes up in case it's pushed back. With a bit of luck I could be back to work in 3/4mobths if op a success. That'd be amazing although I'm only going back to 17hours.

Choccygirl123

Have spent £12 on eBay on new bits for hubby's old car. It needs some break work which they've said will be £60/£80 but he's taking it to another garage tomorrow for a quote. The £12 has saved me £18 instead of going to dealer.

The toiletries shop was a lot more than I'd expected. Turns out hubby needed deodorant, body spray and shower gel. DDS both need shampoo, deodorant and other girlie things. My quick in and out shop ended costing £47 but I did get 2 blocks of my fav cheese for the bbq.

Account balance looks great but available shows the truth! Available £62.16. Child benefit due tomorrow so going to squirrel the £37.60 away in my pots and leave the £100 in joint for car works.

Choccygirl123

Child benefit hit the account today. Have moved £100 to joint - available £158.17 and moved test into saving pots.

Kids clothing £20.22
Kids birthdays £20.00
Car £60.00
Dog £35.26
Kids activities £25.40
Cleaner savings £70.00
Holiday £0 / £1000

My pots are slowly getting built up. I have bills coming out that I need to pay for, but am going to use cash from our budget to try and give me a chance to get ahead with the savings. The car needs £60/£80, the dog needs £50 in June and activities £50.

teafor2

Morning CG Your pots have made me smile because they remind me of mine. Apart from the holiday one, they're all for other people/things :rotfl: But, even so, it's a great feeling when something is needed to have the money there at your fingertips. You're not far off what you need either :T

Hope you have a lovely day. xx

Choccygirl123

Morning tea, it's funny because as I typed it I thought you can see our largest cost centres :rotfl: It does feel good having a little cash put away for when the bills come in.

How you getting on with your receipts and surveys? My shoppix is at 6270 (£10) and RH 2513 (still only £5) surveys definitely slowed again and I have £3.49 cleared on PA.

Choccygirl123

Nothing much going on today. Hubby bought bread and milk for £2 something this morning. Dinner is spag bol from freezer supplies. Sold another thing on eBay for £9.99 so need to parcel it up and get hubby to post it. Going to move total amount out of PP and will use joint account for postage costs.

teafor2

Morning CG Yep, children and animals have a lot to answer for don't they

I'm doing OK with Shoppix and RH - especially as Mum has started handing over her receipts - but don't tell anybody

Very quiet here today also. I've cleaned the bathroom and think I'll do our bedroom. It doesn't take long and it's lovely here so I can get the bedding on the line.

Doors are wide open and I can hear the children playing outside at the school up the road. That sound along with the smell of a freshly cut school field, has got to be one of the nicest things in the world. xx

Choccygirl123

Do t worry your secret is safe with me! My daughter has been know to pick up the odd receipt. Obviously improving her environment and fit the points!

I finally hit another PA withdraw, so after fees it's another £5.78 into the sealed bank account. I should really wait to avoid the fees but like it cashed out and in my account.

Not much going on here, we're all ready for half term that's for sure! Have been collecting the sweet Sunday wrappers and have a free cinema ticket. Going to invest in more sweets so we've another ticket for the kids.

Choccygirl123

Car went into garage yesterday and instead of costing us £60/£80 as quoted it was only £56! Well that was the good news! Bad news it's got to go back in for new discs, pads and callipers which is around £250. It is also due an oil change and filter which is £100.

It's another reminder that the saving pots are a great idea! Just a shame I only have £60 sat in the car one! Will have to watch our budget for June but can scrape the extra cash together, hopefully without touching the EF. I doubt we'll be able to save much for a holiday this month but won't stop me trying.

teafor2

Bloomin' cars, there's always something needs paying out for them. Are you aiming for a certain amount in your EF so it can cover something specific if it goes wrong - if that makes sense? I'd already be considering 'borrowing' some of the car costs from the EF and paying myself back, but I expect you're far more disciplined than me

Is DD enjoying her residential? And how nice is it not having to think about uniforms and lunches and early nights for the next week. xx