Prosperous soul in the making

EssexHebridean

On the cam belt, assuming the car isn’t still in warranty this is, establish whether the recommendation is based on time or mileage. If time, and you are under the mileage level that would trigger the change requirement, you might be able to push it by a couple of months. Probably not a good idea to push it too far as time as much as distance degrades them, but it will still not be as worn as one that has triggered on both aspects. If I warranty it will need doing on a “whichever comes first” basis though. 

hugglemonster

Sounds like you've got lots to sort and and organise, make sure you don't burn yourself out.  

Agree that dd should look at some alternatives to transport, not only is it the cost but your time as well. We have always been honest with our kids and when things have been tough we've told them and they understand. 

Definitely look at fb marketplace for some of the things you need, dh got a golf trolley from there this week for £7! It's perfect for him.

Definitely speak to the kids about Xmas, if you can't do it you can't do it.

Take care, H x

savingholmes

Thanks EH and HM

I think I will just have to accept it's going to take a few months to get used to my new budget. I might occasionally need to use a CC or similar but it's not a 'relapse'.

In an ideal world I would have borrowed an extra £1k on my mortgage to pay Ex so if to maintain a minimal EF I have to delay being debt free so be it.

I finished early or paused. I am at a Park with our dog who will be departing in a few weeks with Ex... I will miss her joy in squirrel hunting.

I need to finish a report later but wanted to make the most of the light and dry weather.

In good news I will be getting discounted gym membership. £7 less than my budget at £23. So £84 saved per year.

In bad news my garage recommends cam belt and water pump change for £600 which is dearer than the net suggested but they say £200 less than RRP... It's due mid December

girlatplay

Can you get a second quote elsewhere for the car or is that reasonable?  Don't know much about cars here.

savingholmes

girlatplay said:

Can you get a second quote elsewhere for the car or is that reasonable?  Don't know much about cars here.

I probably know less. That's why I got a quote from the main dealer so I had something to compare it with and posted on here in case anyone had advice. It's a diesel skoda octavia

jwil

The main dealer is likely to be more expensive.  Can you ask around for recommendations for an independent?

DH says cam belt and water pump are usually done together, and he reckons that's probably cheap for a main dealer, but definitely get quotes elsewhere.

MovingForwards

DD is an adult and has to learn things don't always go to plan. While you may have promised the kids something for Christmas, was that before or after you started the divorce? Personally, I would scale it back.
A normal garage will be less, ask friends for recommendations.

girlatplay

I've done a quick g00gl£ and found this
https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/cambelt-change-cost/

Further down the page it says this:

girlatplay

Sorry, tried to add a pic but it's not working 

girlatplay

Here it is