Ongoing Journey to being a Frugalista..

brizzlegirl

Absolutely. There were other announcements in the budget too that may have affected my sector too so the timing is handy. I haven’t quite got my head round it, but no doubt that’ll change quickly!!

Hope you’re good x

greent

All good, thanks OH is seriously considering looking at perm roles now - preferably a reasonably local one to take him through to retirement. Hen's teeth...… x

brizzlegirl

It’s worth thinking about employment. The holiday (and pension) in many ways swung it. Am currently on holiday and so not earning a bean and whilst I will have less flexibility as to when I take it, being paid for not working will be nice Flexibility and autonomy have their drawbacks.. :rotfl: and invoicing, business development etc will not be missed..

greent

All invoicing/ any timesheets, all paperwork for accountant is all done by me! OH doesn't take much holiday - even when he was in a perm role before he used to bank some and sell some back - he's a bit rubbish at holidays - but paid time off is definitely a good thing However, pension would be really good (we contribute to one each at the mo, but more is always better!) and also the likelihood of health cover (you never know) And when he is out of contract he is a nightmare to live with - super grumpy and stressed until the next one comes along, so I definitely wouldn't miss that!

He's actually talking to 2 recruiters about 2 perm roles at the mo - both local (within county - last time he had a job in this county was before DS3 (9y) was born.... (he did have a short contract working from home for most of the time a few years ago, but that was only about 6 months long)) We shall see if anything comes of it - he has found before that people are very suspicious about him possibly moving from contract to perm

brizzlegirl

Aha...he’s blessed with a proper support system in you Good to hear. It’s all a right pain.

I have engaged my DD1 to help me out. She was plugging her way through my bookeeeping just last night. I’ll spend time checking it all and then it can go off to the accountant. VAT return done this week too.

I think I will have to have a proper chat with her about the company. One as they are bringing in this compulsory digital plan, but also to make sure that it all fits with my new role which is PAYE. I suspect I have taken too much income our but hopefully we can smooth it out over the next 12 months.

So....some good news.. OH has some extra work and whilst it will mean a pressure on his time, it’s good for his CV and our bank balance. Must however make sure it goes toward some something worthwhile. Probably into the tax fund. So there is scope for that in case it’s a shock.

I am beginning to mentally retreat from my old role so that I can gain space for the new one. Not at all easy, but fact I am handing over to someone I rate hugely is a huge relief. I am also not skipping the country, they can always call me if they need to check anything. DD2 is working hard for her exams so that’s a good sign and DD1 has 4 uni offers (so far..one more to go) ...including the one she was desperate to go to. Thrilled for her. She’s a bit flat though, think she’s not sleeping well and low on iron. If it continues need to get her to the GP.

I got £15 in JL vouchers, which I was thinking I may use to part pay for a ready meal dinner with the PILs this weekend (million times cheaper than us all going out) and the same in TCB which should hit my account soon. Pleased with this, especially as its all stuff that was needed, eg,. work hotel stays and train tickets and paying for stuff on a JL CC, but then immediately paying across. A bit of a faff but I am £15 up for the effort.

In less good news I am alarmed by the amount of debt we have. We have an OD, money on 0% cards for the car etc, but even so. Luckily a small mortgage (really) and no other debts eg. car loans but it’s simply not good enough. We have to crack it. Luckily (as it were) one of our biggest categories of spends, holidays, will go down this year as we are winding our necks in. But the loss of the lodger, my pay will go down (although overall benefit package will go up if you see what I mean) and the car costs etc is a problem. We do have savings but those are largely earmarked for tax bills and for university or ‘set up life costs’ for our DDs. They are also largely stock market dependent so keen not to raid those, crystallise losses or take away from fast growing stocks. I have worked out an approximate budget for our contribution next year and we will need to make sure we have enough to cover that. . I know the debt stresses OH, as it does me, so we do need to get a grip.....(how often have you heard me say that...:( )

So just a moment of soul searching, no doubt linked to the upcoming change in pace. I think decluttering will help and I may try and focus on this and getting some money in from sales in the next month, and also get the company accounts sorted, that will help me work out what needs to be managed cash flow wise.

Hope everyone has a good day. Thanks for popping by, always appreciated xx

Seasidegal58

Hi there brizzle. Life continues on an exciting path for you and your family - exams, uni, OH's new contract and of course your new permanent job.

I'm sure you'll get to grips with the debt. As you wrote, things have upended in that income is going down, but benefits will rise - I don't suppose that going back down the lodger route is an option? Good news though about the cheaper accountant. I hope it works out.

Good luck with the decluttering!

brizzlegirl

Thanks SSG. The lodger option would make sense but I think the family need a breather. Lots of stuff going on - and having another teenager in the house is a responsibility. I guess we could go for an adult, but even then it feels like I have to be aware and look out for them. It’s also less money. But I think the overriding issue is that we like having our house back. We will have a student staying sometimes. Next time is in 3 weeks time for a weekend so that’s good. Basically at the heart of it is that we both earn good money, but spend too much....so spending less has to be the way to go. I need to be the frugalista it says in my diary title

The S&S ISA is on its way back up again and we continue to put money in. It’ll make a huge difference when the kids need contributions for uni etc. We are also having more NSDs and LSDs..that has to help too. Onwards and upwards :beer:

beanielou

Onwards & upwards indeed.
I really really hope that I never ever have to have a lodger again, so I know exactly where you are coming from.

jwil

It all sounds good Brizzle

scotdebs

Congrats on the new job Brizzle sounds like lots going on