20/20 Vision (repaying a debt to my home and myself)

doingitanyway

Starting to feel the financial weight of house stuff.

There is a structural issue that needs attention too so I need a builder to take a look.

I had hoped to have a holiday at Christmas but now I can see I simply cannot afford it. I have not been abroad since 2015. I am determined not to feel sorry for myself. I know a holiday is not a right and no doubt someone reading this has it worse than I do.

I will still get the TV as the current one is dangerous and this month I get paid more than next.

I am thinking about weight again as MSE wise I have some basic clothes I can wear if I could only drop half a stone. Looking better will help me feel better. It always does.

A slight panic as I can only cut back so far.

I put my account details for the PPI claim in my bag to sort for work

I waited for the plumber yesterday, who was due at 6pm but he did not come. Kind of glad actually as I didn’t get a good vibe from his texts and it least (despite the urge) I did not cancel him.

I made lunch to take into work so I won’t waste money

I am going to try and forget about house stuff for a few days and try to relax a little.

In the office today so off to get ready.

Have a positive day everyone. The long weekend is nearly here

greenbee

Don't push yourself too hard with getting the house stuff done. There is only so much money, and only so much time. I can't cope with having people working in the house constantly (like you I work from home a lot which means I can't get away from the chaos), so I tend to do things in phases. I've been here 5 years (gutted it when I moved in) and its only in the past year that it has started to be presentable. Lots of snagging still to do, and kitchen and utility are the main outstanding items. I don't expect to finish them this year (the kitchen design may take a while and it's important to get right). But I'd rather do things in a low(er) stress way.

I've now got my 12-month emergency fund, which has helped my stress levels a bit, having spent it all before the new job getting as much done as possible while on gardening leave. I need to sort out my pensions/savings/taxes, and I think I can fund furniture and the utility room from cash flow this year while still saving towards the kitchen. We'll see...

RosaBernicia

DIA do you need to go abroad to have the kind of things that make it a holiday for you?

I rarely go abroad, but that's because I love parts of the UK and don't like hot weather - so I find it hard to justify spending loads of money and hassle on flights etc when I can be very happy here.


Rosa xx

System

DIA get yourself up to the Lakes, stunning scenery , lovely walks and lots of good food . Yes it may rain but just adds to the journey.

beanielou

Scotland

doingitanyway

greenbee wrote: »

Don't push yourself too hard with getting the house stuff done. There is only so much money, and only so much time.

I agree with this. Thanks Greenbee

RosaBernicia wrote: »

DIA do you need to go abroad to have the kind of things that make it a holiday for you?

I rarely go abroad, but that's because I love parts of the UK and don't like hot weather - so I find it hard to justify spending loads of money and hassle on flights etc when I can be very happy here.


Rosa xx

Cumbria_lass wrote: »

DIA get yourself up to the Lakes, stunning scenery , lovely walks and lots of good food . Yes it may rain but just adds to the journey.

Thanks and yes, I know and love the UK. It's beautiful, and I have had every break since 2015 (and many years before) in the UK, but it isn't my choice at Christmas and that wasn't my point really...

Homegrown0

beanielou wrote: »

Scotland

I'll second that recommendation :rotfl:

RosaBernicia

doingitanyway wrote: »

Thanks and yes, I know and love the UK. It's beautiful, and I have had every break since 2015 (and many years before) in the UK, but it isn't my choice at Christmas and that wasn't my point really...

Ah, well then that's a different question. In that case, is it really not possible? Is there any way you can minimise costs, or spread the house work out differently to allow you to go? Tbh if it's something that means real joy to you, I think you should go for it.


Rosa xx

doingitanyway

RosaBernicia wrote: »

Ah, well then that's a different question. In that case, is it really not possible? Is there any way you can minimise costs, or spread the house work out differently to allow you to go? Tbh if it's something that means real joy to you, I think you should go for it.
Rosa xx

Thanks Rosa, I need to have a think about where I am and reconfigure. Not sure it is that important I have the holiday, just in a feeling sorry for myself mood I guess. I'll draw up a new plan, energise and come back with a plan.

This morning I tackled my phone and broadband provider. Got £9 a month off my current contract...

Have a good weekend everyone

System

If you want a little break abroad , have you ever looked at AirBNB , there is a lot of choice . Plus the cheaper airlines do good flights if you can fly mid week. Though after reading about Ryanair they are making it very difficult to gauge how much a flight is.

Or how about a trip to Christmas markets in Europe. I seem to remember though thst you were looking at a walking holiday I hope my memory is right . Could you do a shorter version of the trip.

I had 5 years when I never went anywhere other than the lakes because of no funds, and I couldn't wait to get on a plane again.

Have a good day .