Twinklie returns to the property ladder

SpendingPennies

Just caught up on your diary @twinklie well done for getting through January, it’s always a tough month at the best of times. And congratulations on owning those 3 rooms too.

twinklie

I feel lost today. I've done some surveys but I'm not really sure what to do with myself now. I feel like I should be doing more, I just don't know what. 

flipper_72

Hi Twinklie,
 I think lots of people feel the same, I certainly do! I have just said as much to my family! I seem to spend the first week of each month over analysing my finances trying to find money that isn’t there to overpay! 

Hopefully tomorrow you will feel different

twinklie

Thanks @flipper_72, you were right I do feel better. The weather is dry today and I've been for a 2 hour walk with my Mum (it was bitter cold though), which was lovely. 

The flipside is that the washing machine has broken and has trapped all DS1's underwear inside. It's over 10 years old and we are totally ready for a new one, but it's not the best time for it to happen. Still time to look for a new one I guess. Just need to figure out what's important to me in a washing machine now. 

twinklie

Washing machine ordered and will be here on Tuesday sometime. Just have to figure out how to rescue DS1's pants in the meantime!
Also ordered DS2 a new tablet because his is 5 years old, has taken a LOT of bashing and isn't charging well anymore. Justified as it's still needed for school type stuff and this one has a bigger screen so he'll actually be able to see what he's looking at too. So all in all it's been a very expensive weekend. 

flipper_72

Glad you’re feeling better today Twinklie 😁
I always find if i have to spend on one thing another one happens to come along at the same time, it is so frustrating! I went for a long walk on my own today after dropping DS off to cycle with his friend, I have sorted out so much in my head and have even managed to discuss it with DH which is usually the bit I forget about. DS had a great time catching up with friend but was frozen when I got back for him, DD went for a walk with her friend so they are both so much happier today after some real social interaction, it is so hard for them all at the moment, especially the ones who struggle to interact online. 

twinklie

So the new washing machine came which is awesome. It's got a much bigger drum and is much quieter than my previous one. Fingers crossed this one will see us through another 12 years. 

I've managed to OP the mortgage by £114.12 this month, just waiting for it to clear to have my totals for the month. But that's made up of the standard round down to bring the total to 00.00 plus £27.01 from Prolific and cashback sites. So I'm pretty happy with that. I'm doing better than I'd dared dream at this point, as I'm still fattening up the savings pot too. 

I'm hoping within 3 years to have a very healthy savings pot which would go along way to paying for the extension we want...all being well with jobs. This is in a bid to future proof the house so that the boys can stay home as long as they need but we can all keep our sanity. And to ensure they have a decent sized bedroom each, for when they hit their teenage years and want to be separated/need quite space to get their work done. 

I'm off for half term now so going to enjoy a cheap and quiet week of keeping the boys entertained. Maybe have a few lie ins and go for some adventure walks. Getting on top of the housework would also be good and trying to do some more surveys to pay down the mortgage a bit more if possible. 

becky170

I'm glad you're happy with your new washing machine! Sounds like you are making great progress juggling your savings and overpayments. Enjoy your week off. I'm off too and trying to catch up with some housework is my aim too. The house looks like a bomb has hit it currently 

twinklie

Managed an unexpected extra OP of £7.09, bringing February's total to £121.21.
Also got my invite for the COVID vaccine, so I have that booked for Wednesday morning which was a nice surprise. Never thought I'd be genuinely excited to have a jab. 

Half term so far. 
Friday (I don't work Fridays) we played Xbox all day and chatted. 
Saturday we did very little, I managed to get through some washing whilst the kids played trains with each other. Then DH and I fell out over rugby - we support opposing teams. 
Sunday, I went on a walk this morning with my Mum whilst DH played with the kids. This afternoon I've changed the beds and am about to clean the kitchen. Exciting times. 
Think we are planning a family movie time for later. 

twinklie

So half term update: 
Monday - DS1 and 2 played the Xbox all day - something they've never been allowed to do before. But they were playing so cooperatively, talking to each other throughout, helping each other when they got stuck and solving problems that I just left them too it. They occasionally took self imposed breaks to chat about what they needed to do next and just giggle for a bit - it was really lovely actually. 

Whilst they did that, I did some washing, cleaned the kitchen, unloaded the food shop, made lasagne (from scratch), sorted the garden out a bit, shredded lots of old documents and generally pottered around the house. I also did a few surveys etc. Hopefully I'll get another cashout from prolific to send to the mortgage at some point, but we shall wait and see.

I also did my good deed for the day and booked my dad's friend her COVID vaccination and sorted out the free school meals stuff for her because she had no idea what she was doing. 

Todays plan, is to get the kids out in the fresh air this morning, either in the garden or on a walk. Then this afternoon the weather is due to turn, so might see if I can get them to play a game with me. It's also pancake day so I'll prep the batter for that at some point with their help and see how we do on the pancake front this year. DH and I are having a tea the kids don't like tonight (Bay leave and tomato orzo which I can just bung in the oven) so I'll just let them have pancakes for tea and we'll just have them for desert.