Twinklie returns to the property ladder

twinklie

The boiler is broken and we’ve had to call a repair man out because water was going everywhere and we couldn’t get it to stop no matter what we did. 

Honestly feels like we are haemorrhaging money at the moment. 

But it was DS2s birthday and he turned 7. He had a great day and is none the wiser that DH and I have had a stinker. Thank goodness I did all the washing at the lodge before we came back from holiday. 

savingholmes

Not what you need at all. 

Hope it isn't too expensive a fix.

becky170

Oh no twinkle, sorry to hear that you've had some big repair bills lately! Glad DS had a nice birthday though 

becky170

Just seen your update about your recommended direct debit....ouch! What are you going to do? 

twinklie

becky170 said:

Just seen your update about your recommended direct debit....ouch! What are you going to do? 

The plan currently is to maintain the DD as is, lots of regular meter readings (we don’t have a smart meter - DH won’t have one). 

Then I will top up to keep the bill as close to zero as I can with additional payments. 

But that said, we are changing our habits so hopefully we can shave a substantial amount of the bill. 

twinklie

Right, looked at the expected usage using Octopuses prediction tool. 

They expect us to use approximately £411.62 in energy this month. 

So I’m going to take a meter reading everyday at approximately 6pm, or as close to as I can. 

Obviously the first 2 days of Sept were skewed due to us being on holiday. But I took a meter reading at 6pm on Friday to set the counter for Saturday. 

Saturday 

E - £6.73

G - £0.27 Total - £7

Sunday 

E - £7.21

G - £2.40 Total - £9.61

Monday, 5th
E - £7.89
G - £2.40 Total - £10.29 

Tuesday, 6th
E - £7.89
G - £0.27 Total - £8.16

Wednesday, 7th
E - £6.53
G - £0.27 Total - £6.80

So I’m aiming to keep us at approx £10 per day so we would be at about £300 for Sept. 

It will be an interesting experiment anyway. 

twinklie

Oh my goodness, where is the time going?

I've kept up my experiment with the utilities which on average is working out at less than £9 per day currently, but we still don't have the heating on. However, this is based on the costs of my fix rate utility deal, which will reduce one way or another now thanks to the cap reducing, so in reality it would be a greater saving. 

Finally convinced hubby we should probably order the curtains now, so we are on with that. Have finally agreed on some this morning for landing and his study. So just the hallway ones to agree on now. 

Air fryer came and I'm getting a lot of use out of it and it's soooo easy to cook with. I'm a little bit in love with it. 

Wednesday is DS1's 10th birthday so this week is all about that. Then on Friday we are off to Wales for a weekend to have some birthday fun. I can't wait. It's all going to be very dragon themed. 

DH has been headhunted at work. Its a sideways move, but will help him acquire more competencies to help him secure a promotion. I'm a bit miserable at work because we still don't have the staff we need, but it is what it is. It 'should' get better in the next 12 - 18 months, I just need to stick it out in the meantime. 

The kids are finally starting to settle into school. DS1 has been advocating for himself in certain situations which is amazing. I'm so proud. And DS2 is now actually agreeing to read. He's refused all through reception and year 1. But this year he's just gone...BOOM and has been reading. So proud.

We are going to look around open evenings at the local high schools starting this week which is a bit scary. I can't believe it's that time already. It's just madness. We have 2 on the same night this week, then another the first week in October. We may do a couple of others, but realistically the choice is between 3. 

twinklie

Well what a ridiculous few weeks. 

Dragon themed birthday was amazeballs. Such fun. 

DS2 is struggling at school to the point they are now evidence collecting for an EHC Needs Assessment. 

The dogs been spayed, but had an awful temp they have been struggling to bring down. Concern all round only to discover it’s an inner ear infection. So she’s cost us a fortune, but looks to be on the mend. 

DS2 has chicken pox, again!

My back went…again!

And DHs mum has suspected bone cancer - just waiting on the tests and subsequent results. 

Roll on half term. I need a break, I’m exhausted. 

twinklie

Oh and still in love with my air fryer. 

twinklie

September update
I always do a month in arrears, so forgive the lateness of this one. 

DEBT 

Made up of car loan and DH's phone.
I've decided to take this off because I have to rely on DH for updates on these and it drives me potty. But I'll keep a check on it separately. 
Start of year total debt = £5,432 

SAVINGS
Aim to save £400 per month to build emergency fund and for rainy day expenses (car, house maintenance etc.).  DONE

 

MORTGAGE 

Current daily interest - £13.48

We now own 26.59% of the house - current rough valuation actually puts us as 35.76%.

4 rooms owned (5 if I go with the higher valuation).

Paid off 18% of the mortgage. 

Current MF date - Oct Sept AUGUST 2037.

OP's have dropped off to nothing at the minute as I find myself in a bit of a watching the pennies scenario. With us needing to remortgage next year I'm focusing on savings more than OPing as I just feel a bit more secure having that money to hand. 

The cost of living increases have made me twitchy and I'm super anxious about the increase in interest rates for when we come to remortgage. I wish we could have fixed before all the rates went up. It's really frustrating to think that I probably won't be able to OP when I remortgage as it's going to literally consume all my money each month. I will be able to claw things back by really dialing back on any luxuries, but its still frustrating. 

I just keep reminding myself that we are in a better situation than a lot of people and that I need to be thankful for that.