What a Year.....Climbing Back on the Wagon

Moneywhizz

Always a good exercise to review your finances. Sounds like you could benefit from working with a zero based budget so that when your monthly allowance is gone, that is it until next pay day. It is really the best way to get the most out of your money. All you need to do is decide what is a realistic amount to spend on each category and either track it on a spreadsheet, or take it out physically in cash. When you have a healthy surplus it is so easy just to fritter away money but now that you have a clear goal in mind, you do need to track your spending more carefully without living a terribly frugal life. Great that you have something to work towards that you really want to do. That will be all be all the motivation you need to get the most out of your money and make your plan a reality. Hope your back improves soon and you can out running again.

Bubblesmum

mumblingtaff wrote: »

Thanks Bubble!
With regards to my sister, I pay £40 a month for her to have reiki and massage at the day centre she goes to a couple of times a week. It used to be free but with cutbacks they need to charge a nominal £5 per treatment, which she'd struggle to afford. They really do help her - even if it is only psychological and relaxing - so it's money well spent.

That is incredibly reasonable, I find massage and osteopath treatment essential in order to keep me going, and stay mobile, work etc.

Every three weeks osteopath £50 plus £85 sports massage in London ( my oestopath use to be local but he moved to central london, he gives me mates rates as I do his books) he would be £90 in London.

Then when not in London a sports massage every week at home £45 per session.

I also now do Pilates one to one in the gym, to build up my core strength, and reduce the risk of falling, this is £55 per session.

So grand total £390 over three weeks. A huge amount, covered currently by my DLA and a contribution from my Dad.

However, from experience if I stop doing this, I completely seize up, have more falls Ann inability to work, rest and play. I know though I am fortunate that I can because if my husbands income do this.

Many people are not aware there is no NHS funding to support those with long term muscular skeletal conditions.

Ironical really as this will keep me fitter and healthier for longer.

mumblingtaff

Moneywhizz wrote: »

Always a good exercise to review your finances. Sounds like you could benefit from working with a zero based budget so that when your monthly allowance is gone, that is it until next pay day. It is really the best way to get the most out of your money. All you need to do is decide what is a realistic amount to spend on each category and either track it on a spreadsheet, or take it out physically in cash. When you have a healthy surplus it is so easy just to fritter away money but now that you have a clear goal in mind, you do need to track your spending more carefully without living a terribly frugal life. Great that you have something to work towards that you really want to do. That will be all be all the motivation you need to get the most out of your money and make your plan a reality. Hope your back improves soon and you can out running again.

I think you're absolutely right - having money ends up with having none as I know there's money there if that makes sense.

Bubblesmum wrote: »

That is incredibly reasonable, I find massage and osteopath treatment essential in order to keep me going, and stay mobile, work etc.

Every three weeks osteopath £50 plus £85 sports massage in London ( my oestopath use to be local but he moved to central london, he gives me mates rates as I do his books) he would be £90 in London.

Then when not in London a sports massage every week at home £45 per session.

I also now do Pilates one to one in the gym, to build up my core strength, and reduce the risk of falling, this is £55 per session.

So grand total £390 over three weeks. A huge amount, covered currently by my DLA and a contribution from my Dad.

However, from experience if I stop doing this, I completely seize up, have more falls Ann inability to work, rest and play. I know though I am fortunate that I can because if my husbands income do this.

Many people are not aware there is no NHS funding to support those with long term muscular skeletal conditions.

Ironical really as this will keep me fitter and healthier for longer.

Too true Bubble - the masseur is a volunteer and only gets travel expenses and a nominal fee. She really is very kind. It does my sister the world of good - only 30 mins at a time but she seems calmer and more relaxed afterwards. Her mobility has really suffered as she's aged (she's 50 now) and she can only walk around the house with a frame and to go anywhere needs a wheelchair. So different to when we were kids......
Most people couldn't afford your regime and its a scandal that you have to spend your own money on what really is a necessity. It's a shame that more people (especially politicians) don't appreciate that.

Been to see the dogs mum and extended family - it was lovely to watch them together. They hadn't forgotten each other and literally didn't stop running around after each other. The breeder and her husband and children are lovely people - they have two autistic children and have a lot on their plate but they're so warm and welcoming it's impossible not to like them. Had a really nice evening

Bubblesmum

Your sister and I were born in the same year ! I use a wheelchair most of the time outside, and walk unaided in doors, I am fortunate I do have a mild form although impact gets worse as I age. At 18 I worked full time commuting to the city of London a three hours round trip - no chance on either count now !

Life is an adventure to make the most of ..... ear rubs to the pup, sounds adorable

mumblingtaff

Morning all! Been up since 5.30am, the rain woke me up and, once awake, there's no going back for me. It looks like it's in for the day unfortunately.

A man from Moneysupermarket rang me last night to go through the quotes for critical illness and life insurance - he managed to better the online quote and find a better policy with regards to conditions covered so I'll read through it properly today and probably swap. It's not a huge saving each month (about £6) but over the course of the policy will save approx £800. Every little helps I suppose.

Not got any big plans for today really - supposed to be meeting my neighbour for a dog walk but it will be weather dependent - my pup won't go out in pouring rain so we'll see how it goes.
I need to pop out for dog food later (didn't get round to it yesterday) and have a few phone calls to make to the vet to enquire about worming tablets (glamorous I know!) and the groomer to make an appointment.
I also need to clean the house now my back is a bit better (not right yet but improving) and sort out my nails. Nothing very exciting I'm afraid unless the weather improves.

Just thought I'd tell you about a book I've been listening to for free on BBC Sounds called Hunger by Roxane Gay. It's an abridged version of her autobiography and is really honest and frank but a very good listen - would recommend it. There is some other good stuff available for free - it's worth downloading the app.
I've also downloaded a load of free stuff from Audible to keep me going whilst on dog walks - there quite a lot of free listens if you look for them.

I've just realised that I'm almost half way through the summer holidays - 3 weeks gone, 3 to go..... Hmmm....going too fast ......

crazy_cat_lady

MT - what an inspiration. I have no real long term plans at all. I actually have no clue what I want out of life long term as things have changed so much in the past couple of years. However, I'm going to have a think about it.
I also cannot believe we are half way through the hols. I don't feel even a little bit rested yet.

mumblingtaff

I know Cat - the holidays are running away.
I think big events like parting company with a partner make you evaluate where you are and where you're going. Perhaps now is a good time, while you have time to think away from work?

Had a busy morning - have walked the dog, popped to B&M for dog food and the vet for a worming tablet (£5 so less than expected), phoned the groomer, hoovered and dusted the whole house, cleaned the wooden floors, and tidied the kitchen. The conservatory needs a good clean but the dog uses it as a corridor to the garden so won't bother until it's stopped raining.
Am meeting my neighbour at 1pm if the rain holds off for a dog walk (can't manage a run yet) so that will be some nice human not canine company for a while!
Just having a little rest before jumping in the shower - I'm not very presentable after cleaning the house - it's very humid and sweaty today

Starmummy

Hi MT,

I love the third career plans. Sounds hard work but I but you will be ace at it.

The more i get to 'know' you the more I truly admire you, you are so strong and independant yet so soft and kind. I wish I knew you as a friend in real life.

I know all about the doggy carseat, My mum bought one when they got a new pup a couple of years ago- he sits in the front of the car like he is king of the motorway.

Maryland_Cookie

Hi MT, your goals sound amazing. I’ve always wanted to own and run a Cattery, you’ve really given me food for thought.......

The weather is dire isn’t it? Feels more like October than August at present.

Have a lovely weekend xx

mumblingtaff

Thank you Starmummy and Maryland - the dog loves his seat and it has the added bonus of keeping the rest of the car clean:)
Big long term plans that will take years to achieve but at least I have something to aim for....

Been out with my neighbour all afternoon, dodging the torrential downpours thankfully. Actually had a really nice time - we got on really well and there wasn't a quiet moment the whole time. Went back to her house after the walk for a brew and chatted for another hour. She's asked me to go on a night out in the near future, we need to coordinate diaries but am looking forward to it. She's single, approx the same age as me with a grown up daughter and a dog so we have quite a bit in common and got on like a house on fire Glad I made the effort to go now....

Have booked the pup in for his first puppy groom for next Monday - he desperately needs his fringe trimmed and to get used to going to the groomers. It's £20 which seems reasonable and is done in her home so there's only one dog being done at a time so it shouldn't be too long an ordeal for him.

Not sure what this evening will entail but I'm quite tired now and the pooch is pooped so it might be a quiet night with some wine and the telly.