Keeping on the Straight and Narrow...

DancingInTheRain

Thanks for popping in both 😊

@savingholmes with DS2 being age 3 he is eligible for 15 hours nursery education for free. If I was still working he'd be eligible for 30 hours for free.

Our school still lets children access the 30 hours wrap around care but at a cost of £10 per afternoon. It is very good value for money but it's a luxury for us really given I'm not working.

Technically we could be very frugal and just have him in nursery 8.45am - 11.45am but we also pay for him to stay until 12.15pm to have his lunch at school at a cost of £2 per day so if he does a full days all week it costs us £60.

Much like the swimming lessons though, it's more about developing DS2's skills and independence and preparing him for full time education in September & we've been gradually increasing the amount of time he's in school across the academic year.

I truly take my hat off to those that have 1 or more children in full time paid childcare though as the costs are astronomical, my friend was paying £1600 per month for her 2 children at 1 stage 😱  I'm very lucky to have been able to have support from family members up until last summer, I'll always appreciate the support I received.

savingholmes

I had support from MIL and occasionally a sister - but my kids were in childcare a lot of the time. We later had some reciprocal arrangements with other parents when money was tight for school pick ups that helped too - although as they got older we paid for more after school care.

beanielou

My DIL was telling me about the wee squirrels 

Sarahwithlove

All caught up now. Im glad you not working is going ok for you at the moment. Time when kids are young is precious so enjoy it whilst you can. 

DancingInTheRain

Hectic few days due to DS1 having a fall, landing awkwardly & breaking his arm 😫 ended up being transferred from one hospital to another for surgery, thankfully it looks like everything will heal well & he's being a total star with coping with the pain.

Sadly the budget is now totally blown due to extra diesel, hospital car park charges, having to grab food from the hospital cafe/shop & having to buy DS1 larger t shirts to go over his cast. His school jumper also got cut off him so that needs replaced too 😞 just pleased we have savings we can dip in to, I'd certainly class this as an unforeseen cost/emergency!

Between looking after DS1 & DS2 being clingy since we got back from hospital it's been an exhausting few days, starting to feel slightly more human today so hopefully can get back on track over the weekend x

beanielou

Pooe DS1.
Hope he is on tyhe mend soon.

sashybo

Oh no, poor DS1 and poor you. Hope you can catch up on your rest over the weekend.

savingholmes

Sounds like it was quite traumatic with the moves between hospitals etc. Good you were able to be with him and that you had savings to draw on.

DancingInTheRain

Thank you for the well wishes, DS1 finally seems to be over the worst of the pain and is adapting well to having the cast on. I've been in contact with the head teacher throughout the week and we're in agreement he can return to school tomorrow so hopeful that will work well. Obviously he won't be able to participate in physical exercise or any writing  but I feel the benefits of returning to school outweigh any negative.

We all got our first full nights sleep of the week last night so we are all feeling a bit more human. DS1 has been very spoiled by our friends and family and has received several cards & gifts to cheer him up, DS2 has received a few items too so hasn't been missed out.

Over the last week I've received a few small amounts of free money from Pro!ific, V!nted, Lid! app rewards, Cha$e rewards, $antander rewards, TCB & Z!ffit totalling £48.09 taking June's free money total to £119.34

Managed to list a few more low price items on V!nted and have set up a couple of additional savings accounts on my Cha$e accounts for a couple of longer term saving goals we want to achieve. Spoken to DS1's football club to advise he won't be able to attend training for a few weeks which will save us £2 per week, need to speak to the swimming instructor to see if we can defer his place there too. DS2 is reluctant to attend without DS1 so may have to knock this on the head completely for a few weeks until DS1 is fully recovered. 

We have a busy few days ahead so declaring my end of month totals today ahead of DH's payday on Thursday:

End of month 'What We Owe The World' figures

Current scores on the doors are:

- Mortgage 31.12.21 was £46,415 now £43,995
- Credit Card 31.12.21 was £8,175 now £6,670
- DH Student Loan 31.12.21 was £5,285 now £4,755

WWOTW total 31.12.21 £59,875 now £55,420

Total 'Free Money' 2022 = £1984.46

savingholmes

Free money is going well and your WWOTW figures.

Glad DS's pain level are improving.