Keeping on the Straight and Narrow...

DancingInTheRain

Managed to make £160 in free £ last month, which we paid off next year's summer holiday.

Also earned £15 in Amazon vouchers which we'll leave to build up towards Christmas gifts.

DH and I have cancelled a weekend away to a gig later in the year, it felt a bit indulgent given the job situation. Refund on the hotel is pending but will be used to top up savings, will also try to sell the gig tickets to recoup some of those costs.

We had 2 child free nights earlier this week to attend a bucket list event, had a fantastic time & it did us good to be just us for a couple of days instead of 'just' mum and dad 😀 the boys enjoyed being spoiled by Grandma while we away so we've all had a lovely time.

Have been to buy the final bits of uniform today so we're just about sorted for back to school.

Both boys are attending an outdoor event with their Scout group tomorrow so they're super excited about that, a lovely way to mark the end of summer holidays.

beanielou

Happy September. 

Total’s looking good. 

How long do you have left to go at work? 

DancingInTheRain

Thanks @beanielou Official last day is 18th September but have leave to use so my last working day is the 14th, will be spending the next 2 weeks ensuring all the things I'm responsible for are up to date and handed over so busy time coming up. The key people who need to know I'm leaving now know and have been lovely with their feedback on my work and good wishes so at least it's all on good terms.

beanielou

The countdown is on

savingholmes

Glad the job side of things is going as well as can be expected. Nearly over. Be kind to yourself along the way and beyond.

DancingInTheRain

Thanks both 

Hotel refund received yesterday, used some of the money to book an event we all want to go to early November and sent the rest to the free £ pot.

Only have 1 child this morning which feels odd! DS1 had his first camp out with Beavers last night, we'll pick him up later this afternoon. Saw him briefly when we picked DS2 up yesterday evening and he barely had time to speak to us as he was so preoccupied   

DS2 is loving having Mummy and Daddy all to himself, we're going to make a picnic lunch and take him to the beach before we pick DS1 up, make the most of the beautiful weather while it's here.

savingholmes

Sounds lovely. Enjoy the beach ⛱️

DancingInTheRain

Lovely time at the beach, all enjoyed a bit of sandcastle building and paddling.

Popped into a nearby car boot sale before we went to the beach and spotted a sealed board game the kids have mentioned a couple of times for £2 (retails at around £15) so DH distracted DS2 and I then quickly bought and hid the game in my thankfully large enough shoulder bag! Long story short that's the first Xmas present of the year bought 🤣

We then headed off to collect a tired but happy DS1, he's had a fantastic time & can't wait for the next camp, he seems that little bit more grown up though after having a taste of independence 😟

Both boys are showered and in PJ's and heading to bed shortly.

DH and I are planning to sit in the garden to catch the last of the sunshine while enjoying a 'picky tea' and a lager or 2.

Back to reality and work tomorrow, the boys will be off to Grandma's for the next 2 days then back to school Wednesday as well so they've got a busy week ahead as they'll also be back to weekly Scouts sessions and swimming lessons.

savingholmes

Sounds like a brilliant time was had by all.  Well done on the Xmas pressie.

DancingInTheRain

Ooh that month went quickly, so much going on!

The job kept me busy right to the last day but I managed to connect with a lot of colleagues/suppliers and left on really good terms with all, got some lovely leaving gifts too which were very unexpected but greatly appreciated.
Applied to a job on a bit of a whim as it was outside of my normal experience but virtually right on my doorstep, to my surprise not only did I secure the interview, I was offered the role and start next week! Less hours and therefore money to my previous role but will gain hugely in time and being there for the kids, especially as DH's office based commitments are really ramping up for the forseeable.

Fortunately DH has had a very generous 7% pay rise applicable from the start of September so that will plug the gap by £130 a month. I'm back on the Vinted band wagon and sold a few bits so all these bits and bobs of additional income alongside the usual small wins will help too.

As my company car had to be handed back we took the decision to buy a new to us car as we'd struggle with just one car, public transport in our area is shocking/non-existent at times and with the children now being at different schools the logisitcs just don't work. We used some of last month's pay and a chunk from the additional borrowing money to cashflow this. Not ideal, but better than borrowing further we think.

Since leaving the job, the boys, my Mum and I have all been poorly with covid. We all had a week where we were completely wiped out, Mum came and stayed with us for a week so I could keep a feeble eye on her. We all felt beter after a week but I then ended up with sinusitis and an infection in my gum, which has taken some time to get over but am feeling a bit more human now. Somehow DH has escaped the lurgy and has been a trooper making us soup, snacks and hot drinks and generally doing as much as he can on top of being super busy at work, what a legend!

As a result of this I lost track of the total free £ made in September but we used some of these to pay £119 off the big holiday next year. Any further free £ went to the general savings which now sit in a 5.08% Santander account which we managed to open last month.

To boost free £ in October I've applied to switch my sole account to Nationwide for the £200 switching incentive, the switch is happening on the 10th so hopefully I'll receive the bonus by the end of the month. Need to set a couple of DD's up on DH's sole account and then we'll also apply to switch his account.

I think that just about summarises September, let's see what October has in store! Hope everyone else is doing okay x