It's time to start digging up those Squirrelled Nuts!!!!

Sea_Shell

We used to love our holidays in the sun, however since we've retired, we don't feel the same need to get away to "recharge".

Also flying was becoming chore, even before COVID.   Herded like cattle, queuing everywhere. 

We have a lovely garden, which helps.

DH isn't a good traveller either.  Upsets his constitution 😉

Our passports have expired too, haven't bothered to renew them yet.

Never say never though.

We do plan on lots of short to medium UK breaks.


I haven't checked YBS again today, but no cheque received either.

Sea_Shell

Checked YBS this morning.  It still shows balance of £300.   Will wait until the 14 days is up (1st Feb) and then check again.   

Sea_Shell

This will make you smile...or groan!!

Have just been looking at my spends spreadsheet, which includes those costs that are already known each month, so bills etc, are already in each monthly column.

For February, still a 'hibernation' month, and what with no Council Tax payable, the spends chalked up already amount to ....  £209. 

This is for Bills (energy,water,BB) / Prime Video / Gym / ISA fees.   

We currently have no plans (or need) to buy much if anything, other than groceries, during February, so this is going to be a very low spend month.   So you can add on another, say £260, to that.   

  

westv

I thought everybody paid council tax over 12 months now.

barnstar2077

westv said:

I thought everybody paid council tax over 12 months now.

I went in years ago and changed mine to be over twelve months, it is so much easier to budget that way!  It didn't stick the first time though, according to the second person I saw, you have to change it at the correct time of year or it won't roll over. 

jackieblack

westv said:

I thought everybody paid council tax over 12 months now.

Not me
I much prefer paying over 10 months and having two ’free’ months 

SouthCoastBoy

Sea_Shell said:

This will make you smile...or groan!!

Have just been looking at my spends spreadsheet, which includes those costs that are already known each month, so bills etc, are already in each monthly column.

For February, still a 'hibernation' month, and what with no Council Tax payable, the spends chalked up already amount to ....  £209. 

This is for Bills (energy,water,BB) / Prime Video / Gym / ISA fees.   

We currently have no plans (or need) to buy much if anything, other than groceries, during February, so this is going to be a very low spend month.   So you can add on another, say £260, to that.   

  

My personal spend this month is £7, £4 of that being on a meal deal. Not sure what the other £3 of reckless spending was.

enthusiasticsaver

We pay our council tax over 10 months so February is a low bills month for us normally too. Not £209 though as our gas/elec is at least that without all the other outgoings for water, broadband, mobiles, gym and Sky which DH insists on. 

Dizee123

I prefer paying my Council Tax over 10 months as well.  At £240/month that gives £480 pounds to play with.
The 'free' months go a long way towards paying for my National Trust, Historic Houses, English Heritage and Tennis Club subscription  

Sea_Shell

Some insights into our winter "hibernation" and what we do with ourselves all day, for those who've been wondering...(I've been asked)

Mornings are for "doing".   Usually for me, it's either running, gym or swimming on 4 mornings a week.   Other mornings are taken up with domestic chores.    Late morning, is jigsaw puzzle time, while I've got good daylight.   Our library offer a puzzle swap, so I don't have to buy many new ones.  I also keep an eye on FB for any second-hand ones locally.  £3 is the going rate for decent ones.

After lunch, we tend to just have quiet time, either reading a book, or surfing around here (like I am now).

I also have some 'mindful' colouring books, and we have various Puzzler magazines too.     DH likes a nap.  I don't as I wouldn't sleep at night if I napped during the day.

Late afternoon we'll break out a board-game.   We have either scrabble, backgammon, draughts or chess.   DH usually wins the scrabble, and I win the chess.

Early evening will be a bit of radio (Greatest Hits) or a bit of TV.    With a bit more TV in the evening.


So all in all I'm either exercising my body, or my mind, for minimal £. 


I'm sure for some people that's going to be their idea of hell.