The Final Furlong

cathybird

Welcome back Dottles1 and glad to hear you had a fabulous trip I was in LA years and years ago, maybe 15 years? and thought it was a great place, though too many cars, but had a laid-back beach vibe in a lot of ways. I didn't see too many homeless people then but maybe I wasn't paying enough attention, or maybe things have got worse. Hope you are getting enough sleep and readjusting and that your cold goes away soon. Also that your car repairs aren't too expensive! xx

clearmydebts

Happy New Year Dottles and welcome back! Sounds like an amazing trip. Fingers crossed nothing too major with the car

beanielou

Glad that you made memories.

Honeysucklelou2

Glad you had a great time

Dottles1

Good evening (or rather morning) All
Cathybird I expect LA has changed a bit i the last 15 years in regards to poverty and homeless numbers just as it has in the UK. I did however love the "beach vibe" especially around Venice Beach and Santa Monica. I'd definitely go back.
Beanie, I think memories and experiences are important, they help inform who we are and are lovely to recall, lie a big hug.
Thanks Clearmydebts. Unfortunately the car estimate has come in at £600. I have also calculated that I still owe £279.59 from Christmas and £100 from holiday overspend. I have no choice but to put it all on an empty 0% credit card. I'm gutted as that means I have now only cleared £48.55 from my total debt but I have tried to think positively by reviewing achievements from last year.

1 I paid for my holiday including flights, hotel & spending money (bar £100)

2 I paid for Tilly's operation

3 I paid for Christmas bar £279.59
ALL of which would have previously gone on a credit card

4 Most importantly I have learned to budget on a monthly basis and now have pots for Christmas, house, emergency fund, birthdays and car with money added monthly. I will add more as the need arises.

5 My total debt is still lower than it was even if only by a little.

Right then. I have set this month's budgets quite tightly.

food = £50
petrol= £50
spending = £50
Those should all be ok as I have a quiet month planned. I spent £23.31 today on groceries and £42 on petrol. I have also planned meals for the next 2 weeks but will have enough to make at least a couple more from what I bought. I have signed up for 12 NSD's this month (already managed one) and so that will make me plan spending and therefore cut down on trips. I will also shop locally where possible and so cut down on petrol.
I have also signed up to a challenge to pay £100 off debt each month over and above the usual payments.
Ok, as CC4 is 0% until the end of April I plan to pay any extra off CC3 as that is the smallest and the only one that accrues interest. I also plan to check when the 0% rate ends on the other cards so I can be prepared.

Well that's the plan so far. I have no big outlays due now except for GD2's wedding in July and that can be budgeted for so it is now all steam ahead to conquer this debt.

The jet lag is improving but I still have a horrible head cold. However, after reading what others on here are dealing with I guess I have got off lightly.
Goodnight All
Keep frugalling
Dottles x

cathybird

Dottles, re the car, I just think cars are a major expense - between tax, MOT, service and insurance it costs me about £1,000 a year just to keep mine on the road, and that's before fuel and any repairs. I've often considered ditching it and joining a car-sharing group like Zipcar, because in London you mostly don't really need a car anyway, but I've had it for years and it's an old car and I'm fond of it, so haven't so far. Like you I'm gearing up for retirement though so I need to give some serious thought to these sorts of issues.



You seem to be doing incredibly well overall - very organised on the budgets! And paying for the holiday/Tilly/Christmas with cash is a big win.

Dottles1

Thanks for the vote of confidence Cathybird. I too considered going car free for both cost and the environment but it just isn't viable for me at the moment. Partly due to how long it takes to get anywhere on public transport and partly about being able to visit friends and family. To visit my friend it takes 2 buses and an hour but only 10 minutes in the car. At least you have a good transport system in London if you did decide to give up your car but it is the large supermarket shop, buying larger items (my London friend bought2 bus tickets to take a large bin home so that nobody could complain about her taking up the extra seat) and going to places a bitoff the beaten track that can be awkward. Of course it is also habit for me so I am going to try getting to work on the bus to see how long it will take and walk to the supermarket when I only need a few bits.

AliBee16

Read through your diary this morning and following.
Some of your situation resonates with mine. I have about £7000 c/c debt from divorce/life but gained a pension, which gives me a monthly income.
Also can't wait for retirement. Working in retail as I took the first job I could to start my new life but am too old to find anything else, so stuck till I'm 67 (now 58) doing heavy physical work (delivery 4 hours/day) and on my feet 7 hours a day.

I sound like I'm moaning but am glad that I have a job and my health; work saves on gym membership :rotfl::rotfl:
You sound like you have a lovely relationship with your family - you must be lovely if your grandchildren want to spend time with you.These memories are worth more than any money so you are rich. I also love your positivity and zest for life. Following for ideas on how to cut back and inspiration.
I love a London day out - as you liked The Winters Tale I'd recommend a trip to Borough Market (amazing food) followed by seeing a play at the Globe (£5 as a standing groundling which has the best atmosphere in the theatre).
I'd also recommend YNAB for the budget - works with the pot/envelope way of budgeting

Dottles1

Hi Alibee and welcome. I worked in retail for many years and well remember how hard it can be, especially at this time of year. Thanks for your suggestion for a London trip, I will definitely check that out when I go next, probably around April/May I think.
I'm still finding it hard to sleep at night, it was 4 am before I got off this morning, and therefore I'm sleeping in the next morning. I think I'll just make myself get up by 8 o'clock from tomorrow and hopefully it will right itself as I'm back to work on Wednesday.
Today has been good so far. I had some private work this morning and have more booked in for Friday morning. Unfortunately all private monies from January will be going back into the business funds to pay for some advertising so will not help with the debt.
I managed to get some washing out which has dried as it's quite windy here and then I sourced a lightshade for my hallway from home, Foxglove style. A friend recently gave me a house plant cutting and popped the pot into a capiz light shade as it looked good in it. Looking at the shade it had colours that match my hall and I have been planning to buy a new fitting and get an electrician to fit it. Well the shade looks lovely and will do me until my funds improve. Job done!!
I have also paid private money and a bag of 10p's (£5 to the CC) that I saved into the bank via the post office and spotted some reduced wholemeal buns (30p) and 4 tins of tuna (£3) so have not managed a NSD today. Still both were bargains and will fit into my meal pans.
I checked Prolific and have made £38.61 so far but no new surveys yet. I'm going to wait until I have £50 before checking out then that can go off the CC.
Other than that, Tilly and I have been lounging on the sofa reading and drinking coffee. I have a simple tea planned of cheese and onion pasty, beans and sweet potato wedges so not much to do for that. We are going to brave the wind in a while for another walk before hunkering down for the evening. I may even do a little housework......another coffee first I think....
I hope you are all keeping warm
Dottles x

doingitanyway

I had an image of Tilly on her back holding a cup and saucer to drink her coffee with a newspaper on her tummy

I hope you both enjoyed your walk.