Queen Bee fighting for her Hive!

Queen_of_the_Hive

Oh wow, didn't realise I haven't posted an update for two weeks! 

The big news story of the week is that I am now an official landlord - tenant signed for the property this week. So MEGA steps forward in financial security etc. It could all go t**ts up but nothing ventured nothing gained.  I'm ring fencing the rental income to build a pot so that the property becomes self sufficient & any extra could be a contribution to a deposit for a home to live in. Rental income is being paid into an old current account which wasn't being used - one job for a couple of months time is to look for a better savings product to put the rental income into. I'm a fan of regular savers so this is something to consider. 

Spending is basically through the roof, got trips and little mini breaks planned and deposits paid. This will be our family holiday this year. My family live in different parts of the country so its visiting them and exploring the local areas. Also feeling the pinch having to go back to paying for kids activities -swimming and the like and also kitting us all out for summer months - sandals, hats, sunglasses etc. 

I've become a bit of a hermit through lockdown and now things are opening up I still seem to be in hermit mode (which isn't me) and probably not doing me any favours. My partner is working all weekend, the kids are with dad so he knew I needed to get out and get some vit D and a bit of a change of scenery. His idea was for me to go for a walk to the next big town (an hour away) and explore the shops. I love charity shops for books, so spent a pretty penny (which I didn't have) and bought £14 of books for the kids and I deliberately bought myself a book to read in the park afterwards with my lunch. All fairness to my partner this was a really nice thing to do and I will definitely do it again. So the book I chose was not my usual read but I was grabbed by the story of single mum and murder plot twist. Bought some lunch from the supermarket and ate & read in the park until I got cold. I think I will keep this book just for reading in the park. I can see this being my summer thing So well done partner. I think though for next picnic / book date for 1 I'll need Prosecco to make it even more special. 

This afternoon its first driving lesson of the year and first in many months so we will see how we get on. 

Queen_of_the_Hive

Forgot to say I have been pretty good at following the save 1p a day challenge and currently sitting on £300 in the kitty! On top of this I have £125 in a regular saver for Christmas! Defo a reason to smile 

Aspiration

Queen of the Hive, just catching up on your diary and you’re doing really well.

Sounds like a perfect trip in to town. I always enjoy seeing your debt chart and another section coloured in, such a great idea!! 

Well done on becoming a landlord, it’s the marginal gains that will reach a tipping point and will make a really positive impact to your future. A great achievement! 

Aspiration 

Queen_of_the_Hive

Good Morning Bank holiday Monday! 

Did you watch it? Bent coppers? Won't give any spoilers but not convinced by the ending. Still absolutely love the show and thinking I'd love to watch it all from the beginning on demand. 

Yesterday I was cleaning the house, giving it a well earned spring clean & sorting out those piles of papers that just seem to grow & grow. Took advantage of the kids not being here and did a bit of a sort through of their room as well. So some grown out of toys are going to my friends and I am going to ask nursery at school if they are interested in one or two things. 

I have decided to get my bum out the door again and this time I want to take the bus to central London and have a stroll around. I actually quite like travelling by bus rather than the tube and was used to doing this with work and in a way have missed it so its time to reconnect and venture. Will make some lunch to take with me and a flask for tea so my only projected spends for the day is the return fare which is £3.10.

Queen_of_the_Hive

Everyone loves an inspirational story and yesterday I read or two articles about a former popstar who has fought through many challenging aspects of her life including financial difficulties resulting in bankruptcy but after taking the time to work through her situation she's just been able to go and buy her home. This person's life is different from mine on many levels including her higher salary but it just really struck me how inspired I was and it was great to see that its the small things that make the biggest impact   

[Deleted User]

I saw that about the popstar and she has an OnlyFans account. I thought about creating one myself but not sure I'd earn enough to buy a McDonalds, let alone a house. 🤣

Queen_of_the_Hive

The afternoon trip to central London was lush but a tad too cold for May bank holiday and me! I am a proper southern softy although a true northerner by heart

Had a long walk around Green Park, St James's park and onto the Southbank before heading home. I had food envy on the Southbank as the aromas from the food stands was intoxicating but I stuck to my guns and didn't spend any money but the bus fare. Next time maybe treat myself. I was impressed - I love books and the second hand bookseller was there on the Southbank. Nothing grabbed my attention (luckily!) but was nice to see they were there. London was probably busier than it has been in late but it was still so quiet from what I have gotten used to. 

On the bus journey out I was looking at my options to change my mobile phone contract - I use sim only as I prefer to buy the phone outright and have the phone I want. Anyway digressing  - I'm out of contract and found a cheaper tariff but a slightly better package so signed myself up for another 24 months and its half the price I am currently paying so a mini win! Contract starts later this month when this current month is up. I was also thinking today I should probably do a SOA. I have an established spreadsheet of my spends etc, however excluding the new rental money income I am living on a very tight shoe string and I am sure I can reduce my monthly spends. So this is something I will do this week. 

On the rental income front - I was thinking about savings options for the income. I'm leaning towards having half in a product similar to stocks and shares isa and half in cash. As I need to have some money to be able to access quickly but I still want to make the money grow as well and unless my luck changes quickly I am looking at more long term saving. 

Tonight I need to pay for the kids activities with tax free childcare account and pay a bit into my credit card. Have a nice evening

Queen_of_the_Hive

Yuk woke at 4am! but managed to get back off to wake properly at 6.30. Work anxiety is still bothering me but I am trying to overcome it. Had a good weekend which helps but a big workload this week and only working two day. EEK! So in a bid to improve my situation I have done a couple of you tube exercise videos - a walking workout and a yoga stretch. Feeling good & got to try out new yoga socks. I was slipping all over the place before so a good investment. 

Aspiration

Well done for exercising to help with the work anxiety!

Queen_of_the_Hive

Hellooo sunshine!! We love you and want you to stay! Had enough of the wind and rain in May. 

Just attempted another stretching video - a different one from my normal one and had to pause for rest stops and about to head out for a quick walk before work. 

Today is "J day!' Its jab time later on this afternoon - not scared about the jab but really hope I don't feel s***e later. 

Money wise - I need to put together a shopping list and download the Lidl app. Last night I paid a bit off my credit cards - so kids swimming classes now no longer showing and I cashed a cheque from Christmas so that paid for a recent Amazon shop. Just pleased the cards are looking a bit healther than they were.