2020++ - smiling and waving and looking so fine

EssexHebridean

We're also in the position of waiting for a transition to a SoLR on our gas account - although thankfully that is less of an issue for us as it's only for cooking and I pretty much know how much we'll use. The DD has been going as usual anyway although I have a sneaky feeling this next one due might be the first to the new supplier. Definitely agree that being in a good lump of credit on the account that pays for your heating is an ideal situation at this point though - we're not there as we changed supplier for electric too in September.  I agree with you that this is going to be an eye watering winter for fuel bills too! 

mark55man

yes it is difficult times all round.  I'm just putting the heating on in little bursts and trying to keep lights turned off, but its cold and so dark now that strategy might not last for long - need to improve efficiency but have to sort out other things first

alt80

Just managed to catch up with your diary mate. You've also reminded me my tariff for my utilities is coming to an end shortly fml lol. Do you live in an old house too? Dread to !!!!!! think what the tariffs will be when I get a new deal; some of my staff and in-laws utility payments have gone up a lot and none of them live in anything as big or woefully inefficient as my place (solid walls / single glazed windows etc).

mark55man

not old really <50 years, so not brand new though, and its quite open so takes some heating

savingholmes

I updated my direct debit but they cancelled it all in the same go I think. New supplier still hasn't been in touch. About £300 in credit sine last bill 7/9 Just hope it is enough. Seems unlikely given they were estimating future bills at £2.4k p.a

mark55man

hey @alt80 basically MSE says there are no deals to be had, now obviously one of them is the best fit for you and may be better than rolling on, but don't expect savings.  I don't things are getting cheaper so although locking in will sting it might still be the best thing.  or may be be est to go with a capped rate which is still cheaper than cost (I think)

lazy (cheap) weekend ahead. been super busy at work, 4 days out in the offices, and next week is likely to be out all days.  back to normal I suppose, but I do resent the travel time more than I expected (cost is neutral as I'm lucky/old enough to get expenses for most travel).  

EssexHebridean

The smart money seems to be on stay on the capped rate throuh to April, when yes, it will go up, but equally all our energy use will go down too because time of year etc, then by summer/early autumn the hope is it will all have stabilised a bit. Hopefully, maybe, perhaps…! 😂

alt80

Thanks all re utilities I’ll get my wife to organise something soon.

@EssexHebridean I think that could be wishful thinking re stabilising next year hopefully though haha. 

Probably make some of you laugh on here I got my Mrs to go and pick up a load of smokeless coal from B&M at £3.99/bag got back from work to find my Range Rover absolutely !!!!!! full of this stuff, bought the shops !!!!!! stock I reckon and she’d left it to me to put it all in the cellar her excuse she’d loaded the car fml biggest !!!!!! regret this month tell you that lol. 

mark55man

Hello all - @alt80 that's the story of my life having the car boot full - with me its charity stuff for OH or sometimes a bit of work stuff for taking between offices.  Hope you keep warm this winter  

Only 1 day WFH in the last 3 weeks so really feeling the travelling hence been a bit quiet on here.  Pay day been and gone so everything is topped up nicely - spent most of our xmas budget and got most of the things - although I'm sure there will be some extras in December.

Not very MSE but I have stopped paying close attention to budgets - not being extravagant but just not doing the monitoring legwork.  The only thing I really looking at is make sure not to get close to the Overdraft so if that's ok I can live with a little looseness while we are all so busy. 

OH Is out this morning so I am just going to potter and do some admin chores and drink a lot of coffee.  I may have some biscuits on the side as I have let carbs back into my life although weight is holding steady 

savingholmes

Ouch to mainly being in the office - especially with the snow etc. Very glad I have the option of working from home. Saving me loads on fuel too. Debating whether I have to take DD tomorrow given the snow's quite bad here today and likely to be bad there too... Really hoping her company tell her to stay home... I think that's unlikely but she doesn't.... We will see.