The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Yes it is a bigger chunk than I had originally calculated.  I thought it was nearer £600, which is still huge but not as big as the actual figures.  My main problems are that back when we had no money the children were a lot younger and they had no idea they might be missing out.  The other issue is that we have become used to the odd takeaway treat here and there, or the better quality bits from the shops.  We have no choice now but to go back to basics.

I need to look at the cat expenses as we seem to paying a lot for their flea and worming on the plan from the vets.  It does include their yearly jabs but I would like to look into it as this keeps going up.  I pay insurance too so any big expense would hopefully be covered with that if something was needed.  Will try to ring the vets tomorrow and then also the other vets in town to compare.  I might be able to speak to the insurance company to see if it can be reduced but with their summer allergies recorded I doubt other companies would be any cheaper with existing conditions.  I think this is the only area that I can currently cut back on other than food.  All other bills we are on the cheapest tariffs or tied into the contracts for a while.

Moneywhizz

It will be harder now that your children have grown up. Apart from eating a lot more they have their own needs and wants so that they fit in with their peers. 
I guess if you were to up your hours at work and earn more that you would just lose it in universal credit. Such a hard place to be when you can't see a way to increase your income. Still your budgeting skills are great and you have no debt so lots to be thankful for. 

slm6002

Thank you @Moneywhizz yes if I were to up my hours (officially as I am currently doing full time almost as I am covering for my boss who is on long term sick) my benefits would go down.  I may be a little better off but not a huge amount.  Work do not have the money either and are hoping my boss will return once she has finished her treatment.  Also yes the children are on adult portions - even DD2 although not quite as hungry as DS.

Spoke to best friend and we've agreed any future meets ups will be at home rather than out and about eating (only ever cheap places but will now be at home so free).  We have also agreed no Christmas gifts and only a card if made from recycled items.

Lunch made ready for tomorrow with the left over chicken from this evenings dinner.  About to go have a shower and then head to bed.  We didn't get round to baking today, but have sorted out a few bits off the list of jobs to do.  I have a lot of bits to fit in this week but only clubs on Monday evening (although 2 clubs at the same time).

Still no meal plan or shopping list made but know we are having jacket potatoes tomorrow for dinner and have all that we need for that.  Will add an extra one in for my lunch on Tuesday.

slm6002

Came home and looked at the cats expenses.  Current plan includes yearly jabs, worming and flea bits.  Individually things vary.  For the jabs the current vets is £20 more per cat.  I am not particularly loyal to them and don't really like the vet we always seem to get, so don't mind switching, but wondering if I can get the cost of the flea and wormer down to come under the cost of the plan?  I also spoke to the insurance people and I could reduce the cover, but knowing my luck they would then get ill and I would need to find the money.  I think for now I will keep that the same.  Their jabs are booked in at current vets as I have already been paying the plan so may as well.  After that (7th dec) though I think I will switch over.

Money thoughts have really been on my mind today and last night.  Not enough to keep me awake thankfully but it is certainly playing on my mind at work etc.  I dread to think what it will be like when the other children do not qualify any more, but are very likely to still be living at home.  Will concentrate on now first or will end up getting in a pickle when it might not be needed.

joedenise

Would it be cheaper to buy the wormer and flea treatment online?  Most things are!

slm6002

Thanks @joedenise that is what I have been looking at.  That and then putting a 12th of the booster jab cost in a pot until the next year.  At the moment they are not working out that much cheaper but I will keep looking

slm6002

Another NSD here.  Pasta tonight and rice for the non pasta son both with the left over chicken from Sunday.  Will need to do the food shop soon but I've managed to delay it a few days so far.   Still hoping to do just a small shop and then I just need to remember to defrost things each night.  I think tomorrow might be sausage casserole as we have a packet mix, peppers and onions plus potatoes for mash and sausages in the freezer.

I am in charge of booking the Christmas meal for work, and have chosen the well priced venue rather than the expensive one.  I cant afford £40 but I do have £15 in my personal spends.  Being the one organising it, means I have to go.  I have many band events to take DD2 to which will put us in the Christmas spirit without paying much.  I do need to buy the Christmas concert ticket but that is it.  My friend gave me a free hair cut voucher (as she has a specific person she goes to) at a posh hairdressers in town.  That will be my yearly haircut but I need to get that booked in.  I have also put our names down for the outdoor cooking sessions over the Christmas break.  Holiday activities are starting to be advertised.  The library will be doing some so that will keep DD2 happy.

This evening I have popped some popcorn to turn into a garland for the tree I am decorating this weekend.  Cost nothing as years ago I received a free gift of 1kg of corn.  We have hardly touched it. The tree decorating has come round really fast.  Would like everything ready before Friday night so I am not rushing around last minute.

Right time to get the cats in and then head to bed

slm6002

Have quickly used 2 of my amazon vouchers to buy my sister and her partners Christmas bits.  Dad is going to see her soon so will save on postage.  Must find out the exact day that he goes.  Anyway that is 2 gifts that have been free (kind of) as using vouchers earnt from surveys.

Also needed to buy DS a train ticket this morning as he is at college late today so will miss the bus.  He has made good use of his rail card and probably nearly broken even.  Will need to buy milk and bread later today.

About to make lunch and then get going.  Some popcorn garland made last night but think I need 1 more to make sure there is enough.  

slm6002

Well today did not go to plan.  Ended up taking DD1 to the hospital with suspected meningitis.  Thankfully it turned out to be a bad migraine or so they think.  After 5 1/2 hours in A&E we were allowed to leave.  I have spent almost £20 on parking and the car is now needing to be filled up again, but at least we are all ok.  

Came home and couldn't be bothered to make sausage casserole so had beans on toast and DS has had chicken soup.  We had some sponge cake left so added custard too.  All full up and still no spends on food this week so far.  While looking in the freezer we found some stew that was already made so will have that tomorrow night,  and have taken it out of the freezer ready.

Heading up for a shower and then bed.  It has been a long day

slm6002

Woke up hoping it was Saturday.  May have a half day if work seems under control, but not sure as yet.  Possibly meeting up with my boss, although she tried to postpone yesterday but not sure if any agreement was made.  I will need to go to the shops today for some basics, although DD1 did say that she would if I wrote her a list.  Not had time for that and she does like branded food some probably easier to just go myself.

Right must get on