Beating Lifestyle Inflation and Staying Mortgage Free!

themadvix

That's really good that Airbnb took your plumbing issue into consideration - it's good to know they look out for hosts as well as guests.

Weekend away sounds good!

If the Olio lady isn't collecting any more, is the Olio slot available in the app? If you could collect you get to keep 10% (and get first pick!) of what you collect? Or you could do a few one-off slots if they come up - easier than committing to a regular one!

earthgirl2

The Olio slots aren't coming up so I can't work out what's happened. I'll leave it to the end of the week and then message her but I dint want to be rude so maybe I should just leave it. 

themadvix

It's possible that her slot has been taken by a charity then - charities have first dibs on the slots (as it should be).

earthgirl2

Yes that is probably what has happened.

Have a dilemma. My friend was 50 in one of the lockdowns. She couldn't do anything. My other friend suggested we get her a gift from 3 of us. I would say she's a good friend, not a best friend or anything. I maybe see her once every 2 months. We didn't discuss how much to spend. She has suggested today we put in £35 each. I thought this was a bit much and suggested £20-£25 each. Am I being stingy? I feel a bit out of touch.

apple_muncher

Have messaged you x

beanielou

I think that's a lot.
Just my thought.

earthgirl2

Messaged you back Apple thanks x 
thanks beanie! We agreed on £25 which I still think is high but ok and I felt awful as I was the one to say it's too much. But I have to get over worrying about what other people think. It's always great to hear other peoples opinions though xx 

savingholmes

I think you have to go with what is affordable for you... For me right now that's probably something hand made - by me...

EssexHebridean

It’s so tricky when one person sets a budget that others are then expected to adhere to. I’d say well done for speaking up - and maybe the other friend who’s involved is grateful to you as well as she may also have been feeling that the original level suggested was a bit much, but not been brave enough to say.

edinburgher

Present buying is my bete noire! I try hard to be generous as I feel that we are financially very lucky - stable jobs that pay relatively well and no debts beyond the mortgage. I find myself balking, however, at the amount some people think it's reasonable to spend on gifts. For example, one group of Mrs E's friends think nothing of asking for £20-25 from 8-9 people for communal presents for non-milestone birthdays  Suffice to say I don't think grownups with good jobs need their friends to spend £200 on a birthday present for them, that's as much as we'd spend on DD1 (if not more)