How much to live on

sheilavw

my recent purchase was gas central heating. Moved here dec 1988. House was about 8 years old and just built with a gas fire and a couple of wall heaters. Not a particularly cold house but when 0c degrees would wake to windows wet at the bottom.

Recommended a great plumber that 4 or 5 people had used at work for bathrooms, radiators, boiler service etc. In 4 days I had a new boiler (fitted in same place as old multi point) and radiators including one in conservatory for £3800. Very happy with the new system!

middlewife

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81959581#Comment_81959581

I now have the reverse problem having driven an EV for 5 years in eco mode.when I have to drive OH manual diesel on the Motorway I forget that the car won't necessarily slow down immediately just by taking your foot off the accelerator! Had a few close shaves, enjoy your new car organ-grinder.

Humboldt

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81959345#Comment_81959345

Congratulation on your new car. When renewing our car, we also look for something that is under 2 years old, with around 10,000 on the clock, at a decent price. We are considering a hybrid next time (currently petrol). It would be interesting to have a few updates on how you are finding your EV.

Organgrinder

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81961264#Comment_81961264

I'll let you know.

The range bothers me a little. But, I only do about 150 miles a week currently and rarely drive more than a 70 mile round trip. I think it will come down to charging sensibly and for longer trips making sure I know where I can charge (albeit at exhorbitant prices!)

Next step is changing my tariff. I think that despite the fact I have exit fees currently it will be wise to move to a new fix with a dedicated EV charging tariff. Time to search around.

middlewife

@ organgrinder, unless you can shift around 40% of your electric usage to night time, it may not be worth switching to an EV tariff as the day rates are considerably higher. My mileage has plummetted since surgery and Octopus keep helpfully reminding me that 85% of my usage currently is at the higher day rate, however, once I go back to weekly charging (and profligate DS 3 moves out, oven on to reheat a slice of pizza anyone?!) then my usage should revert back to around 50/50, HTH, theres an article on MSE somewhere about calculating if it's worth it to switch or not…..

Organgrinder

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81962512#Comment_81962512

Thank you. Yes, I've noticed that unless we do our washing (clothes and dishwasher for example) on the overnight tariff the difference seems negligible.

Added to the fact that I'd also hate it if I had to do another daytime charge for some reason.

I've just done a fix comparison. £175 for an EV tariff v £144 for normal plus whatever I use EV wise. £31/ month buys me approx 130kw/h or 465 miles give or take. The but is I'm not convinced I can shift enough of my usual spend to overnight to make that £175 tariff a reality.

Either way I'm going to get a new fix. It'll cost me £120 to get out of my existing contract but with new tariffs likely to be a lot more, I think it's worthwhile.

Organgrinder

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81962525#Comment_81962525

Update.....I saw EDF had a decent enough deal with £44 cashback via top cashback which helps sweeten the £120 exit fee. The rate is 23p which makes the typical 36p/9p EV rates seem pointless (IMHO) unless you can guarantee switching lots of your daily rate to overnight. My overall energy and car fuel costs previous were £224/month. My projected energy and EV costs are £185 fixed for a year. Happy with that.

tooldle

We have an EV tariff and run washing machine and dishwasher overnight. Both have a delay function, so very easy to do. The bonus for us being that we can top up our solar battery at the EV rate.

Organgrinder

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81962685#Comment_81962685

Yes, ours do too. And the tumble drier. I guess for once, I'm not going for the cheaper option!

helensbiggestfan

Good Morning Everyone.

Interesting chat about cars.

As a matter of fact I have some news about my lovely old motor. Just this morning she has gone to the Big Car Park In The Sky. She served our family faithfully for 18 years and is now enjoying a well earned rest. RIP Little Red Car. You will be missed.

I am going to experiment and go car free for a while.

Tbh I have reached a stage where I don't really enjoy driving anymore and was only doing local journeys anyway. There is a good bus service here, Ubers and taxis won't break the bank. I was paying £350 road tax, that will pay for a fair few Uber rides.😁 And buying groceries online will save me lugging heavy shopping in and out of the boot of the car. Easier on my poor old body. I'll see how I go, I can always change my mind if I miss having a car, but somehow I doubt it. I have been driving for over 52 years, not bad for saying I never really enjoyed it. I always preferred it when my late husband was my chauffeur. Lol.

In other news I was deliberating on whether or not to renew my private health insurance I shall be 75 this year and the premiums have been increased due to my age. I cheekily rang them up to see what they could do for me. They offered me £150 in Amazon vouchers which actually works out more than their increase so I graciously accepted their offer. I may or may not need a replacement knee (hopefully not - I am experimenting with knee injections). So it makes sense to keep the policy going a bit longer - just in case I have to go the surgical route.

Right time for breakfast……