Never a good time but here goes..

powerspowers

Hope today goes smoothly, ladysummerisle, and good luck with getting the mortgage gone x

ladysummerisle

Thanks @powerspowers. I bawled - his sister and daughter were enough to set me off. He made a great impact in so many lives but it was difficult to watch knowing how much his loss will be felt. 

We ended up getting a takeaway last night but budget still seems on track. I’ve been doing some smaller top up shops that have been quicker and cheaper than going to the main supermarket and taking the kids. 

Within budget I’ve also ordered a couple of band T-shirts and some new trousers for my son. Yet another random school message declaring they can “dress like rock stars” next week so he’s going in them. He’s got long hair that Blake Lively would be jealous if so that’s him sorted!

ladysummerisle

I’ve just re-read my old posts to remind myself of the situation back in 2021 and was on mat leave. 

Work-wise my grade changing back then did make a difference in the end, after some increments and the pension contribution changing from 9.6 to 6.1%.

I mentioned a Help to Save account too. Four years on, the final payment is next month so I’ll have a another bonus £600 in March and can transfer the £2400 saved. 

I also opened up a LISA whilst I was still eligible so that’s got some money in it too: I’ve mentally earmarked it for the kids but have about £1300 in it now and when the mortgage goes I’ll up the payments from my current £30 a month.

During my hiatus I also had another car written off and spent another 4k for another run around. My dog also died when my daughter was 8 months. She loves them (good girl!) but I really miss having a dog. I just can’t justify it. My husband loves them too but is allergic. I used to feed him antihistamines but now he’s on a biologic injection for his allergy driven asthma so another reason I really shouldn’t. Instead I just slow down the car when I see a nice looking dog 😀

LadyWithAPlan

So sorry to hear about your colleague - he sounds like he had a huge positive effect on those around him 

boo to the dog allergy - some dogs eg bedlington terriers are less likely to cause allergies … just saying

beanielou

Wheaten terriers too. 

ladysummerisle

Thanks @LadyWithAPlan and @beanielou. I’m sure I’ll succumb at some stage! I was on campus yesterday and stopped to stroke a dog before going in. Admittedly quite coarse of fur but still, fuzz 😍

The weekend will be a “quiet” one (not really leaving the house) except for my son’s tennis this morning. He enjoys it, burns energy and I get an hour of relative peace. I think I might need it today. 3 year old is unwell, refusing paracetamol and clingy. Really glad I did the mini shop on Thursday. Pay day on Tuesday and I’m resisting the urge to spend. So far..

ladysummerisle

Well I was all set to be positive, pay day came and I transferred money, I had a plan for this month. 

Plan went out the window along with the clutch on the school run this morning..

Managed to get it home and awaiting AA man to confirm. I already have a garage lined up who can do it tomorrow -  not the 12 / 19 / 20th Feb others suggested 🤦🏼‍♀️

ladysummerisle

Well, mechanic said he can’t find a leak so the plans for a replacement clutch are on hold and it’s driving fine. He’s topped up the fluid and charged my battery but didn’t want paying! Not celebrating quite yet but still..

I was trying to set a savings target yesterday and it was made more difficult by splitting money across overpayments and savings - the usual juggle. In a rare moment of decisiveness I transferred across the remaining of the 10% overpayment allowance.

beanielou

Well done on the repayment. 

ladysummerisle

Thanks @beanielou. I got interrupted by a child earlier but it means any excess now just goes straight to savings. The fact that the amount to repay starts now with a £19 is nice too 😀