Virgo In Pursuit

anjyeah

Another confession...

I may have gone overboard with stationery supplies these past few days. A pen here, a washi tape sticker there, and maybe some envelopes. I haven't gone on a journal splurge in a long time and I am posting it here so I'm reminded that I don't need anything else! And yes, this will probably be the last in awhile.  

I can't help it when I'm hit with an idea all of a sudden and become obsessed. Recently, it was a memory log of all my travels. So that's what I did, some nostalgia and hopefully daydreaming of the day I can safely get on a plane and go somewhere. 

MissRikkiC

Love some nice stationary! Don’t feel too guilty. 

I too get very obsessed in the heat of the moment, with anything really. I think it must signify you need a project

anjyeah

MissRikkiC said:

Love some nice stationary! Don’t feel too guilty. 

I too get very obsessed in the heat of the moment, with anything really. I think it must signify you need a project

I'm happy someone understands me!
Yes, I do have a little me project going so why not, I thought about it if it's the only thing that keeps the nerves at bay - so be it. 

anjyeah

And just like that.... It's March!

I have been missing in action for a few days. Work, social and self took priority recently and I haven't had a chance to have a quick "me" downtime with my gadgets. Plus the fact I avoid most social medias now because of the triggering news. Anyhow, I've also noticed that the less time I spend on her the less mindful I seem to be in my money-saving ways, although I haven't really done much damage as of yet except for last month's stationery hauls  

It definitely helps catching up on here again, so I shall I start with reading what I missed so far. 
I'll come back with monthly recap soon  

anjyeah

Quick updates from me! I have been pacing myself at the fitness class that I signed up for -  I find myself just doing it on my days off whereas before I would have to psych myself out to go. So far, so good. Fingers crossed! 

February Recap:

CC1: ongoing payment because I’ve overspent 

CC2: £3,300 (March debit yet to take place) 

Savings: £6,000 + £300 

Tilly Tidy - 39.99 

PS: There are other pots such as roundups and money tucked away from surveys, reselling, etc. but they all have their purpose at present so I've left it there to grow. 

March Plans: 

• No spending on CC1 by all means! 
• I could push for extra shifts but I haven't been able to for this month. So I'll plan for the next round. 
• Planned my financial goals for 2022 so far. Everything in slow momentum I might say. So, I might consider going for a mortgage broker this time to check my numbers whether buying my first home looks doable this year. 

anjyeah

Not a lot of updates for me. It's all a bit slow and then busy all at the same time. I have been busying my days off with sessions in the gym. Even if it was the pricier monthly option - I found myself kind of religiously going on my day off which I really take as a good sign! However because of shift work, it means that I cannot do the six times a week session they recommend. This week, however, it looks like I have enough strength and stamina to squeeze two sessions in one - let's see how that goes.

A discussion with a broker is next on my list. I have yet to find someone that I feel at ease with without making me feel like I'm such a chore or something. Fingers crossed this next one can help me find means to increase my chances. 

Other than that, it's the usual work-life thing at the moment. 
How's everyone?

MissRikkiC

Well done on the gym sessions. We used a broker (very well known im sure) called John Charcol. I could refer you for a chat with the guy I dealt with if you wanted, he is really good and very patient. I had lots of questions, went back and forth a lot but have dealt with him 3 times now (3 separate remortgages) and he’s excellent. 

anjyeah

Thank you @MissRikkiC! I will keep that in mind and get in touch with them when I can. The one I was chatting with last year was good in giving me advice but I just didn't felt like approaching them if I had follow-up questions (which I obviously did). I managed to get in touch with one today and so far so good. It does seem like my numbers were better this year compared to last year and I am in a much better position (although still narrow if staying in the London area). 

The reason I did want a broker advice is partly due to the fact that I was invited to try a new role at work. I wanted to test out what my affordability will be on that prospective salary. It will put me on a higher pay bracket, however, I'm not fully in love with the role at this stage of my career (or maybe I just didn't give it much chance to try it out). The pay bracket would put me on a sweet spot on having options when looking for a property on my own. For some people this is a win-win, pay rise and better chances at a mortgage but I don't know why I'm still having to think about it.

I'm giving myself the weekend to decide before I send my application through. Those close to me have said that to just try and if I really don't want it then I don't need to push through. 

anjyeah

I'm back.... and have been bad?

Obviously, I've been missing in action for months, which led to, as you can tell, a decline. Not as bad, but not definitely not in line with clearing my debt back in June. 

• The bad (and my reasons behind it) I haven't been able to be consistent in my no spends and increased savings. I had family over for at least three months and the spending just poured, it didn't help that we haven't seen each other for years because of lockdown and we all just made up for it - gifts and quality time. Also went on holiday which was way out of my prospected budget but I am where I am. 

• The good... is that I good a promotion last month and will be in a position to save more now that I am retracing my habits. The downside of this, however, is too find the "me" time has been taken away as I adjust to my new role. That means, less journalling and spending tracking. But I will try! 

I have another holiday booked for January but already borrowed off savings for that and will increase my contributions starting next month. Had another balance transfer to offset my current interest so the debt doesn't pile up again. 

I will come back with my rough numbers but yeah... I'm back!  
If you have any suggestions, let me know. 

PS: Don't get me started on the gas/electric/cost of living etc.