The 'scenic route' to mortgage freedom...

PiggyBankShaker

Almost at the month's end. DH was paid early, I get paid on Wednesday at which point we will be in London enjoying the Harry Potter play. I am so excited!

I've been taking the anti-depressants for a week now and whilst I know they take longer than this to kick-in I do feel better. I think its just being proactive which has helped.

I handed my notice in at the 2nd job and my last shift was Saturday. I feel sad and relieved in equal measure. But I also applied for a new job, which could be cool if I got it. It doesn't pay a lot but it would be interesting and I'd learn a lot.

I had a meeting with a publisher about my book. No offer yet, but I'm cautiously optimistic. I should hear back about that in the next month, too.

We did some school uniform shopping. Still a few more bits to get, but we have enough that the kids can so for the first few days, or until the weather turns.

The weather has been nice. DH has been doing some DIY outside and I cleaned the windows.

That's all for now. Stay safe money savers!

savingholmes

Book news sounds exciting.

Good luck with the new job application.

PiggyBankShaker

The new kitchen has been delivered. And we are no closer to getting anyone to agree to install it. The builder pulled out just under a fortnight ago and no one else is interested. At this rate we are going to have to do it ourselves.

Back in work today after a weeks holiday. Very stressed and anxious and not really coping very well tbh. A friend died just before we went away. She was the same age as me and has left behind two children 16 and 12. I can't really get my head around it. 

I've booked a smear. Started an application for a blue badge for my Dad. My expenses are due to be paid tomorrow and I get the second book payment on Friday.

 

pennywisepoundstupid

So sorry to hear about your friend, very sad.

savingholmes

Sorry about your friend. Such a shock when that happens

Kitchen situation not great either. 

PiggyBankShaker

I'm going to try and post in the diary more regularly to help me stay accountable and focused on my goals. So here goes.

Expenses still not hit the account. They always turn up eventually so I'm not worried.

Got charged £5.99 for a subscription because I forgot to cancel at the end of the trial period. Have now cancelled so it won't happen again next month. Also added a reminder to my calendar to cancel Amaz0n Pr1me free trial.

Need to switch DD to a cheaper phone tariff with more data asap. Currently paying £12 a month, want to get to the £5ish range.
Need to sort DS with a phone and SIM card. Not budgeted.

Need to pay 2x Pony Club Memberships (£74) - not budgeted. 

Have £8 in copper to pay into the kids accounts.

More or less decided that we are going to attempt to fit the kitchen ourselves. This will save £££. I also think it won't be *more* stressful than trying to get someone else into do it given our spectacular failure to date and how much this is impacting me. When I think how much (avoidable) stress I've been under the past two years it makes me quite sad. I need to start making changes in this area, I need more control over my own life, instead of being at the mercy of the whims of people for whom I am not a priority. This includes members of my own family who have benefited from me having weak boundaries. I am too ill at the moment to continue as I have been, something needs to change and I am beginning to realise that that 'something' is me.

savingholmes

Sorry to hear how hard you are finding things. I am seeing a counsellor still a year on - partly due to boundary issues so can relate. Really enjoyed M Beck's integrity book - it was a really refreshing look at refinding yourself... You can check her out on you tube if interested - Martha... 

PiggyBankShaker

Thanks for dropping by @savingholmes - I'll check out the book for sure. I'm currently listening to the audiobook of Brene Brown Braving the Wilderness on the library app and its really good.

Expenses hit the account £130.

Book money paid early and transferred to highest interest account.

Bought new phone for DD (DS will have her current one) £205. 

Ordered 2 new sims cards @£7.95 a month. Now my Dad wants a new one as well so need to do that.

Bought 2 Pony Club memberships but the kids are paying for that themselves.

DD and DS went off to school today, first day back, and the house is so quiet! I went over a friend's to drop off her holiday present and then to my Dad's to do some jobs for him. I also bought new wiper blades for the car, but they didn't fit so I took them back, instant refund.

DH has ordered a new window for the kitchen (£626ish) for the first stage of kitchen reno and also emailed an electrician about upgrading our consumer board.

I also treated myself to an autumn/Halloween front door wreath from Etsy (£45 not budgeted) to cheer myself up and as a reward for tackling A LOT of life admin. 

savingholmes

Well done on the life admin. My car needs new wiper blades but I keep chickening out of that one.

PiggyBankShaker

Second lot of expenses have been paid - £119 - not due any more money until the CB in a week and a half's time.

Did a Tilly Tidy and transferred £6.81 to the mortgage.

DH filled up the car, it came to £87.63. 

My Dad had is covid booster.

DD baked biscuits after school.

I have an all day writing workshop tomorrow, the kids have horse riding and DD needs to buy new jodhpurs - not budgeted.

I was meant to be working on Sunday, but its been cancelled.

No news about the job I applied for. No news about my book submission.