Learning to walk before I run

South_coast

I don't buy much from Amazon (and when i do it's almost always from marketplace sellers and not direct from them). Their search drives me bonkers with irrelevant results, and eBay is cheaper anyway

beanielou

I use Amazon purely to get things delivered to the door due to my disability.When I was more mobile I did not use it.

Debsnewbudget

Never used Prime, just wait until I have a few things in my basket and use free delivery.
i am however amazed at how many people do have it and actually think its a necessity.

CCW007

Posting as a lurker.  Reading about where you are right now, and not wishing to "silver line" it, but as tough as it is, you are in the best position you can be to ride out the storm thanks to all your sound previous financial decisions.

I wonder if that may also be a part of what you are struggling with; that previously you have been able to make decisions to improve your situation whereas now any decision only mitigates the external factors which are beyond your control. Apologies if I'm over analysing there or overstepping the mark. 

I'm confident you will regroup but can completely understand your feelings re safety nets. Hoping for a new job on the horizon for you.

LadyWithAPlan

I also never had prime - except I have free 6 months as a student now - but once that has expired I will be cancelling it

On the pets - I think easier to self insure anyway with a large EF pot - once you start claiming or as they get older then they ramp up the monthly premiums anyway so for me I just had a pet EF.

Sorry you under all this pressure with the Mortgage .. at least you have been wise and frugal so can withstand it, your daughters certainly wont miss the year or 2 of no baby isas whilst you made sure they had a roof, food and two happy parents.
 
Soundcloud is decent to listen to - no need to pay.

QueenJess

Just to add a bit of positivity. I was at a conference on Monday and apparently as long as inflation continues to slowly ease off, it is expected that the BoE will slowly decrease the interest rates from next year.  Obviously it won’t go back to the extra low rates we enjoyed for a long time, but downwards is still good.

Hopefully it eases the pressures a little bit for everyone.

edinburgher

@QueenJess - I read about that yesterday through gritted teeth - 6%+ mortgage locked in for 2 years

Good news for some, guaranteed pain for those like myself

QueenJess

edinburgher said:

@QueenJess - I read about that yesterday through gritted teeth - 6%+ mortgage locked in for 2 years

Good news for some, guaranteed pain for those like myself

But the inflation dropping is still good news for finances and you at least know your mortgage won’t be worse if it’s fixed. 2 years isn’t a disaster timeframe. Cup half full. 

edinburgher

@QueenJess - I hear you!

Had a very intense morning of work, rattled out a 10-page response to someone that could have been 2 very rude words if I didn't work in the public sector  

A little bit less on this afternoon so I will get a couple of real life practical tasks done in the background.

Not much on the finance front but keeping busy. £3 from Y Live, 90p from Prolific, a few £ from Chase and a few pence from TCB.

*Edit: Mrs E successfully completed her first Y Live survey (£3) - so proud of her

Cornish_mum

Well done to MrsE!

Neither MrCM or I have prime (most things arrive quickly in any case and we use freeview and Netflix for entertainment). Also I think the free shipping and quick delivery can make it too easy to shop and not look at an alternative; for me any way.

Do not feel guilty about the JISAs. I only put gifts from family into DD and DSs. If I can’t fill my own ISA I feel no guilt in not filling theirs. I do however suggest to family (mine not MrCM as it would not be appropriate or appreciated) that they could gift some cash for this purpose (rather than yet more plastic tat).

When we had to run “operation frugal” in the past also because of mortgage costs. I found frugalwoods “art of frugal substitution” very helpful for the feelings of deprivation and general misery. I also have a tendency to anxiety so your not alone in that feeling. 

You will get through this and we are all cheering you on

CM