Learning to walk before I run

edinburgher

Ooh, actual financial news!

I booked tickets to a stage version of a well known animated film in London next year before I got serious about our savings. The original plan had been all 4 of us driving down on a 5-night road trip. I'd tried to be savvy by booking Premier Inns etc. But it would realistically have set us back £600 before food or spending money 💵

I cancelled the first hotel yesterday, DD1 and I will do it as a one-nighter or using the sleeper for extra adventure. London is always dear but this will save money vs group travel.

£243 refunded and paid into our Emergency Fund, which is now at 4 figures! 👍

I will book slimmed down arrangements in January after my backdated pay rise comes through in December

beanielou

That’s a good shout edinburgher. 

DD1 would love the sleeper. 

QueenJess

Going on a sleeper train is definitely on my to do list.  Sounds fun

beanielou

I will never forget coming back from Shetland on the ferry when DS was 3. He insisted on sleeping in the top bunk & I was terrified that he would fall out 😂

savingholmes

beanielou said:

I will never forget coming back from Shetland on the ferry when DS was 3. He insisted on sleeping in the top bunk & I was terrified that he would fall out 😂

Don't scare him - he's all excited bless him. 

Well done on the hotel scale back and more importantly getting to a 4 figure EF.

edinburgher

I have done the sleeper after a job interview and 5 pints, I'm sure I will survive

In related news, I told DD1 and she burst into tears because she'll miss her mum 🙄

beanielou

Aww wee soul. 

Sell it as a father daughter road trip. 

rtandon27

Ed - pocket money for your wife is such a sweet thing to do!
My OH mysteriously transfered 79gbp to me today and when I asked he said it was his survey money for last month! It was a sweet gesture even though the reality is we split everything down the middle including spending money. I hope she feels as loved by your transfer as I did! - RT

LadyWithAPlan

Might be worth doing some Insta competitions for theatre shows/meals/food etc for when you come down?
 I do a lot of fun stuff  and events in London and a lot of is because I actively search for competitions that are local..so its cheaper 

The boat on the thames (get on embankment with your debit/credit card) towards Greenwich is always a delight and it has outdoor and indoor seating to be warm and a cafe/toilets ..it passes Tower Bridge, the Globe and the 02 and you can always get off at any stop and get a boat back if not too late or a tube

Too cute re DD1 yes road trip/adventure and she can always Facetime her mum ...

pavlovs_dog

the docklands cable car is great fun as is Tower Bridge, and both were quite affordable by London standards (or at least they were the last time I did them).  And so many of the museums are free