Mrs. P's Savings, Paying Off CC, being more organised diary

MrsPorridge

Letters have been arriving showing increases in various payments - everything is paid monthly by DD except for our heating oil.  However, one bill has gone down - our electricity has dropped.  We have been careful with it this year and with it just being the two of us its been really easy.  I would rather spend my money on something else at the moment!  Like holidays.

I've re-done our budget this morning to reflect the various changes. DH also had a rise in one of his private pensions.  We are expecting rises in his other private pensions plus mine and of course the State pension rise.  DH is already taxed so we won't know how much the final sum will be till the end of May once it has all settled down and the tax taken etc.  however, it is looking good and we are still able to save a considerable chunk towards holidays and short breaks which is our priority at the moment.  Going with the idea that we need to do as much as we can while we are still able to do so.

After a horrid start this morning weather is looking a lot brighter this afternoon.  

I've finished my OU course and taken all the computer marked assignments.  I only have one tutor marked assignment left - a 1000 word essay.  I've already done a rough essay plan.  It is due on 24th May, so I have plenty of time.  Once I get back from the New Forest I will be working hard on it.  This is what I have loved about the OU, the fact that you can work at your own pace and I am 3 weeks ahead of the schedule which is what I wanted.  I feel I have taken the pressure off myself.  I would love to do anther course but have decided to take a year off and just do some of the free courses over the next few months and see how I feel after that.

joedenise

I still haven’t heard from my private pension how much my increase is this year but suspect that most if not all of it will be taken in tax!

MrsPorridge

Well, we had a lovely week away.  Really enjoyed our time in the New Forest.

Now home I'm struggling to get back onto SW!  We went out for a ride on the motorbike today and I took a picnic with us, but then we stopped off for tea and cake!

Washing done and meal planning for the week ahead.

I've a tutorial at 9.30 tomorrow morning  and then I will crack on with my final assignment.

Makingabobor2

you are really getting on well with your OU course. I seem to have slowed down with mine, always seem to be busy. But I should get on with it as there are actually a few more I fancy doing. 

MrsPorridge

A really productive day so far.

A load of washing done and now drying on the line - let's hope I don't jinx the weather, sunny now with a strong breeze.

Been busy in the garden the last few days.  A friend gave me two wooden crates.   DH has painted them and lined them, one is planted with aoniums (from another friend) and the other I have put some sunflower seeds in.  I've also planted some purple sprouting broccoli and some lettuce in the small greenhouse.

I've made some serious inroads into my final assignment for OU - I've got a month left before I need to submit it.  Very pleased with my progress on this.  

I've made some bacon and cheese scones which we sometimes have for breakfast, especially if travelling, so they are now in the freezer.

I gained a pound at my SW weigh in last week, hoping I have lost it this week.

Breakfast was porridge with banana, lunch hard boiled egg salad and tonight its jackets, beans and cheese.

[Deleted User]

It has been a while since we heard from you. How are things and finances.
Best wishes.