New Year, New me

LittleMissDetermined

Ah I was just wondering this morning where you were Happy belated birthday for yesterday!  Sounds like you had a wonderful time. If there’s any excuse for a blow out it’s a milestone birthday 🥳 

LMD x

bigbeff

Thank you LMD - was lovely. 

Back on the paying off debt train. It is a long journey! I've downloaded an app called easy budget to track my spends - I was failing miserably at logging on to my laptop every day so I'm hoping an app might help. We shall see! £33 of CC this morning. Off to update signature. 

LittleMissDetermined

I tried a couple of apps but always ended up back with my spreadsheet
LMD x

bigbeff

Hi all, 

Back in the land of marking. I was thinking of streamlining my accounts, but can't decide the best way. 

I have 3x nationwide (1 current, I start to save (1.25% for up to £100 but about to expire) and 1 regular saver (2.5% for 200 per month)) - current account used for rental income and expenses only - savings for tax bill. 
1 HSBC current (used for tutoring income and pay and every day stuff)
2x plum (opened ages ago, currently taking 'what I can afford' each month - this is my emergency fund generally). 
1 x virgin joint account for bills

I was thinking of opening a chase account and transferring money each month for spends only. But is this too many accounts? Can anyone think of other ways of organising. I feel like I have a lot! 

Thanks in advance  

LittleMissDetermined

I don't think it would be too many accounts.

At one point I had 2 Nationwide current accounts and 4 savings accounts with them. I have since opened a Monzo account for my spending and then moved my savings to Monzo 'pots' which can earn interest.  Nationwide just weren't offering any decent interest rates. I keep my Flex Plus as it's the best packaged account for me. 

I like the fact that I can see all my Monzo pots in one place. But it's all down to personal preference really. 
LMD x

bigbeff

Thanks LMD - I still haven't decided! I want high interest for another savings as I plan on just feeding it until the tax payments. 

And the current one - I currently like the idea of cashback on my petrol  

LittleMissDetermined

Cashback is always good, if I'd not had a Monzo one I probably would have looked at Chase - do they do pots too?

bigbeff

Thanks LMD - I'm still umming and ahhing! I was never good at decisions 

All good in the land of me. Got the week off work this week so only a little bit of private tutoring and some exam marking. I'm trying to break up the monotony of sitting at computer! My debt repayments have slowed of late, but I do expect that at this time of year - I know I have less income - it should hopefully pick up again come September. 

Today - I have done a gym class (might ache later!), am doing some washing, planning a food shop and an hours tutoring later. Think I might also list a couple of items on vinted - need to make space for a couple of skirts I bought - at least no work means I'll be saving on petrol this week. 

LittleMissDetermined

Enjoy your week off! Wish I was off this week. It's dragging.... Petrol is a big saving these days

bigbeff

Been for a swim this morning, decided to make myself a list of sorting to do, an organised house makes an organised mind right…and I am spending so much time procrastinating 😂. 

£5.52 cashed out from prolific straight to CC, need to refocus on payment a day! 

Need to book car in for MOT before beginning of next month, although been saving to cover that so hopefully won’t be unexpected costs.
Paid latest instalment of tax bill (early!). Got to sort out figures for 21/22 tax return today too…. Must do it….otherwise I keep putting it off until last minute!

And might start prepping upstairs bedroom for painting…. Been meaning to do that for months too 😂