Mortgage free in Forever Home :-)

KajiKita

Suffolk_lass said:

I understood the new CC for John Lewis will take any leftover points to count towards their vouchers on the same basis as the HSBC one did. I've just received my replacement card today (5 points for every £4 in Waitrose or John Lewis, 1 point for every £4 elsewhere, £5 voucher for every 5000 points, sent out every 4 months)

Hi 

There was absolutely no mention of any points in the letter that I had, just that the JL C/Cd was 'closing'.

KK 

Suffolk_lass

This link is to the new card FAQ that talks about reward points - but I can't find the page where they said my existing card balance beyond the autumn vouchers would be carried across. I can tell you I have the same credit limit on the new card, probably a bit high by today's standards at £15k. The only initial difference I could see is that the credit free period reduces from 56 to 46 days with the new provider

KajiKita

Afternoon All,

Not quite such a gap this time!   

I am taking a leaf from @Cheery_Daff and going for a frugal September, so:

Sensible September: 

- Looking at the psychology of this, I can't use the word frugal as the framing for me is all about deprivation, lack, going without etc., so I am trying to reframe as positive, more 'achieving' type wording, hence Sensible September. 

- Reduce groceries spend: Done a detailed stock take of the vegan foods in the freezer - there is masses of it - never mind September I don't think I will need to buy any ready meals or make batches until well into 'Organised October'!!!!      

- Talk to hubby about not buying alcohol on the joint, delivered, groceries spend and if he does (e.g. to take advantage of supermarket offers) then pay me (it's my C/Cd the groceries goes on for the cashback) or the food account back for it. 

- Keep working on reducing the use of the tumble dryer - went well yesterday - got through 5 loads on a fairly drick day without using it, with some line drying, a heated clothes airer and another airer in the conservatory. 

- Read Cheery's blogs on Uber Frugal January to see what other ideas and tips I can pick up.

Overall, my spending has been much less this month but I have bought two new soft yoga blocks (£8.99)  - the other ones hurt me to use them and 2 test tube bud vases (£18). The latter I really didn't need and shouldn't have bought, but hey ho, I hope I can stick to calm, controlled, planned spending for the rest of the month!

KK 

KajiKita

Sensible September contd: 

- I must get back into touch with Terry's fabrics - I ordered some bespoke, thermal lined curtains but due to the value they have put the orders on hold until I have approved the fabric samples they sent!! (Fortunately, I like them both  )

KK  

KajiKita

Another change I have implemented to reduce energy costs, is to stop using the 1970's hot plate we have for pre-warming plates and instead use the microwave (obviously this only works if you don't have any metallic decoration on your plates!).

KK

Viking_mfw

I like Sensible September! 

Cheery_Daff

I like Sensible September too! And Organised October - I'll be pinching that when the time comes! 😂 Good plan on the hot plate (although I say that as someone who has never warmed a plate in her life 😂 Most of ours are melamine picnic plates 😂)

Suffolk_lass

I also like Sensible September and Organised October and I will join you and Cheery

LadyWithAPlan

I am also joining Cherry in a focused Sept on the finances. 

I am with you I have to reframe do I don’t feel I am impoverished - it’s more I am making great choices to achieve bigger goals such as house deposit 
I may call mine Soaring September:)
Loving Organised October though!

KajiKita

Thanks all 😊
I feel less mentally feeble if others also get why I want to do this reframing ❤️😊

I also like Soaring September. Maybe I will use that next year when my finances are a bit more organised and stable! 😉😂

KK