Balance in the force

Merlin's_Beard

FlacosFloozie said:

Thanks SH. The bloods were done prior to starting HRT and I really wasn't expecting anything else to show up. I'm currently in a bit of limbo where there's several things that may be nothing at all or could be the start of major chronic illness. It's going to take time to know and, unfortunately, I have enough medical knowledge to know all the potential outcomes and a massive tendancy to overthink.

It has made me realise that I can't continue as I have been the last few months. This is likley going to mean some less mse ways for a bit. I'm going to hire a cleaner and, if I can find one, a gardener. Buying healthier options is going to increase the supermarket budget and there's a possibility I may need to reduce work hours for a while too. However, exhaustion has been crippling lately and all of these should improve quality of life.

To paraphrase MSE: Do you need it? Can you afford it? Will you use it? If the answer's yes absolutely go for it. So I wouldn't say it's un-MSE to mindfully spend on things that make your life better.

No point in reaching financial freedom a few year earlier but in significantly more pieces than you could have done.

Fingers crossed for the health issues, and I can definitely empathise with the tendency to think about every possibility both likely and unlikely.

savingholmes

I agree with Merlin. I too have a tendency to overthink. As you know I have a cleaner weekly and a handyman occasionally. It hugely benefits my life and I prioritise regular help above an expensive holiday. It's only un-MSE if you are going into debt to do it. Focusing on your health and wellbeing is a positive thing.

Flossymuldoo

I second having a cleaner!  I have had one for years as the benefit I get from having her is worth more than the money spent. I just never seemed to have the energy and brain space to clean, and would get overwhelmed with it. And when I do have some brain space and energy I want to do things that make me happy. 

FlacosFloozie

Roundup for June- saved £1442 and overpaid mortgage by £450. I'm happy with that as also had the doctor's bill and paid the balance of our holiday.

I'm getting better at using work's discount scheme so small savings at B+Q on plants for the garden. Also have £24 cashback on its way so that will start July's overpayments.

savingholmes

Great financial progress 

Merlin's_Beard

Good savings! Hope the health issues are going the way they need to as well.

FlacosFloozie

Thank you both. It's been a busy month for me. I've actually started to feel better and my bloods have improved a lot. It seems to have been a post covid response and is settling of its own accord. I'm very relieved.

I've actually managed to get the house mostly cleared up and the garden sorted- just in time as we have family visiting this month. Since the house isn't at the needs nuked from orbit stage, I can start getting in touch with cleaners. I've decided that, even though I'm feeling better, the time freed up by having a regular cleaner will make a big difference. I've remembered that I really enjoy spending time in the garden so going to try to keep on top of that myself.

I'm currently trying to pick a colour to paint the hall. It's still magnolia after 7 years so overdue a change but I have no idea what to go for. Its also the one area where I'll need to get someone in as there's a long drop over the stairwell.

In MFW news its been a good month. Another £375 overpayment to the mortgage and £1640.76 saved/invested. Helped by my first £100 premium bond win

I'm on holiday next week but not going away so will be a good time to start looking at our mortgage fix, car insurance (renewal quote £200 higher than last year!), haggle with our broadband supplier and call HMRC about claiming back my increased pension contributions. Should be an MSE week but I might need to stay away from the posh garden centres...

Merlin's_Beard

Glad to hear you're doing better.

FWIW when I called HMRC about pensions, they said anything coming off payroll they could do over the phone because they can check that themselves, anything into a SIPP/independent of payroll they need you to write in with print outs/proof of your contributions.

FlacosFloozie

Thanks Merlin. The workplace stuff comes off by salary sacrifice so that's sorted but i need to claim back for the stakeholder. If they let me send in info that's great but last time I spoke to them they were thinking of moving me to self assessment. I claimed back a lot of work expenses when I was working towards being debt free

savingholmes

Glad you are feeling better. 

My cleaner is worth her weight in gold. I think it's a good call for you to get one.