We will get this debt down & the savings up

foxgloves

That is an outrageous rise on the water bill. I'm wondering if you are Severn Trent's area like us? Our bill also arrived today.
F

Makingabobor2

foxgloves said:

That is an outrageous rise on the water bill. I'm wondering if you are Severn Trent's area like us? Our bill also arrived today.
F

Yes, we are also ST. Its ridiculous isn't it? 

Sarahwithlove

I'm dreading mine but considering our clients ones have gone up about 40% I am expecting similar. It's crazy amounts isn't it. They generally say if you have less people in property then bedrooms you will be better off on a meter. I don't have that option, but hopefully it works out cheaper for you. 

Sallyforth

Hello! Just chipping in on the water thing. There’s just two of us with what I’d call normal to low useage and we currently pay £21 a month on a meter. We tend to use the washing machine about 3-4 times a week, shower every other day with sink wash etc (or use the gym/swim showers) and in summer do use a hosepipe. We’re with Yorkshire Water. I’m sure you could at least half that awful bill using a meter and it’s almost a fun challenge to keep useage low!

Makingabobor2

That's a good price @Sallyforth, that's about what my sister pays for 2 of them, and she has a much bigger house than us.  I'll be happy if we can keep it at the £41 they are starting us on, as that is cheaper than the normal bill.  It is Dh using the hosepipe that could be the problem, and the length of time he spends in shower!  But I have told him we MUST cut down. Going to get a waterbutt for garden and apparently you can use rain water for the pond, so that might help. Also the new downstairs loo we are getting has a much smaller cistern, as our current one is very old. 

Makingabobor2

Afternoon all

Manged to not get wet today, just got back this morning when the heavens opened and then walked down the village later this afternoon, and again managed to avoid it.  Luckily no washing done today, so no need to worry about drying it indoors. 

Council Tax bill is up £10 a month.  I'm pretty sure that's the biggest increase we have had for many years.  We are in band B, so short of moving to a smaller house, there isn't much we can do about it.  We may downsize one day in the future, who knows. So many options bouncing around for when DH retires, we really don't know yet. 

Went to my first line dancing class today, worth every penny of the £5.50.  Lovely instructor, and excellent at explaining it all before each dance, and the other ladies seemed lovely.  There was one elderly gent in the class, who must have been all of 80, and he was lovely. I do like to see the elderly get up and have a go at these things and keep mobile.  She also does other classes, so may try some of them, but am aware that this will have to come from my Personal spends, so will need to work everything out.  There is a pass you can buy, which makes the "per class" price cheaper. So £40 will do 10 classes and never expires. Or £30 for a month of classes and do as many as you want in that month. Studies and surveys seem to be good lately, so that will help towards my personal spends.  Decided I am going to put half in personal spends each time, and half in a savings pot for something else.  
Really need to think about those pesky hearing aids, as the 10% discount finishes at end of month.  I have more than enough saved for the deposit, but would like to save more if I can. 

Not much more on MSE front to report really today.  Stopped at Mr M on way back from dancing, but no yellow stickers or interest in there, and didn't need anything else, as I had been to L*d! yesterday.  I've reached my next freebie there, the veg item. So will pick that up next week. 

Off to tidy up now, and get the dinner started, stir fry chicken and noodles today. 
Have a good evening all

Sarahwithlove

Have you looked to see how much a band A would save you per month? In my area it isn't much so the hassle and cost of moving may not be worth it in the end. Unless there are other benefits to downsizing for you. 

Makingabobor2

Sarahwithlove said:

Have you looked to see how much a band A would save you per month? In my area it isn't much so the hassle and cost of moving may not be worth it in the end. Unless there are other benefits to downsizing for you. 

No. We wouldn't downsize just for council tax saving. If we move eventually, it will either be because the house is too large for us now....which it already is TBH. Or if we decide to relocate to the coast or something in the future. We are still having problems with next doors dog barking a lot, plus the view when we look out the back bedroom window is awful now, they have let the garden get in such a state. Plus so many cars parked up the road now, its terrible. We've discussed moving for years, but not in a position to do it yet. 

Sun_Addict

I think £30 a month for unlimited classes is very reasonable. It sounds like it’s something you’re going to enjoy and you could pay for them from survey income. Please don’t feel guilty for spending money on yourself it doesn’t all have to be about being frugal just being sensible. 

Makingabobor2

Sun_Addict said:

I think £30 a month for unlimited classes is very reasonable. It sounds like it’s something you’re going to enjoy and you could pay for them from survey income. Please don’t feel guilty for spending money on yourself it doesn’t all have to be about being frugal just being sensible. 

Thanks @Sun_Addict. I think I do feel guilty, as we still have these debts to clear. But we are making headway with them. And the surveys certainly do help