Resourcefulness: The budgeter's friend

foxgloves

Ohhh, I am still procrastinating on a task I really did think I might tackle this afternoon. It's not even a horrid one. It is taking all the bunches of dried herbs down from where they are currently hanging from the kitchen beam & crumbling them into the relevant pantry jars. I am listening to a good audiobook atm so no excuse! I have lined it up for tomorrow morning when I have workmen in the garden, as I can sort out herbs at the kitchen worktop & keep an eye on the work/answer any questions at the same time. 
Forgot to mention in my post covering today's small positives that I had done a few surveys, which has put my Feb PA earnings up to £34-40. I aim for £40 so hopefully there will be a few more over the next 10 days, as I cash out on the last day of the month. One from 'Taste nation' too, but none from the other couple of sites I do this morning. I don't keep checking back umpteen times. If there are none available while I have my laptop switched on for my emails, admin, banking, etc, then that's it until the next day.
Mr F will be glad to get home as he's apparently had the top brass there today. He found a bar of Christmas present chocolate he'd forgotten about yesterday, so I'm hoping it makes an appearance tonight!
F x

milann

It’s a lovely feeling when you get to the stage when the cc is paid every month. I know I never thought I’d get there but once I did I was determined to pay it in full every month. I use it to collect points and extend the payment period too 👍

foxgloves

@milann - I so agree. It still feels amazing to see CC statements which say "Balance - Nil'. I don't think I will ever entirely get used to us being solvent. We won't go back to the Spendy Era - not ever. I value the security of solvency too much these days.
F

ladyholly

I love the CC statements that say Nil. Even better are the end of year ones that show how much interest you have paid and the amount is £0.00.

Moorviews

Even when we didn’t have sufficient money to pay off our credit cards fully, it was cheaper for us to use our mortgage offset account to make sure they were paid off, than to pay credit card interest. As in, it was a cheaper debt to have. Thankfully, those juggling days are over and we can enjoy a mortgage free and credit card debt free life. Not having to pay any interest to anyone is a great feeling. Like others, we have the credit cards for points and it doubles as a store card for the lower prices and offers. Just one each though. I can remember the horror of seeing what the interest rates were on the fashion store cards and not using them after signing up for the introductory discount. I am guessing that one needs a laptop or computer to do the surveys? I only use an iPad but have been wondering about getting a MacBook as this does have its limitations. 

joedenise

@Moorviews - quite a few of the surveys can be done on an iPad but all.  I mainly use my MacBook but have sometimes used an old iPad when we're away in the motorhome if we're not out and about.  Those few pennies help.  I don't seem to be doing that well this month as haven't even got to £20 so far, usually it's nearer £40-£50 each month and I only do the shorter surveys - don't think I'd have the patience to do ones that last an hour or more!

Sun_Addict

I’m not doing very well with surveys either this month. I try to aim for £40 but doubt I’ll make half of that this month unless I have a last minute surge. 

Moorviews

@joedenise - thank you. It sounds as though it will be worth my looking into the surveys then. 

EssexHebridean

Surveys do seem to be a bit quiet at the moment for me as well. Although part of that is probably that I should be more diligent in checking them. 

badmemory

I really hate store cards.  Many years ago I had someone working for me who managed to get a store card.  She thought that she could spend her credit limit every month & only pay off a fraction.  Thankfully she told me about the card & what she thought she could spend before it got really bad.  But it made me see how easily it is to get yourself in a mess.  They had without any justification increased her credit limit.  Thankfully after what I said she told the boyfriend & he paid it off & cut up the card.