We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
Resourcefulness: The budgeter's friend
Comments
-
I hope all went to plan at today's dentist appointment.
Fashion on a ration 2025 0/66 coupons spent
79.5 coupons rolled over 4/75.5 coupons spent - using for secondhand purchases
One income, home educating family3 -
And just like that, dear readers, another day is almost done. Just a bath & early weeknight bedtime for me!
Not a lot to report on the budget-friendly front today, but there was progress on the hidden mouse corpse, I'm relieved to say. Dentist appt went very well (thanks for asking, @Baileys_Babe). It was with the private dentist - an annual check on my implants. Was expecting to pay £72 but it was £10 less, probably because I didn't require an X-ray. As Mr F gave up his morning off to accompany me, we called in at our favourite garden centre for lunch on the way back. I had remembered to budget for this & we really enjoyed it. Swung round via Waitbl00m afterwards where we spent a bit more than expected but I did pop a couple of BH weekend extras in the trolley & Mr F kind of got the red mist a bit over the BBQ offers. We had a few useful vouchers though & it's always nice to apply those at check-out, isn't it, & see the total coming down. When we got home, Postie had brought a lot of M's vouchers....not a supermarket we often use, but we do go in for cat food so they will be useful for that.
In garden news.....21 french beans have now germinated. I'd like another 9 minimum so let's see if the warmer weather helps. Outdoor tomatoes are spending their 1st night outside. I've pegged a bit of a shelter round them. Don't know if it'll still be functional by the morning, as Soot has already been pouncing on the bubblewrap.…
….which leads me onto the dead mouse. Lack of progress on locating the moved corpse was worrying me as I knew it could only be inside the house & it was killed last Thursday. Rotting rodent is truly horrible smell. I was sitting in the kitchen chair zipping my boots up first thing & I could smell something nasty. I was next to the dresser but had tried the vacuum pipe under it earlier this week & found nothing. Well, with that odour in my nostrils, I knew I had to have another look. I reached right underneath with the fly swatter, located something, dragged it forward & out poked 2 very dead back legs & a tail. Ohhhhh the smell! Held my breath as I went outside & buried it, then opened the windows. Thank GOODNESS I found it, esp with the warmer weather coming 😷!
On a more pleasant note, I took a photo of one of our flower borders to share with you, so will sign off this post & get them loaded.
Goodnight all,
F x
2026's challenges: 1) To rebuild our Emergency Fund to at least £5k.
2) To read 50 books (12/50) 3) The Re-Shrinking of Foxgloves 8.1kg/30kg
Remember....if you have to put it on a credit card, extend your overdraft or take out a loan to buy whatever it is, you probably can't afford it, as that's not your money, it's somebody else's!11 -
I've hardly bought anything in this border - almost all grown from free seed, gifted, cuttings or divided up for stuff I have elsewhere.
2026's challenges: 1) To rebuild our Emergency Fund to at least £5k.
2) To read 50 books (12/50) 3) The Re-Shrinking of Foxgloves 8.1kg/30kg
Remember....if you have to put it on a credit card, extend your overdraft or take out a loan to buy whatever it is, you probably can't afford it, as that's not your money, it's somebody else's!13 -
And one of the menace himself. He came to sit next to me on the reading bench but utterly refused to look at the camera 🙄
2026's challenges: 1) To rebuild our Emergency Fund to at least £5k.
2) To read 50 books (12/50) 3) The Re-Shrinking of Foxgloves 8.1kg/30kg
Remember....if you have to put it on a credit card, extend your overdraft or take out a loan to buy whatever it is, you probably can't afford it, as that's not your money, it's somebody else's!10 -
Beautiful flower border
L
Total Debt Dec 07 £59875.83 Overdrafts £2900,New Debt Figure ZERO !!!!!!:j 08/06/2013
Lucielle's Daring Debt Free Journey
DFD Before we Die!!!! Long Haul Supporter #1243 -
Thanks, @lucielle. I like the cottage garden look with everything a tangle of colour. It's more organised up in the greenhouse & veg plot.
F x
2026's challenges: 1) To rebuild our Emergency Fund to at least £5k.
2) To read 50 books (12/50) 3) The Re-Shrinking of Foxgloves 8.1kg/30kg
Remember....if you have to put it on a credit card, extend your overdraft or take out a loan to buy whatever it is, you probably can't afford it, as that's not your money, it's somebody else's!4 -
Oh I am sooo pleased that you found the body ….! 😳😂😉😊
Those garden pictures are lovely and I’m glad the dentist was routine and ‘nothing to see here’ - just what you want at the dentist I always think! 😊
KK
As at 18.06.26:
- When bought house £315,995 mortgage debt and end date at start = October 2039 - now £214,281
- OPs to mortgage = £19,809 Estd. interest saved = £10,180 to date
c. 16 months reduction in term
Fixed rate 3.85% ends October 2030
Read 48 books of target 52 in 2026 as @ 7th July.
Produce tracker: £157 of £400 in 2026
Watch your thoughts, they become your words.
Watch your words, they become your actions.Watch your actions, they become your reality.6 -
Your border and pots are looking really beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
4 -
lovely garden photos. Soot is beautiful and reminds me of my old black kitty. Such a lovely cat and really missed 🐈⬛🐈⬛ xx
slowly working towards being MF one small over payment at a time :T5 -
Gorgeous flowers x
4
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 355K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.7K Spending & Discounts
- 247.8K Work, Benefits & Business
- 604.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.7K Life & Family
- 262.5K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards