Debt free and staying that way while I re-evaluate life and keep blood sugar levels down

Watty1

So pleased you are loving the job and that the finances are working.   You may not have enough experience for the job you would "ideally" like -  but - go for it -  you have so many skills, are a fabulous person to be around and that might just swing it for you as opposed to skilled but grumpy slouched over desk not smiling at colleagues.   You never know.  Aim high.  Am so rooting for you .

Humdinger1

Yes @jwil I know.  However I'm only 6 weeks into a 5 month contract and I have a few ideas about poss next steps.  The event project will hoover up a lot of my time if it comes off anyway.  I'm also seeing if my work as city councillor can be extended with slightly higher allowances. 

I'm stocking up on toiletries for the year while I'm in funds and am thinking about an annual swim membership to cut down on regular or predictable spending.  A few new carefully chosen clothes to make the rest of my wardrobe work.  

lucielle

Hope they find something for you
L

foxgloves

Hi Humdinger,
I was only thinking of you the other day so it's nice to have an update. Glad the job is going well. Shame it can't be extended, but maybe you'll feel like kicking your hat into the ring for the other possibility? You say you may not have sufficient experience, so it won't be totally disheartening if you don't get it, but other candidates may also have chunks of stuff missing from their CVS or not be suitable for other reasons, so I don't think you'd lose anything by having a go?
Oh, & I so agree with you about dipping into savings. In the same way as I look back on the Spendy Decades, now fully cognisant of how 5 overspends of just £50 added up to another £250 of debt in barely the twinkling of an eye, I view our Savings as a welcome blessing which could quickly start to dwindle were we to make a habit of dipping in for the sort of foreseeable everyday expenses which should be covered by our 10 Savings Pots. That's exactly why we launched 'Project Surbiton' for this year, to get those pots filled back up to amounts with which we feel more secure & comfortable. Most savings can withstand a £100 dip, it's the regularity that is the problem, as the more incursions there are, the more difficult it becomes to re-pay the saving account on top of one's normal monthly outgoings.
It's a good idea to be looking at various plans/considerations - as in all things, m'dear, knowledge is power, is it not?
F x

savingholmes

Glad the new job is going well. I've been over 11 years in a job that started as a secondment and then a 6 month temp contract.

doingitanyway

Pleased to return to your diary and see you are enjoying a new job

Humdinger1

Hello everyone.  I've just realised that the bookmark had fallen off my own thread, hence the slow updates.  Well that, plus being somewhat overtaken by events. 

So, my contract expires this week.  No extension though enormous praise for what I've done. I'm planning a mixture of new paid work and volunteering; the latter will attract some funding later and I'll receive a payment out of that. Irons in the fire.

My daughter is leaving the hospitality sector.  She had an op, didn't pass probation because of that, and her final pay is short on both SSP and holiday pay.  She is asking the co to explain how both have been calculated and I'm looking into ACAS mediation. I don't want to blight possible future references or her boyfriend's career (he works for the same co) for the sake of what would probably be a few hundred quid.  I know, this is how they get away with it...

I'm grappling with whether it makes sense to pay rent (her father and I would split the cost) beyond the fixed term that she's in.  This may expire next month; that needs checking. There is an opportunity to work with a family friend and she's also applying for other admin jobs in the corporate sector. She can live between me and her father while applying and we will help her financially.   This would be easier if we're not paying rent.  The area she's applying in is commutable from home while she finds a new house.

Thanks to everyone commenting and reading; truly,  I appreciate it.   Not the sunniest update but I have so much to be grateful for.  I've managed to save between half and two thirds of my net pay during the contract so my emergency funds are looking much better.

I may need a new-to-me car.  So, am planning a conversation with my daughter to explain why this is perhaps being prioritised over paying rent on a house she dislikes.

My exercise levels are excellent! Lots of walking and swimming.   It's helping me deal with the stress which does sometimes hit me hard, though not the relentless waves that so many of us deal with.

Onwards and upwards love Humdinger xx 

KajiKita

The lack of care your DD's employer is showing is horrendous! Sympathies to DD - is she fully recovered from the Op?

I'm sorry to hear that you contract didn't get extended but well done for topping up your EF
Well done for keeping up your walking and swimming

Just one query. You posted at 04.52 this morning - was that a very late night or a very early morning ...? 

KK

foxgloves

Hi Humdinger, Nice to hear from you. What a palava about your daughter's job/pay. It seems some employers will try everything not to pay what people are owed once they are leaving the business. Shame your contract wasn't made permanent, but it sounds as though you made the most of the opportunity save a good chunk of your pay.
Good for you on the exercise front. I wish I liked exercise more, but I don't think I am suddenly going to discover a love for it at this point in my life. I like walking, but only short walks of a mile or two. Most of my exercise comes from gardening. I am always busy with that & I suppose it does involve a decent range of muscles & movements. I've lost all confidence in taking my bike out, so at some point I should try to take that up again. It sounds as though you are really embracing fitness, which is great.
F x

doingitanyway

Nice to read an update. Your daughter is lucky to have the support of her parents. 
Good you are swimming and walking, that will help keep your blood sugars under control.
I'm starting to think the 'irons in the fire' approach to work is the way forward after a certain age...