Mortgage Free now aiming for FIRE

TallGirl

Well the Costa thing went very wrong yesterday as I ticked the right option on the App but it didn't scan so she said do you want to use the free one I said yes. Of course it took one I had earned from getting 1 free. So today I drove down and got another free on so sorted and sat in Costa for a bit which was actually nice as I had such a late one yesterday with the meeting although I did get a lift back so did not have to get the train which saves me 45min. 

I am getting some answers to my query on the pension board. They are so knowledgeable and it makes me look at my fees, which is a good thing if you want to make sure you can hit FIRE. If you want to take a look it is here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6419835/is-it-time-to-change-from-a-wealth-manager-aka-true-potential-to-ifa-or-go-diy#latest. 

Gym in a minute so best set organised. 

Take care 

Tina

TallGirl

Morning work seems to be taking over my life a bit lots of balls up in the air but at least I am making a difference which is really good. A really interesting training opportunity has come up with work and I would love to do it but it is in March so I would have to work when I am at my mums and I would still miss one session which would be a shame. So annoying but you cannot have it all. 

Physio today for my shoulder it is better so money well spent as at least it wont get any worse. 

Gym twice yesterday which was good but not sure I have actually lost anything. Golf tomorrow so that will help and I have not played for so so long. Just hoping it is not carry only as my shoulder will not cope with that. 

My sister is at my mums and she visited her in hospital yesterday so seems better but her kidney are still not good but hopefully they will send her home soon as my sister can stay until Wednesday.

Order malaria tablets for trip
Write out luggage tags
Get cash out of bank (spending money)
Exchange old notes  
Message friend re cat sitting

I do want to do some more sewing next project is shortening some gym leggings for DG and then adding the bit we take off to an identical pair so they might be long enough for me. Might not work but worth a go.

Also got a large piece of fabric to make a Xmas table cloth for me and my sister. Plus there is fabric to make trousers for DG but that is a bit further way. 

Right back to work so much to do.  

TallGirl

My mum is still in hospital I really wish her kidneys would start behaving again so she can get home. 

Nice round of golf yesterday not cold and no wind really nice. Signed up for next week too. 

Bought some more fabric in the closing down sale 21 quid with postage will make a fab skirt and a top but yes added to a longer list of projects so just need to crack on really. 

Only 1 thing done turns out Asda does tablets so £32 each might have got it cheaper elsewhere but at least it's a known name. 

Order malaria tablets for trip done 
Write out luggage tags
Get cash out of bank (spending money)
Exchange old notes  
Message friend re cat sitting 

Friend coming for supper having a wine fondue testing out the new sets. Look forward to catching up with her. 

Have a lovely Sunday. 

TallGirl

Dinner with friend was lovely and no drinking so a really cheap afternoon on a school night too. Fondue set worked really well so can now be packed away.

Work is still manic but I am counting the days to my leave. Mum is still in hospital but I spoke to her yesterday she really wants to get back home now. Was nice to hear her voice sounds like it is her Addison that is a struggle to get right with the other organs. 

Fabric arrived it is really nice maybe not so sure about the skirt material but the tshirt material should be nice. 

Been approved to go on a 5 week training course which means I have to work when I am at my mums but it looks so good and it is a take it or lose it. I will miss one session as travelling back from Spain but who knows maybe I can log in while waiting at the airport. If not someone has promised to take notes for me. I have done a course from this place before and they are so good. 

My Wealth Manager has come back wit saying my fee statement will be out soon for 2022 so I checked last time they sent it 29th March so a while yet. Once I have that I can actually properly compare.

Did spend £50 ordering stuff for our hot tub and pool but it was things we would have bought anyway and they are giving you a £30 gown at the moment which as so good and it is fun to have one for everyone when we go in. So I think that is a sensible spend even if it drains the joint account. 

Right best get back to work. 

TallGirl

Afternoon just crossed more of my to do list only thing left now is write out tags which isn't too bad. 

Bank had an alarm going to annoying and it took ages. Good to see the cashier did question the older lady in front about why she was taking out cash. I got my £45 christmas money exchanged from old notes and both mine and the joint spending money out in cash. They do not let you exchange Gambia money until you are out there so easier with cash as no cashpoints and they certainly do not take cards lol. As well as the slow bank I did have another sad thing happen I used my O2 Priority App to access the code for a free Greggs Coffee. Walk in to the shop and their internet is off so they are only taking cash. Annoying as no free coffee but also wasted code as they only last for so long. Sad but I can make one here myself. 

Free gown for the hottub arrived so that is nice. 

Dentist paid for £53 check up and £195 for a filling that needs replacing but at least I caught it before it fell out. Need hygienist too but would rather wait until May when it is booked save a few pennies. Going to go and eat some lunch now.  

TallGirl

Small time gap before my next meeting 2 of 7. All good as it will move me along with the work I need to do before I get to go on leave.

My mum kicked up a fuss at the hospital and was allowed home from 6pm to 10am today. Not a very long time and my sister goes back today so back to being worried about everything again for me. It has been two weeks now I really wish those kidneys of hers would start behaving.

1st of the month all my money shuffles are done joint accounts not looking too bad and no Council Tax this month so should fill it up a bit. Still need to pay for the labour on the new pool equipment being done Thursday but hope I will have some cash left over. We need a joint maintenance account but with DG not earning it is quite tricky. 

Anyway best shoot off to my next call have a lovely day. 

TallGirl

My mum is coming home today I do not know anymore but it makes me feel better already. Just come off a call with a colleague who is dealing with her dad and blood cancer he is coming home for palliative care this weekend kind of brings things into perspective. 

Premium bond win  two prizes £25 and wait for it my biggest yet £100  . That is very welcome after nothing last month. I do like the fact they have increased the wins now.

Been to the gym already and going back tonight that is 6 sessions this week which is a win. Dietwise not been too bad but DG is struggling so did buy some pudding and also we got some biscuits last weekend to take to Gambia and they have already been eaten. So bad I know. 

vandanfc

Glad to hear that your mum is going home. Hopefully the start of her full recovery.

LadyWithAPlan

TallGirl said:

Hello fellow Drag race friend we watched all of the UK and American series incl All Stars in lockdown. I love Ru Paul with Michelle Visage and the guest judges but without them it’s not so good so haven’t bothered with the Canadian one. 

I love Brooke Lynn Hytes and some of those Canadian drag queens such as Icesis (amaaaazzzzing)  and  Rita Baga  (super funny) are amazing especially if they come from Montreal - performance art at such a high level Plus Jimbo's bonkersness  and Gisele's 'Marie Curie' in Snatch game is brilliant  - so I am ok without the RUVisage -

 so I would suggest you check it out from Season 2 at least where they all get comfortable.

TallGirl

Yes I am familiar with Brooke Lynn Hytes amazing dancer too.  I will have to check out the others and give it a second try by the sounds of it. 

Spoke to my mum yesterday she had been promised her numbers were a lot better so she could get home but then in the morning it was all bad again so she has to stay in. She is still in good spirits and is hoping to get home soon permanently rather than just for the night. 

Anyway in other news saw this on MSE https://www.nsandi.com/guaranteed-returns they are paying 4% which is so tempting. I have £3K saved in an income bond with them which only pay 1.7% so tempted to lock some of my other savings away in the 4% one and then when that one matures get it back out in easy access money. If I lock away £3K it is 120 for the year which is not to be sniffed at. 

Work still manic and getting closer to the holiday so have to be organised. I honestly cannot wait to get away but need to start sorting clothes out in terms of what fits me and also what clothes I will need for the Spanish trip plus by golf stuff. All good fun if a bit manic.