MeandO's money-shuffling

Justcrackingonwithit

Ahhh @MeandO I recall your previous diary/posts about moving and the angst that it has caused.  I'm so sorry you feel like this, it must be an awful feeling for you.  I've no words of wisdom at all, but just wanted to send you a big virtual hug. 

I moved into my house a few months ago, it's the first time I've lived on my own, had a horrendous break up from my ex.  Saw lots of houses, but just knew this was the one.  It desperately needed a new kitchen so I planned it carefully, got a kitchen fitter recommended, excellent reviews, sounded really good.  He's fitted my kitchen and made such a bodged job, it's been awful.  I've gone from being completely excited and can't wait to have my new kitchen to, I never want to set foot in my kitchen again.......he's been back several times but to be honest I'm at the end of my tether now and just think I need to cut my losses with it.  So I kind of understand where you are coming from.  It's so disheartening and upsetting.

Please try not to feel too down, although I know that's easier said than done.  I think you are doing a great job, and are a real inspiration to so many people on here xx

MeandO

Sarahwithlove said:

If you did get made redundant would you be able to find another job? I don't know what area you work in as to how easy that would be. 

I have a similar dilemma myself, I don't feel like this is my forever home so am reluctant to shovel more money into it. But also don't really want to take on a bigger mortgage either which is what I would probably have to do. Part of me feels like I'm stuck here unless I get a big promotion at work (unlikely), win the lottery (never play) or fortunate enough to get an inheritance big enough (who knows??) 

It is horrid when you don't feel at home in your own home though. Have you had a valuation on yours and seen a mortgage advisor to know what your potential options would be? I think if you knew whether it was feasible or not that may help. 

Unfortunately, the chances of finding another job like this is minimal. I work in a specialised field and jobs are few and far between, especially ones that are quite so flexible with regards to working hours and being able to do the school run etc. Saying that, myself and my colleague who has the same job title and role both say we wouldn’t look for the same type of job if we got made redundant. I’d do anything really, as long as it paid the bills, but would struggle to achieve a similar salary in a different role though as my qualifications and experience are very specific to this job and are not overly transferable. I’d struggle with a pay cut now too. 

I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to spend any more money on a home you don’t want to live in long term. I’m in the same boat with regards to the windfalls (or lack of them!) unfortunately. 

Yes, I had mine valued just over a year ago and know I could borrow more if I needed to, but I’m just not comfortable with that amount of mortgage debt again with everything else being so much more expensive now. It’s difficult to know what to do for the best really. 

MeandO

Justcrackingonwithit said:

Ahhh @MeandO I recall your previous diary/posts about moving and the angst that it has caused.  I'm so sorry you feel like this, it must be an awful feeling for you.  I've no words of wisdom at all, but just wanted to send you a big virtual hug. 

I moved into my house a few months ago, it's the first time I've lived on my own, had a horrendous break up from my ex.  Saw lots of houses, but just knew this was the one.  It desperately needed a new kitchen so I planned it carefully, got a kitchen fitter recommended, excellent reviews, sounded really good.  He's fitted my kitchen and made such a bodged job, it's been awful.  I've gone from being completely excited and can't wait to have my new kitchen to, I never want to set foot in my kitchen again.......he's been back several times but to be honest I'm at the end of my tether now and just think I need to cut my losses with it.  So I kind of understand where you are coming from.  It's so disheartening and upsetting.

Please try not to feel too down, although I know that's easier said than done.  I think you are doing a great job, and are a real inspiration to so many people on here xx

Oh no, so sorry to hear about your kitchen, it’s so disappointing isn’t it, especially when it costs so much money! My bathroom scares me to be honest and I’m always looking up at the ceiling below to check there’s no water coming through. It constantly smells damp so I know it’s leaking somewhere. 

Thank you for your kind words xx

MeandO

I’m keeping up the sorting out mojo and have decluttered another space in my office room and thrown a whole bin bag full of DS’s old schoolwork out for recycling. It was from yr 7 and he hasn’t looked at it since then and said he no longer needs it. Some unused craft stuff has gone in the charity shop bag along with another couple of items no longer needed.
I also have a huge Apple Mac that was originally free from work but is very old now and of little use as it can’t be updated any longer. It’s massive, gathers dust and gets in the way! All that’s on it is some photos from an old phone that I’ll be removing and my old iTunes account which I don’t think I can use anywhere else now that Apple have gone to Apple Music? OH has brought round loads of recordable dvds for me to copy the photos onto and I’ll just have to forfeit the music if I can do nothing with it. I’m going to take the Mac back to work HQ next time I’m there and skip it for recycling. 

OH also brought round a huge tray of YS chicken drumsticks he’d picked up for me so I’ve separated those into portions and frozen them. DS loves his chicken so it’ll save me some £’s. 

Off to see what else I can sort out and throw out now…

foxandflowers

I'm pretty sure I have itunes on my phone, if that helps at all. I don't know if you've bought the music via Apple though, if not you may struggle to transfer it. 

Aimingforthegoodlife

Hey @MeandO I have just caught up and wanted to give you lots of virtual hugs. So much going on, its no wonder you feel unsettled and unsure of what you want to do! The house has given you so much grief, as have others so I can totally understand that desire to move, especially as it is still giving you grief! I am hoping that 2025 will finally give you the break you truly deserve

MFWannabe

If you saw a house that you loved which was the same value as your current house you wouldn’t need to increase your mortgage? 

Also if it was within walking distance of your son’s school would that help reference jobs and hours? 

MeandO

Thank you fox, Aimingforthegoodlife and MFWannabe. 

Fox - yes, originally purchased via ITunes but I no longer have an Apple phone so going to struggle to figure out what to do with it next.

Aimingforthegoodlife - thank you for the virtual hugs and your very kind words. 💕 It seems so long ago since I was settled in a house and it didn’t give me huge amounts of stress and worry.  

MFWannabe - Yes, you’re quite right about the mortgage, but unfortunately the house I saw is a rare find for the price in this area and most other houses in that price bracket would need a lot of work or not have what we needed. I have a feeling it’s been underpriced to create a bidding war as I phoned the agent about it and they had stopped taking requests for viewings as had reached ‘the maximum’ they’d allow. 

As mine isn’t on the market presently I have no chance of having an offer accepted even if I made one. 

Yes, DS being able to walk to school would take some of the pressure off too. It’s just finding somewhere… I have had words with myself this week and reminded myself that he will only be in school for another 2.5 years which is no time at all really. It would pay me to just sit it out here to be honest. 

MeandO

I’m now having a lovely chilled Sunday morning sat in my favourite comfy chair with a nice coffee, a scented candle burning in the fireplace and music on. I dropped DS to his Dad’s early doors for a sports match, he’ll be there until tomorrow now. I’ve tidied a bit, cleaned a bit and am now just having 20 minutes to myself. Yesterday was quite stressful for reasons I can’t be bothered to go so I’m enjoying this moment of calm and peace!
OH will be round later, but he wasn’t in a particularly great mood this morning when I dropped something off to him so I hope he cheers up first. I may just get on and paint the box room if everybody is busy being grumpy. I’m determined to have a nice day. 😬

I listed lots of things on eBay and a few on vinted yesterday, all stuff that had been hanging round for ages waiting to be listed. There’s bids on some of it already and it should make a good amount. It’s mostly DS’s so I’ll put that away towards next year’s big trip for him although I will give him credit in that he’s saved £350 towards that himself already in just a few months. 

I spent some money yesterday on some birthday gifts for DS. I have no idea what to get him this year and he says he doesn’t want anything so I’m clutching at straws a bit! I also buy things for my parents to give him as they can’t go out shopping and don’t do ‘online’ so I’m double-shopping presently. They will give me the money for their items and the rest will be covered from the gifts pot. 

£40 from vinted has hit my account which I’ve sent straight to the CC. I had to go to the Dr’s about my neck and other symptoms last week and they suggested a special pillow which set me back £65, 😰 so it has gone towards that. It worked a dream the first night and I had no pain, not so good last night but I’ll persevere with it.

Off to potter and see what else I can sort out around the house and garden - I filled a black bag full of broken pots and garden bits yesterday and I’m sure there’s more to be cleared. Have a lovely Sunday everyone xx

Mrs_Money_Penny

Hope you continued having a good day. Well done on all the listings. You do so well budgeting. It’s a pity you don’t enjoy your home. It probably would pay to stay put until your son finishes school as you could look in different areas as he may go to university. xx