Flying solo

Hazelnutty

A monthly check in sounds good and sets a healthy precedent for being open and easy about discussing money - just something you do rather than a biggie or something to be anxious or apprehensive about. Presumably it's clear he's paying towards everyday living costs and not towards the mortgage (at least for now)? I can't remember what the term is but people can claim a material interest in a property without being on the deeds, or something like that! It's not that you'd be anticipating breaking up or him being an @rse about it, it's more the need to keep everything clear and transparent. But it sounds like you've already got into good habits - it can be easy with the right person

Sarahwithlove

One of reasons I love monzo is it's just one account with different pots. It then means I only need one buffer of £100 in case something unexpected comes up. Starling offer something similar so may be worth considering to help simplify things and give you some extra funds to pay towards the cards. 

vampirotoothus

Hi have you looked at new cards as NatWest were doing a 13month 0% interest balance transfer card with NO fees. It gave me quite a large limit too. V x

twiggy86

I'd been trying to stick to the cards I already have @vampirotoothus - but for what reason, I'm not quite sure! So definitely worth me looking into! Thanks

twiggy86

Frugal weekend was had here! Only spending was on transferring pooch's chip to us (£25 which me and bf split) and a bit of food shopping... was hungry when I went though and probably (definitely) brought too many snacks!!!

In looking at my spreadsheet last week and considering my current financial picture, I had been slightly regretting my decision to buy my dining room table. However, it was so nice to sit and have lunch/ dinner at it this weekend with bf and the kids! Because of new pooch, we have been eating more at the table (usually we still sit on the couch!) but didn't want pooch trying to steal LOs food (although she has been very good at going in her bed when we are eating). So it was definitely worth it and makes the room look so much better! 

I'm working from home today and tomorrow, so that saves on petrol but must be mindful of energy use! Speaking of energy use, must look into this as my tariff is ending soon! Also need to sort home insurance out as quote has gone up loads! Conversely, my car insurance has gone down and I will be sticking with my renewal (couple of quid more expensive than the cheapest on a comparison website, but excess is better) - I also have more than enough saved to cover the cost! 

Today's bits and bobs...

• Update spreadsheet 
• Walk to chemist with pooch (didn't go Friday in the end) 
• Look into home insurance 
• Look into energy tariffs
• Lunch and dinner from stores
• Possibly small food shop 
• Pop to Tesco for present for dad (he genuinely only wants wine gums - but may pop a scratch card in there as well)

Sarahwithlove

I know it can complicate things have additional cards but I would agree use the mse card eligibility checker and look at what alternatives might be available. You can always close all but one once your debt is clear. 

twiggy86

Last night I ended up meeting bf at his flat to help him clear out some more bits. A lot he is just throwing but I/ we did end up with a new iron, hair dryer, some glasses and a few other kitchen bits. There's still some more to clear but its slowly getting there. We did then go to the pub for dinner (my treat) - within my personal spends budget but always seems frivolous! It was nice though and I had a 30% off voucher, plus we had a good chat about a couple of things - my anxiety had been bad the day before and I'm not very good about talking about it "in the moment" but felt good to air it. He did suggest me considering counselling - he's had it in the past so knows how beneficial it can be. Not that I'm "that bad", so I never thought of having it before but some things have triggered me unexpectantly so something for me to consider... 

Today I woke up feeling rubbish! Whole body aches, headache and can't decide if I'm hot or cold! Bf also feels the start of a cold coming on! Annoyingly, it's my dads birthday and we had planned to visit this evening but will keep our germs away - maybe pop over to see him at the weekend instead. Thankfully I'm working from home today so I'm sat in my comfies and did a quick trip to Aldi to grab paracetamol, lemon and honey so that will be seeing me through the day! 

Today's bits and pieces...

• Update spreadsheet 
• Snap receipt 
• Check if there's enough to put a load of washing on - if so will do on 30 degree, quick cycle and hang on airer 
• Get myself out in the sunshine to get some fresh air
• Look into home insurance 
• Look into energy tariffs
• Dinner from stores 
• Night in front of the TV with bf and probably an early night!  

LilSmiler

Really hope it's just a cold and nothing more for you both..

twiggy86

I still haven't properly decided what I'm doing with my "misc" savings pot, however I did just decide to make a CC payment using some of it! So that now takes my HSBC balance to £500. It also means I have officially paid off 20% of my debt this year (based on the figure from the start of the year). 

I can't recall if I said, but its my 38th birthday next week which had me thinking about the future. There is absolutely no way do I want this debt travelling into my 40s with me - meaning I have 2 years to clear £10k (well £10,373.09 to be precise!). I will seriously need to up my efforts to achieve this but I believe it is doable if I keep myself on track! It means averaging £433 per month for the next 24 months - not something I have achieved this year but will soon have the added benefit of extra income from bf helping with the bills.

twiggy86

Morning! Still feeling poorly and rubbish! However, I messaged boss to see if they want me to come in (small office and they have family visiting, so conscious of spreading germs!) and they said to work from home again. 

Quiet night last night. Bf popped to shop to buy something for dinner and then cooked for me, even though he also wasn't feeling great. 

Didn't have the best start to the day today though - as pooched was sick on both the sofa and then bed!!! I heard her gaging by the back door (where she was sat), got up to usher her outside but instead she jumped on the sofa which made me shout, so she then ran up stairs!!! Bedding is now in the wash and sofa has been wiped down! However, we did have a nice walk beforehand, which was a nice start to the day! 

Today's bits and bobs... 

• Update spreadsheet 
• Washing bedding on quick cycle 
• Continue surviving on own brand painkillers, plus a hot lemon and honey drink 
• Lunch and dinner from stores 
• Possibly sort through the mug cupboard and see if there's any I want to get rid of as is quite crowded now! 
• Maybe suggest a walk down the beach after work to get some sea air 

Seems a very short list, so will see if there's anything else frugal I can achieve today!