Prosperous & Creative Soul & MFW Year 3

KajiKita

Enjoy the beach and your daughter’s celebration day 😊
The garden is sounding lovely 😊

KK

jwil

Enjoy the beach

savingholmes

Thanks Jwil and KK.

Didn't make it to the beach as DD's BF was feeling too ill for that. We met up for a meal out though and I got her some nice balloons and cake as well as my gifts. They came back in the garden for a little while after. I finished my little movies with photos of her life and she seemed pleased. I'm pretty exhausted though as although I didn't include many photos with Ex in - I still sifted past lots. I didn't want to upset her by either omitting or including too many so it felt awkward. I've found a photo album and photos of his from when he was a child. I may parcel them and others up and post them to Ex MIL as DD doesn't feel comfortable playing post box.

My Dad saw a specialist today and has been referred for further tests. He's quite unwell which is a worry. I'm due to see him in a few weeks but may pop in on my way back from seeing DS next Monday. This has also been playing on my mind in recent weeks.

I've asked for a replacement cleaner to cover this week but no confirmation yet. If they can't cover though - they refund me the agency fee for the week. My handyman is also unable to return until next week at the earliest. I'm due to work 32 hours this week - but have 3 days off next week and then the following week has a bank holiday so should be okay. I get paid Wednesday. Looking forward to that as I'm still over-spending. I'm going to get my birthday out the way (next week) and then rein in the spends.

savingholmes

One refund for shoes received, other confirmed for within 48 hours 

savingholmes

Received refunds now.

I had no concentration so finished early today, but worked longer yesterday so swings and roundabouts.

Currently my AVCs are doing well as is my SIPP - and on a £12K ish all time investment I'm up nearly £2K, with most of that this year. As I'm currently delaying decisions on building works (partly pending the outcome of the P review) - I'm going to at least partly up my AVC from £450 a month to £1K. I will get tax benefits from doing that which will offset the increased cost. I may need to draw on savings to smooth out my expenditure especially in months with annual bills and while I need the handyman. Once I get back from this weekend's mini-break I must stop the rot and move to debt card spending only other than the patio door (£800) wherever possible. 

Priorities for the handyman are:

• Dig out remaining bamboo
• Insert spindles in banister
• Put up some more pictures (which need bolts due to weight rather than nails or are in awkward places)
• Resolve dangerous front side wall and some of fence (in conjunction with neighbours)
• Repair grout on bathroom floor to stop leaks

I need to review the rest of my handyman wish list and see if it is really worth paying someone to do it for me.

TallGirl

Sounds very sensible stops the temptation to spend as well and it’s a nice  bonus hmrc adds. 

Could you ask your sister and bil if they would come and help you for say 1/2 day in lieu of a birthday present? I seem to rember your bil being quite handy with things? 

Digging out the bamboo does not take a lot of skill could you find a cheaper garden person to do that instead if it’s a long job?

savingholmes

Hi TG - I still don't know many people locally so hard to find alternatives yet. He didn't take that long when he dug out some other bamboo - and he took it away which was a big bonus. Will see what happens with that.

I'm getting less pay than I did last month as it turned out I was under-charged my pension so I have about £70 less. I don't know whether the rate I pay in at will change when I increase my AVCs. Need to get my form in the post so I can't change my mind again... 

lucielle

Your thinking about the handyman is good and reassessing the jobs will help the process. 

Is there a local fb group that can help recommend trades people? Any cards up in newsagents or local shops?
L

Blackcats

Sounds like a nice day celebrating DD's birthday and I'm sure she was delighted with her thoughtful gifts.
gentle reminder to keep pacing yourself at work - you are on a phased return for a reason 🙂

SandyShores

On picture hanging, I use the Command strips and hooks now.  I purchased the Claw type the other day which go up to 11kg - at £8.99 for 4 might be cheaper than the handyman (or not I guess).