From Frugal Foundations to Fortified Family Future

Greying_Pilgrim

Good Morning MFW'rs

Cold and grey start with us, but it is supposed to warm up, so I need to check about washing requirements.  DH needs to double up on works gear today, so I need to make sure that he's not likely to run out of clothes before the week-end.

I found a new frugal u-tuber last night - it's got to be someone on here, right?  How wonderful to see a young family busting their mortgage whilst living their best, home-educating life.  I've only seen more recent videos, and don't know the back story, but bravo!  Amelia did mention one interesting thing tho.  They have 2 mortgages, one for the actual house, and one for renovations.  As the reno mortgage included 'eco' measures, it was at a lower rate.  It made me think, much like much of the veterinary care in this country had got costly because everyone* uses insurance, do trades assume that they can charge whatever, "because you're sticking it on a (cheap) mortgage"?  It would absolutely make sense why we ended up paying through the nose to have the central heating system fitted here.  I assumed it was because the firm sensed we were "in a hurry" to get it done before we moved in, but the second quote came in (too late, regrettably), over £1500 cheaper.  This is why I have got a mental block with engaging with trades, I just want people to charge what it costs (including wages, overheads and yes, of course, profit), rather than this Jonny Ball-esque 'Think of a number' mularkey.  

Or we play the game and stick all costs "on the mortgage" and let property price rises take care of it - because property always** increases in value, right?................  

I've no need to go to the shops today, even though i have not thought about what to have for tea.  There is "something to eat", we'll not starve.

Right, best push off.  Stuff to accomplish.

Greying X

* - naturally, not everyone can get or is able to afford pet insurance, there are increasingly many caveats to cover.  It's one of the reasons we've decided against having a pet.

** - I'm too old in the tooth, have lived through recessions, negative equity, economic downturns and global events to realise that whilst over time values might go up, in the short term you might not be able to sell your home at a profit.

elsien

Had to smile at your bird watching post. I do try but my identification tends more to "oh look, a small brown thing."

FrugalHedonist

@Greying_Pilgrim i think i follow that you tuber. I also recently stumbled on a new frugal vegan you tuber who is based in the Uk and often does shopping challenges which i enjoy

Greying_Pilgrim

elsien - I'm rubbish at identifying birds, but the dunnock and long tail t1ts were not too far away and in my eye line - that definitely helped 😁 I can't believe that it's taken me so long to connect what a chiff chaff looks like 🙄
The one bird that we don't have many of around here, and I really don't know why, is greenfinches.  When I was at my friend's house the other day, I unintentionally got excited because a greenfinch came to a feeder as we were nattering - I'm either very sad, or easily pleased 🫤 

FrugalHedonist - I think I have seen a reel or two from the vegan vlogger, they have come up on my reel very recently - I can't recall her name, but she was doing a...... £10(?) challenge for a week for her and her fella iirc.

I'm giving myself a monumental kick up the bu* today.  Feeling niggly nelly and I don't know why.  There's no discernable reason.  I did stand in the sunshine and give my head a wobble.  

Greying X

FrugalHedonist

Thats the one frugal vegan uk or some such like. I also love Cocos universe as she does a lot on preventing food waste

Greying_Pilgrim

Today has been one of them days when we just need to close the door, switch off the light and go to bed, knowing and hoping that tomorrow will be better.  

Nothing is wrong, nothing has happened that can't be fixed or changed.  We remain blessed, we have enough and we have each other.

Tea was an emergency freezer dive;  oven chips, veggie sausages and beans for DH & LG, a baked tattie, a veggie sausage and a few beans for me - it was sufficient food for us all.  DH brought home a cookie from work, and will share it with LG with some icecream.  

Thanks for popping by.  See you all in the morning.  Greying X

Watty1

may you rest well and tomorrow start again

beanielou

As Captain Tom used to say tomorrow will be a better day. 

Greying_Pilgrim

Good Morning MFWr's

Watty and beanie - for sure, here we are to start again, with the hope today will be better 😁Thank you both 😘

So notionally today is shopping day, but there are very few items on the list.  I may well be better off postponing shopping until tomorrow, or even Saturday.  I will give it some thought.

I'm pretty sure we were slated to be dry but cloudy today.  I will reassess the washing piles, and see if there is a necessary load.  I will double check the weather going forward, just in case I'm inadvertently missing a weather window opportunity.

Can't think of anything more MSE specific at the mo.  

Ta for popping in.  Greying X

Cheery_Daff

Hope today's better for you Greying xx