A year of saving but maybe also spending a bit too!

Skint_yet_Again

Same here Time2count on waiting for my council tax bill. 

I think you are brave investing in a stocks and shares isa. I am totally risk adverse and would have an anxiety meltdown just worrying about it 🙄

Time2count

Hmmmm I am very scared about it SYA and the more the world feels on the brink of WW3 or even just a load of protectionist tariffs etc, the more worried I get.
I'm trying to remind myself this won't be all my savings and it's only money at the end of the day. 
It's a difficult decision because I'm the type of person who hates even buying a scratch card. If I ever bet on a horse or something I'd be sad if I won that I'd only put £10 on not £100 so I know if it works I'll be annoyed not to have done more and if it fails then I'll be annoyed too 😂 (probably not painting the best picture of me here, but I think I spent so many years scrimping that I can't feel easy around money now)

Skint_yet_Again

It’s understandable to feel that way when you’ve saved hard. As long as it’s money you can afford to lose 

Time2count

Still flip/flopping on the idea of a S&S ISA. My interest projection spreadsheet says as long as I can manage 3% interest over the next 10 years then my goals are safe. So my inclination is to stick with the safe and knowable. 

I am feeling so much lighter today. A colleague resigned unexpectedly this morning. I didn't realise how much she has been pulling me down until I heard the news and basically haven't been able to stop grinning 😀 Unfortunately until she's replaced I'll end up doing her work, but I have already decided I'm claiming overtime for all of it this time. Have been in the same position previously but didn't claim it all, this time I will!

Overall my bills have increased approx £24 a month. However I fear I've possibly failed to receive my rent increase letter. I'm sure my HA would've put the rent up, they always do (except during covid), have only paid my usual amount this month, will call them to check if I can find a spare half hour to be on hold. Or I could be bloody minded and wait for them to call me 😂 I think the rent increase will be approx £25 so overall looking at £50 a month extra to pay out.

Skint_yet_Again

If you feel more comfortable with what you know and are still going to meet your goals then no reason not to stick with your investments. 

I’m glad things are improved at work for you. Some colleagues can be toxic. 

Hope your rent hasn’t gone up much 🤞