Prosperous & Creative Soul Year 4

EssexHebridean

The woodpecker was a nice spot - the other bird there looks like a nutchatch to me which is also a very nice spot! Lovely little birds with that very defined eyestripe! https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/nuthatch

savingholmes

Thanks EH, Beanie. KK, Lucielle, Dawn, Staffordia, Alchemilla, Glasshalffull 

I am geographically challenged. Down South!! Gloucestershire I think. 

I have today off but logged in to finish a report so I can get some decisions tomorrow.  Rest of day to self. I made art when I got back k last night. 

I got a joiner quote for £1.8k but I'd still have to buy some counter I think for that. Need to check what's included. Family think it's reasonable for the amount I want done.

The electric quote was £500 for 5 sockets, new ring main and safety report. That wasn't even everything I wanted done. Family suggest I chase the earlier cheaper elec quote and possibly try another site....

I felt paralysed last week as they were higher than anticipated.  Not helped by tax. It would erode savings but for worthwhile things....

Blackcats

Tradesmen always seem expensive at first glance at the estimates but I suppose we are paying for their skills and expertise to do jobs that we can't do ourselves.  My inexpert view is that the electrician's quote didn't seem too outrageous.

jwil

That electric quote doesn't seem unreasonable to me.

Lovely photos!

lucielle

I think I’m out of touch with what things should cost, so it’s always a shock. 

L

Alchemilla

A good skilled tradesperson is worth the cost. It's sorting them from the Bodgit & Scarpers that's a challenge.

TallGirl

Totally agree also one that actually wants to do the work and turns up is worth the extra money for less stress. I’ve no good at getting lots of quotes rather go with recommendations or use someone I’ve used before and wait longer if needed. Hope you find a way forward. 

savingholmes

Thanks TG, Jwil, Blackcats. Alchemilla and Lucielle

Not managed to push the button yet on either set of works. I have however booked a dermatology appointment to see if they can help me and confirm there's nothing dodgy going on. That will cost about £200. Any work needed would be on top - but they have a published price list and it seemed reasonable given they are a proper medical consultant. I checked and it isn't easy to get what I want on the N**.

I've had quite a few meetings today and feel exhausted. Another meeting first thing tomorrow and the cleaner induction / trial. Really hoping this one is better.

Yesterday - I reviewed what my new S&S ISA is invested in as it seems to be flying. I've moved another £5K across into that from a cash ISA as it seemed low fee and good performance. It included some ESG funds too which was positive (ethical). My other pension funds also doing well. Long may that continue!

Hope all is good with you all. 

savingholmes

This cleaner was marginally better than the last. Frustrating. I do expect people who hoover and mop to actually make sure the floor is clean after. It seems a simple enough ask... 

Relative's scan results showed no change from last time which is positive in the circumstances.

Picked up a prescription today and picked up a few art supplies while out...  Not done much on my business idea for the last few days other than listening to related books. Updated my finances. Cleared one spending CC. Still maintaining my spending diary. Definitely informative. If I want to maintain passive income - then CC use could continue - so for now tracking change in net worth rather than over worrying about the CC given I have savings... When it's due for repayment in September I'll need to either transfer or use savings to clear it depending on what's available at the time. 

I'm still debating the joiner spend. I wonder whether to scale back 'my ambition' to the more crucial elements and start with that. It still feels a lot of £. I haven't done anything re the electrician either... which is the more urgent as it is tied to a garage door replacement. I am enjoying getting an income on the money - bit costs could go up more than the income if I delay... 

savingholmes

Loved my art group on Thursday. I took some collage papers I'd created to draw on - and it made for some really funky effects.

Got paid Friday. So £1K extra to AVC (pension). £50 to savings. I finished work early on Friday and today - although I may log back on again later if I get fresh impetus.

I rang my mortgage company last week and discovered that if I set up a savings account - I should then also be able to see my mortgage account. They have in theory set up the savings account but say it can take 2 days to become live which I don't understand as other banks seem to be able to do it instantly. I'll keep you posted - that may work for KK.

I felt utterly exhausted over the weekend - but I forgot my meds Friday and Saturday which didn't help. I felt better yesterday when I took a half med. I need to improve my consistency. When I took the full med part of last week - it felt too much - I sleep better on the reduced med - so probably should make it official - rather than trying to break capsules in half!!

I was refunded £20.5 for not using a delivery service enough (voucher) - so re-bought for the coming year (£70) - and hopefully have weekly grocery deliveries. I am generally spending less than if I went in the store...  

I've bought some extra lighting for my utube idea - it comes tomorrow. I recorded myself making some art over the weekend. Not watched it back so I don't know yet if it will be usable. I still haven't tried the video editing software I downloaded a week or so ago for free. It all feels a bit too complex currently. Hoping I have a burst of inspiration and get past that hurdle.

I've requested a broker form for getting some insurance quotes. I've investigated ltd co reg and cashback options which also offer privacy. Not pressed the button yet. I haven't been able to make a decision on 'radio' mics yet. The one I want is at the top of its 'price trend' currently so waiting for it to drop again.

I finished early intending to go for a walk or to buy some compost. Not managed either yet. I am enjoying the nights getting lighter. My weight is going in the wrong direction as I'm not active enough. I need to resolve that too - and extra exercise could be part of that.