Teetering on the brink

Cherryfudge

Any joy with the phone yet? And how are the finances going? (Hands over virtual cuppa for sustenance).

EatingBeans

Budget-wise, I have started. I managed about half an hour sitting at my desk before the pain from falling down the stairs became too much and I have had to lie down.

For now I have just taken the balances from all my accounts at the end of January and I am working from there. It does mean that I will have to go back at some point and fill in the Dec/January actuals to give me a full historical picture, but right now it’s the month ahead that really matters. So far it looks like I should be able to make it to the end of the month without touching the saving for dd2’s 18th. I need to go through the rest of my budget lines and check them for accuracy but I am not expecting too much change so fingers crossed. The most important things - mortgage, council tax, van insurance, etc have all been paid. I’ve paused the payments to my brother for now to help with the cashflow for the next few months and I’ve just had a new water bill generated so that doesn’t need to start being paid again until April. I’ve also negotiated a smaller list of jobs for dd2 to do to earn money (and help me out), in exchange for a 50% pay cut. She’s also taken to walking home from college on the days where she can’t get a lift from dd1.

For the first month in I cannot recall how long, I have also cancelled this month’s Amazon subscription of pet items. This one is really tough for me but we are all having to cut back, and that means the dogs too. It is super tough when they are used to their daily chew every morning after their breakfast (Little Dog always puts it on the floor and literally dances around it in sheer joy), and now they just look at me longingly as I have nothing to give them. 😞 I know it wont kill them, and I occasionally substitute in a carrot when I can’t bare the long faces, but it is still tough. Crazy isn’t it. I’d happily just live off plain rice for a month if I have too (and I have it ready prepared so I don’t have to stand and cook it), but depriving the dogs of their chews is way tougher. I am such a sucker.

I just keep reminding myself that it is not forever, it’s just this bit is super difficult and it too shall pass.

Time for some codine I think. This pain just isn’t easing.

Cherryfudge

You've made a heroic and significant start. I feel for you having to cancel the doggie chews, but needs must. They will enjoy them all the more when you are able to reinstate them.

I hope the codeine kicks in soon.

ellenvan

The chews are a treat not a necessity.

They will appreciate them when re- instated.

Keeping on top of your finances is a really good idea.

I came to read what you are coping with today. Saw lots of posts and thought maybe you had a decision on the leaving package. Hope they decide soon.

Keep taking small steps as and when you can. We're all here if you need a second opinion on anything.

in_need_of_direction

if you can't handle doing away with the chews, could you half them between the doggos?

EatingBeans

See, I think my anxious doggos would argue the chews are a necessity as it helps relieve stress. But, for now they are going to have to live without. Halving them would make them so small they would become a choking hazard - I’ve already halved what they used to have.

However… 💡 that’s just got me thinking, and I have thought of something else I can do to put the smiles back on their faces! I have a bunch of kongs that I’ve not been using for a while (I normally use yogurt and dog friendly peanut butter to fill them but I cut that from the budget months ago), but, they still have to eat right? So, instead of just throwing all their meals in a bowl, I will put their kibble in the kongs with a bit of water and peas or something and freeze them. Then at meal times they can have half of their kibble in their snuffle mats and a kong for afters so they still feel like they get to chew something. £0 extra spending required but still hitting the mark for stress busting. I still have a small amount of heart and liver knocking about so I could at a tiny bonus yummy bit in each one and stretch out the joy even further! 😁

What I find amazing about keeping this diary is that every time I think I can’t possibly do without something, talking it out with you all helps find a new way around the hurdle. Thank you!

EatingBeans

I am pleased to report that I made it back to my desk and finished checking all the forecast figures for this month’s budget. By my calculation I should be left with £182.38 cash in the bank at the end of the month assuming I get nothing from Universal Credit. I have literally scavenged every penny from all my accounts to get to that with the exception of the £720 in the savings account for dd2. Now, since I am pretty confident that Universal Credit will pay me something, I should end up with more left in my account than just £182.38. 🤞 And you never know, I may end up a month or two longer if I keep spending low, try and sell a few things and dip into the savings account.

But like I said, first things first is to get as far as the Leavers Scheme decision.

I really was hoping that having had this diary this long I would no longer be living up to the name of ‘Teetering on the Brink’! 🤦‍♀️ I mean just how close can I get to the edge before I fall off the edge? 🤣

ellenvan

I have to admit to knowing nothing about dogs. But that creative thinking and no extra spend seems like a really good compromise.

Good luck with the rest of your budget.

Looks like you will be Ok this month.

Collective bean supporters are thinking positive thoughts for you!! Surely that decision on leaving is in their interest and yours.

EatingBeans

Still no phone so still no vet appointment booked, but I had another look in Little Dog’s ear and I swear there has actually been some improvement. Hmm. The question now is do I go ahead and clean it or wait even longer for the vet.

Middle ground perhaps - take a photo of the ear as is and then clean and see if it improves further before I manage to book the appointment? 🤔

ellenvan

Well just review dogs ear in the morning as you can't do anything more this evening.

If the vet is only going to clean it?