Let's get this sorted then!

PennysIntoPounds

I'm not at all expert in credit ratings but I think the 'hit' of a hard credit check only lasts a few months so it should start adjusting itself soon if its been a few months since you had one, so you shouldn't be in a worse place come July. I don't think wages affect credit score but obvs having money to have less debt will do so, so perhaps PB until two months before you need to apply then bung yer cash at the debt to make sure it has time to show up on the various credit agencies records 

stymied

PBs have to be in for one complete calendar month before they’re entered in the draw so you’ll end up with quite a short window? May be better taking guaranteed interest in a savings account x

Dakota_Rose

I’ve been tempted by the chance of a premium bonds win too after the bank has written to say the interest on my savings pots is due to drop again. I’ve opened an account with the minimum amount of £25. It was easy to do but needs to be in for a full calendar month before being entered into the next month’s draw. 

Looking at the prize lists, the vast majority of big winners have a v. large amount in their accounts and lots had been opened some years ago - I’m never realistically going to have anywhere near that amount to compete with. 

But … it’s something different to try to keep the emergency fund out of sight but within reaching distance if needed. 

jwil

I use my PB account as an EF for that reason, that it's arms length enough to stop me dipping into it. 

Rhyddid2026

Thanks everyone. 

I think it's about finding the balance to keep me going for the longer term (because my debts aren't going anywhere for a good few years). I have money going in to a high interest regular saver as my emergency fund, so feel like I've ticked that box. Putting the extra wages into the PBs makes it interesting, gives me something new to think about and to save I've tried, and I think I prefer that to paying it all off the credit card each month, just in case my car breaks down or something. 
I'll still be overpaying the credit card by DD, and making small extra payments with any unexpected or leftover money. 
I've just made an extra payment of £10 to it, because I resisted chip shop last for tea. That's another half a box I can colour in on my tracker, which is now on my fridge door. 

My credit score went up a few points today Pip, so I think this is the start of the upturn. I've gone from very poor to poor, so I should easily be back to fair by July, or possibly even good.

PennysIntoPounds

Fab that credit score is already going up again.

Agree with others that you could get a wee bit of interest with PB money elsewhere, but with interest rates so low on savings (if you want to be able to easily access your money), I personally would take the chance of winning something if you're only putting it away for 2-3 months

ETA do make sure you put the money in asap when you get it though, as, as others pointed out, it has to be in for a calendar month before its entered in the draw, so definitely not a thing that's allowed to be an OAT!

Rhyddid2026

It'll be going from my account on payday! Promise!

Rhyddid2026

£250 came back from Ticketmaster this morning. I've paid for a prescription (120), put 100 in PBs for the CCpayment/EF, and I've paid and extra 30 off the credit card too. 
I'm off work today, although I did just do an hour. I don't mind so much when it feels like my choice. 
I need to take the dogs to the field for a run. I was going to go to the tip too, but the weather is awful and I'm not sure I can be bothered. I can always do that tomorrow if I feel so inclined. 
I'm giving my first lecture this afternoon and feeling very unprepared so I think my time might be better spent on that. I've decided to pick up a dine in meal deal on the drive home as a treat for being a big brave girl and trying something new. I will get paid for the lecture, not a huge amount but enough to get myself a treat. I have 2 more after today so I can be sensible with the money for those.
My washing machine seems to be working ok for now, I'm being extra gentle with it just to be on the safe side, but now my fridge is making a hell of a noise. I've turned it off for a bit in the hope that turning it off and on again works like it does for computers. 

Sun_Addict

Hopefully the lecture went well 🤞

Rhyddid2026

I think it went ok. Nobody fell asleep despite it being warm and dark and a Friday afternoon! I feel better now I've met the class and I have a better idea of how to do things for the next 2 lectures. I think. 
I picked up a dine in meal deal in the Azdas, 2 goats cheese tarts, two steak pies, cauliflower cheese, and two lemon cheesecakes for £11! That's pretty much my food for the weekend sorted. 
I also opened a bottle of red wine when I got home, and felt pretty exhausted as soon as I sat down, so I've had an evening in front of the TV with good food and wine.