Let's get this sorted then!

rachmac3 · 13 May at 4:24PM

Just a quick post while I'm feeling positive.
I'm really enjoying only having one job and not studying either. It's been a very long time since I had this much free time. I think I'm going to try and last 3 months and really enjoy some summer and spend some time sorting the house and garden.
I've cleared some raised beds and bought some new netting and hoops. I've about doubled my growing space, so even if I mostly grow salad leaves for the tortoise I'll still be saving money. I've decided not to grow anything that takes up too much space this year (in the two beds).
I had a mini panic about how much I'd need to save in my emergency fund to cover 3 months of expenses, but I've given my head a wobble. A couple of hundred quid EF is still loads better than I've ever had. I'll build it up slowly, with little goals along the way. I've also realised I've got a well stocked pantry and freezer and could easily feed myself for a month with it, probably longer. I've never stopped to appreciate that, or that I have the skills to cook from scratch and cheaply. I'm currently not doing that often 😆but I still have the ability if I need or want to.
I would like to get better at eating what I grow so I think I'll grow simple things that can be easily added to familiar recipes this year.
I've also been given free tickets to an event this weekend, that a family member wanted to go to. So that's a birthday present sorted at no cost (other than fuel to get there). I'm lucky to (still) have good friends!

Sarahwithlove · 16 May at 9:27PM

I think focusing on an emergency fund may be a good idea, just in case any of the quick repairs don't work and items need replacing. You'll feel better if you have some funds to fall back on.

rachmac3 · 19 May at 11:51AM

I really enjoyed my week of only having one job and no extra things I "should" have been doing. For some reason I used to believe I had to nag myself and pressure myself to get things done, as if I'd just grind to a halt and do nothing otherwise. Well that's not true is it! I might even do more stuff without the pressure because I'm not exhausted by overthinking and worrying.
I'm starting to see all the small improvements in the house and garden add up, I could actually start inviting people around later this year without being overly apologetic about the state of it all.
I am wfh today and started late because I spent an hour in the garden with my animals, eating a free croissant with homemade jam. More Mondays should start this way.
Not much change on the debts/finances as it's the second half of the month. Just mulling things over really, contemplating next steps without worrying too much.
Have a lovely week everyone!

Cara_ · 19 May at 8:15PM

That sounds like a lovely start to the week.

I hope it isn't too long before you feel able to invite people to your house.

rachmac3 · 19 May at 10:11PM

Thanks @Cara_
I do have a few friends that come around, ones that have seen the house (and myself) in much worse states, but it would be nice to feel more relaxed about it and invite new people.

As it's the last half of the month and nothing much is changing I thought I would check my credit scores to keep the motivation up. Annoyingly my score has gone down because my house insurance is showing as a loan because I'm paying it by direct debit. I've always paid by direct debit. It's never shown as a loan before. I know it doesn't really matter too much, just caught me off guard and irked me. Yet another reason to get on top of my finances and pay out of savings next year!

rachmac3 · 23 May at 10:57PM

I've got through my birthday week without spending too much money. I bought some nice food, a round of drinks, and a takeaway, but I'm fine with that.
I am looking forward to May pay, having a bit of a reset after rejigging my finances, and working on reducing the debt on the credit card that will need to be transferred in September. £6,050 on there at the moment, I'd like to get as close to £5,000 as possible before I need to transfer to a new 0% card. I'm also going to build up my emergency fund to £1,000.
I am a woman with a plan!