Settling in for the long haul

Dakota_Rose

Happy Wednesday all 😊

We have returned to something resembling our normal routine today, which is a relief. I’ve put a long work day in and feel like I’ve caught up on quite a bit so that’s positive.

Nothing happening on the money front. We must try and think about next week soon. We all have the week off but will mostly want to be relaxing and cracking on with jobs around the house. Our family treat pot has a little bit of money in it for this occasion so we just need to agree how we want to enjoy it.

I do plan to paint my cards for the coming months. I am becoming more confident with my watercolours and everyone was pleased to receive their cards last year. My mum has framed each one bless her. I have a new pack of watercolour cards waiting to go, so there will be no spends involved.

The emergency fund is eyeing up my petrol pot, which looks to be a little too comfortable for the month ahead with the week off to be factored in. The temptation to send £10 or so over is strong 😂 My current account has almost definitely got £3 to share with the EF too but I’ll keep that in for now.

Baileys_Babe

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81875343#Comment_81875343

At DD college if your household income is under £35 000 net, you are entitled to a bursary which includes money for equipment, free lunch, a free monthly bus pass if you live over a mile away. It suits us that most of the time for me to give her a lift so instead they transfer money to our account towards the petrol.

It could be worth looking on the college website, ours it is under:

support ➡️ financial support

I hope the college runs something similar and that your family qualifies 🤗

Oh, and all students can have a free breakfast.

Dakota_Rose

Thank you @Baileys_Babe that’s really good to know re the breakfast for all. We wouldn’t qualify for a bursary as I’m a higher earner so I am just going to have to put my moan aside and start another savings pot.

Baileys_Babe

Sorry the bursary isn't an option for you, it has made a remarkable difference to us and as a result we have been able to fund a heavily subsided an international Scouting trip.

Dakota_Rose

It’s been another heavy work day today. Things always seem to peak before a break is due and it will be a relief when I get to 6pm tomorrow. I feel so tired but that’s to be expected with so much sickness at home and the juggling that’s been needed this week.

Feeling grateful for some excellent colleague support this week. I really do have a fab team but I’m pretty sure they’re feeling the same as me and we’ll be glad not to see each other for a week 😂 .

Nothing spent and nothing saved today. Another no news day on the financial front. It’s these non-eventful ones that add up to more financial security though so we should take them as a win more often really.

One more get up…

Dakota_Rose

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81881837#Comment_81881837

That’s fab! I’m so pleased it’s been of help to you. Love the sound of the trip too 😊

Dakota_Rose

Friday at last. What a week that was! It was a non-stop day today and long too but we’ve made it. Mr D’s fish and chips for tea, a ‘posh’ bath and pyjamas on means I’m feeling much more relaxed. Think it will have to be an early night though as I can barely keep my eyes open.

I’m looking forward to my week off work and it is so needed. Nothing overly exciting planned but that’s how I like it - we will enjoy each day as it comes and try to keep costs low. Lots of home jobs that can be done and some side hustling if I can muster the energy.

Wishing everyone a good weekend that is as restful or exciting as you need it to be.

FootyFanDan

Hope you have a nice weekend

Dakota_Rose

It’s been a fairly relaxed Saturday which is good because we are all feeling a bit tired and under the weather.

Little Miss has gone to my mum’s for a sleepover. They have a little ‘gal’entines evening planned with a nice dinner and a gift for each other. We have been holding on to our £25 M&* gift card to spend on a nice Valentines meal for tonight as a treat but were quite disappointed with the items in stock so opted for our own ‘meal deal’ from the other aisles. They had the main and dessert we had planned for, but no suitable side or starter, and seeing as we can take or leave the alcohol, we decided to choose differently.

With a few basics to top up what’s at home, we spent £8.80 over the gift card amount. Not too bad for a planned Saturday spend in the posh shop. I’ve popped a bottle of leftover Christmas wine in the fridge and will enjoy a glass of that with dinner.

Mr D has treated us to a lottery ticket for tonight. This is a very rare occurrence! If I abandon my diary after today, you’ll know we’ve won big 😂

I hope you all have a lovely Saturday night ahead.

Dakota_Rose

… oh and in the spirit of making every pound count, received a £3 Tes*o voucher in the post today. We shop there very rarely but it will be appreciated when we are next in.