Settling in for the long haul

_Dolly_Rocker_

I've got loads of books to read too - my shelves are bursting at the seams.

Rhyddid2026

Well done on tackling all those potential money makers, even if not all come through you'll be loads better off.

Dakota_Rose

Post warning: boring content ahead

Feeling sore this morning battling a throat infection which is threatening to go all out. Ever since losing my tonsils to relentless tonsillitis as a child/teenager, if I’m run down, my throat will know it. I really need my voice for my job, so I’m going to rest for an extra couple of hours this morning before attempting work. This was pretty inevitable after last week and is always my body’s way of saying to stop. Not much I can do other than not talk and rest.

Tiny positive to start the day though. Bank check has been done and found the two direct debits that came out today have been slightly reduced due to me updating contracts. £3 sent over to the shower fund. We’ve also found the shower system we need at a very good price and have decided to do the project in two parts as Mr D has a ridiculously long list he’s currently working through. Part 1: replace broken shower for a functioning one (£212) Part 2: upgrade the shower enclosure and tray (£400+). The good news is we’ll be able to use the shower sooner and I can save and pay for it in two parts too. I’ll focus on part one this month and aim to make the extra I need some way or another. £169/£212.

Reading this back, this would be totally doable if our house was more modern and predictable. Every job we begin, uncovers at least 2 more new and expensive jobs and the spiral begins 😭 Of course, the shower is a fixed price so there’s still no harm in aiming to afford that this pay month.

I have an ‘as new’ dog crate to list on marketplace. Not my favourite but easiest place with it being bulky and needing collecting. One of the family were clearing it out, so I said I would take it to sell.

I think my post has summed up my Tuesday pretty well: boring but necessary 😂

vampirotoothus

Hi it's worth checking selling sites such as FB Marketplace for your shower cubicle screen, there are always loads of new ones as people buy and then change their mind ahead of fitting. You could pick up a bargain. Good luck V x

Dakota_Rose

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81917273#Comment_81917273

Good idea - I’ll keep an eye out.

£8 transferred from surveys today so that’s a little boost. £177/£212

Humdinger1

Found your diary and subscribed @Dakota_Rose! You describe some entries as boring, but they're not. Full of admiration for the way you're juggling everything. Onwards and upwards love Humdinger xx

Dakota_Rose

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81919650#Comment_81919650

Thank you so much @Humdinger1 and welcome 😊

Dakota_Rose

Okay, work has been extremely stressful this week so let’s not talk about that 😂. Mr D is making a lovely sausage and mash dinner and we’re warm and safe while the stormy weather rages on outside. Lots to be thankful for.

I’ve had letters from HMRC today regarding the tax relief I applied for. One application was received too late for 2023-4 so they’ve said I need to apply for overpayment relief instead. The other letter said they couldn’t process the claim as I am in self-assessment for this year so need to amend my tax return (2024-5 which must be the child benefit I went on to pay back). I don’t understand how to sort either, and don’t particularly want to, but don’t want to lose any money. Someone send me an accountant please or if not, some big girl pants 😂.

…at least I’ve got a £10 dog crate to list for sale 🤣

ellenvan

Personally I would just try replying to HMRC saying yes I want to apply for overpayment relief, let me know if I have to fill in any forms.

Then do separate letter amending 24/5.

Dakota_Rose

I missed posting yesterday as I just felt too poorly. It had been a tough week at work and I was streaming with cold so I decided to write my Friday night off and take myself off to bed early. It did help slightly. Feeling a little anxious today due to work worries but not as bad as I’ve known myself to be.

Have worked hard today to be present and mindful. I have had a cosy day, cleaned some, painted cards and tags, and had some silly time with the kids. We’ve decided to make a video for mum as a special gift for Mother’s Day to a silly dance she’s been laughing at lately (it’s the Bridgerton trot for those that know). Knowing she’s going in for surgery this week, we’ve all stepped out of our comfort zones and done a bit of secret filming. My brother is putting it together tonight with the music and it has been the tonic we all needed I think. Just a bit of fun and really not our usual style at all - we’ve been in fits! We certainly won’t be making millions from it and it’ll never make social media (especially as my parts were done in pyjamas) 😂

From an MSE angle, I’ve done a couple of surveys. Another little cash out should be coming soon. No petrol used today either and we’ve sent our toaster for repair or replacement as it’s still under guarantee - have never done this before but it’s less than a year old and blowing the fuses.

Lazy dinner of pizza and sides tonight. Best get on it!