Turning Straw into Gold: Creating Long Term Security & A Solid Home

Dakota_Rose

I used our saved nectar points to buy our slow cooker and every time we use it I feel very virtuous 😂 It’s good to have a wish list as you will be looking out for really good offers. My mum got a new toaster from Morrisons this week for £6 in the sale. She said they had plain white ones for £2.50!

MillQueen

@Dakota_Rose that’s the best kind of smug isn’t it 😂 an essentially free purchase. £2.50 toaster is amazing, I’d have gone for that if I hadn’t bought one a couple of months ago (a £12 Asda one). I might tootle along there at some point to see what else they have got. I rarely go as it’s a bit further away but their yellow sticker food is often good. (I’m relying on that now to bring costs down, since my favourite store has disappeared off the TGTG app).

MillQueen

I've been to pick up my TGTG bakery bags from pound bakery and there was a lot in there! Sandwiches, cakes, vanilla slices, pies, bread rolls, cookies. I've also got a £20 voucher to spend from when I got my car insurance, so I am choosing between Asda and B&M, as I will use it to stock up on essentials. Possibly toilet rolls or washer detergent or something boring like that. I got a couple of library books, though I have lots to read already and little time to do it.

MillQueen

Had a rough few days, personally and with the budget, as my cat passed away and the process was both sad and expensive. I’ve allowed myself a McDonald’s that was delivered, as I’ve just not felt like making any food. The emergency funds are down a lot and I need to recalculate them, as I paid for the car, the sofa, a dentist visit, and the euthanasia and cremation, so about £3500 over the last week or so. I need to build back up a bit and then I can get a new pair of glasses when I get paid at the end of April. Then after that I can start getting the stuff I need for the lodger rooms. Maybe if I get one item every couple of months. It’s been a complex period at work, but I am applying for a role that’s higher paid so that will help if I can get that. I think there will be lots of people doing the same though, so I may not have much chance. I’ve been able to work from home today, so that’s saved a few pounds, and the house is feeling very empty. I’m working on my application with the hope that better times are coming.

southern_chick

so sorry to hear about your cat. They are such a huge part of the family. Be kind to yourself xx

Rhyddid2026

Sending you hugs, take care of yourself and do whatever you need to do over the next couple of days. You've got a plan and you can get back on track with it when you're ready.

FootyFanDan

Really sorry to hear about the loss of your cat. The loss generally hits a lot more than we might think at times, they do become like a family member.

Whilst you are agonising over the McDonalds, at times it's the best option. The budget can be worked on to catch up when you are ready, for now taking time for you is key. Sending hugs.

Blackcats

oh I'm so sorry about your lovely cat. It's so, so heartbreaking but you have told us such lovely things about them that you will have wonderful memories to look back on when you aren't so sad and raw.

jwil

So sorry about your cat

MillQueen

@southern_chick, @Rhyddid2026, @FootyFanDan, @Blackcats, @jwil, thanks so much for your comments, this means a lot. It's been a weird few days, as I keep thinking I hear her. Struggled quite a bit with the decision about burial or cremation, as I was worried about digging a grave but don't like the idea of fire. I did go for cremation in the end, but wish I hadn't, as it's distressing to think of her little ears and soft forehead not being here, her tail and sweet little face. But it's done now and I pick up the ashes on Wednesday.

I haven't slept much in a couple of days, so I have eaten junk food and not been careful with spending on it. I'll get back on the MSE wagon next week. The one money-minded thing I have done is put in my application for a role with better pay. So that's gone out into the universe now and we'll see what comes back. I think when you apply for things, whatever happens, it creates some movement in a different direction.

Hope you're all ok. Sorry I haven't been around much on everyone's diaries ❤️.