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

MillQueen

Decided to leave the sofa for now, as I looked at my bank account 😒. It's not often I use the lounge and sofa, as when I am not at my full time work I have another job, so it can wait a few months. We are only half way through the month and with all the extras that have been necessary, I have almost spent all of my pay already and have about £100 left. I want to try to avoid dipping into savings for essentials, so I am going to keep going with the TGTG and try not to get anything else at all. Hopefully some money I'm waiting for will arrive from my freelance work - I think about £100 after tax and expenses, which can keep me going until pay day.

The bill came for water, which is £281, so I am going to put off paying it until I get paid. I feel a bit irritated today, as it always seems that any progress I make gets wiped out by necessary costs like the car, bills and the vets. I am waiting for home repairs to get done (hence the personal loan) and the cost of those has just gone up as well. Next month's progress will be wiped out by the water bill when I pay that and another dentist appointment, as I couldn't afford/couldn't find a dentist for years before this. It's hard to get ahead, as every time I build anything up, there are things to pay for, and it's not like I'm wasting money. I looked into going on a water meter as it's high just for me because it's a fixed rate, but I calculated it's not for the best, as I will soon have two lodgers and I would end up with a higher bill on the water meter when there are more of us.

At some point, I will need to get two sofas for when I have the lodgers, as the room has space for a 4 seater and 3 seater (or 3/2 combination would be fine if that's more affordable), but while it's just me here it doesn't matter. There are a few other items that will be needed for the lodgers too, such as another wardrobe, and whatever it will cost to get someone to help me assemble the second hand furniture I already found. But those costs are on hold for now while thing are tight (I feel like I am always saying that though, and then it never gets better, as there is always some other bill that takes up any excess I might have had on most months). I am trying to get a higher role with a pay rise, but so is everyone else, so there is a lot of competition.

A sad and slightly morbid thing is that I have to wait until after my cat passes away to get the lodgers, which the vet estimates may be a few months. He said possibly up to 6, so I am waiting for the sad loss but also the financial relief. She is so poorly that it wouldn't be fair to subject her or someone else to that, as she is scared of people and currently parts of the house are off limits which would be hard for the lodgers. I can't really offer a room when there may be vomit or poop happening in the spaces where they prepare food, and some repairs will be needed to the flooring as I bought a place that was newly refurbished but the various accidents she has had have destroyed some of the flooring. She is my best little friend and a family member.

This is a bit of a long winded whinge about it being a struggle. I'm going to have some of my cheap TGTG food and read a book, as I have a load of work tasks to do but no wish to do them this afternoon.

MillQueen

I’ve returned to write some positive things to counteract the gloom…

It should be easy to find respectful lodgers through my work and that will ensure I’m more comfortable in the near future and can pay off debts. I’m soon buying a cheap car from a friend with low mileage that should last a few years. I have a lovely house that was a good price and the means to use it to secure my finances for the long term.

RedLipstick

Breaks my heart reading about your princess, hope she has the happiest months 💕 Do say pspsps from me x

I'm without a sofa for few months now as well, needs must etc. Any tax year pay rise on the horizon? Bonus? You will be ok, stay strong!

MillQueen

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885891#Comment_81885891

She is sitting on me right now, so I have passed on your message. She sends a purr back.

All she is wanting to do is sit on me currently, so I have a bit of guilt that I'm working all the time. I keep telling her I'm working to pay for this lovely home we're in and she does seem to love it here, so I'm glad we got to spend the last bits of her life here as we have been in some truly awful accommodation over the years. This is the perfect house for a cat - lots of rooms, stair cases, sunny window ledges, interesting corners to explore. There's a bit in the loft conversion which is her favourite spot, where it has a velux window at the top of the stairs that she likes to sit under, looking down on what's happening below. We have had nice, peaceful times here and I have a few days where I can work from home this week, so I will be doing so with the cat on me.

When I was clearing out the garage, which is full of random left-behind treasures (also known as junk), I found some ashes of pets that had previously lived here (dogs I think). It's quite comforting to think of the pets who have loved this house over the years and been happy here. We (me and the cat) are going to eat lots of tuna this week, hang out reading, cuddle under a blanket, and accompany each other whilst doing tasks at home. She's a very elderly lady now, but very loved. Regarding pay, I will get a slight pay uplift with the new tax year, though these are usually below inflation ones. I am going to try to use any extra to put into the emergency savings and pay down loans. I think I am going to have to not worry about overpaying the mortgage for now. If I can, I will increase my freelance work, but that's decided by the demand as well as my capacity.

sunshineli

Just subscribed to your diary. Sorry to hear about your cat. It sounds like you doing really well with your financial goals, but I know the feeling that it can sometimes feel like an uphill battle when you have emergency payments to make like vet bills and then you feel back at square 1. Even small overpayments make a big difference in the long run which I am trying to remind myself of

Blackcats

so sweet to love and be loved by your cat. Cats are so brilliant at finding sunny spots and warm places in a house.

it might feel like you aren't making progress but even 2 steps forward and 1 step back is progress.

MillQueen

Thankyou @sunshineli and @Blackcats. I was thinking as I got ready to go to bed, that I am going to miss being accompanied to the bathroom by my cat. I appreciate the bathroom camaraderie. I keep kissing the soft bit of her forehead and smelling behind her ears. It’s not time yet but when it is I’ll pay whatever the cost is to do what’s best for her.

weenancyinAmerica

Sitting here with my cat who is trying to type. We both wish you and your friend many good moments together. Sending hugs from America.

MillQueen

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81886254#Comment_81886254

Aww thank you - sending hugs right back to you and your cat. We are also doing laptop work today (by which I mean I have a variety of urgent tasks to do and I am regularly interrupted by her standing on the keyboard, sitting on my lap so I can't access the keyboard, and pushing her face onto me to gain attention). It's beautiful and I can see it will be such an unproductive day, as I must stop each time and give the attention ❤️

doingitanyway

Reading your diary is interesting. It reminded me that I am in a similar position and need to be thankful for having a home that can generate income.

Lovely reading of the bond with your cat. Wishing her lots of contentment.