Life By The Seaside

Catscoffeecake

I would have to check but think I can't have them as lactose intolerant. But you are right I need some kind of nice treat for in evenings to try keep the cravings at bay.

Payslips are up! Yay. Though means any overtime I do from now on will be paid in next month's pay. New budget updated, going to be paying £525 towards sinking fund and paying extra £35 to travel costs as that's from mileage claim last month. I have decided any mileage claims need to go into transport pot to cover future visits. Sadly I don't get much mileage as my MFTP is quite high due to office location. But any extra towards the longer journeys will help.

DancingInTheRain

That's a great amount to go to sinking funds. Good idea to set the mileage claims aside for future travel costs.

Catscoffeecake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82039575#Comment_82039575

Thanks i am hoping after next month i will be able to go back to usual payment and any extra go to my credit card.

It seems a good way to cover extra petrol costs for client visits as it varies from month to month but hopefully get a good buffer in there over next few months

Blackcats

one of our local beauty spots was closed last week for filming for Bridgerton - it's featured quite a lot and we enjoy seeing it in a different context.

I make myself a treat pot that is vaguely healthy - a couple of squares of good dark chocolate, some raspberries or strawberries, and a few walnuts. I enjoy a cup of fruit flavoured tea or a Bakewell brew from the tea company that are based in Yorkshire.

I think someone suggested one of the meal kit boxes to give you some variety and a nice dinner to look forward to?

Great top up of sinking funds!

Catscoffeecake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82039773#Comment_82039773

ooo now I am intrigued! I hate that we have to wait so long for it.

your treat pot sounds really nice, I do wonder whether I need to be more creative with "sweet" treats. I'm not big fan of fruit drinks but like normal tea and hot chocolates.

i used the meal boxes before but never ended up making the actual meal, even though it was quick and easy. Think I just find cooking boring lol, better when have someone to cook for! Don't get me started on washing up either haha. If i ever move i will be making sure i have room for a dishwasher.

satchmo1

Has your employer increased the mileage allowance to 55ppm backdated to April? It's the first time in over a decade that the allowance has increased.

Catscoffeecake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82039903#Comment_82039903

Yes, not sure when we get it credited back, whether will be this month or next months pay. not that I have done a massive amount in that time that I could claim back. Probably should check to see if there's been any update this week about it following the payslips coming out.

Catscoffeecake

Afternoon, has everyone else been struggling in this heat? Even with a fan on all day, I still feel like I am melting away. Luckily doesn't seem to be as bad today.

Money wise, not doing so great, have no money left in my account before payday (tomorrow 4pm thanks to Monzo). My dentist appointment only got half done due to their machine breaking, so now booked in at end of July.

I have been reviewing this months spending and its been quite eye opening really for me, I realised I have spent far too much on takeaways and on vinted. I tell myself I keep vinted on my phone to sell items, but it doesn't happen I just end up buying more. So I am going to uninstall it temporarily until I have sorted out everything I want to sell, steam ironed it and taken all pictures etc and literally ready to upload it.

I have also created a menu plan for this week to help me stay focused on eating better and using up food in my freezer and avoid takeaways. This week I am having fajitas, teriyaki pork stir fry, salmon with asparagus/new potatoes, spag bol, chicken salad & new potatoes. My friend is staying again Saturday night and I have agreed to cook rather than eat out or takeaway, we will then spend day together Sunday. Need to have a think about a low cost activity we can do together.

Fixture list is out for football season, been through and marked the away games I want to go to, this should help me plan how my spending money for the month is going to be spent.

On side note, have my first physio appointment this week, with a senior physio so see what they have to say.

DancingInTheRain

Well done for taking stock and identifying money leaks and identifying future potential spends you need to account for.

Your meal plan sounds delicious, might steal a couple of those ideas 😂

Pleased it's a bit cooler where you are today, we seem to have levelled out at around 19° where I am with a breeze so I've put the fan away for now.

Hope physio goes well x

Catscoffeecake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82050744#Comment_82050744

Thanks its more spending I need to stop rather than account for, mostly takeaways. I had done well at cutting them out but now they have started creeping back in again. I didn't even enjoy them which is the worst part about it. Much rather have spent the money on eating out, just need to be brave enough to go out for dinner on my own on those occasions maybe. Or just cook for myself.

I am looking forward to some of the meals, I decided to treat myself and get guacamole and salsa for the fajitas to make it a proper experience and also got myself a nicer sauce for the stir fry to again make it something I will look forward to. extra 50p on a sauce is cheaper than any takeaway.

its 22 here currently, but fan is still on, its actually cooler outside then in my flat right now. so think a walk may be in order.