Balancing the books

Blackcats

thank you for your nice comments. I forget to mention 2 no spend pixie dust sprinkles - I made a batch of scones and invited our elderly neighbour for tea and scones in the garden with us. I used some wool from my stash and made a baby blanket for my hairdresser's baby nephew. Hairdresser burst into tears because she thought it was such a thoughtful thing to do.

Blackcats

This year has flown by and I can't believe it's October already. This is the start of my final 3 months to balance the books after withdrawing a chunk of money at the start of the year to spend on our family. We will get interest payments in November from fixed term savings which will be a good boost. I did look at the figures and they are looking promising but the stock market can be cruel or kind. Overall though as an experiment it has worked well and fingers crossed we can repeat it next year but probably with a slightly lower amount of money.

My focus for October is to stop any leaks that lead to overspending allocated budgets. It's worked out that my next hairdressing and facial appointments are in November so I can use some of the money I usually allocate to do a stock up at boots. I have cut our grocery budget as we are away for a few days and I think this will force/encourage me to be resourceful with existing cupboard and freezer supplies. I'm keeping myself accountable on the grocery challenge thread.

I managed to accrue £250 in October with my odds & s*ds of rounding up, cashback, vinted and underspends. I would like to get to £200 in November. Currently £7.59/£200 so a lot to do!

Blackcats

we are away for a few days break on the IoW which is another way we are eeking out late Summer and holding back Autumn. I do like Autumn but it can start next week when I'm looking forward to getting the house cosy and cheerful with candles, cushions and throws - all of which will be shopped from home and I'm declaring here that I do not need to buy any candles, however enticing their scents claim to be! I have bought a pumpkin tea towel though which is very cheery.

Whilst we were out walking today we saw 2 red squirrels sitting on a log dealing with acorns. It was such a beautiful Autumn scene. The great thing was that the people ahead of us told us about the squirrels and then we told the next people we saw who were going to tell the next people. All of us were so happy to see the squirrels who carried on with their acorn work oblivious to the joy they were bringing. Ntureis wonderful!

Bought a wonderful breakfast in a seaside bistro today and MrBC is still full from his full English which is a testament to the size and quality of tge dish. . I had bubble and squeak with IoW tomatoes and a fried egg - yummy.

Makingabobor2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82161649#Comment_82161649

Ooh, I am jealous. We didn't get to the IOW this year, but would love to manage to fit in a trip next year. But with the price of petrol, & the ferry, it becomes an expensive trip from where we live.

Blackcats

@Makingabobor2 - yes the ferry price is 😱. Some places that offer accommodation are also able to offer ferry discounts which makes a huge difference to the price.

Makingabobor2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82161819#Comment_82161819

Yes, but even with the 15% discount last year, it was £152 return! Then it costs us about £60 in petrol down there and back now, so we'll have to save hard if we are to go next year….LOL

lucielle

That was nice of the people telling you about the squirrels. Enjoy the rest of your break. L

Blackcats

thanks Lucielle.

We are back from holiday now. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were so lucky with the weather. We ate out quite a lot and we are so impressed with the quality and variety of eateries on the IoW. There's a real pride in local produce and home cooked food as well as some lovely people working in the eateries. It does feel like my purse has morphed into a sieve though.

I'm feeling refreshed and inspired to enjoy a simple, low cost, cosy Autumn.

We have a few Halloween decorations which will go into one of our front windows for some seasonal cheer. I only like pumpkins, good witches and black cats though - I don't like skeletons, skulls and ghosts - too macabre for me.

I'm about to deplete the health & wellbeing pot by purchasing new glasses and having a dental appointment. I'm chanting "that's what it's there for" but …. it was looking so healthy and full 😕

PennysIntoPounds

Know the feeling, I've booked a dental check-up this week for while we're in Norf London and before dentist goes on maternity leave for a year in January. Which is all very sensible but I liked my dental pot having enough for an upcoming appointment in it, it's not at all fair that upcoming has come. * stomps little footsies *

* but doesn't gnash teeth in case it costs extra *

EssexHebridean

Hello fellow Isle of Wight wanderer - I'm only slightly jealous about the squirrels - I think we need to make that a mission when we go back next time! Were you there over the weekend when the vintage bus event was on? We had no idea about it and were entirely delighted when we were told about it!