Statement of intent

StuartGMC

As I wasn't given aftershave at Christmas (nor indeed socks!) I've had to resort to buying some. I used the Megashopbot link from the MSE front page, for the first time and was impressed at it being quite straightforward. Found the aftershave/eau de toilet I wanted (Hugo Boss - Hugo in case you're interested) from Cheapsmells; not the most flattering of store names admitidly, but they are also listed on TopCashBack so I get 6.5% back as well.

With the purchase of the laptop for DD we haven't spent vast sums on other items for us, but OH got me the F1 2009 game for the Wii which is keeping me out of trouble!

Had friends round last night and it seems I haven't kept up my alcohol practice as I had a slightly groggy head this morning when checking work related e-mails etc. However it was a great evening with the children joining in Balderdash which is a fun way to spend an hour or so stretching your creative capabilities to make up "believeable" definitions for words. Weather is cold but bright and we're hoping we may avoid more snow here in the East so we can visit OH's family later in the week; OH and DD couldn't do so just before Christmas due to the road conditions in Herts.

poppyoscar_3

Just caught up on your thread - you're doing so well!
In secret I'm trying to get rid of my mortgage this year. Haven't said that on my thread else everyone else would know! lol
Happy 2010,
PO xx

Lynn11

Stuart I was also expecting some perfume from various people and only got 1 from hubbie so I only have 1 perfume as I had run out. Hopefully I can use this until my birthday in February. Did you daughter like her new laptop. We had a great christmas at home with the inlaws and santa brought good presents for everyone. All the best for 2010.

RosieTiger

Stuart, wishing you all the best for the Holiday season - your thread remains an inspiration to many !!!!

The RT's

evab_2

Happy New Year Stuart, best wishes for 2010.

StuartGMC

DD was very grateful for the new laptop and understands the price of such items, too.

I had my annual eye test today as my Dad has glaucoma (so I get the eyetest free on NHS) and am pleased that there are no concerns and only a very slight change in prescription which is insufficient for new glasses (good as they were £300+ last year :eek:).

Walked into town and back (only 30mins each way and I try not to drive that unless I will be carrying something too heavy/bulky back) but it was cold and damp on the walk home. No one in the pub so I carried on home - guess that means I have some "drinking vouchers" to spend before return to work next week :beer:

As a Next customer I had their VIP sale notice and saw it within an hour of being sent, so got a good slot (1900-2359hrs) on Tuesday before Christmas for their online sale. Most items that the three of us wanted were in stock or on delivery of 2-4wks, and some turned up yesterday and today already. About £240 was spent but, most items were about 50% off and included some "suitable" items for the winter inc a Kangol Trapper's hat for me. With very little hair this will be warmer than the thermal beenie I have now and the forecast seems to indicate I'll soon get use from it...

Keep warm and safe everyone.

setmefree2

StuartGMC

Well more of the Next items have arrived - one pair of shoes for me (for work) were £65 paid £30 and seem fine, and a ski jacket / winter jacket which cost me £40 was retailing at £115; it's got a nice warm detachable liner and all seams are sealed plus weather-proofed zips in the breathable fabric. That should keep me warm in the next few months then! Only four items remaining and of course TopCashBack on the sale items has already tracked too

Financially, ISA Funds S&S prices just out now for 31/12/09 leading to a return of 4.14% on those funds we started investing in from January 2009 and a total return of 6.13% profit overall which includes previous costs/losses when selling units. While not massive, it is a great turnaround from this time in 2008 when we were so far in negative territory that it was a little "exciting".... Expectations seem to point to 2010 (globally) as being a growth year for the markets so I hope to hold on to the units and not need to call upon them. (See graph below to see the changes)

Mortgage is £9000 and next payment will go in on Monday 4 January. Savings are building slowly and we remain of course 100% offset plus some monies above this which will help in 2010, especially as the credit cards have been paid already so the amount owing on both is only £400. The Next items won't be billed until January and I think the due date will be after credit card payment due date so I'll drop it in and likely not have to pay until March.

Not much else to report, although once my PAYG contract tie-in with O2 expires end of March I may move to Virgin as they have an £18 tarrif (sim only) with unlimited web browsing a reasonable call allowance and texts; presently paying a lot more for 600mins, unlimited web plus several hundred texts.

2010 looks like a challenging year ahead, hoping that it all moves forward as planned for everyone, enjoy celebrations tonight (we have a friend and her daughter plus my brother and his wife with us so that'll be a nice evening) and here's to a better year in 2010 than 2009 :j:beer::j:beer::j

StuartGMC

The ISA Funds - for those who like a graph! Yellow = invested, Red = value, Blue = loss/gain

MoneyQueen

Oh well.. another fancy graph..:rolleyes:

Glad the investments have finally turned +ve. We are also thinking of looking into the ISA investments but probably after we are MF. Can't do too many things at once

Hope you and family have a lovely year ahead

MQ