Statement of intent

StuartGMC

Just popped out to do the meter reads for online submission; only 17 days since the last ones but having switched supplier I want to dial in on a two week basis through to Spring.

It was fortuitous that I did so as the low rate electricity reading hadn't changed in 17 days, but the average consumption per day on the normal rate is higher i.e. the meter is not switching to the low rate....

Called supplier British Gas and they've arranged to change the meter, and will then advise on the correction. Based upon the previous 17 days this should be 5.4kWh per day, but we'll see what they offer. Pleased to have picked this up now not on a quarterly basis.

Last night we had a takeaway using some of OH's overtime payment; it's the first in about 4 months so I guess it isn't too extravagant.

evab_2

Hope you enjoyed the takeaway, good to have a treat now and again.

StuartGMC

Popped into optician on Saturday to arrange an eye test; I can get them free now as father has been diagnosed with glaucoma and I'm over forty. Also, last test was 18months ago and I know that my near sight (reading) has been changing so thought I'd book. In fact they do eye tests on Sunday so went back today.

I was relatively relaxed about issues as I've had eye tests every 18-24months for over 30 yrs, but it was good to know that with the optometrist specifically looking for signs of glaucoma and running the field vision test etc all was perfect.

Distance vision hasn't changed, but near has a little (and likely to need a change every 24 months for the next 6-8yrs) so I now have to face up to "old age" and need for varifocal lens at nearly 44yrs old :sad:

The reason I note this here is that my spreadsheet currently has an annual allowance for me and OH of £200 per year total for specs... my 2-for-1 price for the varifocals etc is £338 (although I've "saved" £258 using this offer).

Both of us are now on varifocals so I'll have to increase the annual allowance, but I think we are "out of sync" so should only need one of us to get replacements each year, thankfully. Therefore need to allow £350 per year from now on which is £29 a month :eek:

I'll now need checks every 12months but these are free under NHS due to Dad's glaucoma.

evab_2

Stuart do they varifocals on Glassesdirect, if you know what frame you want then this might be worth trying plus 14% cashback through Quidco!

StuartGMC

Ev
Thanks for the idea; I'll check them out but think it unlikely based upon measurements on the lens in shop for centre of pupil to locate "distance" portion of lens then the drop to "near" vision. However, it is certainly worth looking at all the same.

setmefree2

StuartGMC wrote: »

Anyway, dropped in the additional £200 OP to the mortgage so it is now £21103.30 remaining. Interest will be charged on Monday, but it should only be about £40 for this month, maybe lower :rolleyes:

Brilliant:T:T:T

StuartGMC

Mortgage interest was £40.51 so I'm quite pleased with my estimate above

However, the credit card bill this month is £2484.
Now before you all chide me for such spending, it is all our shopping (groceries, clothing & shoes), petrol etc, plus it has a load of items OH has bought for her Brownie Pack and a conference registration for me for work, so we can claim back nearly £300 in total I think.

However, my new glasses are on there, plus OH MOT & car service (plus brake discs & pads) which between them alone amounts to £810.... :eek:

Still, it is £2484 which is offsetting the mortgage :j until I set it to go out in full on 10 December to clear 12 Dec for 13 due date (not yet sure on the faster payment clearance always being 1 day as last month but this is tighter than I've traditionally allowed).

Edit: Just set up and NatWest states on confirming payment schedule is set:

The payment date is the date the money will leave your account and the funds should normally reach the payee's account on the same day. So the Faster Payments looks pretty much in place (my credit card is with the same bank). Maybe in January I'll do it on the day before due...

Just remembered car tax is due on my car in December too! Best start looking for stray coins in the sofa

Can't wait for 1Dec (if dd see's this it's because of her birthday) when I can officially put new mortgage rate in the spreadsheet and then update the signature below!

EssexHebridean

Ouch on the cost of those glasses Stuart - still, they have to be bought don't they and you only get given the one pair of eyes so best to look after them. It's funny the way expensive months come along like that though.

Well done on picking up on the problem with your electricity meter. As you say, it's handy that you spotted it so promptly and are able to get the issue addressed. I'm now fantatical about readings ours weekly although I'm not worrying so much about getting the online readings in that often. I'll be interested to see if British Gas get their estimates anything like right this time around.

I sympathise on the car tax.....I've just renewed ours, although at £35 per year that's not such a sting for us......

setmefree2

StuartGMC wrote: »

Last night we had a takeaway using some of OH's overtime payment; it's the first in about 4 months so I guess it isn't too extravagant.

You little devil My idea of extravagant these days is a packet of crisps:rotfl:

I think I probably need glasses now but vanity keeps putting me of getting my eyes tested *thinks* or is it the cost -ummmm LOL

StuartGMC

setmefree2 wrote: »

You little devil My idea of extravagant these days is a packet of crisps:rotfl:

What all for you alone?????

I think I probably need glasses now but vanity keeps putting me of getting my eyes tested *thinks* or is it the cost -ummmm LOL

SMF, please do get them checked; I would recommend that everyone to do this simply for checks that there are no problems developing in the eye which can indicate other health issues in addition to your sight. It is just the £20 eye test cost for this.