From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2 · 2 August 2017 at 1:45PM

Got the provisional license form completed before realising that it is possible to apply online. I tried online ...and tried...and gave up. I kept getting so far, then kept getting a message to say the connection to the server had gone. The hub was still working ok in our house so am assuming DVLA connection was dodgy. I gave in and posted the completed paper copy. Unfortunately probably not the most MSE way as the paper form route costs £43 compared to the £34 online.

Very wet here, so have only been out to drop DD1 to the ferry for work and to post the license form. I've decided to have a baking afternoon so flapjacks and chocolate brownies are in the oven. Off to do rock cakes and to research vegan brownies for a friend.

MeandO · 3 August 2017 at 12:26PM

Great news on the final loan repayment HSL. xx

Honeysucklelou2 · 3 August 2017 at 11:11PM

Thanks MeandO. I have been trying to give some thought as to how best use the "spare" £290 a month that will now be available. I'd like to be able to pay more off on the family loan (perhaps £100), then clear some of the double glazing loan (£100?). At the moment I am only putting £25 away for an emergency fund which I have had to use to pay for tyres this year. Perhaps doubling that to £50 would be a good idea. The odd £60 could be used for "any other items" because I've been caught out so many times with unexpected expenses for the children, mainly trips, course materials or extra travel costs e.g. Having to drive back and forth from home to school which doesn't sound much but it's 8 miles between home and school!

Honeysucklelou2 · 3 August 2017 at 11:25PM

I've had a slight spendy day today. The weather was dry so we made the most of it and got out for a picnic to our nearest Forestry Commission woods. They have lots of picnic benches, a Gruffalo trail that was free and a shallow river that the children love to play in. The only downside was the cost of parking - £6 for the day:eek: The children enjoyed the time spent there. We went for one of the pushchair friendly walks too which is always lovely. I even resisted the lure of the woodland tearoom. It was a huge temptation to go in and get a coffee, especially since I'd forgotten my flask:doh: we kept walking though. I know if I'd had a coffee the children would have wanted an ice-cream and that would have been about £15 spent.

After tea, DD3 came with me to keep me encouraged in starting the C25K programme. It was day 2 of week 1 today, so glad to have got to the end of the 30 mins!

Cherryfudge · 4 August 2017 at 12:08AM

Excellent news that you have paid off both loans! Happy dancing for you!

Well done too on starting the repayments to the member of your family and doing the C25K! So much progress...:j:j:j And the running does get easier. Just make sure you cool down and stretch afterwards or you'll ache madly and not want to go again.

Honeysucklelou2 · 4 August 2017 at 7:46AM

That's reassuring Cherryfudge, thank you. I have ached a bit but wasn't sure if that was just my body getting used to using various muscles. DD3 got me doing some stretches but I'll make sure I do them for the full cool down next time!

Hiddenidenity · 4 August 2017 at 3:41PM

Well done on the loans

BTW re Tax credits you can make the claim on the phone for single claims, it definitely was a lot quicker doing it over the phone? Maybe worth another phone call? Up to you of course.

Honeysucklelou2 · 4 August 2017 at 10:45PM

I think I might have to...when I spoke to the advisor last week, I was a bit bemused that he couldn't just sort it over the phone as all the children's names, DOBs, childcare details etc are all on file and I'e always updated / renewed by phone. They already have my salary details presumably from HMRC P60 info, so all that was needed was to start the claim as a single one. Bizarrely the payment he said wouldn't happen on Tuesday was paid and the promised paperwork hasn't materialised so I think I need to ring again to ascertain what's happening.

Honeysucklelou2 · 4 August 2017 at 10:48PM

Re the running, I might have to think carefully about the cool down stretches! When DD said to stretch, I stood up, bent and touched my toes and repeated 20 times. Not sure if the ache is due to the running or the dodgy stretching! Run 3 of week 1 is tomorrow!

Honeysucklelou2 · 4 August 2017 at 10:51PM

Had another lovely lazy summer day here. The weather was dry so we headed to the beach with a picnic. DD5 and DS2 were in and out of the sea, really having a great time. The toddler spent an hour just walking up and down the water and building walls with the stones. I love the carefreeness of the beach and hope my children carry the memories of such days with them into adulthood. My childhood memories are filled with beach days with parents, grandparents and cousins.

I did spend £5 today on parking and £4 on top up fruit and crisps for the picnic. We reused water bottles that had been washed out. I found my flask so will be prepared for the next picnic!

From debt to freedom...

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