Scrimping through the remains of September, Austere Autumn approaching, frugal friendly 'Fred

[Justanothermile]

Thought I'd make a new thread, I'll post on the old one and alert to its presence.

All are welcome, we are friendly folk.

You know what Girlie, I’d not even considered a childminder because there are none that collect from DS’s school (well, there’s one with a ridiculous waiting list ). But I don’t need a school collection for DD so that opens things up a lot. Thanks for reminding me of the bleedin’ obvious, I’ll see what’s around!

I know that some nurseries are great, I actually thought this one looked good for the over-2s, loads of time outside etc, but didn’t like the baby room at all. Very pokey and dark. It’s comparable to yours Em in cost but definitely not a Rolls Royce facility. Then again, the one DS went to is rated outstanding and had all the bells and whistles (amazing Garden, soft play room, great chef, Annabel Karmel apparently designed the menus personally 🙄, Forest school, people coming in to do music sessions etc) but when it came to it they let DS down badly. That really changed my view of them... SN are actually very common and frankly they were a shambles. I saw a very unprofessional side to the management too. So I suppose I am feeling a little cynical... also I just don’t know if a ‘crowd’ is what I want for dd though I do want her to spend time with other kids, maybe just in a smaller setting. There’s a local nursery that sounds great but is full and has a huge waiting list. I’m seeing another reputable one tomorrow though. Fingers crossed. Though they can’t do my preferred days.

Great news on the uni place Jam. Even if it’s not her top choice it’s always a relief to get one in the bag. You won’t know what to do with yourself next year! run, obviously . Btw, when I said it’s important to let go cheerfully I didn’t mean you have to actually BE cheerful, just that that’s what the dcs need to see! My parents were brisk but affectionate when seeing us off but I know now my mother would have been in bits... and I am sure it would be a wrench even for a sensible mum like you!

Spent c £20 on top ups today but I didn’t do a whole week’s shop with Ocado last week (because I had all the party food to accommodate and didn’t want to run out of fridge room). So I expected to spend a fair bit locally this week. Lemon sole and mange tout for dinner, yum. Might nip to Waitrose first and grab my JL order as I am excited to get it.

I’ve just photographed a ton of baby equipment to put on fb. Have some children's Christmas clothes I might pop on too. I am going to price to sell... I just need the space!

The annual testing seems to be something that varies by region TBH. I had to remind them about my postnatal test 🙄 so it was quite late.

Of course really I should’ve had annual tests since DS was born, because I clearly had GD then. But it was never diagnosed (just worked out because of his size) and I had no idea.

He didn’t say I was prediabetic TBF, I got the impression it was more of a pre-prediabetic if that makes sense! My mum is though and she’s quite unwell ATM which has been a bit of a wake up call.

More fool them cag they are commissioned to test women who've had GD annually. If they don't do it they don't get the money. Unfortunately you'll have to remember to ask for it to be added to your bloods each yeah. Luckily you have bloods and know how the system works but there'll be plenty of people getting missed because of shoddy GP practices.

My dc want new Halloween costumes this year. I HATE Halloween and really can't afford it.

Thanks Cag I'm glad that helped.

I had a quiet day, which was nice, and then bumped into a good friend in the street. My friend who went to concerts with me last year until we both got various lurgies over the summer. We're plotting to go to another one if we can both stay on our feet for long enough. Quite excited about that.

I know what you mean seacow the Caglets’ infant school was rated outstanding etc one of the highest regarded in the area etc, it was fine for DD actually she loved it, but DS, well “they let him down badly” is the only way to describe it.

Remember to allow for “new term germs” if you can when she starts (even if at a childminder) I wish there was some way of avoiding that sort of thing.

I am excited, Frugaleers of old may remember I did some typing and editing for an elderly lady who wrote a book, well she is going to be sending me the beginning of a sequel soon. Yay! It’s not just the money (I need to figure out how that’s going to work this time - last time she had already written the full book so it was just a set amount and then the same again for a second edit, but this time we are doing it as we go - any thoughts?!) but I’m getting to the stage of babywrangling where I really need to do stuff for me, as eeeeverything else is revolving round the Caglets. And I know working outside the home is a step too far (in terms of my physical limitations). But I need a boost as my self esteem is frankly a bit shit ATM.

Didn’t know that about commissions, that’s interesting. Yes, I only knew about the postnatal test at all because I joined the GDUK group on FB. I’m assuming I’ll get a letter or phone call soon asking for the test (as the endocrinologist is writing to the GP - he’s discharging me himself as thyroid is fine) so I will hopefully get a plan together then. For all I know the consultant just happens to be particularly keen on metformin or something, it would be a huge deal to go on it and I don’t want to be uninformed.

Thats odd Cag
I agree with Wreck 39 is fine

Glorious day and lovely sunny walk home .
Have really been enjoying these sunny evenings and racking up my step count .

Brilliant newsem so exciting !
Its gone so fast .
Catface will have a house and garden to patrol 🐯
Still havent found any boots .
Sorry to the frugaleer that was tempted by new boots
Might go to small posh market town nearby to have a look in a couple of smaller independent shops Thanks Wolf
Im prepared to spend more for good quality that lasts a bit .
Thats great news Jam to have one in the bag!
Alas those days are over and its just shelling out wads of cash and sporadic contact when they want something

Both my mum and grandmother had/have T2 diabetes so i guess it runs in my family. I'm aware that I really need to keep the weight off, although it is currently creeping up. If I overindulge in fizzy laces (which I love) I feel unwell.

NSD

Got my hours adjusted at work to reflect a 30 minute lunch break. So more money next month and still working the same as this month.

I love our childminder seacow. My DD2 does a mixture of cm and one day at nursery.

That's good north - our response from the call centre was quite confused as on the call they said 3 weeks and then a few days later we had a text to say expect an engineer between 4 and 7pm

Love a combi of CM and nursery sounds perfect. I'd love my littlies to do one day at nursery but the one they're signed up to will only allow 2 days minimum and it's just not affordable until the middle one turns 3.

On the frugaleers map I think I must be in Girlie's region based on her recent theatre ticket purchase!

I also need boots. Practical, comfortable and warm. I work outside for part of my day and walk to and from. Recommendations welcome!

Glad I was useful seacow 😁 dd went to a cm 2 or 3 days a week from 8 months and started nursery very gradually at about 2 and a half.

My dad followed the Micheal moseley blood sugar diet and came off all his diabetic meds, he had been on two lots at the time. The diet is basically going carb free and dramatically reducing your over all calorie intake which is no mean feat. I'm not sure I could have done it!

My pet insurance has been paid!! I was actually a bit emotional when I saw the money in my account. This was for the claim I made when boy cat was very poorly and then sadly had to be pts. It's £360 and that money will make a massive difference esp with being on sick pay this month.

Oh Girlie sad but welcome at the same time.
Its one if the things no one mentions about extra duty payments although I had heard the new deal protects it for lower bands .
Several of my friends rely on it to pay their mortgages plus they do "bank" just to make ends meet.

Good news about the money girlie for boy cat

Tesco have 20% off clothes from tomorrow apparently and the Tu starts 23 October. Sainsbury's defo include dressing up.
What do they want to be?

They just want something new they haven't had anything new for about three years but it seems such a waste for one night when I don't have any spare money!

Wreck can you challenge them to make an outfit out of things they already own this year - I’m thinking Adams family, zombie where’s Wally that kind of thing where normal clothes will suffice with a bit of make up

Thanks quite he did seem very insistent but no didn’t say it was being prediabetic, just that it was too high. Also though I do have risk factors - having had GD twice (possibly even with eldest too, looking back some signs were there), my DGM having T2 and my mum now being prediabetic, and he said I have signs of PCOS plus metabolic syndrome or something. So maybe it’s more of a preemptive strike as I’m such high risk.

Spoke too soon maybe re the house. Surveyors report arrived and there are 3 items which are of major concern (roof, garage roof and the drainage). Have emailed lawyer to advise and will send him a copy of the report in the morning. He emailed back straight away. He’s good this one.

I spoke to him earlier today and he said if we need to negotiate then we do that. With this stuff dh reckons we could spend another £20k putting things right. So if it comes down to it and we need to fix things then we negotiate the price.

My new account numbers from Lloyd’s have arrived. As well as a new debit card. Hooray. Have transferred money from my Hsbc ac to my Lloyd’s ac. And have set up a standing order to transfer across. Just need my internet banking authorisation to set up a Lloyd’s standing order and will be starting to get my money in order.

It’s Thursday tomorrow and I still have £16 in my purse. From the £50 I took out last Friday (£30 of that was for riding).

Have sorted out my drawer in the bedside cabinet too. Ditched some bits.

Hi all, I'd love to join you. I was on this group years ago under a previous name and you all spurred me on from being in debt to saving for a mortgage!

Currently sitting in my little house and realising I want to be frugal again! I'm trying to get organised and am realising how much money I might have wasted over the years buying things more than once because I didn't know where the original was!

Spend £16 in Asda today but it is payday so bought magazines, snacks and sweets for my young DNs who are coming to stay this weekend. They have never stayed with me before so I want them to feel a bit indulged. This was the first month in ages that I made it to payday without going into my overdraft.

That does make more sense Cag
Metformin is used in IR with PCOS .

Fingers crossed its all sorted em🤞

Welcome back Ibuilt

Hi ibuilt :)

Aaah thanks quite that makes more sense then. I’d never really considered PCOS but apparently the gynae symptoms do match up and I recall a couple of scans in the last few years saying I had lots of cysts. But had zero issues conceiving so never gave it a thought. Periods have completely fucked off again now though

Hi ibuilt and welcome.

I'm really really tired. Everything aches. Just got into bed and a twin woke up. DH is attending to her so I'm trying to stay awake until he comes back.

Spent £5 on top up shop today. Payday tomorrow and I still have money left even after I set aside some for Christmas. I am really pleased with that. I’d like to think it’s because of my skillful budgeting but suspect it might be luck

wreck when the kids are small it’s relentless all the things you need to buy. I don’t have so much of that now and it’s great, although what I do need to buy them cost a fortune.

Morning all. Pretty sure it’s payday at midnight which is a very good thing!
Have a lovely frugal day everyone

Morning!

I emailed lawyer last night. He responded at 830pm. He’s also sent an email this morning (530am...) about things. So he’s on it. He’s a good one. But I am concerned he may never sleep. (Also a reason I got out of lawyering - long hours...)

I’m feeling smug. My taking out cash not using my debit card seems to have been working. For the moment anyway.

My frugal goals to build up savings are:

• Pay myself first. So all savings money will go out on payday and to its relevant account.
• take out cash every week to cover known spends and a buffer of £10.
• leave credit card alone.

I read some of Alvin halls advice. Makes sense. Also read Dave Ramsey (who seems to make sense but also doesn’t at the same time - i get the debt repayment stuff with him, pay smallest debt off first whilst paying minimum on all others. Then move on to next smallest etc- but £1000 savings? That wouldn’t keep us afloat for a month. )

Anyway.

Today’s plans:

Nursery drop off
Seminar with breakfast at hotel
Then work
Lunch with friend
Coffee with prospective new client
Home for dinner
May hit the gym
Laundry away
Some life admin.

I need to follow up re my premium bonds. I sent all my docs but haven’t heard anything back for a while. Sigh.

Also still waiting for Lloyd’s online banking stuff to come through. Then I can set up a standing order to my savings account (already done the SO from my Hsbc ac to Lloyd’s current ac) and we’re all set.