Jumping into July: Frugal Friends Financial Fun

[needastrongoneagain]

New 'Fred.

Very low spend couple of days.

£12 AdBlue but that's expenses.

Will be back to post fully later.

You did well Marthasmum London is expensive

Yes, I was pleased! The gig was quite emotional too. We went to see Fern Brady - not sure if anyone has heard of her, but quite a lot of her material is about her experiences of living as an autistic woman who was diagnosed in her 20s (she’s also written a
book about this). My DD was diagnosed when she was 17 and is also trans. There were 4 comedians and all were neurodiverse and/ or gender fluid and a lot of their material was about this. I found it quite emotional and also quite empowering to have some tricky topics ‘out there’…and also to be able to see the funny side of them! I know there are many of us with autistic children on the thread so hope this doesn’t offend anyone. It was quite thought provoking.

Hello all! Been off the thread for a while as away on holiday (France -wet, but lovely, if somewhat restrictive with Ddog - he was barely off the lead for 10 days, poor lad) and then trying to re-enter the atmosphere of normal life. Have not been sleeping well and struggling to get back into productive routines. But today the sun is shining, so I'm going to get out and walk properly and see if I can boost my mood like that.

I'm conscious that I am avoiding visiting Dparents, although I've spoken on the phone. Bit down about their situation.

Not much in the frugal news department - I managed not to overspend on holiday, have switched the credit card balance to a new 0% deal, which gives us the space to repay without too much discomfort, and the mortgage overpayments and savings are going OK. But the next few months brings more expense, apart from the obvious Christmas stuff. Off the top of my head:
window cleaning - about £60
boiler service - £140?

oven cleaning - about £100
home insurance - around £500 (due Jan, so putting money away now)
paint to complete various projects around the house - about £250.

Extra food costs - Christmas hosting, plus niece and her friend coming to stay for as-yet-unspecified period in January.

Also expecting a higher tax bill in 2024. And of course, we are now into heating being on!

I need a part-time job of some description next year. Something that I can do locally, that can earn me a bit of money without all being eaten up in tax, and which doesn't have me stuck in an office. Back in my single days, I used to generate extra income by hosting language students, but DH is against letting a room even on an intermittent basis.

Well, at least the season of frugal soups and stews is upon us! I will make a nice lentil and coconut one today.

Back in the office today. Thank goodness.

Afternoon.

Nice to have you back @BigSkies2022. Worth getting a gas service contract? Ours is about £15 pcm with British Gas and that covers an annual service and breakdowns etc. Lentil and coconut soup sounds fab!

That sounds like a good, somewhat cathartic night @marthasmum. I can imagine your Dd has had quite a time of it over the years?

@grannycake future proofing is very sensible indeed. My dad is struggling now physically and I wish they had done so.

All you can do is change your response to the situation, if you can't control the situation. Which is something I need to do with my family politics but don't manage it my anxiety is through the roof when I'd be better ignoring some stuff. Paragliding sounds amazing!

You are nearly there re the building work @HalfWomanHalfChocolate! Worth it I'm guessing? All the upheaval and stress.

Quite spendy here
£95 DH's birthday presents (two jumpers and socks!).
£200 food shopping but bulk buy online of nuts, seeds, etc that will last ages and some Christmas presents (posh teas etc).
£££££ decorators who started today (budgeted)
£30 spices (a year's supply and I cook a lot)
£30 huge tray of chocolate oranges for DS for Christmas (budgeted)

The usual therapy costs etc for DH too, which I account for monthly.

This time of year gets expensive doesn't it?!!

Hope everyone is well.

BigSkies from your post dogwalking stands out to me as a part time job but depends on your location I guess.

Marthasmum kinda of bittersweet to see that comedian and her show I'd imagine.

I'm back in my own bedroom after the renovations and having my dm to stay during the midterm, I slept like a dream last night. When I woke I'd almost forgotten about en-suite and was about to make my way out to the hallway. My carpet is so lush underfoot I'm delighted I went with the more expensive one.

Yesterday wasn't a NSD after all
Dunnes €79.43 utilising the €10 off €50

Sorry, one of my comments about controlling the situation was for @RumBananaSundae 😊

A frugal trip martha. Glad you had a great weekend.

Being back is always an adjustment Big. Do you mind sharing your soup recipe?

Thank you need. You are right. I'm learning to take a step back and trying to respond and not react. Not sure how that’s going to play out during the actual mediation. I’m so utterly exhausted by the last two or so years I’ve developed something of a sharp tongue when I’m annoyed and my tolerance is nonexistent. Am very excited by for the paraglide. I’m hoping for good weather so I can actually do it.

Spending today has been about £75 topping up my travelcard, 45p on some rice and £2.75 on some mince pies. If anyone is tempted by the brown butter and rum mince pies in Asda save your money.

Rum this is a most difficult time but you'll get through and come out the other side.

I failed to get Bruce Springsteen tickets this morning.

Today I paid €2k off cc which was house renovation spends & 70% of the cost of Bryan Adams tickets, this has brought the balance under €500

Thank you for the kind comments. You are right happier, it was a bit bittersweet. DD is settling really well at uni but there are more challenges ahead I think.
Sorry to hear you are feeling anxious need. That’s really understandable with all you have on your plate.
Sounds like a very stressful time too -rum. Obviously I don’t know the full situation but it sounds like there is a lot of history. It must be very frustrating when you have to sit through something you just don’t feel will
be helpful.

£102 at Aldi, more than I’d budgeted but got a fair amount for that. Tried to arrange worm
and flea meds for the cat and dog and apparently I have to take them in to be seen before they will prescribe. That’s not unreasonable on their part but a pain in the bum for me. The cat is a rescue who absolutely hates the vets. It takes me 1.5 hours to get there and back and be seen, and although I’m working from home this week and could go, I’ll end up working in the evening yet again to catch up. DP doesn’t drive so can’t take them (I could make him go on the bus but that feels a bit mean on the pets).

Hello Rum. Sounds like you are on permanent high alert, which must be difficult. I'm sorry - hope it improves soon. As for the soup, it's a bit of a whatever I have around and want to use up. Today's version was:
Finely chop an onion, a couple of garlic cloves, some ginger root, half a red chilli and fry them in a heavy pot/sizeable saucepan together in some olive oil with a good teaspoon of turmeric and the same of ground cumin, and a bit of salt. Don't let them brown, just soften. Add about 100 - 120 grams of red lentils and stir into the aromatics so they're coated with oil. Add a litre of chicken/vegetable stock and simmer until the lentils are collapsing (about 15-20 minutes). Add a tin of coconut milk and continue to simmer until it's reduced a bit.

I also sliced and fried some onions in butter until caramelised with some broccoli tenderstem tops with some sesame seeds (mustard seeds are nice as well) and added them to the soup when I ladled it into the bowls. I had an elderly lime as well so squeezed that on top.

Happier, how brilliant to be able to start enjoying your renovations after all the work! have a good lie-down on that carpet! As for dog-walking, I will investigate, but I get the impression that, rather like yoga teachers, the population in my neck of the woods is pretty over-provided with dog walkers, some of whom boast animal care qualifications (as opposed to just liking dogs and being energetic, sensible and indifferent to mud).

Bed time for me. Hoping for my own good night's sleep after a not-great one last night.

@marthasmum I buy my dogs prescription flea treatments on https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiBvurwkrGCAxVY-e0KHZbCC4IYABARGgJkZw&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuqKqBhDxARIsAFZELmLQzLxCueeszfS_1r09WhglbxDlaclaKKJhFI4hiEW0UEmlBTO_JqMaAi6BEALw_wcB&ei=-MlJZdmnM4-zhbIPwZa76As&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVuD2QwHt5-jKDm5Xtkp76tXYsuKb0LR5hAqkOyOo-uz-LGuuEiwMsrA46UUgvtQ90FUoFItPzLjN94IjFBltwpIXjCXHNrgS1eYYBZVFf_j_UQBWtyYh&sig=AOD64_0gzmd9-PDMAjt2Wm3w3tPGdYMyCA&q&sqi=2&nis=4&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjZg-XwkrGCAxWPWUEAHUHLDr0Q0Qx6BAgPEAE

They ask if you have a prescription but don't ask you to upload it. If you know the brand of flea treatment you want it works out much cheaper - we use Advance and buy 12 months worth at a time

A colleague got Springsteen tickets this morning. Jealous.

I however. Had a “coffee and a chat not an interview definetly not an interview” yesterday.

then had an email today which said “hey hope you don’t mind but I threw your cv to the department head and he wants to do a second interview with you. Free Friday afternoon?”

ao this has escalated very quickly. But yay.

im now thinking terms. I’ve said to DH I’m going to say my salary range is between £28k more - £34k more than my current salary. I don’t want to give my salary details here. But I’m underpaid. By a lot it seems per market rates.

I want to wfh 2 days a week. I’m happy to go full time again if this means I can do it. I need to do school run. Hence the 2 days wfh. I can do pick up and the kids can chill. They’re not as needy now.

so we shall see. But yay.

have spent £190 in next. Two pairs of jeans (which will go back tomorrow as I got the wrong sizes), pjs for the kids (£60 transferred from joint ac for these) and a pair of ankle length suede cowboy boots (gift voucher).

I’ve ordered the jeans in the right sizes from next online. So will refund the too big pair.

Go for it em good luck Friday.

I've bought some coconut cream today, may try a lentil and coconut dish big.

The Springsteen tickets would be brilliant, don't think I dare look to see if he is up North!

£12 Lidl.

DDs Christmas presents came yesterday. She uploaded stationary, skincare and earrings to Amazon, I said no changing your mind, locked down the account (so she can't see what's been ordered) and got the lot in one go. Not ever done Christmas like that before but she has such a clear idea of what she wants. Was around £170 but I had £110 in credit after a refund. DS will be matched in a mix of clothes and money and they'll both get stockings.

Em wow that's brilliant, hopefully tomorrow will go well and they give you an offer you can't refuse!! Would your current employer match to keep you or are you not interested even if they do?

Kessie I can't recall what age your children are, I'm guessing teenagers?

This year is first year dd is a non believer so I must manage her expectations as well as find out what she's looking for. I think ds won't be too far behind her, he's 3.5 years younger but very clever so it's possible this might be my last year. I've bought him a bike for his birthday tomorrow €220 and will need to pick up a helmet as well for him. He has a list done for Santa but ex has it.

I've 27th Nov booked off due to ds being off school and he'll go to his dads at lunchtime so that afternoon is going to be Christmas shopping day, it'll be the Monday after toy show so I might see what sparks his attention then.

In 2013 I started scanning documentation and saving bills etc to my Google Drive to get rid of clutter. When moving house I cleared out filing cabinet of any documentation before that. Now I need proof of address from 2007/2008! Hoping old mortgage company will come up trumps

half it would be beneficial for everyone involved if they matched it. I have a months notice to give (industry standard is 3m….contract mishap) my clients would suffer. The team would suffer. We’re stretched as it is.

however I doubt they’ll see it this way. I’d definetly ask though.

I can’t take clients with me - there’s a 12m tie in per my contract. But that goes in nicely with my boss who has worked with my clients for around 20 years retiring. I’m 10 years into the relationship. So they could follow in time.

The other side of the coin is, you're on an island, limited pool of possible employees, how difficult will it be to replace you?

€124 refund from my VHI for endocrinologist app, balance uploaded to Revenue, think I should get €25.20 from them.

Will hold any remaining receipts I have for 23 and upload them to revenue in January.

happier DS is 17 and DD 12. She told me very solemnly two years ago she knew the truth, almost like she was delivering the news to me 😂. DS a bit longer, maybe 12 before we had the discussion but he stayed quiet for DD and I think loved the magic.

Going to try to be frugal with lentils and coconut later. Out getting eyebrows threaded and skincare / makeup purchases but I've saved about £16 I think. Will report spends later.

he’s at SoL kessie but the tickets will be sold out now I imagine and were £143 standing.

do it em. Start negotiating high

Em, great work on the networking/not-interview/might be offer imminent! I save up examples like these to encourage DS as he's starting out on his working life.

Frugal food continues: last night we had a Yotam Ottolenghi thing with celeriac and tomatoes, followed by baked bananas. Tonight I'm doing French onion soup with gruyere toasts followed by baked plums and blackberries.

Frugal fail (but possibly going to be rescued with returns): I ordered some items from COS (I know, I know, but we have a posh dinner this weekend and I needed something with a bit of a zing, and ended up putting a couple of other items in as well). But look at how poor this jumper is! this is supposed to be a mid-weight merino. It looks nothing like the pics on the sodding website. I was so annoyed I rang customer services and I now have 20% discount on the next purchase. Haven't yet decided about the remaining items, will try them later.

Other frugal moves: have decided to grow my greys out and stop paying to have expensive, smelly chemicals put on my hair every 2 months. I'm about 3cm in so far, so quite a way to go before I emerge as a silver fox.

Ah I'd have loved to have gone to SoL to watch him life but I'd need seating lol. I'd hope in 3-4 years time I'm in a position to do all the concerts and holidays, but right now I'll not look!

Spends today:
Boots £16.95 got 3 for 2 on makeup and somehow £10 off and a £10 voucher towards next purchase.
Ebay £12.99 Body Shop Carrot Cream moisturiser. The Body Shop have stopped selling this and one of my other favourites, the factor 50 Vitamin C cream. Anyway, I saved around £9 getting it on ebay as Body Shop creams are around £22 now!
Eyebrow and chin thread £15 hate getting it done as its not comfortable, but feel much smarter ready for the office tomorrow.
£29 Asda on way home.

Tried a lentil and coconut Dahl, absolutely lovely, thanks big for the idea. Four portions made up, my new healthy comfort food. 😋

Seating was even more £££ kessie. I looked at SoL as on l I’m not far from you. Next time around we will combine a holiday and a gig 😉

that’s shit north.. good luck growing the grey out. Bet you will look super elegant for your do.

Thank you granny I’ll take a look at that.
lots of frugality going on! I’ve had a ridiculously busy week so far so been frugal by not leaving the house much! £65 on football boots for DS1 but that was put aside and he’s had a really good week engaging much better with college. £4.25 on coffee for me and chocolate for him while taking DS2 to football training.

Sounds very exciting em. Will you have to absorb a more demanding workload or is it just that your current employers are meanies and you’re trying to balance up? I’ve only ever worked in jobs with fixed pay scales so the whole negotiations thing is new to me.