Familiar Friends in Frugality(Feb 24>)

[Happierwithouthim]

Frugal Friends Facing Forward with Fortitude http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/costoff_living/4957140-frugal-friends-facing-forward-with-fortitude

New thread

Have a fantastic day em hope your antibiotics have worked their magic

€24.80 on 2x pancakes with American bacon & maple syrup le yum

Great news re the pay rise em.

Ive had a couple of spendy days as I've been paid 😬

Ystd £100 in Aldi, needed to top up fridge/freezer and cupboards, should last two weeks.

£64 in the range, lots of stuff got the garden and new pots for the houseplants as they all need a size up.

Today £46 in Boots on toiletries, £10 on a garden ornament, £16 to dd, £8 Greggs for lunch.

Need to stop spending now until all the DDs come out and I can see what's left. Rent and council tax will be higher from next month so need to see what difference that makes..

Dd went out last night clubbing 😱 it was a late night for both of us as I couldn't sleep properly until she got in at 3am!

Wedding update.

DH didn’t come. He made it to the hotel then promptly threw up. Not fun.

I made it through the ceremony. And drinks. And then felt ropey during dinner. I didn’t eat anything. Had a couple of dodgy tummy times. 🙄

ds threw up on grandmas shoes.

dd yet to. But we came home. All in bed. All have a bucket. In case.

on the plus side. Dsis looked amazing. They are the most happiest. She is married. She had no idea what went on because we didn’t tell her until we left.

if I’d have known DH felt iffy we wouldn’t have gone. Or I’d have gone alone with the kids. But in hindsight I’m glad we were together. I couldn’t have coped with sick kids by my self.

Aah no em. Hope you are all getting better soon. Pleased dsis has a good day

em - Best wishes to you all for a recovery.!

End of March report.

As above, we managed to have the ISA vs savings for offset mortgage conversation, so, slightly nearer the deadline than I liked, we transferred money into the ISAs.

We'll have a horrible increase in the mortgage payment but it's better to have the money in the ISAs in the longer term. By July, between the ISAs and the savings, we'll have enough to cover the final mortgage payment when it's due.

After that, we need to ignore that money, and start to save for all the normal things (while knowing that the house is covered but not relying on it, IYSWIM).

Our expenses have gone up as we have additional relatives to care for. So, we just have to move on from here. Still no holiday on the horizon, just hard saving.

It's been so gruelling to get DH to this point that I resent that I don't feel better. But, it was literally when we went into lockdown in 2020 that I found out about DH/our debts. Since then, we've repaid those and by this Summer, we'll effectively have enough to pay off the house when the mortgage term ends.

I should be a lot more upbeat about March and able to celebrate achieving so much despite the lack of cooperation from my DH. And DH, has, this year, been able to have 2 very brief conversations about money which is huge for him. I realise that I resent it's taken so much out of me to get him to do the simplest thing. And, I've still timed out for this tax year on being able to persuade him to speak to the Future Pension Forecast people. And HMRC is due to close its helpline soon.

But, we have enough to pay for the house. No savings behind it, as yet, to cover for the usual financial shocks, but we can start that.

We're going into the new tax year in a stronger position than I'd have thought possible 4 years ago.

We’re all smushed on the couch. I blew up the inflatable spare bed bundled it against the couch to make a mega couch. I’m the only one who’s showered. Everyone else is in pjs. We’ve all managed to eat a little bit.

we’re exhausted.

messaged dm and she said that dgodmother who is staying with them is locked in their bathroom throwing up. Not booze.

we are feeling very guilty. I know it can’t be helped. And we didn’t know etc. but still can’t help feeling guilty.

im doing low/no spend April. I’ve set aside money for appointments. And don’t need anything for me.

These things happen - a year ago, we were poorly the night before my nieces' wedding. GS who started the whole saga, had travelled up with us was throwing up all over our hotel room and then passed the bug onto us. His sibling, DD and her DH were unknown to us fostering the bug while travelling up to join us.
We were in two minds as to whether we should sack the whole thing but it would have been eight people gone from what was a small wedding anyway. We did go along but kept our distance from other guests as much as we could and tables/seating were rearranged to keep the poorly ones away from everyone else.
Having joined GS in throwing up all night long - I left the meal half way through to go to our room as I felt so rough and dizzy. I then missed the rest of the do as did DH who was terrified I'd knock myself out in the very deluxe, shiny, slippery bathroom so wouldn't leave me. DD's DH was running out to throw up in between courses and GS was still off after his night with us. DD fell victim the next day as did GD - and we decided not to join family for further gatherings but we later heard that other family members were gradually disappearing off as they were poorly.
You want to do the right thing by keeping away but circumstances don't always allow for that. Hope you all recover soon.

It’s one of those things em. you were likely incubating earlier. It’s easy to feel guilty but it’s not like you were ill before setting off.

i understand that hack when you don’t feel you are as far as you want to. Fwiw you have done amazing well x

Happy Easter everyone 🐣! Sorry I've been MIA.

I've a lot of planned expenses coming up, so I've been juggling financial balls.

I had my appendix out a few weeks ago (unplanned medical expenses). Although I haven't been able to drive or do much for a few weeks, so I saved a bit of money on petrol and eating out and day to day expenditure etc.

Then I discovered that my NCT (MOT) had expired. So I had to book my car in for NCT and a pre-test service. Which was also unplanned expenditure, although I should have known it was imminent.

Anyway, I finally got proactive and I've been busy claiming back medical expenses from Revenue since 2020. We can claim back 20% of medical expenditure if it hasn't already been claimed back from a health insurance provider. This has been on my To Do list for ages. I'd already assembled all of the receipts, which was half the battle. It's actually more straightforward than I thought - you fill in a simple online form for each expense and attach a copy of the receipt. I'm hoping the expenses are all approved and the refund will cover all (or most of) the cost of the service.

I'm also due a pay increase and it should include a bit of back money. Fingers crossed it's processed soon.

Tomorrow I need to transfer money from the Credit Union into my bank account and order more home heating oil. My oil levels are low and I don't want to run out, because then I'll have to pay for a service to get the boiler going again.

On a positive note, my recent ESB bill was much lower than normal, thanks to the government electricity credit.

So, that's about all my news. I won't try to go back and catch up, but I'll try to keep up in future.

My lamb is roasting away in the oven and I'm looking forward to a nice lamb dinner (with plenty of leftovers for the freezer), some Easter egg and a binge watch of Normal People. DD is heading out with her friends tonight.

Tayto you can claim the remainder of a receipt from revenue if you've claimed from health insurance already

YouTube is your friend for bleeding boiler but my aim since I moved into this house is not to run out & avoid doing that!

Em what a horrible experience for you all but you didn't know that ye were brewing it. Rest up & get better.

€10 donation is all I paid for my day out today

Happy Easter, y'all. Hope the day is going well, even for those reeling from bugs (waves at em on her sofa).

We're having a quiet day, mostly gardening - well, clearing up the crud from the power-hosing sesh, repointing paths, weeding and mulching. So, outdoor housework really. But quite satisfying. The earth is still very sticky, cold and wet and a few of the plants put in last autumn have failed to launch - risk you run with 9cm pots - but a lot are doing well. I am almost at the point when I can put the new plants in.

The last few days have been busy, and spenny. Dinner out with friends, lots of entertaining at home for Fam, dispensing of chocolate from the Easter Bunny. DH has accepted the fancy and exciting job offer, so will be working his notice. I am very happy about this.

need, your stats sound amazing! what has been your training regime to get such great results? Well done!

Hack - you have done an incredible job of pushing water uphill regarding your DH and his blocks about money to get where you are. No wonder you feel exhausted and resentful, rather than celebratory. Hopefully the exhaustion will ebb and you will start to enjoy the feel of solid ground beneath you.

The slow-cooked lamb shoulder was a triumph, and I'm going to try making lamb pasties with the leftovers. We have homemade cheesecake, posh ice-cream, chocolates and wine left. I am not feeling at my metabolic best after all the indulgence of the past few days, but I will press on!

I’m UK Happier but wanting a long stay in France. Hope your money arrives soon I’m not sure how I’d deal with that sort of thing.

An eventful day em. Glad your sister had a good day. Sending speedy recovery wishes.

Nice to see you Tayto. Sorry about the impromptu surgery I hope you’re doing better now.

Spending has been £40 on a late lunch/dinner yesterday and £6.25 on a sandwich today.

Had a nice day with Flakey yesterday. They were late. The exhibition was OK but I’m glad I had free entry. I took the bus there and back so saved £6. Anyone have suggestions of how to get butter (yesterday’s lunch/dinner) out of clothes? Google suggests baking soda or washing up liquid. Bit hesitant as it’s a top I wore for the first time that I don’t want to make worse.

Not sure how I’ve managed to spend so much this week. And it’s not even April yet.

Recovered. Phew.

And it’s April.

rules for my low spend.

• buy it if I need it - as in actually need it
• meal plan/food prep/no waste
• if spends are planned then it’s ok - I’ve put aside money for riding for the next 3 Saturdays, for nails and waxing at the end of the month, my PT sessions.
• I have £100 in my Lloyds account for “fun spends” (coffee/lunch at work etc a lunchtime ice cream etc - spring has spring and the ice cream vans are back in st Helier!)

Morning.

Glad you feel better em, what awful timing. Such a shame.

Was wondering how the Flakey day proceeded rum, and if it happened at all!

It looks so good doesn't it Big the garden, when tidied. So satisfying. Great news re DH. As ever, your food sounds amazing, slow cooked lamb is to my mind the tastiest way to cook lamb.

Sorry to hear about the appendix tayto, and NCT expenses. You are very organised the finances.

I can totally understand those feelings Hack. Pushing someone who isn't as engaged when it's their responsibility too, taking the lions share is hard. And tiring, well done for persisting and getting to this stage.

Our spends have been tiny in general spends as we've had a quiet Easter, other than food shopping. Food expense was my indecision re what to cook for guests yesterday and buying various options. Non used items are in the freezer, so I hoping to claw back some expenses for future. Said freezer is at least full .

£23 present (I budget for presents)
£20 Amazon on a garden kneeling stool.

Menu plan.

I need to menu plan!!

Glad you have recovered em. I will try and join you on your low spend.

Today’s spending has been 28p on a card for sibling. Am in two minds about sending it.

Day one of freezer/cupboard eating has gone well. It was rice with paneer, vegetables and an assorted mix of condiments. Left overs for tomorrow. Considering a phone sock.

All direct debits gone out. Pending payment well pending. Skint now

April day 1. Nsd.

LSD. £14 Iceland. Milk. Apple juice. Bin bags. Soreen malt loafs.

Managed a NSD for the 1st but my hair straighteners have gone kaput!! So have ordered another set from Amazon - I'd had them six years - so can't complain too much.
Also ordered PJs for one of the GCs for a birthday later this week and need to to think about a nephews' birthday present for next week - if I do it today then can reduce my NSDs even if I am still spending!! Small things eh!! 😉
Have a day out planned with some of the GCs on Friday - but to ring the changes we are going by train as we always go by car. But rail tickets are already bought and need to settle up for the entrance tickets.
We had a day out with them over Easter but that went in March spends and was an astronomical pre-online parking charge of £12 odd plus tea out!!
Did a small Lidl shop yesterday £20.79 and will be making a list of freezer stores for menu planning. Being the holidays, we only have one GC tomorrow so no need to top up food stores too much this week and might be able to avoid it next week too. But no activities to pay for such as swimming and playgroup - so will be digging out the crafts box and paints for cheap free messy fun!!
Sat this morning and shuffled money around the bank accounts to cover bills and moved a chunk to savings. Some of it will probably get moved back but as long as some stays there at the end of April then all is good!!
Also have to admit to booking a holiday in May 😏for ten days!! But cheaper then, than twice the amount later on this year!! Well that's my excuse anyway!! 😎Need to work twice as hard now to put money back into savings!! 🤑

@Rainbow1901 what brand did you buy?

I bought the original GHD’s in 2007. They were around £120 then and as I’d just started work it was a huge spend for me. They’re still going!!!!

I'm cheap and cheerful - these were Remington and still on Amazon. I'm happy with them so went with them again - on offer £22!! 😊

Afternoon.

Spends £33 shopping. It appears DD managed to eat all the things I'd planned to use this week over the weekend.....!

£5 of which was a card and some tulips for a friends birthday.

Menu plan
Mushroom and black bean tacos with pea guacamole. Might have to add chicken for DH.
Cauliflower caponata, crusty bread
Lemon, prawn and butter bean paella.
Venison chilli.
Sweet potato dhal.
Lemongrass dhal if needed.
Black bean nasi goreng
Lemon risotto.

Today I will buy Udos Choice Super 8s for myself & dc, might need to top up milk as dm is staying and dc are at home too
Yesterday
€20 approx in Aldi food for home
€17.50 Spar ingredients for dinner at bf's house, there's things like curry paste that will be used again in that.

I had a good run of meals out in last week or so.

Thurs
Deli breakfast not envy, dinner
Fri
Dinner, will be reimbursed for this
Sat
Breakfast €24.80 Lunch Dunnes Deli poached salmon & 3 salads €5.95
Dinner BF paid
Sun
Soup at vintage day, no charge, delicious homemade soup 7 hours after breakfast!

In 11 weeks I'm going to New York for 4 nights with bf while dc are away with their df. I'm so excited

£92 in Aldi, should last 10 days, or longer if I can. All the DDs have gone out, bank account not looking too healthy, but still have to get the exhaust sorted on my car. Spending a few days with DD to help out with Easter Hols childcare, so will get it done next week.