Sunday, February 25, 2007

Not much to say

Its been quite a while since my last post, the main reason being that not much has happened in the way of my finances. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...probably good I think. There has been a bit of activity but mostly for small amounts. I've been on holiday from work for 10 days, and that always seems to be a bit more expensive than normal due to the dreaded DIY. Its quite surprising how much you can spend getting the odd tin of paint or bit of wood for those little jobs around the house. Still back to work tomorrow so that should be the end of that !
Once again time to get those finances in order for my monthly statement.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

A little tonic

Last month was pretty much all doom and gloom, but so far February has been fantastic.
First I had Natwest paying me my bank charges all back which was a very welcome surprise. I thought I would get them, but I was amazed by just how easy it was.
Today i received my cheque from selling my Tesco Save-As-You-Earn options. The price has been going up steadily just recently, but last week it jumped 30 odd pence and they were sold just after the rise. Thank - you very much.
SAYE has to be the best thing I have ever done. The max I can put in is £50 per month over 5 years and have 5 schemes going at the same time. This means I'm investing £250 per month and because it comes out of my pay packet before tax it saves a bit extra too. Plus I never miss it as I've been doing it so long that I have just got used to less pay. Its pretty much automatic investing.
The best bit is that working for Tesco ( one of the most successful British businesses of all time ) the share price tends to double over 5 years so its got a great rate of return too.

So.....£7000 certainly helps, its just a shame I owe the parents £5000 of it as they helped us out a lot when the youngest was born. Still, its my last instalment so next years money is all mine, Mine, MINE !!!

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Statement..... Month 1

Assets

IF current account £143
IF Savings account £500

Liabilities

Mortgage -£133,616
Natwest overdraft -£2365
Sky credit card -£3454

Total Net Worth £138,792

Monthly change -£1,092 (0.79%)
Cumulative change
-£1,092 (0.79%)

Summary

A spectacularly bad start to the project, but also a very unlucky one I think.

Benefits this month are that I have put aside £500 to pay for car bills ( MOT, service, Tax Insurance ) the first of which are due in march and usually go on the credit card so I am ahead with that bill. Also the great result with the Natwest charges, but The money isn't in my account yet!.
Concerns this month. Well, the bill for fixing the car hit this months credit card so that's £2K worse. And generally the number of things that have gone wrong around the house. New monitor, Sky to get fixed and the excess for fixing the roof on the insurance.
Do Next month. I need to get my pay transferred to the new A&L current account so I can take advantage of the 6.1% interest and ultimately close the natwest Account. Also I need to set up a monthly DD into a high interest account for 'Rainy Day' Money that will be left alone. Hopefully not much more will go wrong !