Accounting for the pennies . . .

Sunset yesterday evening 

We have a well-used saying in our house that if you look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves.  Having said that, we look very carefully after the pounds, as well!

The prospect of buying another property has certainly made us look very closely at our financial situation.  It is not something we would have undertaken had we not been confident we could afford it.  That being said, we have spent considerable time weighing up our options, and looking at every possible way of financing this move.

I am immensely thankful that N is very money-savvy.  He has, over the years, found the best ways of investing, the best rates available and the best deals on the market.  With his guidance, I have also become far more conscious of making my saving work as hard as possible for me.  Combined with our philosophy of living withing our means, we are now in a position to buy another property without the worry of trying to sell the flat to raise the funds - that flat will go on the market, but not immediately; we need to live somewhere  while we get the new property into a fit state to live in. 

We have already done a lot of research into the likely costs we will incur in order to transfer the property we have under offer into the home we feel it could be.  We are not afraid of hard graft and the challenge of doing as much of the work ourselves as possible is one we relish and look forward to.  But we know that one of the most important aspects of such a renovation is to keep a very close and firm eye on the finances.  We need to account for every penny spent.  Enter the cash book and petty cash tin!

We recognise that we will need to maintain tight reins on the spending, setting budgets and sticking to them.  We know it's important to keep accurate records of where the money goes and what is due next.  We acknowledge that it will be 'fun' running two properties at once, keeping our heads above water whilst we do that.  It is definitely going to be a challenge!

My desire to be more organised is now more important than ever.  Each week I try to get a few more things into order, one or two more things better organised, something decluttered (I'm trying not to think too much about the loft and all it's goodies!!)  I feel so excited by the prospect, yet just very slightly daunted by it as well.  And I think we will need a hefty dose of patience to cope with the inevitable delays involved.  

Snowdrops in the sun on our walk today

I'm sticking very carefully to my daily lists and I'm making really good progress with various tasks and projects.  However, one thing I've found is that there isn't always much time at the end of the day to spend updating my blog, or indeed, browsing other people's blogs!  I think I must be content with achieving jobs to be done and forego time on the internet, just for the moment.  There's a balance to be had.  

Today is N's birthday.  He is, as he has been keen to tell me, now a 'Heinz baby' - you may be able to work out exactly how old he is now ;-O.   We visited the grand-children this morning, and then continued our walk along the front (such a lovely clear day across the water) and eventually ending up at the house we hope will be our new home, before returning to the flat.  All in all, a round trip of about 6 miles.  It was such a lovely walk.  

The quilting continues.  I need to stay really focussed on this project -  I would dearly like it to be complete by the end of the month.  That's pushing it - we have a lot of other things that need our time now - but I think it may be possible.

i had a lovely long chat with my 'little' girl last night, the really good mum-and-daughter sort of natter that is guaranteed to put a big grin on my face.  Lots of news to share.  The quilt is destined for a good home.