At Home: Budgeting & other chat.

[@coastaljan6193]

Thanks for the financial reminders, Vivi. Your chats encourage me to stay on track. And, congratulations on sending our 59 parcels. That's exciting.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers lovely. 😊

[@cherylprice1790]

You are so organised, Vivi. Its great to see and very inspiring. Roll on spring, and we won't be putting the heating on ❤

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahaha...it's chaos corralled. 😉

[@ruthpilkington9087]

Looking forward to that book Vivi!😊 You've got all your practical ducks in a row.🎉

[@MrGaladrial]

Another one here who likes cinnamon in porridge, but I also like a grated apple and sultanas. Lovely!

[@debbieframpton3857]

I don't remember if you said once you move are you within walking distance to shops

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yes, absolutely......that was part of my 'must haves'. 😊

[@kerrybyers257]

For sweetness, in additional to cinnamon, you could try a little grated apple or unsweetened apple sauce too. You appear to be slowly re-sculpting yourself…..must say you’re lookin’ good, Vivi!

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely. 😊

[@creativelauri]

I love doing my budget each year. I feel better when I know where I stand. I hope your friend is no where near the Los Angeles wildfires. They've been burning for 20 days, so many acres, homes, lives have been lost; it's been heartbreaking.😢 On a positive note, for your new home, you could always install an overhead fan. It'll keep you cool in the summer and in the winter, you reverse the direction and it pushes down the heat. I have super tall ceilings and it really helps. I'm sure you already know that but just a suggestion.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Thank you lovely.

[@BriansJerseygarden]

Vivi i thought of you this morning i said Vivi will have a vlog and you did it was absolutely lovely,i loved how you opened it sitting at the desk/dresser Have a wonderful day 💗

[@WhatVivididnext]

Aww, thank you lovely....and you have a grand day too. 😊

[@grumpy_poo]

Those tea bags ( mixed box ) go on my shopping list each month...I used to like another one which was turmeric and ginger but went off it then tried the mixed box... like you I was a convert. Twinings are much better than the Pukka... I like my porridge, made with water and a splash of milk... That's it... enjoy your calendars!

[@WhatVivididnext]

I've been so pleasantly surprised by this mixed box....like you I'd tried the Pukka ones before and wasn't that keen....but this one has been lovely. Especially the strawberry - who'd a thunk it?!

[@susanlamb7431]

Lots of words of wisdom here! I hate paperwork and being cold…..hope you’ll be warm in the new place.

[@beverley1539]

Hiya Vivi, Thankyou for the visit. Lots of great advice. Agree cinnamon on any cereal is yummy use it on my Rice Krispies. Take care Luv Southern Ontario Canada where it’s blowing a whoolie as you say❄🌬☃

[@WhatVivididnext]

It has been a delicious revelation to me! 😊

[@cynthia57169]

Yes, mom, I’ll get my desk to look like yours very soon. Thanks for the push. Enjoy your calendar. It’s charming.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahaha....have fun desk sorting. 😉

[@cynthia57169]

@ the paper recycling box will be at my side. It’ll be good to clear away and tidy up. Receipt for warranty, which has expired? Out. Old bills that are cleared? Out! Newsletters and charity requests, read and act. Calm and refreshed. Time for tea.

[@WhatVivididnext]

@@cynthia57169 Yay, good on you lovely. 😊

[@StevieWeevie66]

I'm looking forward to seeing your new flat Vivi. Hope it sorts out ok xx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh gosh me too!!!

[@angeladavies1665]

House insurance, my mother's cost reduced when I told them she had a house alarm. It was only a DIY kit alarm set but paid for itself. Also in our area, we can put shredded paper into a cardboard cereal box or a paper bag, then we can put it in the recycling bin. Hope this helps 😊

[@treaveleslie2126]

Be Clever with Your Cash is also a good KZbin and podcast. Covers best savings accounts and bank switching. 10/10

[@WorkingWalls]

Hi Vivi. I think you would make a great life coach! You're so pragmatic about in the way you think about things. I can imagine you doing a segment on a talk show where you offer advice on a viewers question! x

[@WhatVivididnext]

Aww, thank you lovely. 😊

[@mae9064]

@WorkingWalls I agree 😊Vivi would be a great life coach

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Yes write a book for women esp single ladies. You are a strong very capable lady and you encourage me. I ask questions as comforts me in my situation

[@ShirleyBonner-Jones]

Totally agree there are also programmes on decluttering budgeting etc

[@isobelsmith6999]

Vivi, talking about your new home made me wonder if you'll be closer to some places that will be useful to you, but which you've had to catch buses to for years? And also I've meant to ask (ever since you announced you'd found a flat!), will you still be able to get to your wonderful ironmongers, and also, avail yourself of Gary's lavender? I do hope so! 🤞

[@isobelsmith6999]

PS Save these for a Q&A if you'd rather 💜

[@WhatVivididnext]

Everything that I will need on a daily basis will be in walking distance.....but some things will still need a bus ride..... 😊

[@yvonneevie5926]

now that ive moved from a 3 bedroom to a 2 bedroom i dont have to pay bedroom tax now so that will now save me 1,415 pounds and 52pence a year 😀🤑 which now will go stright in my savings 🤑 and im also debt free and have been for years 😀 if i want something i save up for it...i enjoy doing that ... the trill of getting something you really want and you have saved hard for it...cant beat that feeling 😃

[@WhatVivididnext]

Absolutely! 😊

[@martynbradley2166]

Hi Vivi. Lovely insight again, thanks. Would you not benefit from a water meter at your new place? Ours went down from £68 a month rates to around £23 per month and that is two of us. M x

[@WhatVivididnext]

Quite possibly......there might even be one there already.

[@angeladavies1665]

I agree. My water bill is now £15 and a few pence per month for one person since I switched to a water meter. I've had my meter for years, before last years increase, it was £12 😊

[@debbieframpton3857]

In the states I pay between 76 and 78.00 a month for water flush tax and garbage pickup the garbage pickup itself is $25 a month that's for two people

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Would you start putting money aside for a new boiler ie like 4k as lots to find?

[@WhatVivididnext]

I do that via my emergency fund.

[@DianeBaseden]

Lossiemouth is in a town called Moray in Scotland xx

[@hopesprings7812]

Aw Vivi I hope the move gets a move on 😅 Since I've had my stoma I've been having tinned fruit in fruit juice ( as recommended by stoma nurses)on my daily bowl of porridge, also feels like having a pudding 😊

[@WhatVivididnext]

Mmmm, that's a lovely way to start your day. 😊

[@AlisonGreenValleyCrone]

Porridge - try raisins and cinnamon - if leave to soak overnight get plump raisins and the warmth of cinnamon - yummy !

[@WhatVivididnext]

I'm loving it with just the cinnamon. 😊

[@cherylprice1790]

I have ordered some magnesium tablets and some vitamin K2 to take alongside vitamin D3. Plus b group vitamins. Good luck with the sleeping.

[@MoonSpinners]

Great video Vivi, I had to just say about the post, I had a letter today and it’s the first bit of post I’ve had this entire month! I’ve no idea what’s been going on. Very strange. ❤

[@WhatVivididnext]

Wow, that's bonkers! I hope it settles back to normal for you soon.....and for me here.

[@MoonSpinners]

@@WhatVivididnext …me too. Fingers and toes crossed 🤞

[@SuperNorini]

Keeping this for peak viewing before bed. 😂❤😂

[@WhatVivididnext]

Haha....I hope I won't give you nightmares. 😉

[@SuperNorini]

@WhatVivididnext funny!

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Washing machine costs lots I am amazed so being more careful not to have so many loads a week. How many do you do? Do you have central heating in your new place? I ask questions as helps me . Thank you x

[@WhatVivididnext]

Yes, there will be central heating. I do six loads of washing a month.

[@cherylprice1790]

Your calendar is lovely.

[@WhatVivididnext]

I'm so pleased with it......so cheerful. 😊

[@joannelandriault7715]

Yes, the dreaded annual budget! I did mine two weeks ago. Next it will be gathering paperwork for tax time. Like your new wall calendar. It will dress up your kitchen. Until next time. Stay warm.🌟❤️

[@WhatVivididnext]

I love the new calendar.....so jolly. 😊

[@dinglehopperdaydreamer9882]

Thanks for the chat lovely xxx

[@WhatVivididnext]

Cheers lovely. 😊

[@c.oreilly1387]

Hahaha, I always say 'Allo Vera that way too. I also can't hear the word "adamant" without instantly getting a vivid mental image of Adam Ant. 😂

[@WhatVivididnext]

Hahaha....and now 'Prince Charming' is going to be my earworm for the rest of the evening. 😉

[@mae9064]

@@WhatVivididnext ✊& he was charming & handsome 👑

[@karenbransome6978]

Definitely a paper backup person. I don't trust the electronic file system I love cinnamon on my porridge 🎉.

[@WhatVivididnext]

I can't believe how good my porridge tastes now.....despite the lack of sugar. 😉

[@patassion]

Visited hubbys family in England in October. Each morning woke up freezing cold. You live a much colder life then us here in west coast Canada. We have cheap hydro power and I think we are lucky.

[@WhatVivididnext]

It's the damp that gets to me.

[@lynnoorman2144]

Indeed you are very lucky! Electricity and gas are expensive here - and have gone up in price recently

[@patassion]

@@lynnoorman2144 when we visited in October it was like everything was twice as expensive as Canada. Yet everyone goes out to eat a lot.

[@WhatVivididnext]

@ That's an interesting perception as none of my friends eat out much at all.....save for a special treat like a birthday or anniversary....

[@patassion]

@@WhatVivididnext ok more like Canada in that way then. Maybe just while we were there.

[@sharonpalmer8844]

Not sure if you’ve heard but the new government are talking about getting rid of the single occupancy in the council tax so maybe have a buffer

[@jensissons5709]

Date sugar is 100% dried dates made into powder. Its great on porridge.

[@WhatVivididnext]

But it's still a form of sugar. I love the cinnamon on its own. 😊

[@Patricia-ii9md]

Love Martin Lewis.

[@bloodmoon1956]

All my bills are paper Vivi. I could do it all online but I do really prefer paper 👍

[@lyndakling901]

Me too. I refuse to share my bank account details…once the take the money out it’s almost impossible to get it back if they make a mistake.

[@Pocketfullofpebbles.]

Is this one of the reasons your buyer was hesitant, the fact that the flat was a leasehold and not freehold, is that the reason for ground rent, sorry not a homeowner?

[@WhatVivididnext]

My buyer wasn't hesitant....snapped it up within minutes of viewing. Leasehold is VERY common here for flats. Yes, it's the reason for ground rent and service charges.

[@sarahkennedy1481]

I do admire you do efficient in a home. You beat me. My boyfriend wants me to put all bills only on computer but I prefer paper.

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Predictive and spellchecker change words should do the word so

[@cherylprice1790]

As another person comme tes, you would be fab as a counsellor such as CAB.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Aww, thank you. 😊

[@Lleg8292]

Raisins or banana in your oats make it sweet

[@WhatVivididnext]

It's gorgeous just with the cinnamon. 😊

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Citizens Advice pt role may suit you

[@karencatalano4349]

I love your country, I just don’t understand how you have to without heat to save money,but the royals have so much money and there still making a lot of money. Why can’t they not take so much and put it back in there country

[@beverley1539]

Hmm some research needed? By you karen. 🐝🇨🇦👋🏻

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@ibislife]

I just went through all my bills. I have cheap insurances through my trade union. I checked online if I could find any better deals, but it seems I have already a good deal. The electricity provider is the same. I have a company phone, so the next thing was my internet. I have fiber internet, and it is expensive. I live remotely, so no other solutions, the wireless 4G/5G doesnt work, I have bad connection here on my phone. I called the internet company, and they said I could save about £18 per month if I would bind myself to them for a year. Which I did. A little savings is better than no savings! 🙂 I have just invested in a heat pump. It keeps my home warm and comfortable, without breaking the bank (except the initial investment), my electricity bill is not higher than with the old electrical heater,and it keeps the whole house warm. Maybe look into something like that?

[@Glory3823]

i got one of them in a charity Shop 🤣i have got a New electric one i needed when i had horde of papers i had to shred that went back before my Husbands death ‘ now for small things i use the little one 💞💞

[@JennyGunston-uh5og]

I had that when my husband died. I couldn’t believe how much he kept.

[@Glory3823]

@ 💞💞💞mine was all DhS ect and his pension stuff but it mounts up over the years how long have you been a widow my love died on 30/12/2017 he was 67 i miss him so very much 💞💞

[@JennyGunston-uh5og]

@ he kept school reports, 40 years of tax returns, house purchase details

[@Glory3823]

@ wow had none of that we have never owned property we lived off social because of his ill Health 💞i rent from housing association never learned to drive or had a pass port 😊i am 66 now

[@lilred312benett6]

I pronounced 8 out of 12 cities wrong. I'm just thinking back to when I visited London and took the train about. I imagine it made the locals cringe with my American accent and mispronunciations.😮 I'll get it right next time.

[@WhatVivididnext]

Haha.....don't worry.....we do have some rather peculiar pronunciations. 😉

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Can you get council tax help with low income but lots of savings in the bank ie over 16k? Benefits naff if savings over this, which is so unhelpful x

[@kathrynhall4775]

💜⭐️💜

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Blimey! My basic bills for a v small house is huge. My c tax single supp monthly in South East is 120pcm

[@kasandrabrown8611]

I saw your gift of eggs. In some places in the US, eggs are selling for $14.99 a dozen

[@WhatVivididnext]

Wowzers......although....hmm....I have no idea how much they cost in the UK.

[@The.Vintage.Button]

Oo hadn't thought of neighbourhood watch for insurance.

[@WhatVivididnext]

I don't know if it makes a difference but definitely worth asking/mentioning. 😊

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Do bills not scare you re your sporadic income?

[@WhatVivididnext]

No, because I budget for them.

[@Glory3823]

i pay all on Line its easier now i used to years ago pay at the post office or at the sweb shop for the Electric and BT it was good when you could go right to the company pay there and then ❤now everything has to go through the bank any way i prefare getting my bills by email now i can not always get out with fibromyalger some i days i can hardly walk now i am on my pension i try to prepay EDF before its due as you can do that on line instead of waiting for the bill i only have direct debit for virgin internet (no TV and for a few others but i pay EDF each month when the bill comes it worked out cheeper as direct debit was higher and as you know often they would increase this way i know what is what and water i do pay monthly

[@ErnieCG]

I have the album cabaret and Liza Minnelli is singing the Chelsea song

[@WhatVivididnext]

Great album. 😊

[@christinebrush4399]

Check out Living on a State pension. Tania is awesome!

[@WhatVivididnext]

I still have a decade to go before I get the state pension....which is double what I live on now! I'll feel rich. 😉

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Are you moving to a less desirable area I.e, to be able to move from a small studio to a flat? 😢

[@WhatVivididnext]

No.

[@marilyn9155]

Great singing voice !!! Very dramatic ! Speaking of Christmas cards 😱😱!! Hopefully mine will arrive before you move ! I used the “ Vivi’s kitchen garden “ address as I had in the past 🤷🏻‍♀️ Love the mushroom on your desk … magical little creatures, are mushrooms, aren’t they? I have a few. Interesting - I hear that a lot of Americans are looking in to moving to NZ , Australia and UK . Seriously wish I were one of them ! I’d choose England in a NY minute if I could. Yes, my bills are all going up and I need to redo my own budget . Very , very scary. You’re on the right track , my friend . Yep. Cinnamon in oats each day . Love it.

[@WhatVivididnext]

The mushroom is made with fused glass and a turned oak base.....my cousin makes the fused glass. I love it. Hopefully my PO box will start working now I've made the call.....

[@marilyn9155]

@ beautiful. I love fused glass ….❤️🍄

[@sarahkennedy1481]

Have you checked the person above you nice?