Finance Guru

Spending money is always fun. We've always been lucky with money since I married Merv. When it seems we  would never get ahead we would end up with an unexpected windfall.  Even Merv's employer once had too much money (really?) and every employee received a lump sum of over $3,000.  I think we received that twice.  My father's brother passed away and his estate was divided between his siblings.  My father had already passed away and his share was divided between us children.  I bought my first computer with the money.
This year we sold our house for more than I expected and bought a house a week later for a lesser price than advertised.
After settlement there appeared a great amount of money in my bank account.  "Oh spending money", I cried.  Admittedly I was not frugal enough and spent money on all sorts of things but nothing I would call wasteful.  A facial was probably the most extravagant thing I had, but the pleasure of having it outweighed the cost. I haven't bought new clothes, well just one pair of practical shoes for $34!  They were on sale.
Already I had to put a stop to endless supermarket shopping.  A bottle of milk turned into a $70 shop almost everyday.  Mel and I sat down and worked out a menu and a shopping list which helped reduce the excessive spending.
The house was a bargain but it only had one blind which was worth keeping. All the other windows needed new verticals, blinds and panel blinds.  All done.  Oh and there's a 'but'.  When I sat in the tiny lounge room with those fabulous new vertical blinds I realised the chunky lounge suite would have to go.  Wrong colour, too chunky and over twenty years old.  On the verge for council pick up it went.  Now new furniture is needed.  A rug for the lounge is also on the list.
Just days ago I found the perfect recliners (which rock!) compact size and the perfect colour!  We bought two, one for Mel and one for me.  Merv has his lift recliner chair, which is great for his needs.
We had no security but now we have Crim Safe on all the windows and doors.  The main living area was dark all day and we had a skylight installed.  Merv's ensuite bathroom needed gutting and redoing.  It is now a fabulous walk in bathroom. This coming week the team is coming back to renovate the second bathroom and tile the toilet and laundry floors.  Eddie the renovator suggested I upgrade the laundry and extend the floor tiles.  Hmmm more decisions.  Much more money. The list is endless. 
Only last week my brother in law Steve paved part of the front garden for better access for Merv's wheelchair.  It looks fabulous. 
I looked at my bank balance yesterday and wrote a list of the foreseeable future renovations and additions.  Then I checked the balance again! After settlement I had taken a large chunk of money and placed it in another bank account which generates a better interest rate.  That's great I thought.  Now I'm working out how much of that money is safe to use.  I could of course just stick most of it in a term deposit where my eager fingers would be unable to access it!  Sounds like a very good idea.
Most renovating ideas blow the budget and I suppose I'm not surprised mine has as well. 
Mel and I have decided to make a sandwich or a slice of quiche for a picnic at the foreshore instead of eating at cafes, which we have been doing once a week, twice at a stretch.  Another very good idea for keeping the money safely in the bank!
Now it is up to me to be a smarter person making our savings work for us while having the benefits of a lovely home. 

Fabulous new paving for wheelchair access

Compact Recliner Rocker for lounge bought 2!

Cleaning windows ready for Crim Safe screens