a sigh of relief

Good news this morning. I have aside enough to pay the crucial part of the tax bill.  Its in an accessible savings account, where I can easily transfer it to pay the bill, but also where I can't accidentally spend it.  I also seem to have spare to cover part of another overdraft which is excellent as I do hate to pay interest.  And we got the payment from a job from November.  Which means we have something to live on.  Hurrah.  On top of that we got a surprise payment from the tax credit people.  I do not understand how they work out what they work out.  But I do believe that this is their final decision so fingers crossed they don't ask for it back. Though you never know with them.

Am in the gallery today.  With internet connection.  Which means I can write this.  But also means I am less likely to do the receipts, which I brought in to do.  Still.  Am feeling much more positive about the whole situation.  It is annoying to have to emtpy a savings account.  But seriously not the end of the world.  Amd actually, looking back on this (already!) I am quite pleased that I have managed to save that money up to support us right now. 

Here is to a financially resplendent 2012.  And a final note, is that Hub and I are communicating about this.  I know that sounds quite ridiculous.   But it's not.  Its crucial and important and vital.  It has been a tad bumpy and no doubt will be so again.  But its all open, facing issues eyes wide open and positive outlook in our house.  Its what I call progress.

Am reading a very interesting e book about finding time to be creative.  Its interesting to me on 2 accounts.  1. its what we do at People Who Do 2. its aimed at creatives which is specifically what I want to do.  And reading it, I know a lot about this topic now. 

and lastly can I say that last 2 mornings I did get up early and do my Yoga.  Yes I feel good about myself.

ouch

We just got our accounts back for 2011 and we had a nasty surprise.  These days, in the UK self employed folk have to pay their tax in advance.  Only, this new rule, because of me not working much as a new mum, and Hub's first tax  year being only little because he was only half self employed this has only just hit us.  Obviously its not so bad once it has started because when we get to our tax bill next year, we will have paid most of it.  But the first year it kicks in, suddenly you are paying your income tax twice.  OUCH.  I am still kind of reeling from the shock actually.  Its a little like having the rug, or should I say, cushion, pulled out from under you.  Luckily we do have some savings which means that we are not going to have to go into debt over it.  But seriously.  There goes our cushion.  All that work I have done to shore ourselves up, and have something to fall back on, oh, and you know, in case something happens, or if the mortgage rates should go up and all.....  And kind of really annoying is that this is for Hub's income tax, and it will be a lot of my savings that are going to cover it.  Ah, marriage. 

As I write I am realising that it is GOOD that we have those savings there.  But in January we will be back on austerity measures as we scramble our way back to even keel.   Hub, thank goodness, is upbeat, positive and determined.  I am so very glad he is.  I am feeling really rather like 1 step forward 2 steps back about it.  And also a bit scared.  Perhaps this is all a good thing.  A fire under us, so to speak to start the new year with a rocket under our tails.  At least my work is going well.  Am picking up a lot of assisting gigs and the aim from their side and mine is that I start delivering the Productivity training in February.  OR at the latest early March.  That will help. 

Hub says that we should just enjoy Christmas and kick in with vigour in the New Year.  Its true that neither of us are likely to get any work over the Christmas period.  Now I am wishing I put more effort into promoting my Portrait business!  Anyone want a Portrait done?? Lovely Christmas gifts!!

Ah.  writing does help you work  it out in your head doesn't it.  We are going to be OK.

On another note we have been visiting schools lately.  I have no idea why they have this go choose a school and then put you into some sort of lottery system where everyone chases too few places.  All the schools around us are meant to be good.  But I do now have my favourites.  I hope that Bub does at least get a place in one of the 3 we are going to put down as our choices. 

My brother is coming to stay tomorrow.  Uncle babysitter!! Hub and I are going to the People Who Do Christmas dinner, which excitingly is going to be held in the Granary at Hawthbush Farm and cooked by a couple of Chefs who trained at Claridges.  YUM.