Cruise cancelled? Spending that elusive refund on another holiday or something special?

[Selbourne]

9 minutes ago, wowzz said:

Sorry if I misinterpreted your original post. Glad that things are generally OK.

When we lived in Spain we used an international financial specialist who set up a trust for our finances,  so as to mitigate our tax liabilities.  Since we've returned to the UK I've more or less looked after our investments myself. Given our ages I've gone mostly for the safer option, and whilst not setting the world on fire, we are generating an income of 3 or 4% plus some capital growth. 

I'm proud that I withdrew all our holdings in Neil Woodford's fund well in advance of his fall from grace.

No apology needed wowzz. It’s an interesting topic. Although we are down slightly against recent highs, the growth has still been phenomenal, even against a year ago. Quite a few years with double digit growth have more than offset the recent glitch and even now are around double the initial investments, so I’m certainly not feeling sorry for myself!

 

I made quite a bit out of Woodford when he was an in-house fund manager but my FA persuaded me not to go with him when he went his own way, which was a huge relief. Come to think of it, my FA has made some very good calls in recent years that I wouldn’t have necessarily made myself. Perhaps I should stop begrudging him his commission 😂   

[Selbourne]

14 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

We are currently in the 40% equity fund so much lower exposure to equities, and despite recent ups and downs, it's not doing too badly at all.

That’s good to hear John. On advice from my FA, at the peak of the recent rebound I moved from 60% equity to 10%. Markets have dropped around 5% since then (my total fund has stayed static, which is a result) and we both remain concerned that there is more adverse correction to come. I’m more than happy with the fund values now, so should really stop looking, but if markets drop a lot more we are poised to go back in at 60%!

[Harry Peterson]

9 hours ago, hollyjess said:

Just invested in decking and glass balcony on the front of our bungalow. With a little imagination we think we are sailing the high seas!

Good idea!  Sounds great.

 

We’re planning something for the garden, but the quotes have come in a lot higher than expected. Today’s Times provides the answer!

 

“Why garden rooms are at the top of our post-Covid wish list:

Invest in an outdoor room that can be your home office come the autumn”

[Jennizor]

With the refund from our June cruise and cancelled annual holiday to Portugal in September, we are investing in a new patio. Previously had wooden decking but after 10 years it was very tired. We decided on composite decking this time. We live on the edge of a wood with farmland beyond and have suffered with moss settling on the wooden decking, making it very slippery. Work starting next week and have bought all new garden furniture. Nearly as excited as if we were going on a cruise.

[jeanlyon]

My refund has paid for my chimney repair 😀

[wowzz]

12 minutes ago, jeanlyon said:

My refund has paid for my chimney repair 😀

Not necessarily the most interesting thing to spend your refund on,  but probably a good long term investment. 

[terrierjohn]

16 minutes ago, jeanlyon said:

My refund has paid for my chimney repair 😀

Bought a power wheelchair with some of the savings we made from not needing to pay the final balance on our Sept cruise. However not sure when  we will have a cruise to use it on.

 

[jeanlyon]

Cancelled October cruise will now pay for the bedroom fitted wardobes.🙂

 

What am I going to spend next year's cruise money on, cos I won't be cruising.

[Harry Peterson]

51 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

Bought a power wheelchair with some of the savings we made from not needing to pay the final balance on our Sept cruise. However not sure when  we will have a cruise to use it on.

 

Good call. Might need one of those at some point soon - need something that will fit in the car easily.  Any suggestions as to where to start looking?

[terrierjohn]

1 hour ago, Harry Peterson said:

Good call. Might need one of those at some point soon - need something that will fit in the car easily.  Any suggestions as to where to start looking?

Mine is a pride I-Go, it folds without any dismantling, unless you consider taking the cushion out is dismantling, and it fits very comfortably in our Golf SV boot, it will also fit in most B class boots, like the Fiesta, according to the salesman.

There are lots of variations on this same theme, which have lithium batteries fitted into slanting side members, they all seem to be made in the PRC, but are sold under several trade names. 

Edited July 31, 2020 by terrierjohn

[Harry Peterson]

11 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

Mine is a pride I-Go, it folds without any dismantling, unless you consider taking the cushion out is dismantling, and it fits very comfortably in our Golf SV boot, it will also fit in most B class boots, like the Fiesta, according to the salesman.

There are lots of variations on this same theme, which have lithium batteries fitted into a slanting cross member, they all seem to be made in the PRC, but are sold under several trade names. 

Thanks, John - I've had a quick loo at the website.  Looks interesting.  I imagine you've done a fair bit of research into this?  I'm thinking reliability, repairs etc etc.

[terrierjohn]

11 hours ago, Harry Peterson said:

Thanks, John - I've had a quick loo at the website.  Looks interesting.  I imagine you've done a fair bit of research into this?  I'm thinking reliability, repairs etc etc.

The other SM site that we cannot mention has a good page for disabled cruisers, who will provide lots of info if you request it.  These type of power chairs have only been around foe 2-3 years so probably not a lot of long term reliability or maintenance data is yet available.

I liked this concept as soon as I saw it, because the whole assembly folds up without any need for a spanner, and will fit into most car boots. The main issues are:-

How much does it weigh

How easy is it to fold (the I-Go has 2 clips that you squeeze together to release it)

Battery power , and what mileage can be covered.

How easy is it to re-charge.

Then there are things like,do the handles pivot out of the way for boarding or if you want to use it at a table, what sort of footrest does it have and can it be folded out of the way to make sitting more comfortable, and how much does it cost, and can you buy it from a mobility showroom with full after sales service, at a reasonable price.

Its all a compromise, and the I-Go does not meet all of the best of the above, but at present seemed a good option, based on what could be viewed and tested within a reasonable travelling distance.

 

[Harry Peterson]

2 hours ago, terrierjohn said:

The other SM site that we cannot mention has a good page for disabled cruisers, who will provide lots of info if you request it.  These type of power chairs have only been around foe 2-3 years so probably not a lot of long term reliability or maintenance data is yet available.

I liked this concept as soon as I saw it, because the whole assembly folds up without any need for a spanner, and will fit into most car boots. The main issues are:-

How much does it weigh

How easy is it to fold (the I-Go has 2 clips that you squeeze together to release it)

Battery power , and what mileage can be covered.

How easy is it to re-charge.

Then there are things like,do the handles pivot out of the way for boarding or if you want to use it at a table, what sort of footrest does it have and can it be folded out of the way to make sitting more comfortable, and how much does it cost, and can you buy it from a mobility showroom with full after sales service, at a reasonable price.

Its all a compromise, and the I-Go does not meet all of the best of the above, but at present seemed a good option, based on what could be viewed and tested within a reasonable travelling distance.

 

Thanks, John - I appreciate your time.  

 

I'll do some research.  Started the other day looking at the efoldi (also foldable) and then the one you've bought.  My main concern is not to get stuck with something that's unrepairable, or that replacement battery packs can't be found for.

 

Like you, I like the concept.

 

Harry

[emam]

Our usual cheap and cheerful go to hotel has closed. So we are off to Warner's,  Nidd Hall near Harrogate for four nights. Warner's have a Coronavirus guarantee free of charge.

[davecttr]

Quite a lot of disposable readies has accumulated so what do I do with it

> new double glazing - bit nervous about strangers tramping around the house though

> new roof insulation, ditto with strangers

> new guttering - nobody seems to want to do that job

> new garage side door and associated rain porch, need a craftsman for that

> an electric bike to extend my exercise range to 10 miles or so, not sure I won't fall off, been over 40 years since I cycled to work, over 2 grand, maybe next spring

> pining for a fieldscope to supplement the binoculars, thick end of a thousand for that one

[Eddie99]

Think about an electric trike?  Expand your horizons, carry small stuff easily, don’t worry about wobbling

https://jorviktricycles.com/tricycles/electric-tricycles?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-_73wsiI6wIVhe7tCh1-AQHAEAAYAiAAEgLmafD_BwE

 

Too much cash? - it’s a strange old world, isn’t it?  One old saying remains true though - There are no pockets in shrouds - so, within reason,, why not spend it and enjoy it?

[AndyMichelle]

29 minutes ago, davecttr said:

Quite a lot of disposable readies has accumulated so what do I do with it

> new double glazing - bit nervous about strangers tramping around the house though

> new roof insulation, ditto with strangers

> new guttering - nobody seems to want to do that job

> new garage side door and associated rain porch, need a craftsman for that

> an electric bike to extend my exercise range to 10 miles or so, not sure I won't fall off, been over 40 years since I cycled to work, over 2 grand, maybe next spring

> pining for a fieldscope to supplement the binoculars, thick end of a thousand for that one

I would like to say there will be plenty of tradesmen grateful of the work, but from what I am seeing, everyone is busy. 

Most will have a safe system of work where they basically ask you to keep out of the way, sanitise everything they touch and don't drink your tea!! 

Andy 

 

[wowzz]

We've had a couple of workmen in. No problems,  keep out of their way and let them get on with it.

After all, if they are putting in new windows, they will be outside most of the time anyway.

[P&O SUE]

We’ve just had our kitchen re-done, it was really done with my redundancy money but there’s always extras to pay out so some of it went there.
Also was going to get some decent garden furniture but by the time I got my April refund all the ones I had my eye on were sold out and the rest eye wateringly expensive.

 

My October cruise was cancelled before I had to pay the full balance so I’ve just upgraded my already booked September 21 cruise to a balcony. Now if that doesn’t go ahead the garden will definitely be getting some more money spent on it!

[Presto2]

All of the fees for the caravan site ...... site fees, insurance, rates, electric/, water and gas etc .

And we have lots of change.....

[Britboys]

On 8/7/2020 at 7:23 AM, emam said:

Our usual cheap and cheerful go to hotel has closed. So we are off to Warner's,  Nidd Hall near Harrogate for four nights. Warner's have a Coronavirus guarantee free of charge.

Enjoy. Nidd Hall is lovely, with beautiful grounds. Knaresborough and Harrogate very close and just a bit further afield, the stunning Fountains Abbey ruins.

[wowzz]

2 hours ago, Britboys said:

Enjoy. Nidd Hall is lovely, with beautiful grounds. Knaresborough and Harrogate very close and just a bit further afield, the stunning Fountains Abbey ruins.

For a small fee I will come and show you the first house I ever bought, situated  in Coppice Way, Harrogate. 

For some unknown reason, at present there is no blue plaque there to celebrate the event, but when I actually do something  important, I'm sure the plquce will be ready and waiting. 

[emam]

2 hours ago, Britboys said:

Enjoy. Nidd Hall is lovely, with beautiful grounds. Knaresborough and Harrogate very close and just a bit further afield, the stunning Fountains Abbey ruins.

 

The hotel we usually use is just along the road from Fountains Abbey, though we have only visited there once. Usually go to Newby Hall. Normally our trips to Harrogate are for the flower show, which is supposed to be moving to Newby Hall for the September event. Maybe it might still go ahead, there is plenty of room to spread out there.

[July morning]

We're getting a new kitchen fitted, front door and a holiday cottage in north Scotland 🙂

[emam]

6 minutes ago, wowzz said:

For a small fee I will come and show you the first house I ever bought, situated  in Coppice Way, Harrogate. 

For some unknown reason, at present there is no blue plaque there to celebrate the event, but when I actually do something  important, I'm sure the plquce will be ready and waiting. 

 

I will look out for your house opposite Mother SC when we pass. Been last loads of times but never visited, which we have to rectify sometime. I have been told it's nice along the river there.