heffalump

I found Gary's details via the ED forum. He and his team did a complete renovation of my bathroom - a big job as the underflooring was all buckled due to a leak several years ago. They also painted my entire two-bedroom flat in the SE5 area. This was the first time I got any work done in my property. I made clear that I did not have the option of moving out and that the toilet needed to be available every night during the renovation (I do not have a second bathroom) I also had to work from home several days during the job. While this wasn't a consideration when I was booking the job, I realised during the renovation that when you have workmen in and out of your home over several weeks, it really matters whether you like them or not! Gary and his team are all very decent and do their job with good humour. I decided a couple weeks into the job that I wanted to get cork flooring rather than lino and Gary accommodated this - luckily one of his team had experience of laying cork. My sink went missing and it took several weeks to get another and Gary accommodated this delay, sending his plumber to install it once it arrived. As with any renovation/paint jobs there will be some snags - I just did a snag list and the team went through it carefully. Am delighted with my bathroom and the flat is now looking much smarter after the paint job. Very happy to recommend Gary and team to anyone looking to renovate or redecorate their place.

I go through the park every week but only today discovered the wild life garden. What a gorgeous space! Really love that there are bee colonies, frogs and all kinds of insects thriving in it.

I live near the tennis courts in Burgess Park and am trying to get back into the game after years - would be at beginners/improvers level. As I don't know many people who play in the area I'm looking for people who might be up for a game - singles or doubles - in the Camberwell/East Dulwich area... If you're interested just get in touch!

Hello am trying to find a website or email address to get my name on the waiting list but nothing coming up. Could anyone give me contact details? Thanks

Some great advice here, thanks everyone! What a wise lot you are. Someone else mentioned Alvin Hall so I'll have to get his book now that it's been recommended twice. The Do-it-yourself investment book seems a bit scary right now but once I start saving, maybe it'll start to appeal... Senor Chevalier - youve hit the nail on the head with frivilous spending - that's exactly what I need to do. Investment might come later but first things first. Raiding my savings pot is the story of my life (although I tend to just take what I put in at the beginning of the month - it's always on a 'just this month' basis... yeah right) Someone else has suggested putting it into a hard-to-access account is a good idea. Peterstorm - I love the idea of multiplying by 10... Makes sense especially as i waste so much money on little bits and pieces... Frankito - it's indeed the undisputed truth that postmen are about. In the meantime, I have discovered that Open University does a course in personal finance ~ http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/db123.htm A fairly pricy start to a financially-prudent life though. I really should have paid more attention in business studies at school all those years ago - that came free... Thanks everyone - I don't think I need a course now... maybe a financial advisor when I'm ready to move up to the next level...!

Hi While I am financially in a good place with no debts and some savings, I have no financial savvy when it comes to day-to-day matters. I tend to spend until I realise I'm low on funds then scrimp at the end of the month... So I'm trying to learning to control my outgoings and plan my finances. I've done the 'write down daily expenses' thing but it's not really working as I lead a very ad hoc life - every day very different to the next so I'm not really learning how to control my outgoings this way. I also need to learn more about the bigger picture - savings, mortgages (as I might get one in the future) and pensions. And how to stop being so scared of numbers - big and small! The courses geared towards those who are learning to manage with debts seem like what I need - learning how to control your spending - but I don't have any debts so don't qualify for these...! Does anyone here know of any courses that teach personal finance planning? Or would a independent finance advisor teach you to do this? Cheers