September seems to have flown by in the blink of an eye. Is this what being old is like with time passing so quickly? I don’t like it.

Anyway, the highlights of this month included going to Scotland for the first post-pandemic wedding.  It was a hoot with some Scottish ceilidh dancing and some crazy drummers—all tremendous fun.

I also went on a camping trip with some buddies of mine in Stratford Upon Avon.  That turned out to be quite boozy. I also discovered that my ageing frame couldn’t drink like a 25 years old anymore.  It is a lesson that I have learned many times, but a lesson that gets more severe every time I re-learn it.

I also had the pleasure of being interviewed by Jonathan over at Joney talks for his podcast.  I will be sure to post the link once it is published! Stay tuned!

In the wider UK, it seems our country is regressing to a situation similar to that of a third world nation. Spiralling energy prices and severe fuel shortages combined with a government in complete denial over its role in these crises. Fun times.

In London, Covid is becoming a distant memory. Many people are no longer wearing masks, and the tubes are returning to normal levels of use. I ventured into the office for the first time in a year. My office is now in the Shard, which is very lovely, I must add. Great views and location.

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We also attended the cinema and the theatre. I saw the play 2:22 which is well worth seeing if you can. Also, we saw the new Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings which I also thoroughly enjoyed. Now onto spending.

Spending

Spending was up this month, but not nearly as much as I thought. With trips to Scotland, where I treated my Mum to meals out and other weekends away, I thought my spending would be off the charts. However, it seems reasonable. Spending always includes that on our joint account and then a correction for expenses received. That is just because of the app Emma which makes it super easy to track the costs. Sign up here! It goes to show that you can have fun and not spend a great deal.

Investments

September started with the markets at all-time highs,  but it’s not been a pretty month. My investments have taken a bit of a hit, and I finish the month down by £1900 despite putting in around £2700 (ISA and pension). Ouch.  However, I know that the market can go up and also down.

I don’t like it, but that’s life in the markets. I’m not worried…

I dumped £1500 into my ISA and bought more VUSA.

My FI fund has gone down this month thanks to the sinking markets.  Last month I was seriously surprised by the massive jump in value, so pulling back a bit is not too worrying. I like having this graph as it shows long term progress, and for months where it seems like things are not going my way, it’s reassuring. I’m not worried yet! It has been worse, and I’m in this for the long run.

And that brings me to the end of my update. September has been a good month for living life, but not a good month for my money. Lets see what October brings!